Olkhon Island

Visit the sacred island at the middle basin of the lake — one of the most interesting destinations for winter outdoors
ABOUT THIS TOUR

The winter is no less a time to travel to Baikal than the summer — quite the opposite. The lake is more accessible by ice, its layer is safe almost everywhere and in the latter part of winter the sunlight has returned and the weather is usually very good. Winter in Lake Baikal is not as severe as in other parts of Siberia. The lake has more sunshine a year than in Black sea!

The best time for a winter trip to lake Baikal is in February and March. One of the most interesting destinations for winter outdoors is at the middle basin of the lake — sacred Olkhon Island. The best period for winter tours is from the 20th of January till the end of March.

Khuzhir is the main village of Olkhon. Here group members are accommodated in the guesthouse owned by local fisherman family. Full home-made meals of traditional Siberian cuisine are made of Baikal fish.
MAIN HIGHLIGHTS

  • See the most beautiful places of the island
  • Ice caves and transparent ice
  • See the blue ice hummocks and frozen bubbles
  • Taste freshly-made local food
  • Get to know local and shamanic culture
  • See the frozen cliffs of Khoboy Cape
  • Try Russian banya / Steam Bath (paid extra)
Check out our summer options, from hikes to boat cruises!
WANT TO COME IN SUMMER?
Tour itinerary
We offer the minimum tour duration of 2 days/1 night. This allows to visit all major spots of the island and get a unique experience of travelling on clear Baikal ice. Jeep trip to the wild north of Olkhon (day 2) is the highlight of the tour — enjoy the scenic Siberian snow-covered winter landscapes embedded in ice.

You are welcome to spend more days in Olkhon and make walking trips on ice, along the shore or/and into the snowy taiga-forest — check out our example itineraries below.
Day 1
DINNER
Meet guide and driver in Irkutsk (or Listvyanka +) and travel north 250 km (155 miles) to the Olkhon Island. Stop for Lunch en route at the road cafe, then make the ice crossing to Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal's largest island at 71km long and 18km wide. Olkhon is populated primarily by the Buryati who are of Mongolian descent and whose Buddhist practices coexist with their shamanism. From the end of January till the end of March stops are done on ice to see clear black ice and ice formations along the shore. Explore Khuzir, the island's main village and walk through the settlement to the Cape of Burkhan to see the Sunset at famous Crag of Shaman (Rock Temple) which was generally regarded as one of the 9 sanctuaries of Asia. Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse in Khuzir. Twin & triple rooms with private bathrooms are prepared for the group. (D)
Day 2
BREAKFAST, LUNCH
In the morning depart by Russian 4x4 to explore North of Olkhon Island and classic Lake Baikal vistas. Heading north and make stops at Kharaldai cape, Sagaan-Khushun Capes, Shunte and Uzur bays, coastal icy caves, frozen blue hummocks and stretches of beach along the way. Luch enroute, Uha soup made on fire with hot tea is served in the car (or lunch-box in case of bad weather). Return to Khuzir village at midday and drive to the ferry-station. Make crossing to the mainland and drive to Irkutsk. Approximate time of arrival in Irkutsk is 20-21:00. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel or airport/railway station. (B, L)
30,000 RUB
per person
for a group of 2 persons
25,000 RUB
PER PERSON
FOR A GROUP OF 3 PERSONS
23,000 RUB
PER PERSON
FOR A GROUP OF 4 PERSONS
25,000 RUB
per person
for a group of 5 persons
23,000 RUB
PER PERSON
FOR A GROUP OF 6 PERSONS
21,000 RUB
PER PERSON
FOR A GROUP OF 7+ PERSONS
Day 1
DINNER
Meet guide and driver in Irkutsk and travel north 250 km (155 miles) to the Olkhon Island. Stop for Lunch en route at the road cafe, then make the ice crossing to Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal's largest island at 71km long and 18km wide. Olkhon is populated primarily by the Buryati who are of Mongolian descent and whose Buddhist practices coexist with their shamanism. From the end of January till the end of March stops are done on ice to see clear black ice and ice formations along the shore. Explore Khuzir, the island's main village and walk through the settlement to the Cape of Burkhan to see the Sunset at famous Crag of Shaman (Rock Temple) which was generally regarded as one of the 9 sanctuaries of Asia. Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse in Khuzir. Twin & triple rooms with private bathrooms are prepared for the group. (D)
Day 2
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
In the morning depart by Russian 4x4 UAZ to explore North of Olkhon Island and classic Lake Baikal vistas. Heading north and make stops at Kharaldai and Sagaan-Khushun Capes, Shunte cape, including the 200m./650'-high cliffs of Khoboy Cape at the northern tip of the island. Lunch enroute, Uha soup made on fire with hot tea (lunch-box in case of bad weather). Walk on ice along the shore at Uzur bay, see coastal icy cave, frozen blue hummocks and stretches of beach along the way. Return to Khuzir village in the afternoon. Dinner and night in the guesthouse in Khuzir. (B, L, D)
Day 3
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
Breakfast. Start from Khuzir village and drive by 4x4 to the South of Olkhon. The main stops are: Observation spot to the Khuzir village and Yalga bay. Continue driving along the shores. Lunch-box enroute. Stops are done to see clear blue ice and various ice formations. Visit view point Zamok and Nury bay to see the ice with bubbles. Return to Khuzir village in the afternoon. Dinner and night in the guesthouse in Khuzir. Depending on the weather and ice conditions the number of visits can vary. (B, L, D)
Day 4
BREAKFAST
After breakfast, drive to the ferry-station. Make an ice crossing to the mainland and drive to Irkutsk. Stop en route at the road cafe in the Buryat village of Elantsi or Bayandai. Approximate time of arrival in Irkutsk is 17:00. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel or airport/railway station. (B)
53,000 RUB
per person
for a group of 2 persons
43,000 RUB
PER PERSON
FOR A GROUP OF 3 PERSONS
35,500 RUB
PER PERSON
FOR A GROUP OF 4 PERSONS
47,250 RUB
per person
for a group of 5 persons
41,750 RUB
PER PERSON
FOR A GROUP OF 6 PERSONS
39,450 RUB
PER PERSON
FOR A GROUP OF 7+ PERSONS
Day 1
DINNER
Meet guide and driver in Irkutsk and travel north 250 km (155 miles) to the Olkhon Island. Stop for Lunch en route at the road cafe, then make the ice crossing to Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal's largest island at 71km long and 18km wide. Olkhon is populated primarily by the Buryati who are of Mongolian descent and whose Buddhist practices coexist with their shamanism. From the end of January till the end of March stops are done on ice to see clear black ice and ice formations along the shore. Explore Khuzir, the island's main village and walk through the settlement to the Cape of Burkhan to see the Sunset at famous Crag of Shaman (Rock Temple) which was generally regarded as one of the 9 sanctuaries of Asia. Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse in Khuzir. Twin & triple rooms with private bathrooms are prepared for the group. (D)
Day 2
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
In the morning depart by Russian 4x4 UAZ to explore North of Olkhon Island and classic Lake Baikal vistas. Heading north and make stops at Kharaldai and Sagaan-Khushun Capes, Shunte cape, including the 200m./650'-high cliffs of Khoboy Cape at the northern tip of the island. Lunch enroute, Uha soup made on fire with hot tea (lunch-box in case of bad weather). Walk on ice along the shore at Uzur bay, see coastal icy cave, frozen blue hummocks and stretches of beach along the way. Return to Khuzir village in the afternoon. Dinner and night in the guesthouse in Khuzir. (B, L, D)
Day 3
BREAKFAST
After breakfast, drive to the ferry-station. Make an ice crossing to the mainland and drive to Irkutsk. Stop en route at the road cafe in the Buryat village of Elantsi or Bayandai. Approximate time of arrival in Irkutsk is 17:00. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel or airport/railway station. (B)
40,250 RUB
per person
for a group of 2 persons
34,500 RUB
PER PERSON
FOR A GROUP OF 3 PERSONS
33,350 RUB
PER PERSON
FOR A GROUP OF 4 PERSONS
40,250 RUB
per person
for a group of 5 persons
34,500 RUB
PER PERSON
FOR A GROUP OF 6 PERSONS
33,350 RUB
PER PERSON
FOR A GROUP OF 7+ PERSONS
Alternatively we offer a Budget variants of the 3 and 4 day tours to Olkhon Island. Trips include the same visits as in Regular (standard) trips. But their done on bus with other passengers, fixed time and route. No english-speaking guide. Accommodation is in the guesthouse in rooms with shared bathroom.
The Package doesn't include a private car to the island — instead, you go using bus transportation between Irkutsk and the island
The Package doesn't include English-speaking guide.
The Package doesn't include private bathroom accommodation. Accommodation is in the guesthouse in rooms with shared bathroom.

The package includes a prebooked services: accommodation, transportation, daytime jeep trip (10:00 - 16/17:00 depending on the weather).
3-day budget tour
18,000 RUB per person
Day 1
DINNER
Bus picks up group members in Irkutsk from 08:30. Departure is at 10:00 for Khuzir, the island's main village and the 6 hours journey. Drive north 250 km./155 ml. along the Primorsky Mountains on Baikal's western shore to the Olkhon Island ferry. Make the crossing (by ice in winter, by ferry-boat in summer, by hovercraft during the interseason) to Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal's largest island at 71 km long and 17 km wide. Approximate arrival time is 16:00 - 17:00. Our guesthouse accommodation in Khuzir village has shared washing facilities but very nice atmosphere. Free time. In the afternoon group members can explore the village and visit the museum of Local Lore. A walking excursion can be done through the village down to the 4km sandy ice beach and the Cape of Burkhan to see the sunset at the famous Crag of Shaman (Rock Temple). Dinner is at 19:00 at the guesthouse. (D)
Day 2
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
Trip around the highlights of Olkhon: Breakfast at 9am. At 10:00 - 10:20 depart by Russian 4x4 vehicles to explore Olkhon Island and classic Lake Baikal vistas. Heading north and make stops at Sagaan-Khushun Cape, Shunte cape, coastal icy caves, frozen blue hummocks and stretches of beach along the way, including the 200m./650'-high frozen cliffs of Khoboy Cape at the northern tip of the island. Picnic-lunch made on fire (lunch box in winter) is at Khoboi cape. Return to Khuzir in the afternoon. Dinner and night in the guesthouse in Khuzir. (B, L, D)
Day 3
BREAKFAST
Breakfast at 9am. Bus picks up travelers before 10:30 (12:00 in January) and drive to the ferry-station. Cross the strait by ice road (by hovercraft in January - paid in cash by tourists directly to the captain) to the mainland and drive to Irkutsk. Stop for lunch at the road cafe in the villages of Bayandai or Elantsi. Approximate arrival time in Irkutsk is 16:00. Bus makes it last stop at the central market in the center of Irkutsk. (B)
4-day budget tour
25,500 RUB per person
Day 1
DINNER
Meet in Irkutsk at 08:30 - 09:30. Departure is at 10:00 for Khuzir, the island's main village and the 6 hours journey. Drive north 250 km./155 ml. along the Primorsky Mountains on Baikal's western shore to the Olkhon Island ferry. Make the crossing (by ice in winter, by ferry-boat in summer, by hovercraft during the interseason) to Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal's largest island at 71 km long and 17 km wide. Approximate arrival time is 16:00 - 17:00. Our guesthouse accommodation in Khuzir village has shared washing facilities but very nice atmosphere. Free time. In the afternoon group members can explore the village and visit the museum of Local Lore. A walking excursion can be done through the village down to the 4km sandy ice beach and the Cape of Burkhan to see the sunset at the famous Crag of Shaman (Rock Temple). Dinner is at 19:00 at the guesthouse. (D)
Day 2
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
Trip to the North: Breakfast at 9am. At 10:00 - 10:20 depart by Russian 4x4 vehicle to explore Olkhon Island and classic Lake Baikal vistas. Heading north and make stops at Sagaan-Khushun Cape, Shunte cape, coastal icy caves, frozen blue hummocks and stretches of beach along the way, including the 200m./650'-high frozen cliffs of Khoboy Cape at the northern tip of the island. Picnic-lunch made on fire (lunch box in winter) is at Khoboi cape. Return to Khuzir in the afternoon. Dinner and night in the guesthouse in Khuzir. (B, L, D)
Day 3
BREAKFAST, LUNCH, DINNER
Trip to the South: Breakfast. Starts from Khuzir village and drive by Russian 4x4 vehicles to the south. The main stops are: Observation spot to the Khuzir village and Yalga bay. Continue driving along the shores of Baikal and visit Nury bay, the ice spots with bubbles. Lunch-box enroute. Stop is also done at view-point Zamok - Maloe More observation spot. Return to Khuzir village in the afternoon. Dinner and night in the guesthouse in Khuzir. On request Banya (Steam bath) in the evening. Depending on the weather and conditions of the road the program and the number of visits can be different. (B, L, D)
Day 4
BREAKFAST
After breakfast, board the public bus at 10:00 - 10:20 and drive to the ferry-station. Cross the strait by ice (ferry-boat in summer) to the mainland and drive to Irkutsk. Stop for lunch en route in the Buryat village of Bayandai. Approximate arrival time in Irkutsk is 16:00. Bus makes it last stop at the central market in the center of Irkutsk. (B)
Included program costs:
  • Ground Transport: sedan/minibus, jeeps UAZ, fuel, drivers and drivers' travel expenses (only on standard tours);
  • Guides: English-speaking guide; local non-English-speaking guides as required (only on standard tours);


Not included:
  • Accommodation: different options are available depending on dates (budget \ private \ shared \ triple). Please contact and specify the dates.
  • Activities: Tours, activities and visits as specified in itinerary;
  • Meals: As specified in itinerary, to include non-alcoholic beverages;
  • Permits & Admission Fees: National Park charges for access to special areas and sites;
Please note:
Crossing to Olkhon Island: during the New Year period till the 15th of February and from the 25th of March till the 3rd of May is done by hovercraft. At this time there is no ferry boat and no possibility to cross by ice. An air-cushion boat (hovercraft) is arranged for the crossing and an additional vehicle to meet group on the island / additional costs will be included. Welcome to join!
Ask a questions / Make a Request
To book please send your dates or the approximate period, group size and any preferable requirements. We will get back to you with more information.

You can also contact us via any of our contacts listed on the contacts page.
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