Olkhon Island
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Olkhon Island
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| <map lat='53.1750' lng='107.3400' zoom='9' view='0' /> | |
| Check out hitchhiking spots on Hitchmap | |
| Information | |
Country:  |
Russia |
| State: | Irkutsk Oblast |
| Meet fellow hitchhikers on Trustroots | |
Olkhon Island (Russian: Ольхон) is the largest and only inhabited island on Lake Baikal in Russia. It is administratively part of Irkutsk Oblast and included in the Pribaikalsky National Park. The main settlement is Khuzhir.
- It is separated from the mainland by the straits Maloye More and Olkhonskiye Vorota.
- East of the island lies the deepest point of Lake Baikal—1,642 m.
- The island’s roads are all unpaved. Main routes, including the ferry crossing, are available on Yandex Panoramas.
Contents
Hitchhiking out
Summer Entry
- Regular minibuses travel from Irkutsk, but it is advisable to book a place in advance during summer, as buses fill up quickly.
- Hitchhiking is easy; many locals and tourists who have houses on the island pick up hitchhikers. Even taxi drivers returning empty to the city after dropping off clients at the airport often give rides back.
- The ferry across the strait is free for both cars and passengers. Paved road ends at the ferry; all island roads are dirt tracks.
Winter Entry
- The ferry stops operating in late December or early January, depending on ice conditions in the Olkhonskiye Vorota strait. Stable ice for car passage forms only at the end of January. It begins to thaw in March.
- During the period between the ferry and the ice road, cars cannot cross, but people can be transported by hovercraft, called "Khivus". This is a paid service (400–500 rubles for 10 km as of 2019). Those without means can cross on foot at their own risk.
Ice Roads (Zimniki)
- From late January to late March, cars use the ice roads over Maloye More instead of the dirt tracks on the island. The start of the ice road is not at the same place as the summer ferry; before reaching the Sakhyurta settlement, turn left at the sign, the dirt track leads to a bay where the marked ice road begins. The condition and thickness of the ice is monitored by the Emergencies Ministry; there are road signs and restrictions.
- There is an intersection on the ice leading to Buguldeyka via Bolshoye Goloustnoye to the village of Listvyanka.
- This route can have cracks, hummocks and dangerous spots; only experienced drivers use it, and only during daylight. Over thin ice, transport is by hovercraft "Khivus".
- From Khuzhir to the north, UAZ vehicles transport tourists to Cape Khoboy, the island’s northernmost point. Tourists often explore the island on skates, carrying firewood, tents, and warm gear in plastic sleds.
- To the Buryat village of Onguryon, only the bravest reach by motorcycle over the ice, and not every winter. Cars travel overland, as winters are snow-light and the road does not need clearing.
- There are no ice roads to Svyatoy Nos or the north part of Baikal; however, UAZ vehicles for hire in Khuzhir may take groups there at their own risk.
Hitchhiking in
Places to avoid
Accommodation and Sleep
Free
- Many tourists put up tents in the island’s bays and inlets. Technically, the national park may request a payment for pitching a tent, but such cases are rare. If asked to pay, request a receipt and report the cost here.
- The nearest beach suitable for camping near Khuzhir is just north of the famous Shaman Rock.
- In Khuzhir, there is a couchsurfer named Sergey, who hosts travelers at the local temple. Guests can put up tents or stay in a communal yurt, with water, a basic kitchen, and a summer shower. This often forms a community of travelers from around the world.
Paid
- Year-round guesthouses, hostels, tourist bases, and private hotels operate in all settlements, with prices starting from 500 rubles for a bed. In the private hotel "Ivolga" bicycle rental is included for guests. For contact: +7 902 544-68-11 (Olga, owner).
- Other hostels and tourist bases offer paid bike rentals. Discounts are sometimes available for guests. In winter, studded-tire bicycles and, in some centers, skates are available, though sizes and maintenance may be lacking.
- Every tourist center has a sauna (banya) that is paid for separately and can be booked by the hour.
- There is no central water supply or sewage on the island; water is delivered to Khuzhir homes by truck. Some tourist bases have their own artesian wells. Electricity appeared in Khuzhir only in 2005.
Food
- There are many cafés with a variety of choices and prices.
- Firewood is scarce! If cooking outdoors, keep the area clean!
Other useful info
- Wikivoyage
- Irkipedia
- Samokatus Travel Guide
- Varandej’s subjective guide
- Yandex.Travel: Olkhon in winter
- TravelAsk Portal
