Olkhon Island - Russia's Largest Lake Island Destination For A Perfect Getaway Vacation
The third-most populous and largest lake island in the globe is called Olkhon Island. The island is made up of sharp mountains, with mount Zimba rising 818 meters above Lake Baikal's sea level as its highest point. The island's natural attractions are what draw the most visitors. This island has a small populace. There are only a few towns and 5 villages on the island, and the locals consider it to be a spiritual location as well. The island is well-known for its stunning beaches, abundant woods, rocks, and other features.
Best time to visit: May-To-Dec
Things to do: Watch Sunset at Shaman Cape, Camping Out In The Wilderness, Sightsee Panoramic Landscapes, Kayaking At Lake Baikal
HOW TO REACH OLKHON ISLAND
- Flight - Take a 5.5-hour flight from Moscow to Irkutsk, the starting point for experiencing Lake Baikal. There are typically a few aircraft per day, operated by Sibir Airlines and Aeroflot Airlines. Listvyanka is 2.5 hours by car or bus from Irkutsk, and Olkhon Island is roughly seven hours distant.
- Rail - Irkutsk, Russia, in Siberia is likely to be your first stop if you're traveling the Siberian Railway. Then visiting Olkhon Island is among the best activities to do in Irkutsk if you do! Olkhon Island is a well-liked vacation spot in Siberia because of its untamed grandeur.
- Road - By using a different booking site or going straight to the bus station, you can locate it for less money. If you decide to travel by bus, you must purchase your tickets in preparation because they frequently sell out. On this bus, a ticket to Olkhon costs roughly 500 rubles, plus an additional 100 rubles for each item of luggage.
HOW TO GET AROUND
- Rental/Taxi - You can rent a car in Irkutsk and drive your own vehicle to Olkhon Island if you want the flexibility to halt whenever and wherever you like. This has the benefit that you can depart whenever you want and are not required to travel past the hotels and lodgings in Irkutsk like the buses do. On Olkhon Island, you can also use the car to explore the island a little bit more on your own without having to pay for a trip. There are some drawbacks, though. Make sure your rental agreement permits you to drive the vehicle off-road if you're renting.
- Ferry - You can take a van or a boat to get to Lake Baikal. Even though the boats don't run very often, it's worthwhile to learn the schedule and attempt to catch one. The vessel makes a number of stops, but Listvyanka, a tiny fishing village at the southern end, is where the majority of tourists disembark.