Olkhon Island , Lake Baikal , Russia
Olkhon Island is the largest island in Lake Baikal, the deepest freshwater lake in the world. It is located in eastern Siberia, Russia. Olkhon Island is the third largest lake island in the world, with an area of about 730 square kilometers.
* Geographical features: The island has a wide range of landscapes, from steep mountains along the eastern coast to taiga forests, steppe grasslands and even small deserts. The highest point on the island is Mount Zhima, which rises 1,276 meters above sea level (about 818 meters above lake water level).
* Culture and people: The majority of the population on the island is the indigenous people of Buryat, which is the original indigenous people. The main village and administrative center is the village of Khuzhir (Khuzhir). Olkon Island has great spiritual significance, especially for Shamanism and Buddhism. There is a famous holy place, Cape Burkhan, also called Shamanka Rock.
* Travel: It is possible to travel to the island by plane to the city of Earkutsk (Irkutsk), then continue the bus or car to the ferry terminal at Sakhurta (Sakhyurta) to cross to the island by free ferry (during the summer). In winter, the lake freezes until it can be driven across on the ice.
Olkhon Island is the largest island in Lake Baikal, the world's deepest freshwater lake, located in eastern Siberia, Russia. It is the third-largest lake island in the world, with an area of approximately 730 square kilometers (280 square miles).
* Geography: The island features a dramatic combination of terrain, including steep mountains along its eastern shore, taiga forests, steppe grasslands, and even a small desert area. The highest point on the island is Mount Zhima, which rises to 1,276 meters (4,186 feet) above sea level (about 818 meters above the lake's water level).
* Culture and People: The population consists primarily of the indigenous Buryat people. The main settlement and administrative center is the village of Khuzhir. Olkhon Island is a very important spiritual center, particularly for Shamanism and Buddhism, with the famous sacred site of Cape Burkhan, also known as Shamanka Rock.
* Transportation: To reach the island, visitors generally fly to Irkutsk and then take a bus or car to the ferry station in Sakhyurta to cross to the island via a free ferry (during the summer season). In winter, the lake freezes over, and it's possible to drive across the ice.
