On the way to Olkhon

It's a long trip, so you'd better leave early in the morning. The earlier you get in the car, the more time you will have to get to know Olhon. Don't forget to

Barisan is a sacred place for Buryat shamanism. It appeared in this place almost 25 years ago. The larch-tree poles symbolize two shamans who guard all travelers. Leave them a candy, a cigarette or a coin: you will still need your luck!

Datsan (Buddhist monastery-university) "Tubden Dargelin" is a place where you can be alone with yourself and your thoughts. Drop in here for a little while. Guests are always welcome at the monastery.
Phone: +79149329901.

In Elantsy, linger near the bronze sculpture of an eagle. There are giant eagles nesting in the Tazheran steppes, which the Buryats consider sacred animals. The natives of Baikal believe that the lake is a living being, and the spirit of the Lake, Burkhan, dwells on Olkhon Island in the form of an eagle.

For an early lunch, stop by Harat's Pub Nadezhda. Tender chebureks with meat and cheese that melt in your mouth, roast liver with potatoes, famous Buryat poses (eat them with your hands)- you will definitely find a dish to your liking. And while you are waiting for your order, you can explore in detail the unusual interior of the cafe and even take part in the process of painting the walls.
By the way, the birthplace of Harat's Pub, which you might have seen in your city, is Irkutsk. And now the chain of Irish pubs is the largest in Russia.

There are almost no gas stations on the island - one recently opened, but it has been experiencing gasoline supply disruptions. So we suggest you fill up at the last gas station before Olhon, if you haven't already done so. Here you can also buy water and snacks, because you will soon be in front of the ferry.
I recommend buying a loaf of regular bread, you'll find out why later.

So, you're at the ferry crossing. Ferries to Olkhon go every 15-30 minutes from 7:00 am till late at night. A pleasant bonus: transportation of vehicles and passengers is free of charge. Travel time: not more than 20 minutes.
You may be in for an unpleasant surprise in the form of a line (sometimes huge), but what you see later is definitely worth the minutes (or hours) of waiting. However, I can rejoice - sometimes there are no queues at all on the ferry.
It can be very windy on the ferry, and you can't stay in the car due to safety rules, so take a jacket and that very bread with you. As soon as you get on the ferry and drive a little away from the shore, you will be surrounded by seagulls (a lot of seagulls). They grab bread on the fly, can even snatch it out of his hands, so take care of your fingers. Be sure to look not only at the scenic views, but also at the water - it is crystal clear, and the shore does not even feel the depth.
On the right you'll see the famous Olkhonsky Gate, and on the left you'll see the exit to the small sea. Because of the narrow strait the winds here are the strongest.
Check the ferry schedule at website.

Hooray! You are on Olkhon!
Passengers will get off the island faster and you will have a chance to say hello to the lake, go down to the shore or look for souvenirs in local stores.
Get ready for a bumpy dirt road, but for the sake of those views, you can tolerate it.

Cape Shibet is not only a great viewing platform. On the cape there are the remains of an ancient stone wall, a ritual complex, and several burials. It is believed that all this was done in the V-X centuries AD by the Kurykans, the ancient inhabitants of these places.
The road here is not of good quality, so be careful and do not go too far, if you are sure of your car passability. The views are beautiful from any point.

It's time to look at Olkhon and Baikal from another angle. And it can be done at the observation platform, not far from Khuzhir. There is a small gazebo on the mountain, where weary travelers rest and enjoy the views.

You can combine beautiful things with even more beautiful things at "Baikal View Cafe". Firstly, the views of Baikal can be seen from here. Secondly, the appearance and interior of the cafe compare favorably with the majority of establishments on the island. It is also a good place to try exotic dishes, like pizza with pine nuts and author's teas. It is also the best place to meet the sunset. After dinner you can take a walk around the island or go straight to the hotel.

You have a lot of beautiful things to see tomorrow, so you'd better go to a hotel and get a good night's sleep.