This trip will allow you to practise several approaches of discovering Olkhon Island, the geographical, historic and cultural heart of Lake Baikal. The excursion by offroadster will let you see the northern point of the island, Khoboy Cape, where you will admire may be the most astounding landscape; travelling on horseback will make you discover Lake Shara-Nur located on the island and, finally, a great boating in the Maloye More will bring this trip to an end.

Olkhon is the largest island of Lake Baikal. Located in the centre of the lake near its deepest point (1637m), only Olkhon combines all the diversity of landscapes of the Baikaly. It is a particular area with its microclimate, its fauna and its perfect flora. The island is 72 km long and 15 km wide with the surface of 730 km². Shore line is an alternation of cliffs and sandy bays, forests change into steppes where the winds of Lake Baikal work like skilful artists. Taiga covers the eastern shore of the island.

Day 1 Early in the morning departure to the island by car. Lunch on the way in a Buryat restaurant. Stops in picturesque places on the way. We will also stop to blandish the local spirits, to ask their benevolence during the trip. At noon: arrival on Olkhon. Arrival in Khuzhir, the main village of the island. Accommodation in the homestead kept by a resident of the village, 200 metres away from the shore. In the afternoon: discovery of Burkhan rock. Walking around the village, visiting port.

Day 2 After the breakfast: cabotage by boat to Khoboy Cape*, the northern point of the island and sacred place for shamans. Walk to the cape. Picnic in the open air. Return to Khuzhir by offroadster, on the way: visit to Uzury, a small hamlet in the east of the island. The picturesque way passes through steppes, sandy beaches, taiga, abandoned villages. Homestead overnight in Khuzhir.

Day 3 Horse trekking to discover Lake Shara-Nur, a salt lake located on the island, picnic in the open air cooked by your guide. This way will take a whole day. Return to Khuzhir in the afternoon. Homestead overnight.

Day 4 In the morning a great boat trip in the Maloye More, 3-4 hour voyage. This cruise will allow you to admire the beauty of the Maloye More, to discover its small islets. Lunch in the homestead. Spare time in the afternoon. Opportunity to rent a mountain bike. Homestead overnight.

Day 5 Free time in the morning. In the afternoon return to Irkutsk by sheduled bus. Arrival in Irkutsk at about 8 p.m. Transfer to the station, to the airport or to the hotel. End of the programme.