Olkhon Island (72 kilometers in length and to 15 kilometers in width) is the largest island on Lake Baikal and home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region. Whenever you saw pictures of Baikal you can be sure there were some from Olkhon there, too. Olkhon represents all forms of countries met on Baikal: from Steppe of plain country to mountain Taiga. Because of the highest rates of sunny days in a year all over Siberia (2277 hours a year – it is a bit less than in California) one calls Olkhon the Island of Sun.

Olkhon belongs to the most important historical and sacral places of the Baikal region. It is a real Eldorado for the scientists: one knows there at present 143 places with archeological valuable findings.

Lots of legends and tales are devoted to the island. Especially it is respected by the Buryats because of the fact that the great god Burkhan has there one of his 9 dwellings on Earth.

Mount Zhima (1.274 meters) is Olkhon Island's highest point; Lake Baikal's deepest point(1.637 meters) is also near the island. From the cape Khorin Irgi the southwestern part of the island is steppe. The eastern side of the island has extensive forest cover with small stands of pine trees. There are five lakes on the Island, including Nurskoye, Shara-Nur and Khankhoy.

Olkhon Island is a wonderful place for hiking, biking and horseback riding tours. The island is under the supervision of Pribaikalsky National Park.