Oh my..... I might just be turning into one of those old people that keeps on telling stories of the things I've seen and the places I've been. But then again, that's what this blog is for!
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| The cliff next to Nikita's in Khuzhir |
So... Olkhon Island... One of the places I've been. Now, for most people this might not sound familiar. Olkhon Island is the largest Island in Lake Baikal. Lake Baikal is the most voluminous, deepest, clearest and probability oldest lake on earth.
And in the middle of Siberia.
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| The steep cliffs (look at the car!) of nothern Olkhon |
Olkhon Island is an important spiritual place in the Buryat of the shamanistic religion. Since it is a shamanistic practice to leave a token or offering at a sacret place you'll see many trees or rocks packed in scarfs, ropes or plastics. Blue being the prevalent colour, since blue represents heaven and peace.
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| Sacret spot near Choboi Cape |
The island itself has indeed a mystical feel to it. It's hard to describe but most of the people I spoke to that have been there feel the same.
Of course it can be caused by the omnipresent blue scarfs, or mayby because of the rugged, primal nature. The island and lake were formed a long time go, and haven't changed a lot since.
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| Sandy beach with freezing water |
Olkhon is still rather primitive. There is no asphalt on the island. Or showers. But you can use the banya!
And during several months a year Olkhon Island is cut of from the world.
In the summer you can take a ferry, and in winter there is a hovercraft over the ice. But during the months that the ice is too think to sail through and too thin to drive over, you simple can't get there.
I think it's a special, mystical place. So.. if you find yourself in Siberia; don't forget to spend a few night at Olkhon Island!
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| Sunset over Lake Baikal |
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