Scientists still debate whether "Olkhon" translates as "little forest" or "dry" as both names fit well. Steep mountains line its eastern shore, and at 1,276 m above sea level, Mount Zhima is the tallest point on the island, peaking at 818 m above the water level of Lake Baikal. Olkhon camp. Archaeological and historical findings prove that Olkhon Island was inhabited by people dating back from the Lithic Age to the beginning of the 20There is no other place on Lake Baikal but Olkhon Island to which so many articles and books are devoted (“Olkhon as a Native Place”, “Profane and Sacral Worlds of Olkhon Buryats, etc.).
Relict steppes and the remains of the ancient xerophilous vegetation which had covered earlier the major part of Priangarye and the Upper Lena were also preserved. In waters of Lake Baikal there are about 56 species of fishes (whitefish, omul, black and white grayling, sturgeon, taimen, lenok, perch, pike, Siberian loach, Amur carp, catfish, etc.) Amongst the thirty of so islands of Baikal, the island of Olkhon, surrounded by many ancient myths and legends, can especially be singled out - for its size, variety of landscape and magnificence of natural monuments.Olkhon is part of the Pribaikalskiy National Park and is deservedly considered to be one of the most beautiful places at Baikal.
Once the preeminent republic of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.; commonly known as the Soviet Union), Russia became an independent country after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December… Due to its almost perfect isolation, Olkhon was the last stronghold of … Olkhon Island Vegetation and animal world. It is impossible to meet imperial eagle, large cormorant, bustard, and saker falcon. Olkhon is the biggest Island on Lake Baikal. History at your fingertips and animals (lynx, hare, red fox, squirrel, polecat, weasel and others including Olkhon vole – an endemic species). Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox.
The sacred center of the shamans in the Northern Hemisphere is Olkhon Island in Lake Baikal.
It is separated from the lake’s western shore by the straits of Olkhon and the Maloye More (Little Sea). Wolves occasionally come to the island in winter over the ice. There was no need to guard them because of icy water and impenetrable taiga around the lake. There are 155 species of birds on the island (wood grouse, black grouse, partridge, woodpecker, woodcock, duck, skylark, swift, wagtail, etc.)
and only one species of mammals – Baikal seal, the appearance of which in the area of Olkhon Island is, unfortunately, an uncommon event.
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The electrical and telephone wires got cut, stolen and sold.The island got hooked to the main power line by a 3 km long underwater cable. Wish tree on cape Burhan of Olkhon Island on Lake Baikal. Olkhon is covered by grass and aromatic plants on the side facing the coast (steppe), and by small pine trees (taiga) on the side facing the middle of the lake. The most important one is Olkhon Island, which is 72 kilometers long and the third largest island that can be found on a lake.
Islands may occur in oceans, seas, lakes, or rivers.
There is also an interesting local history museum at school in Khuzhir where it is possible to get acquainted with the collection of ancient items which demonstrate the way of life and culture of islanders. The western shore ends with the many bays of the Maloye More. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica.Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Olkhon Island is a gem in Baikal Lake region of Russia’s Siberia. I was there this year and I took some … Olkhon island is the largest lake island and one of the top tourist spots of Russia with less population and beautiful nature.