Cape Kharantsy is the first stop on the excursion route through northern Olkhon, a place where ancient history, magnificent landscapes, and unique natural features intertwine. Rising on the western coast of Baikal, the cape serves as a natural divider between Saraysky Bay and Kharantsy Bay.
Geography and Captivating Views
Located just 8 kilometers from Khuzhir, the cape is easily accessible. The nearby village of Kharantsy and the local airport make this point particularly convenient for beginning your acquaintance with Olkhon. From the cape`s viewing platform, diverse perspectives open up: looking southwest, you`ll see Saraysky Bay with its golden beaches and namesake island, while a glance north reveals the "Lion" rock emerging from Baikal`s waters. To the northeast stretches Kharantsy Bay with its indented, picturesque shores.
Evidence of Ancient Eras
Cape Kharantsy also possesses archaeological heritage. In its western part, a settlement of ancient people dating back to the Neolithic era was discovered, while an old burial ground from the 11th-15th centuries was found on the southeastern slope. It`s no coincidence that the name "Kharansa" translates from Buryat as "lookout" — in former times this piece of land served as an observation post, underscoring its strategic importance for the ancient inhabitants of these places.
Symbolic Islands off the Coast
In front of the cape lie stone islands, each with its own unique character. Kharantsy Island, located just 200 meters from the cape and connected to it by an underwater sandbar, gave the cape its name. Lion Island, with its outlines, resembles a mighty lion swimming on the water surface — the head with a mane and powerful torso are clearly visible, creating the impression that it guards the approaches to the cape.
History and Present of the Airport
Next to the cape is a unique airport whose history reflects the changing fate of the island. Created in Soviet times for connection with the mainland, it was closed in 1995 due to economic difficulties but reopened in 2019 after reconstruction. Today the airport accepts seasonal flights from Ulan-Ude, allowing tourists to begin their acquaintance with Olkhon immediately from this significant historical place.
Cape Kharantsy offers its guests a variety of natural landscapes. Kharantsy Beach is an extended sandy strip with a gentle entrance into the water, ideally suited for swimming in the waters of the Maloye More, protected from winds by rock formations. The cape`s cliffs themselves, with their vertical drops and whimsical shapes created by wind erosion, serve as natural viewing platforms and provide unique angles for photography.
