Cape Sagan-Khushun, better known as the "Three Brothers," is one of the most impressive rock complexes on the northwestern coast of Olkhon Island. This extended marble cape, about one kilometer long, is included in the standard excursion program to Cape Khoboy and amazes with its monumental beauty. The name of the cape translates from Buryat as "White Cape," which perfectly corresponds to the light marble cliffs covered with intricate patterns of brownish-red lichens.
Geological Wonder of Olkhon
Cape Sagan-Khushun is composed of white and light-gray marble with pinkish veins that shimmer with mother-of-pearl hues in the sunlight. Three main rock outcrops, separated by cozy coves with pebble beaches, create a unique ensemble. The southern outcrop, called the First Brother, is the most massive and reaches a height of 40 meters. The Central Brother is the tallest, crowned with a karst cave, while the Northern Brother is an elegant pointed peak that completes this majestic composition.
Underground Treasures of the Cape
A spacious grotto, 8 meters long, 4 meters wide, and about 3 meters high, is hidden beneath the Middle Brother. A special atmosphere is created by the acoustic effect here — the waves produce a unique soundscape reminiscent of Baikal`s breath. In summer, the grotto is accessible by boat, while in winter it transforms into a magical icy kingdom with whimsical stalactites.
At a height of 15 meters above the lake level, there is a karst cave measuring 9×6×2.5 meters. Archaeological finds, including fragments of ceramics from the 5th-3rd centuries BC, indicate that in ancient times the cave served as a temporary refuge for the first inhabitants of the Baikal region.
Historical Heritage and Legends
The cape preserves traces of ancient civilizations — here, the remains of a defensive rampart and a moat about 600 meters long, dating back to the 5th-10th centuries BC, have been preserved. These fortifications are associated with the culture of the ancient Kurykans and occupied a strategic position for controlling the strait.
According to a Buryat legend, three brothers set out to find their runaway sister, who had followed her beloved. Finding the lovers, they took pity on them and did not return the sister to their shaman father. The enraged father turned his disobedient sons to stone, and since then they have stood eternally guarding the shores of Baikal.
Tourist Opportunities
A viewing platform is equipped on the top of the cape, offering a panoramic view of the Maloye More (Small Sea) and the open Baikal. This is an ideal place for photography, especially at sunset hours when the sun`s rays illuminate the marble cliffs, turning them into giant golden candles.
Several routes are offered for exploring the cape. The most spectacular is from the water, allowing you to appreciate the true scale of the rock giants. The hiking route runs along a coastal path that requires some caution, while in winter you can reach it on the ice and admire the ice grottoes.
Practical Information
You can reach Cape Sagan-Khushun in different ways. A 37-kilometer dirt road leads from Khuzhir, taking 2-2.5 hours to travel. A more scenic route is by water from the Khuzhir pier (1.5 hours), while in winter, travel by car on the ice is available (about 1 hour).
When visiting the cape, it is recommended to have comfortable non-slip shoes for climbing to the viewing platform and a supply of water, as there is no infrastructure on the cape.
