Cape Shunte Left is one of the most sacred and energetically powerful points on Olkhon Island, typically visited after the legendary Cape Khoboy during a northern island excursion. Unlike Cape Khoboy, which is exposed to all winds, Cape Shunte Left faces the eastern shore of Baikal and holds a more intimate, yet profound secret – the secret of the origin of life.
Location and Landscape
Cape Shunte Left is located on the northeastern coast of Olkhon, just a few kilometers from Cape Khoboy. Its panorama isn`t immediately striking from the water, revealing its uniqueness only when approached from land.
Geological Uniqueness: The rock of Cape Shunte Left is composed of a combination rare for Olkhon: marble and metagabbroids. It is these sturdy, ancient rocks, hundreds of millions of years old, that created its unique, distinctive form.
Olkhon`s Highest Point: To the north of Cape Shunte Left lies Mount Izhimey (Zhema) — the highest point of the entire island (1274 meters above sea level, 818 meters above Lake Baikal). From the top of Cape Shunte Left, one of the best views of this majestic mountain and the eastern coast of Baikal opens up.
Origin of the Name: "Shunte" translates from Buryat as "larch." And although the surface of Cape Shunte Left is rocky and treeless, its slopes are covered with sparse but resilient larch trees, which gave the place its name.
Legends and Sacred Essence: The Childbirth Rock
The main feature of Cape Shunte Left is its incredible, recognizable shape. The rock splits into two rounded parts, and, if you use your imagination, it resembles the figure of a woman giving birth. This image forms the basis of all legends and rituals.
Legend of the Primordial Mother Rock
It is believed Cape Shunte Left was endowed with special power by the spirits of Baikal themselves to aid in procreation. The rock is perceived as a Great Mother, frozen in stone, granting life. Childless couples, desperate for offspring, have come here for centuries with prayers and offerings.
Belief About the Child`s Gender
The most well-known practical belief states:
• To conceive and give birth to a boy, one must ascend and perform a ritual on the left part of the rock at Cape Shunte Left.
• To conceive and give birth to a girl, one must ascend to the right part of the rock at Cape Shunte Left.
Cape Shunte Left even has a second, popular name — "The Love Rock" — but it would be more accurate to call it the "Rock of Life," as its power is directed precisely towards granting offspring.
Rituals and Ceremonies
For many, visiting Cape Shunte Left is not just a walk, but a true pilgrimage. Here is how to correctly perform the ritual here, according to local beliefs:
Offering to the Spirits of the Place: Before starting the ritual at Cape Shunte Left, it is necessary to leave an offering for the spirit-masters ("ezhins") of the cape. This can be coins, milk, grain, or candy. It is strictly forbidden to leave alcohol or money — this offends the sanctuary.
Prayer and Intention: Approaching the chosen rock (left or right) at Cape Shunte Left, one should mentally or in a whisper appeal to the spirits with the sincerest request, formulating their desire to become parents.
Tying a Ribbon (Zalaa): You should have a ribbon made of natural fabric (cotton, silk) with you. Tying it to a tree branch or shrub near the rock at Cape Shunte Left, you "attach" your intention to this place of power. Tie two knots, visualizing your wish coming true.
What Else is Interesting for a Tourist?
The Neighbor — Cape Shunte Right: To the south of Cape Shunte Left lies its "brother" — Cape Shunte Right. It is more massive but less expressive and does not possess such a strong sacred aura.
Photography: Cape Shunte Left offers fantastic panoramas for photography: against the backdrop of the childbirth rock, with a view of Mount Zhema and the vast expanse of Baikal.
Cape Shunte Left does not impress with its scale like Cape Khoboy, but it captivates with its deep, maternal energy. People come here not for the beautiful views, but for a miracle. And according to many couples who have visited Cape Shunte Left, this miracle truly happens.
