After a scenic stop at Cape Kharantsy, where the spirit of ancient shamans still lingers in the air, the excursion to the north of Olkhon reveals a new location on the island. Just 20 kilometers from Khuzhir, in the waters of Norgayskaya Guba Bay of the Maloye More Strait, awaits the village of Peschanaya with its golden sand beach and low sand dunes.
An Oasis Among the Rocks: Why Sand Here?
Upon approaching the bay, it becomes clear how it got its name. While most of Olkhon`s coastline consists of cliffs, pebbles, and boulders, here you are greeted by a long, gently sloping sandy beach. This rare phenomenon for Olkhon has a geological explanation.
Norgayskaya Guba Bay is situated in a lowland framed by low but steep rocky shores. For millennia, wind and water eroded the surrounding rock, and the waves of the Maloye More ground the fragments into fine sand. The specific currents in Norgayskaya Guba prevented this sand from being carried out into the open Baikal, instead accumulating it in this sheltered cove. Thus, amidst the island`s harsh stone landscapes, this cozy sandy oasis was born.
A Witness to History: Pines and the Shadows of the GULAG
The bay is framed by a beautiful pine forest, its aroma mingling with the fresh Baikal breeze. Near the shore, traces of barrack foundations remain, overgrown with grass and moss. And at the water`s edge, in the sand and water, lie the time-blackened remains of a wooden pier. These are all that is left of a camp unit that was part of the GULAG system.
Its history began in the pre-war years, when prisoners were brought in to work for the Malomorsky Fish Processing Plant (Goslova), which was experiencing a severe labor shortage. The colony was relocated to the Peschanaya area, where barracks, a pier, and a fish processing workshop were built. Those convicted of minor offenses harvested timber and also caught and processed fish. The camp was disbanded in the early 1950s, and voluntary settlers replaced the prisoners.
What Else is Interesting in Peschanaya Village?
A Convenient Spot for Swimming: Thanks to the gently sloping sandy bottom and water that warms up better in the Maloye More Strait than in the open Baikal, the bay is one of the best places on Olkhon for swimming, alongside Saraysky Beach in Khuzhir.
Beautiful Panoramas: Follow a path up one of the slopes framing the bay. There are sand dunes here that you can walk on. They offer beautiful views of the entire bay with its golden strip of beach and the turquoise water of Baikal. The forest is rich with mushrooms.
Relict Forest: A few kilometers from the village lies a unique relict spruce forest for Olkhon. This is the only large spruce grove on the island, where trees reach 200 years of age. A walk through the shady, cool forest among giant spruces creates a complete contrast with the sunny dunes and allows you to feel the ancient, untouched atmosphere of Baikal.
Bloom of the Olkhon Astragalus: In July, the sandy slopes transform with the blooming of the Olkhon Astragalus—a rare endemic plant listed in the Red Book. This low-growing plant with purple flowers is a living testament to the unique ecosystem of this area.
The "Tea House": On the shore of Baikal, tourists can visit the "Tea House." It`s the perfect place to drink hot herbal tea and sample local delicacies. The history of the fishing industry comes alive in the "Fisherman`s House Museum," where you can learn about the village`s life during its heyday and see ancient tools and photographs.
