Saraysky Beach is the main beach on Olkhon Island, located near the village of Khuzhir at the foot of Cape Burkhan (Shaman Rock). It is known for its large size, fine golden sand, and sand dunes. It`s not just a beach but a unique natural area, full of contrasts and ancient energy. It offers opportunities not only for swimming but also for hiking.
Location and Surroundings
Saraysky Beach is on the north-western coast of Olkhon Island, very close to its main village, Khuzhir. It stretches right at the foot of the legendary Cape Burkhan (Shaman Rock), the most sacred spot on Lake Baikal. It is within walking distance from any point in the village.
The name "Saraysky" comes from the Buryat word "sarai," which means "station" or "settlement." The beach is part of the extensive Sarayskaya Bay, which stretches for several kilometers to Cape Kharantsy.
The Sand and Dunes of Saraysky Beach
Saraysky Beach is impressive in its scale. It stretches for about 3 kilometers. The average width of the beach is about 50-100 meters, but in some places, it reaches 200 meters. This is a vast area of pure, fine sand that feels more like a seaside resort than a lake in Siberia.
Sand: The sand here is extraordinary — fine, golden, with inclusions of semi-precious stones (carnelian, lazurite) and without a single seashell. It was formed by the thousand-year-long erosion of local bedrock by wind and water. The sand crunches pleasantly underfoot and warms up well in the sun.
Dunes: The most striking feature of the beach is the moving sand dunes that are advancing on the coastal forest. Under the influence of the wind, the sand slowly shifts, creating whimsical barchans and "burying" pine and larch trees. This is a dynamic, living landscape that changes with every season. A walk among these sandy hills, which offer captivating views of Lake Baikal, is an unforgettable experience, as if you`ve stepped into a mini-desert on the shore of the great lake.
Water Temperature: Why You Can Swim Here
Baikal is a cold lake. Due to its immense depth, the average water temperature in the open part of the lake in summer rarely rises above +9...+12°C. However, Saraysky Beach is a fortunate exception.
The entire body of water off the western coast of Olkhon, separated from the main basin of the lake by the Olkhon Gate Strait, is called the Maloye More (Small Sea). It is here that unique conditions for swimming are created:
Shallow Depth: The Maloye More Strait is significantly shallower than the main part of Baikal. Near Saraysky Beach, the bottom is gently sloping, and the water in the shallows warms up much faster and more effectively.
Sheltered Location: The bay is protected from cold deep winds and currents by Olkhon Island, allowing the sun to heat the upper water layers unhindered.
Because of this, the water in the Maloye More warms up to comfortable temperatures in summer. The peak swimming season is from late July to August. During this time, the water in the shallow areas of Saraysky Beach can reach +18...+22°C. On particularly warm and windless days, it can be even higher in sheltered coves. This makes Saraysky Beach one of the best places for swimming on the entire Lake Baikal.
Ecological Trail with a Boardwalk
The huge popularity of Saraysky Beach has become a serious challenge for its fragile ecosystem. The sandy soils and vegetation are easily trampled, and the dunes, deprived of their stabilizing grass cover, begin to erode.
To preserve this unique area, a wooden ecological boardwalk trail was built across the beach and coastal dunes. The wooden boardwalk makes the beach more accessible for people who find it difficult to walk on loose sand. The trail leads through a pine forest that is resisting the advance of the sand and emerges onto the open spaces of the beach. Walking along this route is not only convenient but also a way to contribute to the preservation of Olkhon`s unique nature.
Saraysky Beach is a place where you can swim in the relatively warm water of the Maloye More, lie on the golden sand, wander among the sand dunes, walk along the eco-trail, and feel the incredible expanse and freedom offered by this amazing place.
