While most tourists head to the north of Olkhon, to the legendary Cape Khoboy, the southern part of the island remains terra incognita for the majority. It is a kingdom of wind and steppe expanse. Traveling along the dirt road from Port Olkhon to Khuzhir, visitors cover about 40 kilometers. There are no settlements here, but the capes at the very south are so beautiful that they are worth leaving the main path to explore the southernmost tip of Olkhon.
The Steppe Sea of Olkhon: Southern Landscapes
Southern Olkhon is not the classic Baikal taiga that many expect to see. It is a harsh, hilly steppe stretching to the horizon. The landscape is dotted with whimsically shaped rock outcrops, covered with grey lichens and bright patches of moss. These `textured` rocks against the blue sky are a true paradise for photographers.
From the high points in the south, breathtaking views open up of the Maloye More (Small Sea) inlets, which cut deep into the land, forming long, narrow capes. The panoramas here are no less vast than those in the north.
Treasures of the Southern Tip
1. Cape Kobylya Golova (Khorin-Irgi)
The southernmost point of Olkhon. Its name accurately conveys its whimsical shape—the rocky outcrop truly resembles the head of a giant horse drinking from Baikal. This place is shrouded in grim legends, but it impresses primarily with its severe energy and the power of the elements. From here, at the very edge, you can see the Olkhon Gate Strait and the opposite shore.
2. Heart Lake (Nur)
A small salt lake hidden in the steppe hills. Its shape only vaguely resembles a heart, but its charm lies in its absolute seclusion and the mirror-like surface reflecting the sky.
3. Khaday Mountain
The highest point in southern Olkhon. The climb requires effort but generously rewards the traveler. From the summit, a circular panorama of incredible beauty unfolds: you see both the steppe expanses of the island, the turquoise inlets, and the endless expanse of Baikal with the smooth outlines of the Primorsky Range on the horizon.
4. Cape Maly Khargoy and the View of Ogoy Island
From this cape, one of the most recognizable and photogenic views on Baikal opens up. The snow-white Stupa of Enlightenment on Ogoy Island is visible in the strait. The contrast of Olkhon`s dry steppe, the turquoise water, and the white Buddhist symbol creates an unforgettable sight.
5. The Kurykan Wall (Fortification "Khaday") - A Riddle from the 6th-10th Centuries
This is the main historical gem of Southern Olkhon, attracting connoisseurs and lovers of antiquity.
What is it? The remains of an ancient defensive structure, built from large stones without binding mortar. The wall stretches along the slope of Khaday Mountain, and today its fragments reach up to 1.5-2 meters in height.
Who built it? The builders are believed to be the Kurykans—an ancient Turkic-speaking people, ancestors of the modern Yakuts. They lived in the Baikal region from the 6th to 11th centuries and were pastoralists and skilled warriors.
What was its purpose? The wall`s exact purpose is unclear. Most likely, it was a fortified settlement (sanctuary-refuge) where the Kurykans could hide from nomadic raids. The wall protected not a settlement, but a sacred territory.
The Mystery: The Kurykans disappeared from the shores of Baikal around the 11th century, moving north. Their stone walls, remaining on Olkhon and in the Tazheran Steppe, are silent witnesses to an unresolved culture.
The Special Charm of Southern Olkhon in Winter
All these landmarks are transformed with the arrival of winter, acquiring a harsh and fantastic beauty. The steppe, covered with a snow-white blanket, and the rocks, coated with sparkling frost, create the impression of another world. This is precisely why winter excursions to southern Olkhon become especially popular.
The ice road allows for quick and comfortable access to the most remote points. Cape Kobylya Golova, bound by powerful Baikal ice, looks even more dramatic, and the snow-covered slopes of Khaday Mountain attract lovers of winter landscapes.
Furthermore, in winter, the famous ice grottoes and caves in the rocky shores of the southern coast become more accessible; in summer, they are difficult to reach from the water. Transparent ice, icicles, and ice crystals turn them into genuine underground palaces, making the journey worthwhile.
