Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost for one day?
See Prices ...

What is there to do?
Have a look at our "Excursions" link – hopefully there will be something there for you. Or you can always go for walks, visit the local history museum, read books, play table tennis... Or you could round up a football team, and lose to the Khuzhir kids. You can sunbathe or walk in the forest. And there are always very interesting people to talk to, not to mention the pretty girls and boys.

What do you advise us to bring?
Bring some clothes for rainy days. There are cold winds, even in summer, so a sweater is always a good thing to have. It's handy to have a torch with you, as not all the streets in the village are lit at night. Bring anything else you may need, like pills or special food requirements. And don't forget your guitar!

Is there electricity in Khuzhir?
Starting from August 2005 it is 24 hours a day.

Do you speak any foreign languages?
Good - English, German and French. Some Japanese.

Is it possible to find a guide?
Yes. Write to us in advance at: nikita(at)olkhon.info.

What about toilets?
There are houses with chemical or compost toilets inside , and there are also toilets outside. There is a banya (a sort of Turkish steam bath) and showers outside.

Can we just get food (without accomodation, etc)?
Usually, if you're staying in a tent, you're welcome to come and have breakfast, dinner or lunch with us. We will always discuss the price based on your preferences.

Do you arrange seminars or summer camps?
Yes. We have been doing this for many years. If you have any questions, please write to us: nikita(at)olkhon.info.

Is it possible to rent a boat?
Yes. The price depends on how long you use it for. It is usually 400 USD per day, food not included. If you have any questions, please write to us: nikita(at)olkhon.info.

What is a "banya"?
A sort of Turkish steam bath.

When is it best to come?
If you prefer sunny summer days, then come in July- August. Winter is great to see in March-April (though only until 15.04). But beware that the weather is one of those things we can't guarantee.

How much is the ferry?
It is still free, but definitely not the most pleasant experience you will have here...

What kind of clothes are appropriate?
Any GoreTex-type clothes. Imagine you're going hiking.

What is there to see in Irkutsk?
There are nice museums, Znamensky monastery, and typical wooden houses. There is a wooden architecture museum in Taltsy, and an excellent museum on Baikal in Listvianka. Nearby, are the Round Baikal Railroad, Bolshoe Goloustnoye, Sayan Mountains and Arshan springs. Write to us, and we will try to plan your time as well as possible.

Time difference (Irkutsk always ahead):
Irkutsk - Moscow 5 hours
Irkutsk - Krasnoyarsk 1 hour
Irkutsk - Berlin 7 hours

Do we sell beer?
NO. Sorry! But all local shops do.

When is it NOT possible to reach the island?
From 16/02 to 15/01 (when the lake is freezing over) and from 16/04 to 15/05 (when the ice is melting) there is no transport between here and the mainland. At all other times it should be possible.

Is it possible to use electrical appliances?
We have had 24hr electricity on the island since August 2005. So you can use electrical appliances. We can lend you an iron if you need one.

When is there a lot of rain?
Although Olkhon means 'dry' in Buryat, it does rain here. It usually rains the most in July, so make sure you bring the right kind of clothes.

How do we wash dirty clothes?
We can take care of that.

What time do excursions start?
Almost all excursions start at 10-00AM, but we can try and arrange them for later or earlier.

When do the most tourists come?
We usually have the most tourists between 15/07 and 15/08.

We want to organise a seminar at your homestead. Is that possible?
Every year we have different seminars and forums here. If you want to organise anything like this, please get in touch with us.