FAQ
Can I get cash on Olkhon?
You can get cash at a local pharmacy with 5% fee. Amount limited. It is best to bring enough cash. There is no ATM on the island.
Is there Wi-Fi at Nikita's homestead?
You can connect to our WiFi. The cost is 100 roubles for 3 hours. We can’t guarantee the connection in high season. Some rooms have Wi-Fi included in the price.
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 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. Bring enough cash with you. And don’t forget your guitar!
Do you speak any foreign languages?
Staff speak English and French well. Some German and Japanese too.
Is it possible to find a guide?
Yes. Write to us in advance
Can we just get food (without accomodation, etc)?
Usually, if you’re staying in a tent, you’re welcome to come and have breakfast or dinner 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
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
What is a "banya"?
A sort of Turkish steam bath. Similar to a sauna.
When is it best to come?
If you prefer sunny summer days, then come in July- August. For winter activities and the famous Baikal ice January-April is the best time. May and June are fairly warm and without high season crowds. 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. It is possible to have long waits for the ferry in the high tourism season.
What kind of clothes are appropriate?
Any GoreTex-type clothes. Imagine you’re going hiking. The nights can be very cool even in summer.
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, a geology/minerology museum at Irkutsk University, 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.
Timetable for Krugobaikalka (Circum-Baikal Railway).
Wednesdays at 08:16 from Irkutsk railway station, return in Irkutsk around 21:00-22:00.
Thursdays at 09:00/09:30 from the Irkutsk Drama Theatre, address: Karl Marx str.14, return in Irkutsk around 22:00.
Fridays at 06:55 from the Irkutsk railway station, return in Irkutsk around 20:00.
Saturdays at 08:16 from the Irkutsk railway station, return in Irkutsk around 21:00-22:00.
Sundays at 09:00/09:30 from the Irkutsk Drama Theatre, address: Karl Marx str.14, return in Irkutsk around 22:00.
Time difference (Irkutsk always ahead)
Irkutsk – Moscow 5 hours
Irkutsk – Krasnoyarsk 1 hour
Irkutsk – Berlin 7 hours
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.
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 or a hairdryer if you need one.
How do we wash dirty clothes?
We can take care of that, ask at the reception.
What time do excursions start?
Almost all excursions start at 10-00 a.m., 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.