Although many consider Listvyanka too "popular" due to its proximity to the city, it is, nevertheless, located on Lake Baikal and conveys its power no less than that of remote places of power when visited properly.
Geologically, Shaman Rock is the summit of a cliff, most of which is covered by the waters of the Angara River. It also serves as a natural boundary between Father Baikal and his naughty daughter, the Angara, which always runs and carries its waters toward the Yenisei. After the construction of the hydroelectric power plant in Irkutsk, the water levels in Lake Baikal and the Angara rose, so the small tip of Shaman Rock is now visible above the surface.
In winter, the surface of the water around Shaman Rock does not freeze due to the temperature of the deep water and the speed of the current, which in itself adds a touch of magic to the place, albeit explained scientifically.
According to Buryat legend, the Shaman Stone is the home of Ama Sagaan Noyon, son of the patron of blacksmithing and master of the blacksmith's tongs. Since time immemorial, Buryats have performed important shamanic rituals on the Shaman Stone.
The lake, located three kilometers from the village of Bolshoe Goloustnoye, is not always full of water. Many claim that it fills once every four years, during leap years.
Recently, this phenomenon has become much more frequent; for example, in 2020, it filled three times in one year. In 2021, it also filled with water, albeit out of sync with its usual cycle. Scientists attribute this behavior to the lake's unique hydrological regime and marshy conditions, as well as the presence of a stream that sank underground as a result of an earthquake.
Locals previously believed that spirits lived beneath the lake, watching over its refilling. The Woman's Stone is believed to be part of a cliff that collapsed 2,000 years ago as a result of the earthquake. People go to it to ask for family well-being, a home, health, and a happy marriage.
The smaller Male Stone is approached with requests for strength and masculine power.
the highest point of the Tazheran steppes and is located 240 km from Irkutsk
Its height is 990 meters. Its name translates from the Turkic language as "God of Darkness." According to legend, only shamans could ascend here, as ordinary people were afraid to disturb the formidable ruler. Legend has it that for many years, the white shaman Orgoito and the same Tan Khan fought here. The sounds of the battle awakened numerous underground spirits and, enraged, turned the combatants into stone cliffs—Tang Khan himself into the highest peak, and his entire army was stationed nearby in the Valley of Stone Spirits. The rocks of this area were formed over 4 million years ago by ancient magma inclusions. A rare stone called "tazheranite" is found here, named after the area where it was found. Mount Tan-Khan offers extraordinary views of the Olkhon Gate Strait, Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal, and the Tazheran steppes.
Here you'll find everything you need for a heavenly vacation: deep-colored water, white sand, beaches, cozy bays, picturesque observation platforms, and even stilted trees.
From the peaks of Bolshaya and Malaya Kolokoleni, you'll enjoy stunning panoramic views of Lake Baikal. And in neighboring Babushka Bay, you'll even find semi-precious stones like chalcedony and jasper. Not everyone can reach Observation Rock, as it's deceptively gentle at first, but becomes a steep "puff" toward the end.
The view from there of the Primorsky Ridge, the expanses of Lake Baikal, and the neighboring bays is incredible. On the rock itself, there are small depressions, also called "samovars."
Their origin is still unknown—some say they are completely natural, caused by rainfall, while others attribute their formation to mysterious ancient rituals. It is in this place of power with its magnificent landscapes that you can also make a wish and be assured of its fulfillment
Its name translates from the Buryat language as "molar" or "fang." And it perfectly describes the appearance of this rock. According to legend, a Buryat woman envied her husband and, with a greedy desire to surpass him in everything, went to the Tengri—the heavenly deities. They became angry and turned her into a rock. Cape Khoboy offers a magnificent panoramic view of Lake Baikal; in good weather, both its eastern and western shores are visible. Edelweiss grows here on the slopes of the cape. A through arch can be seen in the rock. Relict vegetation, rare flowers, and sun-warmed larch needles allow one to enjoy the incomparable aromas of the Olkhon steppes. Shamans have long performed rituals here, as evidenced by the serge—sacred pillars with colored ribbons—installed here.
Mount Sakhyurte is often called "Silicon Mountain." It stands out among other cliffs because it is white, composed of limestone. Its summit offers a magnificent view of one of Lake Baikal's tributaries, the Anga, whose valley in the summer is a rich green amid the steppe landscape.
On this mountain, you'll feel like an explorer and immerse yourself in the world of ancient people. Several groups of petroglyphs dating back over 2,000 years are located here. The rock carvings depict figures of various animals—moose, wild boar, roe deer, and goats. Here you can also discover the remains of a Kurykan settlement and even a signal tower from which members of this ancient tribe sent signals.
According to legend, the masters of this area are Sagaan Noyon (the White Master) and his wife, Sagaan Khatan, whose image some manage to discern in one of the six human figures depicted in the petroglyphs
People come here for the healing mineral springs, for the fresh air of the pine forest, and all this in close proximity to Lake Baikal itself. The place was originally called "Turkinsky Spring."
According to legend, a hunter's dog was seriously wounded after a brutal fight with an animal. Witnessing the dog's healing, he realized the healing properties of the water. Since then, pilgrimages have been made here.
Goryachinsk is the only sanatorium located so close to Lake Baikal. Near the resort is a picturesque bay with a sandy beach, sheltered from the winds. This, coupled with the warm winters and cool summers, creates ideal conditions for recovery.
Even if you're just visiting for a day, it's worth strolling around the resort grounds and sampling the beneficial water, which is used to treat skin diseases, the nervous system, and the reproductive system.
In the 19th century, a powerful earthquake (approximately 7.5 magnitude) occurred 6 km away from the area, resulting in five Buryat uluses (districts) being submerged underwater, though the villagers survived. Cape Proval is marked on the map at this location today.
The village of Sukhaya boasts spacious beaches with golden-white sand, fringed by dense pine forests. The Zagza springs have been visited by Buryats since ancient times to heal bones and joints. Today, both locals and visitors from all over the country choose this place for comprehensive health treatments. Also near the village of Dulan is a sculpture of Usan-Lopson.
According to Buryat myths, this spirit, along with his wife and subjects, dwells at the bottom of Lake Baikal and keeps the lake's waters pure. Shamanists held ceremonies here to worship the deity.
Surprisingly, it was founded in 1945, not the most favorable period. For Buddhists, the temple is a symbol of the power of faith, which can prevail over any external circumstances. Today, the datsan is a large monastic complex, including temples, a university, a library, and a museum. The incorruptible body of Dashi-Dorzho Itigelov is kept here. In 1927, the Khambo Lama gathered the monks and asked them to read a prayer for him—the equivalent of a funeral service in Orthodoxy. When they refused, he began to read it himself and entered nirvana, after asking his companions to bury him in a cedar sarcophagus and "visit him in 30 years." Temple officials, after inspecting the sarcophagus in 1973, were surprised to find no signs of decay on the body and reburied him. In 2002, the body was exhumed again. After numerous examinations, scientists were still unable to explain Itigelov's phenomenon. Today, his body resides in one of the most beautiful temples of the Ivolginsky Datsan, as a testament to the extraordinary miracles that humans are capable of performing. You can view it at any time, after purchasing a ticket and a khadak—a special ritual scarf—at the box office.
The famous Pandito Khambo Lama Damba Ayusheyev saw the face of Yanzhima (in Buddhism, the patroness of the arts, crafts, and sciences) appear on a stone while meditating in the Barguzin Valley. She is also known as a goddess who helps in the birth of children, protects students, and is a symbol of purity and innocence. It's not surprising that near the stone with her face, you can see toys, dolls, and sweets—all the things people offer in gratitude to the goddess for their happiness. Also, Buddhist relics hidden during the repressions were found near Mount Uulzakhaa. After visiting the datsan, many people make an honorary circle—goroo—around the grounds, reaching the stone with Yanzhima's face and leaving a khadak (ritual scarf) in front of it.