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A ferry crossing the Olkhon Gate strait

Destinations

The Western Shore of Baikal

The Maloye More, the Tazheran steppe and the coast facing Olkhon

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0

From Irkutsk
≈ 250 kmapproximate
Journey time
About 4–5 hours from Irkutsk to the Maloye More
Coordinates
53.0159, 106.8829
Verified
14 October 2026

The mainland shore opposite Olkhon — from Sakhyurta to the bays of the Maloye More — is a quieter alternative to the island. Steppe runs right down to the water here, and the bays warm up in summer far more than the open lake.

What has been verified. Checked against official sources on the verification date: operators, ways of getting there and the existence of seasonal restrictions. Timetables, fares and seasonal crossing dates are deliberately not reproduced — follow the operator links.

Why visit

The western shore suits travellers who find Olkhon too crowded. There are holiday camps in the Maloye More bays, the Tazheran steppe with its strange rock outcrops, and views across the strait to Olkhon. Much of this coast lies within Pribaikalsky National Park.

What to see

  • The Olkhon Gate strait — the narrowest gap between the island and the mainland.
  • The Maloye More bays — Kurkut Bay and its neighbours.
  • The Tazheran steppe — open country with rocky outcrops.
  • Elantsy — the district centre on the road to the crossing.

Getting there from Irkutsk

The road from Irkutsk to the Maloye More is the same as the road to Olkhon: via Bayandai and Elantsy to Sakhyurta. Individual camps lie away from the highway on dirt access roads.

Transport options

Scheduled buses run to Elantsy and to Olkhon; individual bays are reached by car or by a camp’s own transfer. There is practically no public transport along the shore.

Where journeys start

Irkutsk bus station, or a transfer from your hotel.

How the seasons differ

In summer the Maloye More bays are the warmest swimming spots on Baikal. In winter you see the full force of ice and wind; travel on the ice only along officially opened routes.

Before you go

  • Check whether a national park fee applies at your chosen spot.
  • There may be no mobile signal in the bays.
  • Bring water and food: shops are few and far between.

Risks and restrictions

The sarma, a violent north-westerly wind on the Maloye More, arrives suddenly and is dangerous for small boats and kayaks. In summer fire-danger rules apply: only light fires where it is permitted.

The ferry pier at the Olkhon Gate strait Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0
Steppe in southern Olkhon under a summer sky Photo: Sergio Tittarini from Shanghai, China, CC BY 2.0
Stormy weather over the Maloye More strait with Shaman Rock in the distance Photo: Елена Парфенова, CC BY-SA 4.0

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