Mountain Zhima

Olkhon Island Russia & Eagle,CO

paypal.me/ColoradoBigfoot
Olkhon Island
Native name:
остров Ольхон (Russian)
Ойхон арал (Buryat)
Olkhonsky District Shamanka Rock.jpg
Shamanka Rock near Khuzhir
Karte baikal2.png
Geography
Location Lake Baikal
Area 730 km2 (280 sq mi)
Length 72 km (44.7 mi)
Width 21 km (13 mi)
Highest elevation 1,276 m (4,186 ft)
818 m (2,684 ft) above lake level.
Highest point Mount Zhima
Administration
Russia
district Siberia
subject Irkutsk Oblast
Capital city Khuzhir
Demographics
Population 1,500
Ethnic groups Buryats
Olkhon (Russian: Ольхо́н, also transliterated as Olchon; Buryat: Ойхон, Oikhon) is the third-largest lake island in the world. It is by far the largest island in Lake Baikal in eastern Siberia, with an area of 730 km2 (280 sq mi). Structurally, it constitutes the southwestern margin of the Academician Ridge. The island measures 71.5 km (44.4 mi) in length and 20.8 km (12.9 mi) in width.

There are two versions regarding the origin of the name of the island and both are derived from the language of the Buryats, the indigenous people of Olkhon. The first is that the island's name comes from the word oyhon – “woody”, and the second is that it comes from olhan – “dry”.[1] It is still debated which of the two is the actual origin of the name Olkhon as both words describe the island perfectly. Much of the island is still covered by forests and the amount of precipitation is extremely low – about 240 mm (9.4 in) per year.[2]

Baikal, To There and Back Again

Even in the pace of modern life, there is a place for spiritual search. Lake Baikal filled with legends of shamans and spirits. It’s a best place to feel connection with ancient Turkic spiritual culture. This trip from Kazakhstan to Russia, was chaotic adventure at the beginning, but as we get closer to the goal - the forest at the foot of the mount Zhima on Olkhon Island, we starting to feel peace and harmony prevailing around and we know that now we can share it with everyone.
It’s a road movie with “bad picture”, “bad sound”, but it doesn’t matter, because the idea is to show that everyone can set a goal – make a spiritual journey and accomplish it, no matter what in spite of all obstacles.

Olkhon Island on Lake Baikal - Остров Ольхон на озере Байкал

Остров Ольхон расположен в центральной части озера Байкал, вблизи наибольшей отметки глубины (1642м). Здесь сконцентрировано все многообразие природных ландшафтов байкальских берегов. Даже по своей форме он напоминает очертания Байкала. Самой высокой точкой является г. Жима (Ижимей) с отметкой 1274м. Ольхон отличается особым климатом: лето здесь жарче, зима холоднее; меньше, чем где либо в Прибайкалье выпадает осадков, часты сильные ветра в осенне-весенний период. Яростный ветер Сарма налетает на остров, срывает почвенный покров и приносит немало бед рыбакам. Остров является географическим, историческим и сакральным центром озера – сосредоточием древних легенд и исторических преданий. Территория острова богата историческими памятниками. По их количеству на 1 кв.км. ему нет равных во всем Прибайкалье: известно 143 археологических объекта. Это могильники, древние городища, останки каменных стен.

Olkhon Island is located in the central part of Lake Baikal, near the highest depth mark (1642m). Here, the diversity of natural landscapes of the Baikal shores is concentrated. Even in its form it resembles the outline of Lake Baikal. The highest point is Zhima (Izhmey) with a mark of 1274m. Olkhon is characterized by a special climate: the summer is hotter here, the winter is colder; There is less precipitation than anywhere else in the Baikal region, strong winds are frequent in the autumn-spring period. The violent wind Sarma flies to the island, tears up the soil cover and brings a lot of trouble to the fishermen. The island is the geographical, historical and sacral center of the lake - the focus of ancient legends and historical legends. The island is rich in historical monuments. By their number per 1 sq.km. he has no equal in all of the Baikal region: 143 archaeological sites are known. These are cemeteries, ancient fortifications, remains of stone walls.

Olkhon Island on Lake Baikal - Остров Ольхон на озере Байкал