Shamanka Rock

Shamanka rock completes Burhan cape — also called the Shaman and Cave cape — in the middle of Olkhon's western shore, a few steps from the village of Khuzhir. The cape juts into Baikal, joined to the land by a low isthmus; at its base a cave runs through the rock, wrapped in shamanic lore. Shamanka is the sacred centre of Buryat Baikal: offerings were made here to the master of Olkhon, and ribbons and horsehair hang on the sacred posts. The cape once held the status of a natural and historic monument and now belongs to the Pribaikalsky National Park; behave respectfully — this is a living place of power, not scenery. The rock has two tops, and the light remakes it every hour: morning mists, midday turquoise, sunset ochre. The tourist peak is sunset; in the morning the rock is almost empty — the best way to see it as it truly is.