The recreation center "Zuun Hagun" is located in a picturesque place of the bay of the same name, on the shore of Mukhor Bay. On the coast of a crystal clear lake there is a large sandy beach. Due to its shallow depth, the water in this area warms up in summer to the highest temperatures on Lake Baikal, and therefore Zuun Hagun Bay is a great place to relax.
How to get
From the marina of Irkutsk in the direction of the recreation center periodically departing vessels. You can get here by car (your personal or rented in Irkutsk), bus or fixed-route taxi. The distance from Irkutsk is 250 km, the trip will take 3-4 hours. The road is well paved, except for a small section directly in front of the bay. On the way, you can easily find a gas station, tire shop, cafe.
The unusual lake Baikal
Baikal is the oldest, deepest and cleanest lake on the planet. It contains about 20% of the world's fresh water reserves. The lake is still being actively explored. Scientists continue to equip expeditions, but the exact age of Lake Baikal is still not known. Disputes about its origin of the lake also do not subside. You can easily drink water from the lake, because it contains so little salt that it is considered distilled. It is so transparent, not silted up, due to the endemic microorganisms living in it, that on a clear day you can see stones, aquatic inhabitants and individual objects at a depth of about 40 meters. More than 1800 species of inhabitants of the aquatic and animal world have arisen and live only here, in this lake and nowhere else. Baikal is also unique in that there are more than 300 clear days in the year - this is more than in the Black Sea resorts. However, the water in Baikal is very cold even in summer - because of the depth. Perhaps the lake is a new nascent ocean? After all, its shores diverge, and collapses periodically occur, the earth goes under water. According to one version, the word "Baikal" itself means "a reservoir similar to the sea."
Olkhon Island
Olkhon Island (translated as “dry” and “wooded”) is the largest of the three dozen Baikal islands. It is located in the central part, evenly extended along the coast. This mysterious, mystical place is called the heart of Lake Baikal, as well as the homeland of shamans. One day is not enough to see the whole island, yet its length is 71 km.
About two thirds of the local plants and inhabitants are unique, and nowhere else on earth can they be found. The highest point of Olkhon Island is Mount Zhima, its height reaches 1276 meters above sea level. And literally 10 km from it is the deepest basin of the lake - 1637 meters.
This is the only island where people live permanently. Local residents are engaged in cattle breeding, forestry, fish farming and agriculture. You can book a water or bus excursion here, there is a ferry. In summer, festivals, concerts, fairs are held here. In recent years, trips to these places have been very popular among local residents, as well as among foreigners who are interested in Buryat culture, traditions and ancient customs.
A pond located between the island and the coast of the lake is called the Small Sea. It is here that Zuun Hagun Bay is located. Baikal is the most hospitable for tourists here: bears, snakes, lynxes are not found here, there are no encephalitis ticks. But amazing freshwater seals - Baikal seals - have chosen these places and allow tourists to admire themselves. The weather here changes often, a sharp wind may rise in an instant, but when the lake is calm, trees are reflected in its surface, as if in a mirror. The fog standing above the lake is amazingly beautiful - this sight is worth seeing.
Mount Shaman
At Cape Burkhan , the famous Shamanka Mountain is located - the main symbol of Lake Baikal, a place of ancient power. Knowledgeable people say that there are only a few places around the world
. Everything is shrouded in mysterious traditions and legends. The mountain is famous for the fact that at the water level there is an entrance to the famous Shamanic cave - a surprisingly beautiful and very powerful place that is called the heart of Olkhon. They say that Cape Burhan is the residence of an ancient spirit. The cave is famous for the fact that since ancient times, shamans held their rites and rituals here. In winter, the water around the cave does not freeze.
Small sea. Zuunn Hagun Cove
There are many picturesque bays and bays on the coast, on which recreation centers, guest houses and campsites are located. This place is a favorite for year-round tourists. Muhur Bay is surrounded by mountains; there are no strong winds here. It is here that Zuun Hagun Bay is located.
A map of the area reveals the wonderful location of the bay. It is notable for a large (420 m) beach, a freshwater lake, and diverse nature. You can climb mountains, admire the world around you, go for a walk in deciduous forests without fear of ticks and midges, because they simply aren’t here, go for a walk in marvelous meadows and steppes, ride a boat or a boat on the lake. Fishing in these places is just great!
Baikal omul, pike, perch and other fish are caught here.
The recreation center "Zuun Hagun"
The camp site of 8.7 hectares provides wonderful conditions for relaxing alone or in a noisy company. The territory of the base is fenced and guarded.
Accommodation is possible in several price options. The rooms are designed for a different number of people. You can stay in a tent camp on the territory of "Zuun Hagun" or stay in cottages. Each room has its own entrance, electric stove, necessary kitchen utensils, bed linen, a wash basin with cold water. Nearby are several detached houses, also designed for a different number of vacationers each. Some houses also have refrigerators and gas stoves.
Services and entertainment
There is a store on the camp site where you can buy everything you need. If, for example, you forgot your swimsuits, shorts or hats - it does not matter, everything can be purchased on the spot. Here you can also easily find fish - and immediately fry it in your yard on the grill.
On vacation, you can visit the cafe and night club. During the day, play table tennis, soccer or volleyball in the air, on the very shore of the bay. Water skiing, fishing equipment and mountain bikes are available for rent. You can visit a choice of any of the two Russian baths. Every day fascinating excursions are organized. Children on the beach are waiting for large inflatable water slides and attractions. On the territory of Zuun Hagun there is round-the-clock electricity, there is mobile communication and the Internet.
Nutrition
On the base you can cook and eat on your own. And those who decided to take a break from the kitchen troubles will find a cozy dining room. Here you can taste dishes of various cuisines of the world. And the windows offer a magnificent view of Lake Baikal. Reviews of tourists who stayed here, strongly recommend paying attention to dishes from local fish varieties, especially omul. The food is really delicious.
Those who want to truly enjoy the natural magic of Lake Baikal, relax their souls, feel the whole energy of these places, as well as enjoy the Baikal fish, will certainly appreciate the service of the Zuun Hagun base! And so that our descendants could admire the pristine beauty of these places, we must carefully treat the unique nature of Lake Baikal.