Discovering the Hidden Gem of Buguldeyka: A Journey to the Shores of Lake Baikal

summarizeEditor's Summary

Buguldeyka is a tiny village on the shores of Lake Baikal in southern Siberia that's a must-visit destination. The village's natural beauty is breathtaking, with crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain scenery. I visited in June and was blown away by the region's unique charm. The four-hour journey from Irkutsk is worth it, and the village's remote location adds to its allure. Whether you're a nature lover, photographer, or just looking for a unique adventure, Buguldeyka has something for everyone. The people are warm and welcoming, and the village offers a range of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating. The region's untouched natural beauty and rich cultural heritage make it a truly off-the-beaten-path destination.

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KararMükemmel

Görüş8/10

Marble Quarry9/10

Gezginler için Fotoğraf Çekme Fırsatı7/10

Buguldeyka - a tiny village nestled on the shores of Lake Baikal, in the heart of the Olkhon District. I finally got around to putting my thoughts into words after visiting it back in June.

View from above of Buguldeyka

The journey from Irkutsk took about four hours. We traveled in a regular bus, which was a great way to see the surrounding landscape.

On the way to Buguldeyka

The day-long excursion was pretty affordable, costing 3 thousand rubles. Lunch was included in the package, and we were served a delicious meal of soup, salad, and a traditional Buryat dish called pozy.

I was blown away by the magnificent marble quarry – one of the oldest places on the planet where you can see a massive collection of pristine white marble. It’s a sight that’s truly unforgettable, even for seasoned travelers.

The marble quarry is a real showstopper, and it’s no wonder why tourists love it – you can take some amazing photos there.

I have to say, the mosaics really pop when there are clouds in the sky. The guide told us that the mosaics become even more vibrant under the shade. And guess what? Our group was lucky enough to catch that exact moment!

To be honest, we had about an hour and a half to take photos, and people were taking pictures of each other because the views were just incredible.

The landscape is just as breathtaking as the marble quarry itself. You can see mountains in the distance, covered in dense, endless forests.

Of course, the scenery is so stunning that you can take some amazing photos to remember your trip.

After visiting the marble quarry, we were taken to a local village for lunch. It was prepared by a local resident named Valentina, who was dressed in traditional clothing and sang a traditional Buryat song while dancing. She even recited a poem she had written herself, called ‘Buguldeika’.

I was really drawn to our guide’s story - she’d married a local from Buguldeyka and had kids with him. Before retirement, she taught Russian language and literature, and now she works as a guide, meeting tourists and showing them around her hometown.

She was a positive, chatty person, and it was great chatting with her.

After teaming up with our driver, we set off to explore the surrounding areas of Buguldeyka. Our guide shared some legends connected to the village with us.

Right - a cat figure

She pointed out the hills where we could spot silhouettes of animals like turtles, crocodiles, cats, and more.

She also showed us a marble bull statue created by a sculptor who, as far as I remember, grew up in Buguldeyka but later moved abroad and became a sought-after specialist there. But he didn’t forget about his homeland, so he gifted Buguldeyka this piece of art.

Lake Baikal - the Great and the Powerful

She also took us to the mountains with an incredible view of Baikal and where there’s a lot of marble. At first glance, it looks like moss, but when you touch it, you’ll be convinced that the material is actually hard.

I’m glad I didn’t dress as lightly as I did for my first few days in June - the wind can be pretty chilly. A sports outfit is definitely the way to go.

Baikal takes ages to warm up, and even then it’s not always fully heated, so it’s no surprise that the wind coming from the lake side will leave you shivering.

The views of it are simply breathtaking: the water’s a crystal clear blue, and closer to the center, it’s a gorgeous turquoise. The river’s surrounded by a thick, beautiful forest.

I was blown away by how different the water smelled compared to other lakes I’ve visited. It’s not that pungent, swampy smell you often get from lakes, but more of a fresh, ocean-like scent.

The smell of the water was a total surprise for me. It’s not what I expected from a lake, but it’s actually really refreshing.

When I’m standing on the shores of Lake Baikal like this, I want to meditate, listen to Enigma, and just enjoy the solitude.

Buguldeyka is called the capital of winds because it can be really windy there, with multiple directions of wind blowing at the same time - north, west, and east, for example.

The place is harsh and extremely cold, especially in winter when it can drop to minus 50 degrees Celsius.

But at the same time, it’s also fascinating and mysterious...

I highly recommend visiting it

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What is the best time to visit Buguldeyka?

The best time to visit Buguldeyka is during the summer months (June to September), when the weather is warm and sunny.

How do I get to Buguldeyka?

The easiest way to get to Buguldeyka is by taking a bus from Irkutsk, which takes about four hours. You can also take a taxi or rent a car, but be prepared for a bumpy ride.

What are the must-see attractions in Buguldeyka?

The must-see attractions in Buguldeyka include the village's natural beauty, the crystal-clear waters of Lake Baikal, and the stunning mountain scenery. Be sure to take a hike or a boat tour to experience the region's unique charm.

What are the best outdoor activities to do in Buguldeyka?

The best outdoor activities to do in Buguldeyka include hiking, fishing, and boating. Be sure to take a guided tour to experience the region's unique charm.

What are the best places to stay in Buguldeyka?

The best places to stay in Buguldeyka include the village's guesthouses and homestays. Be sure to book in advance, as they fill up quickly during peak season.

What are the best restaurants in Buguldeyka?

The best restaurants in Buguldeyka include the village's local eateries, which serve traditional Siberian cuisine. Be sure to try the borscht and the pelmeni.

Can I buy souvenirs in Buguldeyka?

Yes, you can buy souvenirs in Buguldeyka, including traditional Siberian crafts and local handicrafts. Be sure to check out the village's market for unique souvenirs.

Is Buguldeyka safe for tourists?

Yes, Buguldeyka is safe for tourists. The village has a low crime rate and a strong sense of community. Be sure to take the usual precautions to stay safe, including locking your doors and keeping an eye on your belongings.

check_circlePros

•The village's natural beauty is breathtaking, with crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain scenery.
•The four-hour journey from Irkutsk is worth it.
•The village's remote location adds to its allure.
•The people are warm and welcoming, making visitors feel at home.
•The village offers a range of outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and boating.
•The region's unique charm is a result of its untouched natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
•The village has a low crime rate and a strong sense of community, making it safe for tourists.
•The local cuisine is delicious, with traditional Siberian dishes like borscht and pelmeni.
•The village's market offers unique souvenirs, including traditional Siberian crafts and local handicrafts.
•The region's natural beauty is perfect for photography, with stunning landscapes and wildlife.

cancelCons

•The village can be quite chilly even in the summer months, so pack warm clothing.
•The journey from Irkutsk can be rough, so be prepared for a bumpy ride.
•The village's remote location means that amenities are limited, so be sure to stock up on supplies.
•The village's natural beauty can be overwhelming, so be prepared for some serious Instagram envy.
•The region's unique charm can be a bit disorienting, so be sure to take your time and soak it all in.
•The village's remote location can make it difficult to get around, so be prepared to walk or hike.
•The village's internet connectivity can be spotty, so be prepared for some downtime.
•The local transportation options can be limited, so be prepared to walk or hike.