Nikita's, Olkhon Island, Rusland

Nikita's Homestead is situated on Olkhon Island, one of the warmest areas of the region. It is not only the biggest island on Lake Baikal but it is also the only one which is inhabited. There you'll find a landscape which is very similar to that in Mongolia. There are a number of sacred places that make Olkhon very important to the native Buriat people the most well-known of which is Shamen Rock.

The Homestead is located in the village of Khuzhir just 10 minutes walk from Shamen Rock and the adjacent beach. There are around 1200 people in the village most of whom are either Russian or Buriat.

The homestead was founded around 15 years ago by Nikita Bencharov, a former Russian table-tennis champion.

Today we warmly welcome travellers from all over the world. We hope you enjoy our hospitality and the multicultural atmosphere.

We offer accommodation in wooden cabins most of which have 2 to 3 rooms each decorated in traditional Russian style. There are also table-tennis and badminton facilities (free to use anytime), a children's playground

and 2 Banyas (a Russian steam room, free for the first 20 minutes). In the summer months

there is a café and restaurant as well as a regular canteen.

In the canteen, we serve a different fixed menu everyday with alternative options for vegetarians. During the summer, the restaurant offers anything from a fresh cup of espresso to delicious smoked fish. Should you wish to celebrate any special occasion (including birthdays) in one of our facilities, we will happily arrange this. We also provide facilities for conferences and concerts.

Olkhon is ideal for a wide variety of trips. In the summer, you have the opportunity to go trekking, horseback riding

or mountain biking whereas in the winter you can head out

to the lake to try a spot of ice-fishing.

Volunteers are welcome anytime. Many people who come here provide us with invaluable help in improving

the day to day life on the island.