A 30day 9,938km Trans-Siberian Train (21 Jun>21 Jul, 2024) Vladivostok in the east to St. Petersburg
Olkhon 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. Structurally, it constitutes the southwestern margin of the Academician Ridge. The island measures 71.5 km in length and 20.8 km in width.
Day 12 (July 02) Olkhon Island 4x4 Adventure
Today is one of those days when we appreciate the natural beauty around us. After breakfast, we boarded a local `four-wheel drive` SUV and headed to our 4 destinations. It was similar to the Marlboro Adventure Team in the US but with a van instead of a horse. The ride was bumpy throughout, but the driver was very careful.
Very good Guest House breakfast at Lake Baika, Khuznir Village.
Very good Guest House breakfast at Lake Baika, Khuznir Village.
Khuzhir is the main village on Olkhon Island and contains shops, and home-stays.
David Wee and Ching Neng Bin showed strength before the bumpy ride began. We were ready for a new adventure in our 4x4 minivan.Tour vans are much more interesting stylistically. However, style doesn't mean comfort. Bumpy roads mean scrambled brains and bruised body parts.
We set on these Soviet-era military transport vehicles (UAZ-452) as our main transport vehicles for the island’s rough terrain.
Most Olkhon Island residents are fishermen, farmers, or cattle-ranchers.
Semi-desert landscape of Olkhon Island.
Semi-desert landscape and dirt roads of Olkhon Island.
Semi-desert landscape and dirt roads of Olkhon Island.
Semi-desert landscape and dirt roads of Olkhon Island.
Semi-desert landscape and dirt roads of Olkhon Island.
Semi-desert landscape and dirt roads of Olkhon Island.
The semi-desert landscape and dirt road on Olkhon Island.
Semi-desert landscape and dirt roads of Olkhon Island.
Semi-desert landscape and dirt roads of Olkhon Island.
The bumpy ride through the woodland of Olkhon Island.
The bumpy ride through the woodland of Olkhon Island.
Our 1st stop was at Urochishche Peschanoye (Sandy Beach) on Olkhon Island. The largest in area sandy deposits of the western coast of Lake Baikal are located on the island. Dunes of Peschanoye Urochishche (district) situated 20 km to the north off Khuzhir in Nyurganskaya Bay occupy about 3 km2. Their origin is attributed to constantly blowing winds from the lake. They transfer sand from the shore and form picturesque hills and crests.
Our 1st stop was at Urochishche Peschanoye (Sandy Beach) on Olkhon Island.
We set on these two Soviet-era military transport vehicles (UAZ-452) from Khuzhir Village.
Urochishche Peschanoye (Sandy Beach) on Olkhon Island.
Urochishche Peschanoye (Sandy Beach) on Olkhon Island.
Urochishche Peschanoye (Sandy Beach) on Olkhon Island.
Urochishche Peschanoye (Sandy Beach) on Olkhon Island.
Urochishche Peschanoye (Sandy Beach) on Olkhon Island.
Urochishche Peschanoye (Sandy Beach) on Olkhon Island.
Urochishche Peschanoye (Sandy Beach) on Olkhon Island.
Urochishche Peschanoye (Sandy Beach) on Olkhon Island.
Urochishche Peschanoye (Sandy Beach) on Olkhon Island.
Urochishche Peschanoye (Sandy Beach) on Olkhon Island.
Urochishche Peschanoye (Sandy Beach) on Olkhon Island.
Urochishche Peschanoye (Sandy Beach) on Olkhon Island.
At Urochishche Peschanoye (Sandy Beach), Ching Neng Bin proudly flies the flag of the Penang Adventurers' Club, which he founded in 1975 with Mr Hoon Joong High and Mr M.Pasupathy (RIP).
On the road to our 2nd stop at Khunzir Viewpoint also known as Cape Khoboy.
Our 2nd stop at Khunzir Viewpoint also known as Cape Khoboy. Upon arrival we will have an hour to explore while our driver prepares lunch.
At Cape Khoboy, you can either walk using the boardwalk or the trail. It was an amazing cape with steep cliff on both sides on a sloping terrace.
At Cape Khoboy, you can either walk using the boardwalk or the trail.
At Cape Khoboy, you can either walk using the boardwalk or the trail.
The scenery is very nice and it is clear that Choboy is a sacred place for shamans.
The wild flowers at Cape Khoboy on Olkhon Island.
The wild flowers at Cape Khoboy on Olkhon Island.
The wild flowers at Cape Khoboy on Olkhon Island.
The wild flowers at Cape Khoboy on Olkhon Island.
The high observation deck at Cape Choboy on Olkhon Island.
At Cape Khoboy, the scenery is very nice and it is clear that it is a sacred place for shamans.
View from the high observation deck at Cape Choboy on Olkhon Island.
View from the high observation deck at Cape Choboy on Olkhon Island.
Cape Choboy was an amazing cape with steep cliff on both sides.
Cape Choboy was an amazing cape with steep cliff on both sides.
Cape Choboy was an amazing cape with steep cliff on both sides.
Cape Choboy was an amazing cape with steep cliff on both sides.
Cape Choboy was an amazing cape with steep cliff on both sides.
View from the high observation deck at Cape Choboy on Olkhon Island.
The scenery is very nice and it is clear that Choboy is a sacred place for shamans.
Chew Siang Peng, send this picture to your girlfriend?
View from the high observation deck at Cape Choboy on Olkhon Island.
View from the high observation deck at Cape Choboy on Olkhon Island.
View from the high observation deck at Cape Choboy on Olkhon Island.
View from the high observation deck at Cape Choboy on Olkhon Island.
View from the high observation deck at Cape Choboy on Olkhon Island.
View from the high observation deck at Cape Choboy on Olkhon Island.
Walking back to our vehicles for lunch prepared by our drivers at Cape Choboy. On our way back to the van, the driver played loud music while he prepared lunch.
The driver prepared cooked fish, potatoes, grain soup and bread, Russian canned meat to be washed down with fruit tea. Love it
Our lunch prepared by our (UAZ-452) driver at Cape Choboy.
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Our driver preparing lunch inside the (UAZ-452) vehicles.
Our driver preparing lunch inside the (UAZ-452) vehicles.
Our lunch prepared by our (UAZ-452) driver at Cape Choboy. What's on the menu? Fish soup + sandwich + salad + tea + biscuits. All delicious.
What's on the menu? Fish soup + sandwich + salad + tea + biscuits.
What's on the menu? Fish soup + sandwich + salad + tea + biscuits.
What's on the menu? Fish soup + sandwich + salad + tea + biscuits.
What's on the menu? Fish soup + sandwich + salad + tea + biscuits.
The best way to pee naturally in the wilderness of Olkhon Island.
3rd stop is at Mys Shunte-Levyy on Olkhon Island.
4th stop is at Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island.
From Cape Khoboy we drove to nearby Mys-Shunte-Levi, another spectacular series of cliff-like structures and shamanic legends about the formations. Let your imagination run wild. Like this place. Hot sun, but cool weather.
Mys-Shunte-Levi, another spectacular series of cliff-like structures.
Mys-Shunte-Levi, another spectacular series of cliff-like structures.
Mys-Shunte-Levi, another spectacular series of cliff-like structures.
Mys-Shunte-Levi, another spectacular series of cliff-like structures.
Mys-Shunte-Levi, another spectacular series of cliff-like structures.
Mys-Shunte-Levi, another spectacular series of cliff-like structures.
Mys Shunte-Levyy is known as Lover`s Rock or Lover`s Cape. According to legend, this fertile rock will give you a girl if you go to the right and a boy if you go to the left.
Mys Shunte-Levyy is known as Lover`s Rock or Lover`s Cape. According to legend, this fertile rock will give you a girl if you go to the right and a boy if you go to the left.
At Mys Shunte-Levy, Ching Neng Bin proudly flies the flag of the Penang Adventurers' Club, which he founded in 1975 with Mr Hoon Joong High and Mr M.Pasupathy (RIP).
Mys Shunte-Levyy is known as Lover`s Rock or Lover`s Cape. According to legend, this fertile rock will give you a girl if you go to the right and a boy if you go to the left.
Mys Shunte-Levyy is known as Lover`s Rock or Lover`s Cape. 
Mys Shunte-Levyy is known as Lover`s Rock or Lover`s Cape. 
Mys Shunte-Levyy is known as Lover`s Rock or Lover`s Cape. 
Mys Shunte-Levyy is known as Lover`s Rock or Lover`s Cape. 
Mys Shunte-Levyy is known as Lover`s Rock or Lover`s Cape. 
Mys Shunte-Levyy is known as Lover`s Rock or Lover`s Cape. 
Mys Shunte-Levyy is known as Lover`s Rock or Lover`s Cape. 
Mys Shunte-Levyy is known as Lover`s Rock or Lover`s Cape. 
On the road to our 4th and last destination, Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island..
On the way to Shaman Rock, we passed through the village of Khuznir on Olkhon Island.
On the way to Shaman Rock, we passed through the village of Khuznir on Olkhon Island.
On the road to Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island.
On the road to Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island.
On the road to Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island.
On the road to Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island.
Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island can be seen at a distance.
The fourth and final stop is Shaman Rock, also known as the UFO landing place. Shaman Rock is the most energetic place where local shamans still perform their rituals.
We get a view of Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island. 
A series of 13 serges at Shamanka on Olkhon Island.
A series of 13 serges at Shamanka on Olkhon Island.
A series of 13 serges at Shamanka on Olkhon Island.
A good view of Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island. 
A good view of Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island. 
A beautiful beach at Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island. 
The broken rocks at Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island. 
David Wee had this amazing jump shot at Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island: as David jumps into the air, Ching Neng Bin took this amazing, happy photos of David Wee.
David Wee had another amazing jump shot at Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island.
Ching Neng Bin had the first jump shot at Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island.
Ching Neng Bin had the second jump shot at Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island.
David Wee with his girlfriend at Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island.
Ching Neng Bin with his girlfriend at Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island.
Our girlfriends at Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island.
Buryat shaman's ground at Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island.
Buryat shaman's ground at Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island.
Buryat shaman at Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island. Shaman Rock is the most energetic place where local shamans still perform their rituals.
A good view of Baikal Lake at Shaman Rock on Olkhon Island.
A good view of a tourist boat at Baikal Lake on Olkhon Island.
On the way back we passed through Khuznir Village on Olkhon Island.
On the way back we passed through Khuznir Village on Olkhon Island.
On the way back we passed through Khuznir Village on Olkhon Island.
Farmers and farmland in Khuznir village, Olkhon Island.
Farmers and farmland in Khuznir village, Olkhon Island.
We stayed at this guesthouse in Khuznir village on Olkhon Island.
The guesthouse in Khuznir village on Olkhon Island.
The guesthouse in Khuznir village on Olkhon Island.
The guesthouse in Khuznir village on Olkhon Island.
Our large room with attached bathroom in Khuznir village on Olkhon Island.
Our large room with attached bathroom in Khuznir village on Olkhon Island.
Our large room with attached bathroom in Khuznir village on Olkhon Island.
We are preparing for a barbecue dinner at our guesthouse in Khuznir village, Olkhon Island.
We are preparing for a barbecue dinner at our guesthouse in Khuznir village, Olkhon Island.
Chew Leng Soon invited his girlfriend for the barbecue dinner.
Dr Ko and Ching Neng Bin are preparing the BBQ at our guesthouse in Khuznir Village.
Dr Ko and Ching Neng Bin are preparing the BBQ at our guesthouse in Khuznir Village
Dr Ko and Ching Neng Bin are preparing the BBQ at our guesthouse in Khuznir Village
BBQ at our guesthouse in Khuznir Village
Plenty of food for dinner at our guesthouse in Khuznir Village
Happy Hour! Ching Neng Bin said: "Evening is the best time of the day. Your work and play for the day is done. Now you can put your feet up and have some fun. Cheers!"
Trans-Siberian Railway is the longest rail journey in the world.
On our 11-day train ride (9,938km), we seen the endless pine forests,
majestic rivers, and rolling plains of the Russian countryside.
click below to view
Day01 Bangkok to Irkutsk, Russia
Day02 Irkutsk to Vladivostok, Russia
Day03 Vladivostok to Khabarovsk
Day04 Khabarovsk
Day05 Khabarovsk to Chita overnight train 1
Day06 Khabarovsk to Chita overnight train 2
Day07 Chita
Day08 Chita to Ulan Ude
Day09 Ulan Ude
Day10 Ulan-Ude to Irkutsk
Day11 Irkutsk to Olkhon Island
Day12 Olkhon Island
Day13 Olkhon Island to Irkutsk to Krasnoyarsk
Day14 Krasnoyarsk
Day15 Krasnoyarsk to Novosibirsk
Day16 Novosibirsk
Day17 Novosibirsk to Yekaterinburg
Day18 Yekaterinburg
Day19 Yekaterinburg to Kazan
Day20 Kazan
Day21 Kazan to Moscow
Day22 Moscow
Day23 Moscow
Day24 Moscow to St Petersburg
Day25 St Petersburg
Day26 St Petersburg
Day27 St Petersburg
Day28 St Petersburg
Day29 St Petersburg
Day30 St Petersburg to KLIA
From Russia with Love:
1 Ann
Kuah Beang Yen, 2 Chai Kin Sang, 3 Chew Leng Soon, 4 Chew Siang Peng, 5 Chew
Yoon Lian, 6 Chin Tai Tat, 7 Ching Neng Bin, 8 Chong Ee Ee, 9 Choo Yon Kit, 10 Chow
Leng Toong, 11 Datin Chelsy Tay, 12 Dato Sharon Tan, 13 Dato Steven Oon Hoon
Nam, 14 David Wee Kim Peng, 15 Gan Choi Geok, 16 Goh Ching Chee, 17 Joyce Ho Chai
Yoong, 18 Ng Sock Ee, 19 Tan Sin Su, 20 Wong Lai Chee, 21 Dr. Ko Wen Wu (Tour
guide), 22 Adam Teo (Tour guide assistant).
