In June 2011, four of us set out to vacation and explore a small part of Russia’s Siberian region, a tourist destination which is certainly not well traveled by Westerners, particularly those with little or no Russian language. We found that locating appropriate accommodation and a travel company to assist was not an easy task though, in the end, the... More

My husband and I visited Olchon for the first time in 1998 and stayed with Nikita and Natascha in their simple guesthouse. At that time there was no electricity, running water, telephone or Internet on the island. We returned to visit them in February 2013 and stayed at "Nikitas Homestead,"´which now accommodates eighty guests and has the conveniences, which we... More

Unique lodging in a wonderful location. Very basic accommodations with full board. Wonderful eclectic buildings, complete with a fully operational traditional banya - well worth a try after a cold day on the island. Nikita's plays well to the backpacker crowd. The evening we were there,they had an accordian player and two ladies in full dress who sang traditional Russian... More

Our cabin was on the ground floor and a bit dark. Although we could see Lake Baikal if we strained our heads, I would recommend you ask for a cabin/room on the 1st level so there is more light and an open outlook. The facilities were fairly basic, but that was expected and fine. I suggest you pay for better... More

Excellent place to stay on Olkhon island, especially for foreigners who do not speak Russian. It's one of the few places (the only place?!) you can manage in English, German, French, Spanish... the volunteers (usually young Russians) work there for summer season and each of them speaks some or several foreign languages. The owner of the place, Nikita, has created... More

We stayed at Nikita's homestead for four nights. First of all, I'd like to tell about advantages. The place has very good location: very close the Burkhan (Shamanka) cape, which is considered as one of the Lake Baikal symbols and also to the sand beach. Also they have good drivers for local excursions. An excursion to the southern part of... More

This popular place to stay was full when we booked, but we stayed just a few steps away in one of the neighbour's single-room huts. After the 6-hour journey from Irkutst the Island was a sight for sore eyes and peaceful retreat. We chose not to take any of the organised trips but wandered around ourselves to beach and woods.... More

Four of us stayed four nights in August 2011. one staff member in particular was very helpful and the rest seemed over busy (it was peak tourist season). One of our rooms was very dusty but comfortable, with a shared bathroom. the other room was cleaner, larger and more expensive with an ensuite. The food was mostly good. there are... More

I just got back from staying 2 nights here. I didn't look forward to leaving beautiful Olkhon Island but couldn't wait to get away from Nikita's! The staff is unfriendly and not very helpful. As another reviewer mentioned if you are a vegetarian you will be SOL! I don't expect to be catered to but could they at least consider... More