The Angara is the only river that flows out of Lake Baikal as a mighty and broad stream, and, having passed the Shaman Rapids, swiftly heads to the north. In winter the source of the Angara does not freeze. The water runs for about five kilometers before it cools down and freezes. In the gigantic ice clearing at the source of the Angara colonies of waterfowl spend the winter. That is why this place has been officially recognized as a Zoological Natural Monument. There is Shaman Rock at the source of the Angara River. Since the old days, at its foot, shamans performed their ceremonies and administered justice. Here a wonderful legend about Angara the Beauty who fled to her lover Yenisei was born.
CAPE RYTYI is located on the western shore of Baikal opposite the widest part of the Lake. The fault of the Rita river gorge has some anomalous characteristics. For the locals, Cape Rytyi is a sacred place forbidden to visit, especially by women. None of the locals would agree to disembark from a boat at this place under any circumstances. Even today, ancient bans and restrictions are rigorously observed at Cape Rytyi. It is forbidden to cut trees and shoot animals here because the local spirit will get worried. It is also prohibiteds to pass this place without honoring the spirits of the Cape.
AIKHA SHULUN or Terrible Rock is one of the most picturesque places on Lake Baikal. It is the westernmost point of the Lake which is considered to be the beginning of Lake Baikal. In the middle of Kultuk Bay this cape juts into the Lake for a distance of almost 500 meters and divides the southwestern tip of Baikal into two parts: the northern part – Kultuk and the southern part –Slyudyanka. The Buryats consider this place to be sacred.
BULL MOUNTAIN (BUKHA NOYONOY KHEBETSHE OR SACRED MOUNTAIN) is located near the village of Tory in the Tunka District of the Republic of Buryatia, to the north of the Irkut River. It is connected to the cult of the sacral ancestor of the Buryat tribal union of the Bulagats – Bukha Noyon, a terrestrial deity and a guardian of the elements of the Earth, pastures, and cattle breeding.
In 2005, near the village of Yarikto, an image of Yanzhima – a Buddhist goddess and a patron of the arts, science, crafts, wisdom, well-being, and childbirth – magically appeared on the surface of a rock. According to the legend, Yanzhima was a merry young girl who made people happy by singing and dancing. Then, she ascended to the Heaven and became a celestial princess. Yanzhima is the local name of the Hindu goddess Saraswati who lived on the Earth in the form of a clear river and ascended to the Heaven to stay there until humans gain true wisdom.
Buddhists built a STUPA on Ogoi Island in the Small Sea Strait. Its official name is the Stupa of Enlightenment and the Mother of all the Buddhas. It was built at an altitude of 60 m above the lake level. Different Buddhist relics and a bronze figurine of Dakini Troma Nagmo were placed inside this stupa.
BARAGKHAN UULA is a sacred mountain for Buddhists and Shamanists alike that protects the Buddhist world from the north. It is believed that a person who climbs to the top of this mountain builds a connection with the Sky, which lasts for one year. A righteous person who reaches the top of Baragkhan Uula can also see a giant image of the Buddha on the surrounding rocks. Shamanists believe that this mountain is home to one of the celestial guardians – Khazhar Sagaan Noyon. Shamanistic and Buddhist rituals are being held here all the time.
TURTLE ROCK is a natural sculpture on the northern side of Turka village. People say that this rock turtle comes alive during the spring full moon. According to legend, a giant turtle lived in the depths of Lake Baikal protecting a white pearl from a black shaman. It took a form of beautiful Angara to face her enemy and struck him with a dagger tempered in the cold water of Baikal. Thus, the enemy was vanquished.
BUKHE SHULUN OR BULL STONE is one of the sacred objects of the Barguzin Valley. Locals come here to ask for good weather, but before asking they need to introduce themselves, tell about their family, children, and livestock, and only then they can start praying.
