Shaman Stone Source of the Angara
A sacred rock at the source of the Angara River, steeped in ancient legends and surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Lake Baikal.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Clear skies, calm waters
Shaman Stone Source of the Angara
Best Time
Clear skies, calm waters
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred rock at the source of the Angara River, steeped in ancient legends and surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Lake Baikal.
"The beauty is incredible, the air is crystal clear—it's hard to breathe after the polluted city air."
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera! The clear air and stunning views of Baikal are incredible. :camerawithflash:
💧 Legend of Youth
Touch the water to look a year younger, wash your face for five! Dive in for a 'virgin' experience (ladies!). :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Shaman Stone Itself
Source of the Angara River
A mystical rock formation steeped in ancient Buryat beliefs and legends.
Angara River Source
Lake Baikal
Witness the powerful beginning of the Angara River as it flows from the vast expanse of Lake Baikal.
Lake Baikal Views
Near Shaman Stone
Breathtaking panoramic vistas of the world's deepest freshwater lake, especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Shaman Stone
Respecting the Sacred Site
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera! The clear air and stunning views of Baikal are incredible. :camerawithflash:
💧 Legend of Youth
Touch the water to look a year younger, wash your face for five! Dive in for a 'virgin' experience (ladies!). :droplet:
🚶♀️ Stroll and Shop
Enjoy the clean surroundings, restrooms, and cafes. Browse local souvenirs, herbs, and dried berries. :shopping_bags:
🌬️ Breathe Deep
The air here is incredibly pure and refreshing, a welcome change from city pollution. :wind_face:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Magic
Bring your camera! The clear air and stunning views of Baikal are incredible. :camerawithflash:
💧 Legend of Youth
Touch the water to look a year younger, wash your face for five! Dive in for a 'virgin' experience (ladies!). :droplet:
🚶♀️ Stroll and Shop
Enjoy the clean surroundings, restrooms, and cafes. Browse local souvenirs, herbs, and dried berries. :shopping_bags:
🌬️ Breathe Deep
The air here is incredibly pure and refreshing, a welcome change from city pollution. :wind_face:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the mystical Shaman Stone and the breathtaking beauty of Lake Baikal's source. The legends surrounding the stone add a unique cultural dimension to the experience. While the natural scenery and clear air are universally praised, some note the presence of smokers detracts slightly from the pristine environment.
"Shaman-stone is a protected rock near lake Baikal at the source of river Angara.
It is a natural monument of Pribaikalsky National Park.
Since ancient times, Shaman-stone has been endowed with unusual powers. According to Buryat beliefs, Shaman-stone was the dwelling place of the master of Angara River - Ama Sagan Noyon. They prayed here and performed important shamanic rituals. They also brought a criminal and left him on the stone, and if the waters of Baikal did not wash him away at night, then the criminal was acquitted.
The legend about this rock says, that Baikal wanted to give his daughter beautiful Angara in marriage to a young warrior named Irkut. But Angara fell in love with another hero - Yenisei and ran away to him. And the angry father threw a huge rock - Shaman-stone - after his daughter.
#shamanstone #angara #baikal #legend"
Denis Gorkun
"This rock is an easily missed sight in the middle of the source of Angara River. There are several legends about this rock as a place to place criminals overnight to determine guilt or innocence. Also the romantic story of the Father Baikal and his daughter, the river Angara and her boyfriends."
Vincent Oliver
"The beauty is incredible, the air is crystal clear—it's hard to breathe after the polluted city air.
And the Baikal water, as clear as a child's tear, is warm, despite it being late September.
It's sunny and windless.
And it's nice to have restrooms, cafes, and no trash anywhere, but as always, the smokers are disappointing—how could we live without their cigarette butts?
I liked the shops selling local souvenirs, herbs, and dried berries."
Франческа Курчатова
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Shaman Stone is located at the source of the Angara River, where it flows out of Lake Baikal, near Irkutsk. Many visitors access it via boat tours from Listvyanka or Irkutsk. Driving is also an option, with parking available nearby. +1
Yes, it's a popular day trip from Irkutsk. You can take a bus or taxi to Listvyanka and then hire a boat, or join organized tours that often include Shaman Stone.
Boat tours are the most scenic way to see Shaman Stone and other sights on Lake Baikal. Ferries and private boat rentals are available.
While you can walk around the immediate area, reaching the stone itself typically requires a boat or being on a tour that stops there. The surrounding landscape is beautiful for walking.
Many visitors combine a visit to Shaman Stone with other attractions in Listvyanka, such as the Baikal Limnological Museum or the Chersky Stone viewpoint.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the Shaman Stone itself is generally free as it's a natural monument. However, if you are arriving by boat tour, the cost of the tour will cover your access.
Shaman Stone is an outdoor natural monument and is accessible at any time. However, boat tours operate during daylight hours.
Yes, Shaman Stone is a natural monument within the Pribaikalsky National Park, a protected area.
While the park itself is vast, specific entry fees might apply to certain areas or activities. For Shaman Stone, the primary cost is usually transportation.
It's highly recommended to book boat tours or organized excursions in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can admire the unique rock formation, learn about its legends, enjoy the stunning views of Lake Baikal and the Angara River source, and take photos.
Yes, families can enjoy the natural beauty and the fascinating legends associated with Shaman Stone. Ensure children are supervised near the water.
There are restrooms and cafes available in the vicinity, making it a comfortable stop. Shops selling local souvenirs are also present.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers, as the weather on Lake Baikal can be unpredictable. A windbreaker is advisable. :athletic_shoe:
While the immediate area around the stone is more for viewing, the broader Pribaikalsky National Park offers numerous hiking opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there isn't a restaurant directly on the stone, there are cafes and eateries located nearby, offering local food and refreshments.
You can find local Siberian cuisine, including fish dishes from Lake Baikal, and various snacks and drinks at the nearby cafes. :fish:
Picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas. It's a great idea to pack some snacks and enjoy them with the scenic views. :sandwich:
Options may vary, but you can often find salads, soups, and baked goods. It's best to inquire at the specific cafe. :leafy_green:
Yes, shops near Shaman Stone often sell local dried berries, herbs, and other regional products.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and beautiful colors. Golden hour is particularly magical.
The Shaman Stone itself, the confluence of the Angara River and Lake Baikal, and panoramic views of the lake are prime photography subjects.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or tour operators regarding drone usage in national parks and protected areas. :aerial_tramway:
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes of Lake Baikal. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the stone or distant shores. :camera:
Generally, yes, but it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their merchandise.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🧘♀️ Spiritual Seekers & Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Legends and Lore of Shaman Stone
Another significant belief is that the stone was the dwelling place of Ama Sagan Noyon, the master of the Angara River. Ancient rituals and shamanic ceremonies were performed here to appease the river spirit and ensure safe passage or good fortune. Historically, the stone also served as a place of judgment; criminals were left on the stone overnight, and if Baikal's waters did not claim them, they were deemed innocent. These stories highlight the stone's deep spiritual connection to the land and its people.
Modern visitors often hear a more lighthearted legend: touching the water can make you look a year younger, washing your face makes you five years younger, and diving in is said to restore virginity! While perhaps not scientifically proven, these tales add a layer of playful mystique to the experience, encouraging interaction with the sacred waters.
The Natural Beauty of the Angara Source
The Shaman Stone sits majestically in the middle of this powerful confluence, a silent sentinel to the ongoing flow of water. The surrounding landscape offers breathtaking panoramic views of Lake Baikal, especially during the 'golden hour' of sunrise and sunset, when the sky and water are painted with vibrant colors. The air is crisp and invigorating, a stark contrast to the often-polluted air of urban environments, making it a truly refreshing escape.
Even in late September, as one visitor noted, the Baikal water, despite the lake's reputation for being icy, can feel surprisingly warm near the source, adding to the pleasantness of the visit. The combination of the unique geological formation, the immense scale of Lake Baikal, and the pure, life-giving waters of the Angara creates an unforgettable natural tableau.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit