A settlement with a fancy name, Bolshiye Koty, is located 18 km away from Listvyanka. Bolshiye Koty is a former mining settlement. The surrounding area has traces of gold mining, so you can see artificial lakes and piles of rock inside the Bolshiye Koty valley. The true story behind the settlement’s name is unknown. Someone can think that the village was named after the large cats (Russian words “Bolshiye koty” translate as “Large Cats”), yet, it is not true. It is supposed that the name was taken from the river it was based on. The word “koto” comes from the Evenki language. The literal meaning is “palm,” “knife.”
Some people believe that the name comes from the wooden shoes “Koty,” worn in sloppy weather and marshy lands.
Attractions of Bolshiye Koty
Recently, the settlement has become one of the most convenient and popular tourist places. It is located close to Irkutsk and Listvyanka Settlement, yet far enough to preserve the beauty of a landscape. If you want to visit all the tourist attractions, two days will be enough. You can either stay in a tent or book accommodation at the guesthouse.
