Lake Baikal: A journey to the world’s deepest lake in Russia

Without any exaggeration to visit Lake Baikal, Russia, along the north-south of the Siberian conical snowstorms and snow forests, is a unique experience in the world. The lake is the deepest freshwater lake in the world with a depth of more than 1.5 kilometers and shines as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites like an undeniable jewel in the Siberian crown. In the guide to traveling to what you can read about what you know before going to the lake to the attractions and sights of this magic place.

Lake Baikal History / Mysterious History

Lake Baikal in southern Siberia, in addition to being the world’s deepest freshwater lake and being 2 million years old, is the world’s oldest lake. For those interested in history, adventure and nature, it will certainly be very exciting to visit the Baikal on the Russian tour. The lake is almost the size of Belgium, with its office center in Ikutsk, and holds one -fifth of the world’s freshwater. Interestingly, while the lake is fed by more than five rivers, it is drained only by one river, Angara. The lake also hosts a variety of animal species.

Along with stunning biodiversity, Lake Baikal is also known as the Holy Sea, and its bulk crystal waters have many legends. Among the local legends of the lake, the legend of a blue animal named Lucud Khan (Master of Water Dragon) is narrated by the indigenous people of the region. It is said that this creature looks like a giant sturgeon with a snout and armor that has covered its back for hundreds of years, and some believe that this legendary lake monster has been seen in the Stone Age rocks along the backyard rocks.

What has made the boycott so unique / reasons to visit

If you are not enough to visit the world’s deepest and oldest lake, you need to know that Lake Baikal has many attractions and activities to keep the travelers energetic and entertained. Without exaggeration, here is surprised all the tourists with every taste! Do not miss these Baikal sights:

In Lake Baikal you can watch wildlife wonders

With more than 5 % of more than 5 species that are not found anywhere else! It is not surprising that Lake Baikal is often called “Russian Galapagos”. The most famous of these native species, the Silver-Silver-Silver, is the only unique jaw of freshwater in the world. It is believed that Nerpeas are trapped here when the last ice age is withdrawn and is now a protected species. To see them, the best option is to visit the Island of Olkhun, the Suratova Peninsula and the remote northern coast of Lake Baikal.

Lake Baikal wildlife

Lake Baikal’s brilliant waters are also habitat for more than fifty species of fish, including native fish without Golomianka and Omolef fish, a member of the trout family, which is widely seen in local menus food. Baikal sturgeon, which is very valuable, can produce up to nine kilograms of caviar during puberty. In the case of drought animals, rough forests around Lake Baikal provide opportunities for the experience of a real Siberian safari that may include observing brown bears, northern deer, wild boar, Siberian small deer, cats, otter, otter, blacks and vulvorine. It should not be forgotten, however

Enjoy outdoor adventures

In the summer months, when yachts and ships make regular trips to lake settlements, horse riding, hiking and fishing are among the activities that travelers enjoy during visiting Lake Baikal. When the winter arrives, the lake is completely frozen, the ice roads extend through it, and attention to sledding, skiing and skating is focused. For real adventurers, traveling to the Khamar-Daban Mountains in the south of Baikal certainly offers the most exciting opportunities in any Baikal travel experience. The area is also appealing to skiers and climbers who can cope with the pristine nature of rugged and amazing rocks.

Read more: Transburious Train Experience: Epic Travel Guide in Russia by Siberian train

Experience “Shamneism” in an epic environment

Olkhon Island, the third largest island of lake in the world, is the home of the shaman -based borriers whose spirituality focuses on the sacred Shaman’s rock and is visible throughout the island in ribbons and flags of prayer wrapped around trees and poles.

The island of Olkhun is large enough to have its own lakes, and its landscape comprises an extraordinary combination of Taiga, grassland and forest. It even has a small desert. The island, the best place to surf on foot, cycling or horseback riding, is a paradise for the relaxed seekers who also enjoy outdoor activity. Along the way there are dozens of ancient monuments for exploring and herds of wild horses to watch.

Discover the Baikal Culture

Listoianka, certainly the most touristy city in the region, is a great base for launching the Baikal adventures and has a lot of things to keep tourists there for a longer time! The city has a great market (with fresh foods and exotic gifts) and scattered museums.

For example, the Baikal Museum offers a virtual diving deep into Lake Baikal, while the Museum of Architecture and Open Taltci (2 km from Listoianka and accessible via public transport) is one of the highlights of Lake Baikal’s tourism for cultural enthusiasts. Exhibitions include the reconstruction of traditional Borouti houses and the 17th -century Kazakh -century buildings, with an area dedicated to native nomadic people. The city also offers a lot of fun practical activities, including clay dolls and birch skin textures to walking on wood.

When to visit Lake Baikal

Visiting Lake Baikal is largely dependent on what you want to do when you get there! In short, the lake usually freezes between January and the fog, which makes it ideal for activities such as snimobyl riding, sled with dogs and skating, while summer months are more suitable for climbers and water sports lovers. Here we have a general review of water and Baikal:

Summer: mid -June – mid -August

With low rainfall and average temperature of 2 degrees Celsius in July, summer is far the busiest season around Lake Baikal, especially on the island of Olkhon. This is when the water is in its hottest state, the sunset is very pleasant and the area is ready for walking, swimming or public rest in the Siberian sun.

Autumn: August – mid -November

In late August, the population of tourists decreases and can be very rainy. While the temperature in September is still relatively temperate, the water of Lake Baikal may be too cold to swim. During October and November, the air has definitely changed and rain and storms occur frequently.

Winter: November – mid -April

With the decrease in temperature (on average in the winter months to -5 degrees Celsius), all this means that visiting Lake Baikal between November and April allows you to experience winter splendor in a relative solitude. Until January, Lake Baikal freezes up to two meters deep and its water turns into a deep shade of solid sapphire that gives you the feeling that you walk on the glass. March is the best time to visit Lake Baikal and enjoy winter sports.

Spring: April – mid -June

Given that the weather is somewhat unstable in April and early May, late May and early June is ideal for travelers looking for a stunning and secluded place. In these months, the weather is relatively temperate and you will have the Baikal (almost) for yourself.

Read more: The best time to travel to Russia + Comprehensive Help

Tips to know before going to Lake Baikal

Before traveling to Lake Baikal, it is best to consider a few basic tips so that you can get the most out of any time of the year:

• Make sure you have cash for daily expenses.
• In the Baikal area of ​​English, it is not widely spoken, so it is best to have a few Russian phrases in your sleeve, or even reinforce your bourgeoisie. Otherwise, the only way to communicate the world language is to refer.
• When visiting Lake Baikal in the summer, you should use insect protective masks and keep in mind that temperature drops slightly at dusk, so don’t forget to have multilayer clothes. Needless to say, you will need good cold clothing to prevent freezing in the winter.

Ways to access Lake Baikal

• By train: Lake Baikal is a key station in Siberian railway; The world’s longest railway with 2 kilometers of rails connects Moscow to Vladivostok in the Far East.
• By plane: Fly to Moscow and then go to Lake Baikal with a 2.5 -hour flight to Ikutsk. The flight is carried out by Aerroflot Airlines and the Siber Airlines, and there are usually several flights daily. From Ikutsk, you will arrive at Listuyanka after a 2.5 -hour trip or bus, while the Island of Olkhon is about seven hours away.

Lake Baikal on Map

Lake Baikal is located in southern Siberia, a huge mass that extends between Ikutsk province, Russian federal subsidiary and Boritia in the southeast and its administrative center is located in Ikutsk. Lake Baikal has 4 islands, mostly devoid of inhabitants. The island of Akkhun, with a length of 2 miles, is the largest island in the region.

Where to stay in the Baikal area of ​​Russia

Listoianka has many great accommodation options. You can choose from among the affordable hostels such as hostel or hotel Natalie with a great location. This hotel is surrounded by beautiful pine forests. The Baikal Sizenz Hotel is another good option. Located 1.5 miles from the Listoianka bus station (with shuttle service), the legendary wooden huts and large playground make it a great option for families.

Meanwhile, on the island of Olkhon, travelers who have little budget may want to choose the hotel of the Oddikha Parvia Expidisia, a relatively simple hotel located a short distance from the beach. On the other hand, Villa Malina Olkhon Baikal is located with a great restaurant and a collection of beautiful beachfront houses, in addition to its original building, very close to the sacred Sacred Shaman Rock.

Swimming in Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal is not only safe for swimming, but also one of the purest waters in the world. The only drawback is the high air temperature, but even in the warmer months, swimming in the lake is very lively.

Final speech

Lake Baikal, with its stunning beauty and mysterious depth, is not just a tourist destination; Rather, it is a journey to the heart of the pristine nature and the rich Siberian culture! Whether in the frozen winter or in the lush summer, this lake gives an unforgettable experience for every passenger. If you are looking for a different, relaxing and adventure destination, put the boycott on your travel list; Where the earth, the water and the sky are mixed in a mysterious silence.