Without using any exaggeration, let's just say that if you visit Russia's Lake Baikal, and slice through a north-south suede into the Siberian mountains and coniferous forests, then it would be a world-beating experience. UNESCO World Heritage site, Lake Baikal, at over 1.6 km deep, is also the world’s deepest freshwater lake.
Let's see why you should visit this great place!
This Siberian lake is over 25 million years old, which makes it the most ancient site for adventurous history buffs - a reason enough to visit this place in itself. The lake holds one-fifth of the freshwater of the world. Even though it is fed by more than 300 rivers, the Angara with River Selenga, is it's only drainage avenue, which is again an important habitat for many kinds of birds, that also forms a large delta on the eastern shoreline.
Staggering biodiversity is one of the most important USPs of Lake Baikal which is also known as the Sacred Sea, having voluminous crystalline water that sparks many myths. The legend of the water beast named Lusud-Khan (Water Dragon Master) is a famous one amongst the indigenous people of the region. Throughout the centuries, sightings have been reported of this giant Sturgeon. So who knows, next time you visit Lake Baikal you might just catch a glimpse of this legendary lake monster!
Apart from being the oldest and deepest lake in the world, Lake Baikal also has many attractions and activities which will keep all kinds of travelers entertained and energized. You will be utterly awestruck by them for sure.
Wanderous Wildlife : Having more than 80% of 3700 + species which are found nowhere in the Earth save here, the title of “The Galapagos of Russia” seems to be more than fitting for Lake Baikal. The slinky Silver Grey Nerpa, the only exclusively freshwater seal in the world which is believed to be trapped here during the time of the last ice age retreat, is a protected species here and you can spot them when you visit Olkhon Island, the Svyatoy Nos Peninsula, as well as the secluded northern shores of Lake Baikal.
The endemic scaleless golomyanka fish, and the omul, a member of the salmon family, wolves, caviar and brown bears, reindeer in the Siberian safari are definitely going to give you most memorable memories.
Outdoor Adventures: If you visit here during the summer then the hydrofoil and trees which make regular journeys into the lake side settlements, hiking, horse riding and fishing would be the best activities which you will surely enjoy.
If you come during the winter, the lake is frozen solid so you can see the criss-cross ice roads and sledding, skiing as well as skating would be your go to activities.
If you are truly adventurous then you could take a trip to the Khamar-Daban Mountains,which lies in the south of Baikal that offers the most exhilarating of experiences.
From jaw-droppingly jagged ridges, cross-country skiers to hiking, it's the adventurous soul's paradise where one can handle untamed nature.
The Shamanism in epic surroundings, the mystical Baikal culture, and interesting historical background are also going to ensure that you do not forget this trip in your whole life. So what are you waiting for? Come to the Baikal and experience it yourself!