Lake Baikal is the oldest and deepest of the world’s great lakes, located in Russia’s Siberia. Home to an array of rare and unusual plants and animals, it’s also a great spot for photography and for just taking in the stunning views of our planet’s greatest body of freshwater. Whether you’re a backpacker wanting to explore the region or a wildlife photographer looking for a majestic backdrop, planning a visit to Lake Baikal can be incredibly rewarding.
Expert tour guides recommend travelers plan to stay at least two full days at Lake Baikal, giving them ample time to explore the region and give it the respect it deserves. Tourists should book their trek from Irkutsk International Airport—as it’s the closest to the lake—and plan to begin their journey in the town of Listvyanka, a small village on the lake’s cold, southwestern shore. It’s at Listvyanka that visitors get their first taste of Lake Baikal and its spectacular scenery.
Listvyanka is popular for its wooden buildings, as well as its museums and local markets. Specializing in selling local produce, like fish from the lake, caviar and snacks made from smoked Omul fish, many of the shops also sell souvenirsmade with the stones, shells and feathers found in the area. Tourists can also take boat rides to the nearby city of Irkutsk, and the island town of Ol’khon. It’s here that visitors can find basic accommodations and meals, as well as stroll and observe the many rare species of plants and animals.
Each year, seasoned anglers come to Lake Baikal to fish for the area’s most famous residents, which include the miniature omul fish and the Lake Baikal seal, also known as the nerpa, a species native to the region. For those wanting to stay on the land, there are plenty of trails leading up the nearby mountains, allowing people to admire the abundance of wildflowers surrounding the lake.
Simply getting to Listvyanka can be an adventure in itself! Tourists usually take the Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow and, although it’s a long journey, it offers some of the most breathtaking views of Siberia—from Russia’s lush greens, to the rolling hills of Europe and the barren, snow-dusted mountains of Asia.
Regardless of how you get there, the sights, sounds and smells of Lake Baikal are guaranteed to stay with you long after you leave. It is an experience your soul, and soulmates, will never forget!
Discover the Fauna of Lake Baikal
Home to a vast array of species of both plants and animals, Lake Baikal is known to have over 1,500 species of animals. Many of these species live exclusively in this lake and as a result, it has been defined as a unique biological laboratory. The seasonality of each species brings a much needed diversity in the surrounding fauna.
A visit to Lake Baikal can make for a very rewarding experience, especially for wildlife enthusiasts. The Siberian taiga ecosystem is in itself a spectacle for the eyes, filled with larch, pine and evergreen trees, along with abundant wildflowers. Moving creatures such as the otters, bears, wolves and even the occasional deer can be seen in the forests surrounding the lake. In addition to the thriving wildlife, the numerous species of birds will bring a colorful backdrop that will only serve to add more inspiration to visitors.
One of the main draws of Lake Baikal is the unique species of marine life. The lake is home to the endemic Baikal Seal or the nerpa, which is the world’s only freshwater seal. When visiting the lake, you will get a chance to explore different types of shellfish that live in the waters, along with the fairly rare omul species of salmon. Humpback salmon and the Baikal sturgeon can also be admired at certain times of the year.
Whether you are looking to explore the waters of the lake, the forests and its wildlife, or the culture and traditions of the area, visiting Lake Baikal should be top on your list of destinations.
Visit the Marble Canyons
The beautiful marble canyon of Ushkan is located on the Northwest shore of Lake Baikal, close to the village of Bol’shie Koty. It is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Russia, and it is considered to be one of the most remarkable sites to visit in the area. After emerging from the forests of the Far Eastern taiga, tourists are met with the steep walls and deep ravines of this geological marvel, prompting an air of awe and wonder.
From the ravines, visitors can get a closer perspective of the bizarre shapes created by the breaking of the ice on the lake, as well as the intensely colored vegetation. Visitors can also take a canoe ride along the canyon and admire the beauty from a different view. In addition, the nearby Ushkan islands are worth exploring and offer spectacular moments of solitude and inspiration.
The canyon’s portion of Lake Baikal itself is no less fascinating. On the lake, visitors can observe the famous ringed seals as they bask in the sunshine, or observe the rare species of Steller’s sea elephants, whose spots can be found dotting the aquamarine lake.
For those who want to combine their exploration with some local sightseeing and culture, the canyon is near to some of the oldest monasteries in the region. Close by are several Hutsul villages, which are tiny settlements that live in traditional log cabins surrounded by peaceful landscapes and landscapes that lure visitors.
Sail On a Catamaran
The waters of Lake Baikal offer amazing opportunities for travelers who come to the area and want to experience the magic of the area in a more direct manner. For those seeking a more adrenaline filled experience, one of the more popular activities is to sail on a catamaran. Catamarans have been constructed to provide an unforgettable nautical experience on the lake, and provide one of the most scenic and thrilling ways to explore the area.
On a catamaran, visitors can catch a glimpse of some of the more interesting areas of the lake, while also enjoying the refreshing breeze that comes with sailing. When the winds are right, catamarans can reach speeds of 5 knots, or 9 km/h, which can provide a thrilling and exciting ride on the water.
The catamarans offer incredible views of the area and are the perfect choice for those wanting to get a close-up look at the spectacular views of the lake and its surroundings. You can even choose to take a long-distance journey if you want to visit some of the areas that are more isolated.
When you’re there, you can take photos of the white-tipped waves and the rocky banks of the lake, as well as its numerous species of terrain that make Lake Baikal one of the world’s most captivating landmarks.
Stay In a Family Homestay
For those wanting to delve even deeper into the culture and history of the region, there is no better way to do so than to stay in a family homestay. Staying in a homestay is a great way to explore the sights and sounds of this northern Russian region, while being surrounded by the warmth and hospitality of friendly locals.
The homestays are usually situated close to the lake, offering visitors a great chance to explore the lake and its surroundings. Every homestay provides an authentic experience, as guests get to stay in a rural home, cooked meals on the open fire, or just simply sit and relax next to the lake.
Staying at a homestay allows visitors to experience life as the locals do and can help them gain an insight into the unique local life and traditions of the people who inhabit this spectacular region. It also gives a great opportunity to connect with the locals, learn more about the rich culture and history of the region, as well as its language and customs. Visitors can even opt to go on a number of day hikes, fishing trips, canoeing and bird watching trips.
Dining with a homestay family is an excellent way to learn about the food and culture of the region. Traditional meals often include fish from the lake, sheep milk, and garlic stew eaten with dark rye bread.
Enjoy Local Festivals and Music
For music, theater and fun on a grand scale, Lake Baikal is a great destination, with a variety of annual festivals and special events that bring the area alive. Locals and visitors alike come together to celebrate and show off their unique culture and history, as well as enjoy some of the best live music, theater and food.
One of the most prominent festivals is the Baikal Light Festival. It is the largest music event dedicated to the lake and its culture, with a wide range of musical styles, ranging from folk and jazz, to blues and hip-hop.
For those wanting to experience the outdoor activities, the Otkryvaem Baikal festival is the perfect option. Every year, millions of people come to the lake to celebrate its beauty and what it has to offer. Every year, new discoveries and tours are organized to explore the region, as well as live shows dedicated to teaching and entertaining the crowds.
At the end of June, there is also the famous Solnechnoe Holmy, Summer Solstice Festival which celebrates the beginning of summer. The event takes place on and near the lake, and includes camping, beach volleyball, live music and performances.
No visit to Lake Baikal would be complete without attending one of the many festivals. They are a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture, make new friends and get to know this amazing destination a bit better.
