Located at the foot of the Sacred Mountains of Siberia and tucked away in the South-eastern part of Russia, Lake Baikal is an awe-inspiring feat of nature. Labeled as the deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world, it is also the largest in terms of volume, with an impressive 1620 feet deep at its deepest point. It has long provided a vital resource, not only for the inhabitants of its geographic area, but for the whole of Russia.
Part of the wealth of the lake’s area is in the number and variety of wildlife which makes it their home. Such animals include the nerpa, a type of freshwater seal which is the only species of seal in the world which inhabits Lake Baikal, as well as roughly 160 endemic species of plant, fish and bug life.
On top of its wealth of natural life and scenery, Lake Baikal also offers a variety of activities to its visitors. From kayaking and fishing to cycling, trekking, and riding a hovercraft across the lake, there’s something for everyone. For those looking for something more unique, there is the opportunity to take part in a traditional Russian fur trade, visit a local shaman and more.
When it comes to deciding when to visit Lake Baikal, the best time to experience it is in the summer months. During this time, the lake is beautifully alive; the bright blue of the water against the luminous sunsets, the warm temperatures for trekking, and the best view of the local wildlife. The water begins to cool during late summer, however, leading to fall and winter, when it’s recommended to only visit the lake from a distance in order to appreciate the snow-capped mountains surrounding it.
There are many ways to explore the lake from short to long-term trips. For those looking for a short and sweet adventure, a weekend tour is perfect, going around the lake to take in the view and some of what Lake Baikal has to offer. For those wishing to stay for a longer period of time, longer trips are available around the lake, including a three-day journey cruising the entire length of the lake, ending in the mineral Spring Valley, full of natural hot spring pools.
The best way to experience Lake Baikal is to stay local and get to know the people, tasting their food and culture. Community-based initiatives have been established in some of the rural villages, giving travelers an insight into the real traditions and customs, while also contributing a small part to the local economy.
No matter what time of year or type of experience, Lake Baikal is sure to offer something that will stay with visitors for years to come.
Local Wildlife
Telling of the lake’s significance, Lake Baikal is included in the UNESCO list of World Natural Heritage Sites for its outstanding universal value. Such value is seen in the wealth of its wildlife, which stems from the clear waters and the near absence of land-bound mammals.
The ample vegetation provides shelter to many species of birds, from sea eagles and cranes to wild ducks and quails. One of the rarest and most interesting inhabitants are the nerpa, the only freshwater species of seal, found in Lake Baikal and nowhere else on earth.
In addition, the lake has an abundance of fish life, with at least 131 species and subspecies, the majority of which are endemic; meaning they only live in Lake Baikal. This includes the omul, a fish which is used in one of the main dishes of the local cuisine.
Activities
Wheter you’re looking for an adventure or just a restful weekend away, Lake Baikal offers plenty of activities. Tourists can take kayaks on the lake and get up close to the stunning landscape. For those wanting to explore the wider area, there is the opportunity to go fishing, hiking or cycling, with trails taking visitors to nearby nature reserves.
Lake Baikal stands as a living museum of nature and tradition, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the people who inhabit its surrounding areas. It’s possible to take part in a traditional fur-trapping trade and visit a local shaman for lessons in botany or traditional dance. For a more unique experience, the brave-hearted can take a hovercraft across the frozen lake in winter.
Accommodation
Once you decide to visit Lake Baikal, there is plenty of accommodation around to choose from. Within the lake area alone, there are a few hostels and eco-lodges providing different types of comfort levels. It’s also possible to hire a wooden house floating in the lake, or stay at one of the luxury resorts or hotels, located along the shore of the lake.
For a more budget-friendly option, travelers can stay in Irkutsk, located around 12 hours away by car, and take daily trips to Lake Baikal. Here, they will be able to find more familiar accommodation, such as shared apartments and hotels, which offer more of a ‘home away from home’ experience.
Cuisine
As a region with a heavy reliance on fishing, the local dishes around Lake Baikal consist of a lot of freshwater fish. The omul, a local species of fish, is smoked and served in different ways, including as pies and pasties. Such local dishes can be found mainly in local restaurants and cafés.
For those wanting something a little different, there is a great variety of Russian dishes with an Eastern twist. Borscht, a traditional soup, is a popular dish in this region, with a smoky taste that is akin to the traditional Russian cuisine. Most of the local restaurants also serve some Asian-inspired dishes, such as wontons and sushi.
Transport
Having said that, transportation to the lake is often a very interesting way to experience the region. From Moscow and Irkutsk, there are direct trains and buses going to the lake. Additionally, Lake Baikal also has an international airport, which provides daily flights to and from major cities in China, as well as charter flights from other parts of Russia.
For a more unique but slower experience, travelers can take the Trans-Siberian Railway, one of the longest railway lines in the world. This way, they will be able to appreciate the Siberian beauty, passing through the Taiga and stop in some of the most charming towns and villages along the route.
Festivals
During the summer months, it’s also possible to witness a few of the many cultural events that take place in the area. Olkhon, the largest island in the lake, is home to a yearly festival on the summer solstice and becoming something of a pilgrimage for many. Eken, a two-day festival, celebrates and showcases the area’s indigenous traditions and lifestyle, with performances from shamans, local dancers, and traditional music.
Lake Baikal is also the home of the deepest ice-find, the Baikal Snow Marathon, in which a 10 km long track is created on the frozen surface of the lake and participants race each other navigating the thin ice. Dozens of participants gather every year, to take part in this unique event and marvel at the beauty of Lake Baikal in wintertime.
Culture
The Russian history includes some of the oldest and most impressive complexes dotted around the lake, many of them of spiritual significance to the people of the area. A visit to the Stolby Nature Reserve, home to the most sacred peaks in Russia, is a sight not to be missed. Additionally, a tour of the island of Olkhon will reward visitors with an interesting insight into the old traditions.
The lake’s spiritual significance is reflected in much of the artwork and handicrafts available for purchase. Shops sell brightly colored Russian dolls and paintings, as well as traditional instruments such as balalaika and garmon, a type of accordion. This wealth of culture and history makes Lake Baikal an incredibly rich destination to visit.
