Baikal Lake

Lake Baikal plunges 1,642 meters deep as Earth's oldest and deepest lake, containing 20% of planetary freshwater. This 25-million-year-old rift lake hosts remarkable endemism: the world's only freshwater seals, transparent amphipods, and over 50 fish species found nowhere else. Winter ice creates natural sculptures while summer waters achieve 40-meter visibility. The nerpa (Baikal seal) population of 100,000 represents evolution's creativity - these descendants of Arctic seals adapted completely to freshwater. Omul fish support traditional fisheries while Baikal sturgeon reach massive proportions. Surrounding taiga forests shelter brown bears, wolves, and sables. The lake's immense volume creates unique weather patterns and ice phenomena. Trans-Siberian Railway brings visitors to lakeside villages maintaining Russian and Buryat traditions. Environmental activism saved Baikal from paper mill pollution, demonstrating citizen conservation power. Research stations study unique ecosystems while ice divers explore underwater worlds. This 'Sacred Sea' of Siberia proves that remote locations can achieve protection through scientific value and cultural significance.

Water Features

World's largest freshwater lake

Ecosystem

This destination features a temperate forest ecosystem.