Lake Baikal happens to be the oldest lake across the globe, not only that, it is also the largest freshwater lake in the world – by volume. Even today, this lake holds approximate 20% of the entire world’s fresh water. Being such a gigantic lake, it also has around 1700-1800 species of plants and animals.
Lake Baikal is located in the south-central Russia just near by the Mongolian border. If you are planning a visit to this oldest lake, you can reach it from nearest city i.e. Irkutsk. It is also said to be one of those Scared Lake by many people. It is so popular that more than 500,000 tourists from all over the world visits it, each year.
Not everyone knows this, but earth under Lake Baikal is heated, and the reason behind this is still unknown. Many tourists are attracted towards visiting this mesmerizing lake due to its clarity. If you are lucky enough, you will get to witness crystal clear water in the lake on a sunny day. Melted ice during summer sometimes lets you see through up to 130 feet deep in the lake. It is due to the melting ice and its purity.
There are more than 330 rivers flowing into this massive lake but surprisingly only one, the Angara flows out of it. The estimated age of this lake is around 25 million years, according to the geological history.
It contains around 45 islets as well as islands amongst which the largest one – Olkhon is spread in area about 700 square km. During January to May-June Lake is frozen and thaws during June or so. Lake Baikal is also said to be as “The Pearl of Siberia.”
Visitors go on enjoying the surroundings of this lake from all the sides as it has various mountains, forests as well as wild rivers all around it. Such breath-taking natural beauty makes Lake Baikal one of the most visited tourist destination of Russia. Most of all the international tourists who visit Russia, comes and visits this oldest lake and its surroundings.
Hikers are surely going to love exploring the surroundings of this lake as it offers various hiking trails. One of the most preferred one is called the Great Baikal Trail. Adventurous tourists are going to enjoy this natural scenic hiking trail during their visit. Additionally, there is a village of Listvyanka located on the western shoreline of the lake. It happens to be the point from where you can enjoy ice-skating, dog sledding and many more winter activities.
If you are planning your trip to Russia, must include Lake Baikal into your itinerary and spend some time here. You are surely going to fall in love with such pure form of natural beauty. Moreover, Lake Baikal has also been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is one more reason to visit it!