Lake Baikal
Lake Baikal is a rift and freshwater lake that is located in the Southern Siberia of Russia. It holds the record for the largest freshwater lake and deepest lake in the world. Moreover, UNESCO declared Baikal Lake as World Heritage Sites in 1996. This beautiful lake is naturally blessed as it is surrounded by mountains, forests and wild rivers. Notably, this lake is home to around 200 species of animals and plants and two thirds of them are only found in this lake. By all means, this lake has Baikal Omul Fish and Baikal Oil Fish, and Nerpa which are only freshwater species of seals. Surrounding mountains and forest are natural treasures that are home to Bears, elk, lynx and other wildlife.
Additionally, Baikal Lake holds 20 percent of the world's fresh water that makes it one of top attractions in Russia. The nickname of this lake is Pearl of Siberia and has a unique charm amidst the attractions of the country. Lake Baikal features around 300 streams and rivers along with 27 mostly uninhabited islands. Overall, this lake has an exceptional ecosystem that attracts visitors from all over the world. It is true that this lake has a unique charm and is one of the best places to visit in Russia. And you must experience it throughout your vacation in Russia.
Overview of Lake Baikal
| Location | Near the Mongolian border, South Central Russia |
| Depth of Lake Baikal | 1642 m |
| Width of Lake Baikal | 80 km |
| Length of Lake Baikal | 636 km |
| Surface Area | 31,494km2 |
| Coastline area | 21,00 km |
| Also Known as | Pearl of Siberia, The Blue Eye of Siberia |
Highlights
- Click pictures with Shamanka Rock at Lake Baikal.
- Hike through dense pine forest to enjoy the Great Baikal Trail.
- Take a dip in the water of Lake Baikal and relax at the beach of Olkhon Island.
- Enjoy the ride of the Circumbaikal Railway for a unique experience.
-
Witness Nerpas swimming and basking in the sun.
Recommended for
Lake Baikal is vast and fully packed with diversity. Consequently, you can enjoy the vacation in your style, and it is an ideal spot to make your vacation enticing.
About Lake Baikal
Lake Baikal is a diverse and beautiful spot in Russia to have a perfect holiday time. You can add fun and beauty elements in your way while exploring this deepest lake in the world. Yet Lake Baikal is located in Siberia, you can see the sharp mountains, impressive wildlife, natural beauty, and cultural touch. This is an ancient and deep lake that has pure water and crystal clear water which give a sight to hold in your heart forever. Whether you want to sit on the shores or you want to enjoy hiking up a mountain, the choices are fascinating to make this trip remarkable. This lake is the finest example of the untouched beauty of nature and is also considered a sacred spot of Russia. Along with the tag of the deepest lake in the world, it is also counted as one of the cleanest lakes on this planet.
Features of Lake Baikal
You can find around 27 uninhabited Islands around Lake Baikal, and Olkhon (45 miles) is the largest one. Apart from that, around 300 streams and rivers feed into this lake, and the only river that outlet from this lake is the Angara River. The Selenga River is the largest source of water that comes into this lake and flows north from Mongolia. In fact, it contributes around 50% of the lake's water. Lake Baikal is recognized worldwide for its biodiversity and natural beauty.
Ecosystem of Lake Baikal
Lake Baikal is also called the Galapagos of Russia because of its importance in evolutionary science and biodiversity. Around 80% of species that are found at Lake Baikal are found nowhere else on this earth. One of the most famous species of this lake is Nerpa, it is the only freshwater seal on this planet. More interestingly, scientists are unsure how Nerpa came and evolved in this lake. However, they assume that seals might have swum down a prehistoric river from the Arctic. oily, scaleless golomyanka fish and the omul are the other endemic species like Nerpas. The white fishes of Lake Baikal are famous dishes of this region.
Besides that, there are many land-based species that you can spot around Lake Baikal.
Bears, polecats, ermine, sable, reindeer, elk, wild boar, Siberian roe deer, and wolves are easily found near this lake. Moreover, you can also see American minks that are imported from Canada. The water of this lake is home to more than 50 species of fishes, 100 species of flatworms, 700 species of arthropods, and 170 species of mollusks. Identically, you will find dozens of tree species such as cedar, fir, Angara Pine, and spruce. In fact, some trees are more than 800 years old.
Interesting Facts about Lake Baikal
- Lake Baikal of Russia is the largest freshwater lake by volume and contains 23,600 km
- The average depth of this lake is 758 m and the depth is 1642 m that makes it the deepest freshwater lake on this planet.
- Angara river is the only one that flows out from this lake in more than 300 rivers.
- Lake Baikal has vast biodiversity that presents more than 200 species of plants and animals.
- The area of Lake Baikal is equal to the area of Belgium.
- UNESCO listed this lake as a World Heritage Site in 1996.
