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About Baikal

Lake Baikal is a marvelous blue jewel framed by scenic mountains and forests. From its deep and clear waters to the many unique species that dwell there, the lake has no equals anywhere in the world.

The breathtaking beauty of Baikal is almost unearthly — no wonder that local tribes have for centuries worshipped it as a land of spiritual power and godly wisdom. Once there, you can almost physically feel the restorative energy of nature flow through you.

Interesting facts

01.

Lake Baikal is the world’s oldest lake

Scientists speculate that it may be 30 million years old. Its exact origins remain a mystery.

02.

Baikal is also the world’s deepest lake

Its maximum depth is 1,642 meters. As it is located in an active rift zone, it will only get wider and deeper in the future.

03.

No other lake is so clear

Baikal water is so transparent that you can see objects inside it at a depth of 40 meters. It retains this incredible quality as ice.

04.

Baikal contains 20% of the world’s unfrozen freshwater reserve

Its water is so clean that you can drink straight from the lake.

05.

More than 2,500 species of animals and plants live at Baikal

Two-thirds of them are unique. That includes nerpas (the only freshwater seal species), omul whitefish and golomyanka oilfish.

06.

336 rivers flow into Baikal, and only one flows out: Angara

Its riverhead never freezes because the water in it comes from the lake’s warmer depths.

A Rich and Varied Destination

If you visit it in summer months, you will encounter a stormy sea, while in winter it turns into a strange and marvelous icy expanse. Frozen waves and pressure ridges further enrich the vibrant landscape of rocky isles, jagged sea cliffs and intriguing grottoes.

Buryat shamans know many beautiful and remote places of power around the lake, and you will certainly feel their energy when you come here. Learn their customs and take part in rites meant to appease the spirits of the lake and earn their favor.

Striking examples of wooden and stone architecture abound near the lake. See unique Eastern Orthodox churches and exotic Buddhist shrines and temples throughout the region. Visit the Stupa of Enlightenment, a singular pilgrimage site on an uninhabited island.

Discover the Circum-Baikal Railway, a unique marvel of railroad engineering created in the most difficult and awe-inspiring terrain. No other railway has as many components! It was once a part of the famous Trans-Siberian Railway.

But it is better to see everything by our own eyes, as Baikal is incredible at any time of the year. Once visited it, you will never forget this holiday!

We invite you to spend an unforgettable time on lake Baikal with our company!

Discover all the beauty and grandeur of this wonderful place with Travel Baikal!

Lake Baikal is a rift lake in Russia, located in southern Siberia, between Irkutsk Oblast to the northwest and the Buryat Republic to the southeast. Lake Baikal is the largest freshwater lake by volume in the world, containing 22–23% of the world's fresh surface water.

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Irkutsk

People travel to Irkutsk from afar to see Siberia’s richest and most varied collection of wooden architecture. Ranging from the splendid lace houses preserved since Imperial times to the meticulously reconstructed buildings of the 130 th Quarter, it will leave you with a lasting impression of this unique architectural style.

Lystvyanka

Your tour of the scenic lakeside town of Listvyanka begins at an observation platform near the head of the Angara – the only river that flows out of Lake Baikal. Whether in winter or in summer, you will see its quick waters run free thanks to the heat coming from Baikal’s depths.

Olkhon

A professionally guided sightseeing tour will help you capture the enchantment of Olkhon Island. Set out from the island capital of Khuzhir and sample all that this incredibly varied and beautiful island has to offer.

Cape Khoboy

Take a boat, a car or a hovercraft to explore the scenic and powerfully charged northern coast of Olkhon Island. Spend from 6 to 8 hours in the island’s remote wilderness, where its most distinctive sights and memorable legends will reveal themselves to you.

Tunkin valley

Baikal Biosphere Reserve

Warm lakes

Baikalsk

Khakhusy

Lake Frolikha

Severobaikalsk

Тажеранские степи

Остров Огой

Ушканьи острова

Малое море

Бухта Ая

Khujir

Khuzhir, the main settlement of Olkhon, will welcome you to the island and serve as your base camp while you delve into its picturesque interior. Here you can arrange for tours or transport to any part of the island, from the nearby Shamanka Rock to distant Cape Khoboy.

Kultuk Village

Explore the first Russian settlement south of Lake Baikal. A section of the Circum-Baikal Railway will captivate you with its ingenuity and beautiful sights.

Shumak

Discover the breathtaking alpine wilderness of the Eastern Sayans. Hike along remote mountain paths, then heal and relax in the incredible mineral springs.

Nilov Pustyn

The wilderness resort hides in the taiga woodlands at the Eastern Sayan foothills. Soak in the healing springs and enjoy the tranquility of pristine nature.

Marituy

The Circum-Baikal Railway will take you to this quaint wooden village. Enjoy the views of the rolling woodlands and the deep blue Lake Baikal.

Hanh river

The picturesque Hanh River awaits you in the middle of the vast Mongolian grassland. See the wild beauty of the steppes as you follow it to Lake Khuvsgul.

Mondi village

See picturesque woodlands, rolling hills and majestic mountains on your visit to this charming rustic settlement on the Russian-Mongolian border.

Baikal lake

Lake Baikal is a marvelous blue jewel framed by scenic mountains and forests. From its deep andclear waters to the many unique species that dwell there, the lake has no equals anywhere in the world.

Slyudyanka

The incredible white marble train station will welcome you to the old mining town. Explore its stunning and varied mountainous surroundings.

Peak of Chersky

Spend several days hiking in the untamed Siberian wilderness. As you travel and camp along a spectacular highland trail, the picturesque wooded surroundings will captivate your imagination. 2090-meters-tall Chersky Peak will reward you with unparalleled panoramic views of Lake Baikal and the Khamar-Daban mountains.

Utulik

Visit the cozy Buryatian village concealed in the taiga woods on Lake Baikal’s shore. Go swimming or rafting on the turbulent rapids of the Utulik River.

Sakhyurta

Watch the scenic Baikal shoreline from the quaint lakeside Buryatian village, then embark on a ferry that will take you to the Maloe More islands.

Buguldeyka

Visit a striking wooden village nestled amid the picturesque Eastern Sayan Mountains. A windy river valley and mysterious caves wait to be explored!

Ulan-Ude

In Ulan-Ude, Russian culture meets Mongol traditions, creating a city like no other. Orthodox priestswalk side by side with Buddhist monks among old pagan shrines. Residents leave token offerings to the roadside idols of shamanic gods.

Bolshie Koty

Follow the Great Baikal Trail from Listvyanka to Bolshiye Koty! A fun and scenic hike through the wooded uplands that surround Lake Baikal awaits you. Go up the rocky path made by volunteers from all around the world; breathe in the invigorating taiga air and look out at the clear waters of the sacred lake below.

Chersky Stone

The stone owes its name to Ivan Chersky, the Polish political exile turned pioneering explorer of Siberia. He lent his name to many other places near the lake. Locals say he used to rest here and look out at its waters between expeditions.

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Скала Шаманка лето

Скала Шаманка зима

Теплые озера (Изумрудное, Сказка, Теплое) лето

Circum-Baikal Railway Train Ride with Lunch (5 Hours)

Embark on a train journey along the Circum-Baikal Railway. You will soak in the unique scenery of Baikal, the mountains, and astounding feats of engineering of the past.

Бухта Песчаная лето

Гора Соболиная зима

Пролив Ольхонские ворота зима

Choigan mineral spring

Immerse yourself in the sacred mineral springs of the remote mountain gorge. The fir-scented mountain air will enhance Choigan’s famous healing effects.

Khoyto-Gol

A rich and vivid steppe landscape surrounds the quaint Buryatian wooden village. Feast your eyes on the forests and mountains as you soak in the renowned local hot springs.

Village of Monda

Village Orlik

The sprawling village lies in a lavishly forested environment near the beginning of the Sayan Oka River. Go rafting or hiking to see more of the impressive cliffs and mountains surrounding it.

Radon baths

Immerse yourself in one of the numerous radon hot springs around Lake Baikal. Their legendary healing water will reinvigorate you and take away your pain.

Buddhist monastery

Visit a colorful monastery to get to know one of Buryatia’s most enduring religious traditions: Tibetan Buddhism. The monks will be happy to tell you all about their beliefs.

Observation deck in Kultuk

Astounding vistas of southern Baikal open up from the observation platform in Kultuk. Look out at the wide blue lake and the splendid snow-capped mountains on the horizon.

Healing Springs of Arshan

The same geological forces that gave rise to Lake Baikal also produced a number of remarkable hot springs around its shores. Those springs offer a dazzling variety of experiences and effects between them. The heat in all their pools reaches extreme levels, but while the temperatures in Khakusy stay at around 45 degrees celsius, Kotelnikovsky blows the others out of the water by going up to 81.

13 "ovoo"

As you travel in Mongolia, you will encounter groups of thirteen ovoo — sacred stones devoted to the thirteen sky deities. Shamans and Buddhists alike conduct ceremonies at those sites.

stupa Dashi Homan

Admire the colorful Indian-style Dashi Homan stupa at the entrance to Tunka Valley. Walk around the sacred Buddhist monument several times to receive its blessing.

Selenginka river

The largest of Lake Baikal’s tributaries, Selenga River will surely impress you with its width and rich nature as you follow its course through Buryatia and Mongolia.

Sobolinoe Lake

The unique natural beauty of the Khamar-Daban awaits your discovery. Hike through the majestic old-growth forest and rest by the campfire in view of stunning mountains. After climbing steep coastal cliffs, go swimming in the alpine Selenginka River. Sobolinoe Lake will surprise you with the clarity of its blue waters.

Starokomarskaya road

This winding serpentine path will take you over the picturesque taiga highlands to the lofty Chersky Peak. Follow the trail of the tea caravans traveling from China to Russia centuries ago.

Lake Serdtse

A hidden gem waits to be discovered in the middle of the Khamar-Daban mountains: Lake Serdtse. The small alpine lake’s name simply means heart and refers to its peculiar shape. A small river, Mangutaika, eventually connects Serdtse with Lake Baikal.

Meteorological station

The abandoned Khamar-Daban weather station offers a chance to rest on the way to Chersky Peak. Admire the view of the highlands and bathe in the Russian banya.

Chersky stone

Irkutsk

City tour Ulan-Ude

In Ulan-Ude, Russian culture meets Mongol traditions, creating a city like no other. Orthodox priests walk side by side with Buddhist monks among old pagan shrines. Residents leave token offerings to the roadside idols of shamanic gods.

Ulan-Ude

Ivolginsk datsan temple

Founded in 1945 during the religion’s lowest ebb in the Soviet Union, Ivolginsky Datsan — also known as Khambyn Sume — remains the must-see spiritual centre of Buddhism in Russia. Several temples, the Dashi Choinhorlin university and the houses of the lamas comprise a fascinating Buddhist microcosm.

Olkhon

Ethnopark "Golden horde": lunch, excursion, workshop

The scenic backdrop of a steppe nomad camp at the Golden Horde Ethnopark presents unparalleled photo opportunities. Capture them to take pictures that will last a lifetime with a spectacular background formed by beautifully carved yurts and pavilions.

Nerpinary

Many endemic species call Lake Baikal home, but none of them get as much love as the Baikal seal. Locally known as nerpas, they will charm you with their diminutive, plump forms and astonish with their agility and intelligence. Some say they may even outsmart dolphins!

City tour in Irkutsk

Cruise to circum-baikal railway with lunch (5 hours)

Embark on a boat cruise along one of the most spectacular parts of Lake Baikal’s shoreline: the Circum-Baikal Railway. Here, the untamed splendour of nature at once contrasts and enhances one of the most astounding feats of engineering.

City tour in Listvyanka

Listvyanka

Cable car to Chersky stone

At 728 meters, Chersky Stone towers over the settlement of Listvyanka and offers one of the best panoramic views of Lake Baikal. Take a cable car to the observation platform at the peak, and treat yourself to a visual buffet as you soar past the trees.

Baikal museum

When passing through Listvyanka, you owe it to yourself to spend some time at the Baikal Museum. Your visit will be rewarded with the fruits of decades of diligent scientific research into every aspect of that wonder of the natural world - Lake Baikal.

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Dog sledding

The North would not be the same without its sled dogs. Those loyal and tenacious animals have a long and proud history of carrying people and goods across the tundra in their sleds. With the help of the Dog Sledding Centre in Listvyanka, you can experience the exhilarating Arctic tradition of dogsledding first hand.

Winter

Transfer by hovercraft

Though Lake Baikal’s beaches draw in tourists in the summer, many swear by the lake’s beauty in winter. The lake freezes solid, yet retains its incredible transparency. One of the best ways to enjoy this otherworldly beauty is from aboard a Hivus hovercraft.

Winter

Picnic on the open air

Stay in comfortable rooms, visit the pool or sauna, play sports, or take your family to the children’s theatre at the centre. Alternatively, go picnicking in the wilds or rest by a campfire surrounded by amazing sights.

Winter

Buggy, tubing, skating

The scenic far corners of Olkhon Island are sure to intrigue you with their unique sights and powerful energy. Getting there, though, might be a problem, given the island’s famously uneven terrain. One smart and fun way around that would be to rent a buggy for your visit in Khuzhir.

Winter