Lake Baikal is the world’s deepest, largest (in area as well as volume) and oldest lake: it is about 1.5kms deep, is as long as the distance between London and Edinburgh, and still growing at a rate of 2cms a year, and around 25million years old. Surrounded by rocky, 1,500m high mountains which look like they rise straight out of the lake, this region, mostly worth visiting for the crazy, endless scenery, is also home to a thriving population of wildlife, 80% endemic, including the Baikal Seal, the world’s only freshwater seal. It’s also one of the most popular stops along the route of the Trans Siberian Railway.

Long, cold Siberian winters mean the lake freezes making it a perfect spot for ice skating, dog sledding and snowmobiling. In summer it’s the turn of the watersport enthusiasts as well as the cyclists and trekkers. If your main reason for visiting is the scenery you can take a spin around the entire circumference of the lake in a train; 80kms of track will take you round in a civilised day, stopping at the highlights.

Lake Baikal’s largest island, Olkhon is worth a visit for its remoteness, picturesque rocky shore and mysterious, shamanistic local cultures (now slightly contrived due to popularity with the tourists.).

Written by  World Reviewer Staff.

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