Why travel to Lake Baikal
Imagine gazing through metre-thick ice sheet so clear you can behold the profound darkness of the world’s deepest and most ancient lake beneath. Or, envision yourself as a witness to one of the world’s oldest surviving shamanic rituals. Our Lake Baikal Tours make this possible in and around the pearl of Siberia. Located on the Trans-Siberian Railroad and known as the “Gateway to Lake Baikal”, Irkutsk itself is a jumping-off point for Siberia’s main attraction - Lake Baikal, 70km to the east.
Why you should visit Lake Baikal, Russia?
- Ancient and mysterious, Lake Baikal holds deep spiritual and historical significance for the four indigenous cultures that inhabit its shores. Travel to Olkhon Island, the “capital” of shamanistic culture, to discover what makes this island such a sacred place for the native Buryat people
- Cross the crystal-clear frozen Lake Baikal during winter and capture award-winning photos of its enchanted ice caves, glittering grottoes, and mysterious lands such as Cape Shaman, Cape Sagan Khushun and Cape Khoboy
- Experience the natural allure of Lake Baikal's picturesque views and landscapes on a relaxing cruise, from stunning mountainous landscapes and virgin taiga forests to quaint Siberian villages dotted around the lake's shores
- Get acquainted with Baikal's diverse flora and fauna on a kayaking tour around the lake and visit its many breathtaking coves, pristine golden beaches and get up close and personal with the beloved Baikal seals
- Visit the many fascinating destinations around Lake Baikal, such as the Valley of Volcanoes, the open-air Taltsy Museum of Wooden Architecture and Ethnography, spiritual Ogoy Island and sunny Ulan-Ude
- Discover the unique charm of Irkutsk, an atmospheric Old Town known as Baikal's unofficial capital. Visit its many attractions, such as the Irkutsk Museum, 17th-century churches and its collection of attractive wooden houses
- Try your hand at a variety of unique snow-filled activities and experiences on offer with our Lake Baikal winter tours, such as riding a hovercraft past the picturesque Peschanaya Bay, dog sledding through spectacular taiga forests and ice rafting across the lake in Listvyanka
Lake Baikal Tours take you back to Nature
Literally meaning “Nature Lake,” Lake Baikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an astounding 25 million years old, plummeting 1,642m down at its deepest point. Baikal’s depths hold over one-fifth of the world’s unfrozen surface freshwater. It’s so large, ancient Chinese travellers called it “The North Sea.” The Baikal region is an easily accessible and fabulously scenic place to get acquainted with a world of uniquely Siberian thrills.
Go dog sledding in spectacular taiga forests, play a round of ice golf or tackle the challenging sport of snow-kiting. Come to Lake Baikal to slake your thirst for adventure, relaxation, and stunning scenery - its depths will astound you.
