Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal is located right in the heart of Eurasian continent at the border of Irkutsk Oblast and the Republic of Buryatia. You can reach the great lake by plane, train or car, passing through Irkutsk. It takes you 5 hours from Moscow, 8 hours from Munich, 6 hours from Bangkok, 9 hours from Antalya, Heraklion, or Barcelona, 2 hours from Beijing, Shenyang, or Dalian to get to Irkutsk by plane.

Why Lake Baikal is unique?

- Baikal is the deepest lake in the world; 1,637 m deep.

- Its length is 636 km; width, 79 km.

- It is the oldest lake in the world; 25-30 million years old.

- It is the purest lake in the world.

- Baikal holds about 20% of world’s freshwater reserves.

- Lake Baikal has more than 3500 flora and fauna representatives.

You will not lack for entertainment at Baikal where everyone finds something he or she likes:

- Beach rest at Peschanaya (Sandy Bay) and Olkhon Island

- Fishing at Chivyrkuysky Bay and Maloye Morye (Small Sea)

- Hunting in Pribaikalskaya taiga forest

- Thermal water treatment at Khakusy and Shumak Mineral Springs

- Dog sledding in Listvyanka Village

- Diving

- Cultural and educational tourism, ranging from visiting the Circum Baikal Railway, Baikal Museum, Baikal Seal Show, Baikal solar observatory, ‘Chersky Stone’ Observation Deck, to Local Lore Museum.

For more details on the most interesting Baikal spots, go to Lake Baikal Attractions.