Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal, also known as the Sacred Sea, is the deepest rift lake in the world. It is located in southern East Siberia, straddling the Irkutsk Oblast and the Republic of Buryatia, two Asian territories of the Russian Federation. It is by far the deepest lake in the world (1.7 km deep), and its large volume (almost equal to that of the Baltic Sea) makes it the largest reservoir of liquid freshwater on the Earth's surface. With a surface area of ​​31,722 km² (comparable to that of Belgium), it is also the second largest lake in Eurasia after the Caspian Sea. It is also the oldest lake in the world, dating back 25 million years. Its volume represents approximately 20% of all the surface freshwater on the planet, more than all the Great Lakes of North America combined. A natural gem, sometimes called the "Pearl of Siberia," it shelters significant endemic biodiversity. The Siberian seal, one of the world's few freshwater seals, the black-bellied seahorse, and the omul are among the species endemic to its waters. The crystal-clear waters allow for perfect visibility down to a depth of 40 meters. It has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, and its shores witnessed the succession of various prehistoric peoples before it became the northern border of the Xiongnu territory at the end of the 1st millennium BC. Later, the peoples of the Elgin Tombs culture settled there, followed by the Kurikan in the 6th century. The latter partially fled the territory in the 10th and 11th centuries due to the arrival of Mongol peoples. Those who remained intermingled with the new populations, giving rise to the Buryats. Kurbat Ivanov was the first Russian to reach the lake in 1643, marking the beginning of Russian settlement in the region. Several forts and towns were founded during that century, and the following century saw the start of the first scientific expeditions. In the 19th century, the region developed, and the Circumbaikal Railway, part of the Trans-Siberian Railway, ran along its shores by the end of the century. It was the site of the Great Ice March, which saw the retreat of Kolchak's armies during the Russian Civil War. The Soviets then industrialized the region. The impact of human activities intensified, through fishing, industry, deforestation, agriculture, and urbanization. After the collapse of the USSR, the lake was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. Since then, tourism has become a key sector of the local economy, driving the growth of the villages around the lake. Protected by the Baikal Law of 1994, the natural territory of Lake Baikal encompasses a number of protected areas, including zapovedniks such as the Barguzin Nature Reserve, national parks like Baikal National Park, and numerous natural monuments. For its first inhabitants, the various Turkic and Mongol peoples, the lake was a sacred sea; the word Baikal itself comes from the Mongolian word Baigal ("nature").

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.