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Lake Baikal Travel Guide - Top 10 Attractions

Home / Russia Travel Experiences / Lake Baikal Travel Guide – Top 10 Attractions

Located in the Eastern Siberia close to the Mongolian border, within the Irkutsk Oblast (Western shore) and Buryatia (Eastern Shore), the glimmering blue pearl of Russia, Lake Baikal, is rightfully upheld as Siberia’s most famous attraction. Read on as this Lake Baikal travel guide will take you on an adventure you might just make a reality someday.

Its clear-as-a-mirror waters are a reflection of Siberia’s wildness, its vastness and its beauty. A UNESCO World Heritage Site , the crescent-shaped lake extends for 636km from north to south and is up to 1,637m deep, making it the deepest lake in the world. In fact, 20% of the world’s fresh water is contained within Lake Baikal.

Intersected by the Trans-Siberian Railway , the Baikal region is an easily accessible and fabulously scenic place to get acquainted with a world of uniquely Siberian thrills. This guide will introduce you to the must-see Lake Baikal attractions and will advise on the best time for travelling around the region. You can embark on your Baikal tour either from the western part in Irkutsk Oblast or from the eastern part – Buryatia. Let’s start the Lake Baikal’s list of attractions with the most popular among tourists – the western part.

Table of Contents

1. Irkutsk city

The unofficial capital of the region, also known as the “Paris of Siberia” makes a great starting point for planning your excursions in the region. Take an Irkutsk city tour and explore the stunning architecture and warm hospitality of the locals. Make a photo-stop at the beautiful Russian Orthodox church and a Polish Cathedral (the only Siberian Gothic-style building), and stroll along the embankment of River Angara.

One of the most charming parts of Irkutsk is the city centre with its green boulevards and the ensemble of the central square. You will see many small ones- and two-stored wooden houses or cabins that are decorated with “wooden laces” (hand-made carvings) as well as modern constructions of the 20th century. Take a pause and try Siberian dishes at one of the cozy cafes at 130th Quarter , nonetheless a pleasant place to stroll, packed with restaurants, cafes and commercial museums.

For the in-depth history of the region, visit the Irkutsk Museum of Regional Studies, which features fascinating exhibits on the indigenous cultures of the Baikal region, or take an excursion inside the Decembrists’ House – Russian aristocrats, who were exiled to Irkutsk after trying to prevent the coronation of Nicholas I.

2. Listvyanka village on Lake Baikal

Just in the 70-km drive from Irkutsk, nestled between the western shore of the lake and the mouth of the Angara River, Listvyanka is the most widely visited village in the Baikal region, with a good selection of hotels, restaurants and the opportunity to experience a Russian banya (sauna) right on the shore. This tiny fishermen village is the place to sample smoked omul (Baikal whitefish) while you take in the views. Take a ride on a  chairlift to enjoy a panorama views of Angara River and Lake Baikal from the Cherskogo Rock viewpoint. And don’t forget to visit the Baikal Limnological Museum with 11 aquariums, containing the Lake Baikal fauna and trained Baikal freshwater seals. Visit the  Taltsy open-air museum of wooden architecture and ethnography, which allows visitors to step into the everyday life and culture of Siberians from past centuries.

Most of the sightseeing tours to the attractions of Lake Baikal start basically from here. From Listvyanka you can travel either to the south of the region, closer to the Mongolian border, or to the north to explore the Lake Baikal’s islands, bays and beaches.

3. The Great Baikal Trail

The ever-growing trail network links Listvyanka with Bolshiye Koty, another of the stunning fishing villages along the shore.  The 24km of the trail along the shore can be finished within 5-8 hours. The longest section of the trail runs from Listvyanka via Bolshiye Koty to Bolshoye Goloustnoye. The hike usually takes 2-3 days and is characterized by swift transitions between steep coastal bluffs, sandy beach and deep forest. There are guesthouses or homestays available at little villages in the evenings, and you can even get back to Irkutsk by boat or bus from trail’s end in Bolshoye Goloustnoye.

Since 2003, some 5,000 volunteers from more than 30 countries have built or improved some trails during hundreds of two-week work projects.  Siberian officials hope to circle the entire lake with trails, but until then enjoy the exclusivity and seclusion as you go it alone.

4. Circum-Baikal Railroad

An extraordinarily scenic stretch of rail beginning in Port Baikal, where you can get by a ferry from Listvyanka village. The Circum-Baikal Railway is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque sections of the Trans-Siberian Railway . An extraordinary achievement in engineering, known as the ‘gold belt’ of Siberia, it was one of the grand projects of Tsarist times. Built between 1896 and 1900 and designed by architects and engineers summoned from all over Europe, the rail was laid along the edge of the coast through the dramatic slopes of the Primorsky Range.

Spend a fantastic day trip on a train, it’s possible to hop on and off the train at some of the most scenic points along the railway , or join a group for a 6-hour cruise along the most beautiful parts of the railroad with a picnic organised on the shores. If travelling by train, your final destination can be either Irkutsk or Slyudyanka village – a getaway for hiking tours in the Sayan Mountains.

The train tours are operated just 2 days a week for Irkutsk – Slyudyanka – Listvyanka route, and 2 days for the reverse route. Every year the itinerary changes, so you need to double check the schedule in order to plan your tour in Lake Baikal.

5. Arshan village

Hot springs and mineral water origins are dotted all around the Baikal region. One of the more accessible places to enjoy their steamy delights is the village of Arshan, a two-hour scenic drive from the western coast of Lake Baikal and about 200 km south from Slyudyanka, it’s located in the foothills of the thickly forested Sayan Mountains on the bank of Kyngyrga river.

On the main street, you’ll find the Arshan Spa, a once-grand 1920s resort, which still attracts a steady stream of locals to its soothing mineral pools and mud baths. Water temperatures range from 11 to 45°C, with each pool said to possess different healing properties. Take a short drive to the nearby village of Zhemchug to plunge in the hot springs right under the sky.

Around Arshan you can escape to peaceful walks in the forest and the “Badkirkharma Datsan”, a quaint Buddhist temple with a stunning mountain backdrop. Or visit the Mongolian market, which sells a variety of health products and herbals, as well as clothing made of yak, goat and camel wool.

Another popular tourist activity here is hiking – short treks up to the waterfalls and 6-hour-long climb to the Peak of Love (2,400m). Hard to imagine but true: traces of volcanic activity from the end of the Ice Age can be found near Arshan. The place is cold “ the valley of extinct volcanoes ” or just Volcanoes Valley.

This fold is a water gap between the rivers Khi-Gol and Zhombolok, filled with lava from the volcanoes Kropotkin’s and Peretolchin’s, which were active just a few thousand years ago. The thickness of the lava layer in the valley reaches 150 meters, and nothing grows on its grey surface, in spite of the volcanic necks.

6. Peschanaya Bay

Located 80-km from Listvyanka, within the Pribaikalsky National Park, Peschanaya Bay (Sandy Bay), also known as “Siberian Riviera”, is a famous place in Baikal among locals and travellers. The Bay is guarded by two rocks-giants located on both sides of it, Big and Small Belfries, they protect Peshanaya Bay by their steep rocky slopes from strong winds.

The bay is lighted by golden sands and bright summer sun. Sand dunes are changed by centuries-old pine trees, behind them hidden natural architectural creatures — granite rocks. The trees-walkers are the masterpieces themselves, ancient larch-trees that are shaped into unpredictable forms by the time and strong Baikal winds.

You can get to Peschanaya Bay by a passenger hydrofoil from Irkutsk or Listvyanka (about 4 hours en route) or join the short Lake Baikal cruise , which goes along the western shore to Olkhon Island . A hydrofoil operates only several days a week, so check the exact schedule before planning to visit this site.

7. Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal

Located in the centre of the lake and about 250 km north-east from Irkutsk, Olkhon is a symbol of Baikal and it’s the biggest island. 72 km long and 20 km wide, with the population about 1,500 people, it is also a part of Pribaikalsky National Park. With its endless beaches, bays, forests and mini-lakes, it’s definitely most beautiful part of Lake Baikal.

Olkhon is reachable overland or by the “sea”. Board a passenger hydrofoil from Irkutsk or Listvyanka which will take you on a 4-5-hour cruise along the western shore of Baikal. It operates just several days a week, so check the schedule before planning the trip to Olkhon. The driving route from Irkutsk will take about 3-4 hours, on which you may stop at the road cafe to try the traditional Buryat food: buzy and spicy tea, or visit the traditional Buryat village of Ust-Orda, where you can meet a shaman and learn about Buryat way of life. The route from Irkutsk will end at the village of Skhurta, located at the Maloye More (Small Sea) strait, from where you will need to take a ferry to Khuzhir village, main settlement, located in the middle of the island.

Olkhon Island is considered to be one of the world’s most important shamanistic centres by the Buryat people, the native inhabitants of the island. Locals often refer to a shaman for various consultations. It is believed that spirits of the Buryat pantheon live in cliffs of the island. Spirits reside in trees, posts, and rocks referred to as obos, and are often draped in colourful rags. It is customary to place coins, cigarettes, and vodka on the ground, as gifts. A lot of legends about Olkhon and its sacred places are passed down from generation to generation. One of the legends says that Genghis Khan was buried here.

Also called Burkhan Cape, Shaman Rock, a sacred place in Khuzhir, is believed to have supernatural powers by shamans and is one of the main tourist attractions on the island. It especially mesmerising at the sunrise or sunset. Another beautiful spot on Olkhon is Khoboy Cape. It is the most northern point of Olkhon island, a very beautiful spot where you can see the panorama view of the lake, cliffs, seagulls, and sometimes, if youíre lucky, even Baikal seals. The scenic bus-tour from Khuzhir to the cape and back with many stops and walks will take almost all day, though the road is unsealed and bumpy, the experience is definitely worth it.

Plan 3-4 days of staying at Olkhon for different activities such as kayaking, biking, hiking, or just strolling around the island and enjoying its special energy. Or join the group tour with guaranteed departures to explore the Olkhon Island and other attractions around Baikal.

8. Ogoy Island, Lake Baikal

A small island with an eight-metre-high Buddhist stupa of Enlightenment was raised at the highest point. A Buddhist stupa and an object of worship that means “support for gifts”. There are only two stupas in Russia – on Lake Baikal and in the Kalmykia Republic. It is believed that if you go around the stupa three times expressing your respect to it and make a wish, it will come true. There is only one condition: the thoughts of the person who makes a wish should be pure.

Embark on a boat trip to Ogoy in Summer or visit this small island by a 4wd car crossing the ice in Winter. During this trip, you will cross the Maloye Morye passing close by its islands and see amazing scenery of Lake Baikal.

9. Ulan-Ude city

The appealing capital of Buryatia, ‘UU’ is 456km east of Irkutsk by rail and makes a sensible staging post for visiting Mongolia or eastern Lake Baikal. The city prospered as a major stop on the tea-caravan route from China, Ulan means ‘Red’ in Buryat, yet Ulan-Ude is pleasantly green, cradled attractively in rolling hills. The main attractions in Ulan-Ude are the two museums (of history and of nature), villages of old-believers and the Ivolginsky Buddhist Datsan.

The home to the epicentre of Buddhism in Russia the mysterious Ivolginksy Datsan; along with the awe of the elaborately decorated temples is the phenomenon that is the preserved body of Khambo Lama, formally Dashi-Dorzho Itigilov. His education into the Buddhist teachings and conviction enabled Itigilov to pursue the greatest constituent of his faith, becoming Khambo Lama, the head of Buddhism in Russia. The monastery attracts visitors year-round allowing the public to be enlightened by the Buddhist history, Meditation and the Buddhist faith.

10. Winter activities on Lake Baikal

The real fun starts between late January and mid-April when the surface of Lake Baikal is frozen . Hovercrafts, ice bikes, dog sleds, ice-golf and pretty much anything else you can imagine. Don’t forget to take a dip in the healing waters offshore, reputed to be Siberia’s own fountain of youth.

It’s also the best time for landscape photography . Summer sees the bulk of tourist activity in the area, but it’s in winter that the most devoted photographers make the pilgrimage, hoping to capture once-in-a-lifetime images of the natural world at its most powerful and surreal. Exploring the lake’s numerous islands will reveal hidden grottoes and frozen caves where intricate ice formations make for otherworldly photo subjects

How to get to Lake Baikal

The closest airport to the western shore of Baikal is Irkutsk. There are regular flights from the major Russian cities to Irkutsk, including from Moscow, St Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk and Vladivostok. There are also several flights a week to Irkutsk from Beijing and occasional flights from Bangkok, Hong Kong and seasonally, twice a week from Seoul. For the western shore of Lake Baikal, the closest airport is Ulan-Ude. It’s a smaller airport, serviced by flights from Moscow and the larger Siberian airports, as well as flights from Beijing.

Most travellers arriving in Lake Baikal overland get to the region via the famous Trans-Siberian Railway, typically departing from Moscow, Vladivostok or Beijing.

Best time to go to Baikal

Baikal’s climate is much milder than that of the surrounding territory. Winter air temperatures average −21 °C, and August temperatures average +15 °C. Summer months from June to August is the most popular time for visiting Lake Baikal, with July being the busiest one, and sometimes overcrowded. September brings beautiful autumn colours to the Taiga forest, which make this stunning region even more beautiful, however, most group tours have last departures just in the beginning of Setpenerb, so if you’d like to join these organised tours, plan your trip not later than 10 September.

The ice freezes the 20 km distance to shore between January and April simultaneously isolating the island from boat traffic while paving the way for one of the most amazing ice treks imaginable. From mid-February till the end of April, there are several departures for the Lake Baikal Ice adventure , which is the most popular tour to join in winter and enjoy the unbelievable beauty of this frozen natural wonder.

In May, the ice melting and the forests start blooming. While this month is still a bit chilly, it’s a wonderful time to explore the beauty of Lake Baikal, while there are no many tourists around.

Shoulder season months of October and November are not recommended for travelling. While lake starts freezing in December, together with January they are the coldest winter months, also, the ice is not thick enough for traversing, so if you’d like to enjoy the winter holiday, consider the end of February – mid-April.

Hope you enjoyed this article, and this travel guide will help you plan your tour in Lake Baikal. For more information regarding group tour departures, custom tour itineraries or travelling to Russia in general, contact us on [email protected]

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Lake Baikal travel guide: exploring Siberia's epic frozen lake

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Slicing a north-south swathe through the mountains and coniferous snow forests of Siberia, visiting  Russia’s  Lake Baikal (Ozero Baikal) is a world-beating experience - and that’s no exaggeration. At over 1.6 km deep, Lake Baikal is the world’s deepest freshwater lake, a  UNESCO World Heritage Site and an undeniable sparkling jewel in Siberia’s crown. From finding out what you need to know before you go to Baikal, to discovering what makes it special, read on for your Lake Baikal travel guide.

Lake Baikal background - history with mystery

What’s so special about lake baikal reasons to visit, when to visit lake baikal, things to know before going to lake baikal.

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Where to stay when you visit lake baikal, is lake baikal expensive to visit, can you swim in lake baikal.

Lake Baikal as seen from the Chersky Peak in Listvyanka village © Steven Phraner/Shutterstock

As well as being the world’s deepest freshwater lake, at 25 million-years-old southern Siberia’s Lake Baikal is also the world’s most ancient - for adventurous history buffs, surely a reason to visit Lake Baikal in itself. With its administrative centre in the city of Irkutsk, it’s roughly the size of Belgium, and holds one-fifth of the world’s fresh water. Interestingly, while the lake is fed by more than 300 rivers, it’s only drained by one, the Angara, with River Selenga - an important habitat for birds - forming a large delta on its eastern shoreline.

Alongside being blessed with staggering biodiversity (more on that below), Lake Baikal is also known as the Sacred Sea, with its voluminous crystalline waters sparking many myths. Among the lake’s local legends is that of a water beast named Lusud-Khan (Water Dragon Master) by the region’s indigenous Buryat people. Said to resemble a giant sturgeon, with a protruding snout and armour festooning its back, sightings have been reported for hundreds of years, with some suggesting this legendary lake monster is represented in the Stone Age petroglyphs located along the Baikal cliffs.

If being the world’s deepest and oldest lake wasn’t enough, Lake Baikal boasts plenty of attractions and activities to keep all kinds of travellers energised and entertained. And utterly awestruck, for that matter. 

Watch wildlife wonders: with over 80 percent of its 3700+ species found nowhere else on Earth, it’s little wonder that Lake Baikal is often called “The Galapagos of Russia”. The most famous of these endemic species is the slinky silver-grey nerpa, the world’s only exclusively freshwater seal. Believed to have become trapped here when the last Ice Age retreated, nerpa are now a protected species. To spot them, your best bet is to visit Olkhon Island, the Svyatoy Nos Peninsula, and the remote northern shores of Lake Baikal.

Beautiful endemic Baikal (nerpa) seals © Andrei Gilbert/Shutterstock

The gleaming waters of Lake Baikal are also home to over fifty species of fish, among them the endemic scaleless golomyanka fish, and the omul, a member of the salmon family and local speciality that looms large on menus. Then there’s the highly prized Baikal sturgeon that can produce up to nine kg of caviar on reaching maturity. As for land-based animals, the jagged forests around Lake Baikal offer opportunities to experience a veritable Siberian safari that might afford sightings of brown bears, reindeer, elk, moose, wild boar, Siberian roe deer, polecats, ermine, sable, lynx and wolverine. Oh, and actual wolves inhabit the wooded steppes.

Enjoy outdoor adventures: during the summer months, when hydrofoils and ferries make regular journeys to lakeside settlements, horse-riding, hiking and fishing are among the activities travellers enjoy during visits to Lake Baikal. Come winter, when the lake is frozen solid, ice roads criss-cross its expanse, and attention shifts to sledding, skiing and skating. For the truly adventurous, taking a trip to the Khamar-Daban Mountains south of Baikal offers arguably the most exhilarating opportunities of any Lake Baikal travel experience. It’s a draw for cross-country skiers and hikers who can handle untamed nature, replete with jaw-droppingly jagged ridges. 

Experience Shamanism in epic surroundings: Lake Baikal’s awe-inspiring Olkhon Island - the third largest lake island in the world - is home to the shamanistic Buryat, whose spirituality is centred on the sacred Shaman Rock formation, and visible island-wide in the vivid prayer ribbons and flags entwined around trees and poles.

Shamanic Buryat prayer ribbons on Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal © ventdusud/Shutterstock

Large enough to have lakes of its own, Olkhon Island’s landscape is an extraordinary mix of taiga, grassland and forests - it even has a small desert. Best explored on foot, by bike or on horseback, it’s a heavenly haven for tranquillity-seekers who also enjoy getting active outdoors, with dozens of archaeological monuments to explore along the way, and herds of wild horses to watch out for.

Uncover Baikal culture: certainly the most tourist-oriented town in the area, Listvyanka makes a great base from which to launch your Lake Baikal adventures, and has plenty to keep you there for longer too - it has an excellent market (think fresh food and funky gifts) and a scattering of museums.

The Baikal Museum, for example, offers a virtual dive down to Lake Baikal’s depths, while the open-air Architectural and Ethnographic Museum Taltsy (20km from Listvyanka, and accessible via public transport) is a highlight of Lake Baikal tourism for confirmed culture vultures. Exhibits include reconstructions of traditional Buryat dwellings and 17th-century Cossack era buildings, with an area devoted to the indigenous nomadic Evenk people. It offers plenty of fun hands-on activities too - from clay doll-making and birch bark weaving, to stilt-walking.

Lovely Listvyanka, Lake Baikal © savva_25/Shutterstock

From Irkutsk, you could look into  booking an expert-guided day tour to Listvyanka. And if you fancy overnighting,  Dream of Baikal Hotel  is an elegant option, and a mere hop, skip and jump from Lake Baikal.

When to visit Lake Baikal very much depends on what you want to do when you get there. In short, the lake is usually frozen between January and May, making it ideal for the likes of snowmobiling, dogsledding and skating, while the summer months will better suit hikers and water-sports-lovers. Here’s an overview of what to expect through the year.

Summer: mid June - mid August

With low rainfall and an average temperature of 18°C in July, summer is by far the busiest season around Lake Baikal, especially on Olkhon Island. This is when its waters are at their warmest, sunsets are their most to-die-for, and the area is primed for walking, swimming, or general chilling in the Siberian sunshine.

Autumn: mid August - mid November

Come late August, the crowds have thinned, but it can get pretty rainy. And, while the temperature is still pretty clement in September, the waters of Lake Baikal might be too cold to swim. Through October and November, the weather takes a decidedly dodgy turn - rain and storms are frequent. 

The rugged majesty of Olkhon Island's sacred rocks in winter, Lake Baikal, Russia © Marina Khlybova/Shutterstock

Winter: mid November - mid April

As the temperature dips (averaging -18°C through the winter months) so too do visitor numbers. All of which means visiting Lake Baikal between November and April allows you to experience its wintry majesty in relative solitude. By January Lake Baikal freezes to a depth of up two metres, its water transformed to a deep shade of solid sapphire that gives the feeling you're walking on glass. With snowfall (prohibitively) heavy through February, March is the best time to visit Lake Baikal to enjoy winter sports. 

Spring: mid April - mid June

With the weather somewhat unstable in April and early May, late May and early June is ideal for travellers seeking a spot of solitude in stunning surroundings. You’re unlikely to get a tan, but it’s relatively mild and you’ll have Lake Baikal to yourself (almost).   

Before your Lake Baikal trip, it’s worth bearing a few basic things in mind so you can make the most of it, whatever time of year you choose to travel. First up, cash. ATMs are thin on the ground, so be sure to budget ahead and exchange what you think you’ll need. Secondly, language. English isn’t widely spoken, so you’d do well to have a couple of Russian phrases up your sleeve, or maybe even brush up on your Buryat. Failing that, you can get by with the universal language of charades. 

When visiting Lake Baikal during the summer months, you’ll want to come armed with bug protection, and bear in mind too that temperatures drop a fair bit at dusk, so don’t forget to bring clothes to layer up with. And it goes without saying that you’ll need serious cold weather garb to keep out the frost during winter.

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How to get to Lake Baikal 

By train:  Lake Baikal is a key stop on the  Trans-Siberian Railway  - the world’s longest railway line, with 9289 km of tracks connecting Moscow with Vladivostock in the far east.

Epic views of Lake Baikal from the Trans-Siberian railway © Shutterstock

By plane: fly to Moscow, and then take the 5.5-hour flight to Irkutsk - gateway to exploring Lake Baikal. Served by Aeroflot Airlines and Sibir Airlines, there are usually a few flights a day. From Irkutsk, you'll be in Listvyanka after a 2.5-hour car or bus journey, while Olkhon Island is around seven hours away. 

Lake Baikal is in southern Siberia, a mammoth mass that stretches between the  Russian  federal subjects of Irkutsk Oblast to the northwest and the Buryatia to the southeast, with its administrative centre in the city of Irkutsk. Lake Baikal boasts 27 mostly uninhabited islands. At 45 miles long, Olkhon Island is the largest.

Map of Buryatia showing the expanse of Lake Baikal © Gaulois_s/Shutterstock

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Listvyanka has a tonne of excellent accommodation options. Take your pick from budget-friendly (and generally friendly) hostels like  Hostel Baikal , or mid-price, magically-situated Hotel Nataly - it's surrounded by picturesque pine forests. Then there's the superbly positioned  Baikal Seasons Hotel . 2.5 miles from Listvyanka Bus Station (with a shuttle service available), its enchanting fairy-tale-esque wooden cabins and playground make it a great option for families, though you'll need slightly deeper pockets to stay here.

Meanwhile, on Olkhon Island, travellers on a budget might want to check-out  Baza Otdykha Pervaya Expeditsiya  - pretty basic, but a stone’s throw from a beautiful beach. At the other end of the scale (though still good value),  Villa Malina Olkhon Baikal  is super-close to the island’s Sacred Shaman Rock, with a great restaurant, and a smattering of pretty beachfront bungalows in addition to its main building.

In a word, no. If you plan ahead to get a decent deal on your flights, accommodation options cover everything from basic rooms in guesthouses for around £40 a night, to more luxurious options costing upwards of £100 a night - something for every budget. And getting around is pretty good value too. A marshrutka  (minibus) from Irkutsk to Listvyanka, for example, costs the equivalent of a couple of dollars.

Not only is Lake Baikal safe to swim in, but it also boasts some of the purest water in the world. The only drawback is the temperature - even during the warmer months, a dip in the lake is pretty invigorating. 

Sunny Siberian Riviera on Lake Baikal's eastern coast © ALEKSANDR RIUTIN/Shutterstock

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Top image: Sacred Shamamka Rock on Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal © gans33/Shutterstock

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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Plan Your Travel to Lake Baikal Wisely: Best Tips, Travel Bughet, Local Cuisine and Places to Visit

Main Sites to Visit Near Lake Baikal

Top Attractions in Lake Baikal

What travellers are saying

• Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God
• Irkutsk Regional Memorial Decembrists Museum, Volkonsky House
• Gallery of V. Bronshteyn
• 130 Kvartal
• Stone Cherskogo
• The Great Baikal Trail
• Kirov's Park
• Sculpture Babr
• Baikal Vision
• Baikal Secrets

Must-see attractions in Lake Baikal

Chersky Rock

Listvyanka’s best viewpoint, overlooking the source of the Angara, is named after Jan Czerski, a 19th-century Polish gentleman explorer. It is best…

Mongolian Market

Lake Baikal

Traders bring Mongolian herbs, spices, clothes and leather items from across the nearby border to this colourful makeshift market that stretches for a few…

Volkonsky House-Museum

The duck-egg-blue and white home of Decembrist Count Sergei Volkonsky, whose wife Maria Volkonskaya cuts the main figure in Christine Sutherland’s…

Znamensky Monastery

Stranded on the wrong side of a thundering roundabout, the 1762 Znamensky Monastery is 1.9km northeast of Skver Kirova. Echoing with mellifluous plainsong…

130 Kvartal

What does a city boasting some of Siberia’s most impressive original timber architecture do to improve the visitor experience? Yes, that’s right,…

Trubetskoy House-Museum

Irkutsk’s second Decembrist house-museum emerged from a recent renovation with English-language information, touchscreens and tinkling background music…

Shaman Rocks

Olkhon Island

The unmistakable Shaman Rocks are neither huge nor spectacular, but they have become the archetypal Baikal vista found on postcards and travel-guide…

Usadba Sukacheva

A small park on the edge of the historical centre contains a smattering of beautiful wood-lace buildings and arbours. These house exhibitions dedicated to…

This garden near the St Nicholas Church is full of wacky sculpture pieces fashioned from old Soviet-era cars and motorbikes. You can check out a few…

Sculpture Gallery

Opened in 2016, this lovely gallery puts in the spotlight Russian and Soviet sculpture previously kept in the city's main art museum and private…

Bronshteyn Gallery

A large and sparkling new modern-art venue that most prominently features a collection of Dashi Namdakov’s sculptures inspired by Buddhist prayer dolls…

Banya Museum

The Banya Museum displays four traditional timber bani lovingly fashioned by national park ranger and guide, Alexander Beketov, who also runs a very…

Statue of Tsar Alexander III

Adorning the Angara embankment, a recast statue of Alexander III (a copy of the 1904 original) has the only tsar ever to visit Siberia looking as though…

Baikal Mineral Museum

Geology buffs should consider heading to the privately run Baikal Mineral Museum, which claims to exhibit every mineral known to man.

Baikal Museum

One of only three museums in the world dedicated solely to a lake, this sometimes overly scientific institution examines the science of Baikal from all…

Taltsy Museum of Architecture & Ethnography

About 47km southeast of Irkutsk, 23km before Listvyanka, Taltsy Museum of Architecture & Ethnography is an impressive outdoor collection of old Siberian…

Museum of City Life

This small museum filling six rooms of a former merchant’s house illustrates just why 19th-century Irkutsk was nicknamed the ‘Paris of Siberia’. Changing…

Regional Museum

Irkutsk’s rapidly ageing Regional Museum occupies a fancy 1880s brick building that formerly housed the Siberian Geographical Society, a club of Victorian…

Bogoyavlensky Cathedral

This fairytale ensemble of mini onion domes atop restored salmon, white and green towers first appeared on the Irkutsk skyline in 1718, but during the…

Sukachev Regional Art Museum

The grand old art museum has a valuable though poorly lit collection ranging from Mongolian thangkas (Tibetan Buddhist religious paintings) to Russian…

Raising of the Cross Church

The 1758 baroque Raising of the Cross Church has a fine interior of gilt-edged icons and examples of intricate brickwork in a rounded style that’s unique…

Saviour’s Church

Constructed in 1706, this is the oldest stone-built church in Eastern Siberia and has remnants of the original murals on its facade. Until the late 1990s…

Museum of Circum-Baikal Railway

Housed inside the nicely restored train station, this new and informative exhibition tells the story of Circumbaikal Railway. Toy-train buffs will be…

City History Museum

Despite its palatial 19th-century home (built by wealthy merchant Sibiryakov in 1884), what should be Irkutsk's main repository of the past is in fact a…

Some 6km southeast of the centre, the 1956 Angara Dam is 2km long. Its construction raised Lake Baikal by up to 1m and caused environmental problems, most…

Angara Icebreaker

Originally imported in kit form from Newcastle-upon-Tyne to carry Trans-Siberian Railway passengers across Lake Baikal (the trains went on her bigger…

East Siberian Railway Museum

Amid the nearby railway repair sheds and admin buildings you'll find this fascinating little museum housed in an ornate wooden building set back from ul…

Khuzhir’s small museum displays a random mix of stuffed animals, Soviet-era junk, local art and the personal possessions of its founder, Nikolai Revyakin,…

Kazansky Church

The gigantic Kazansky Church is a theme-park-esque confection of salmon-pink walls and fluoro turquoise domes topped with gold baubled crosses. Get off…

Hidden in the village school and difficult to access, this small museum has some interesting Decembrist-related exhibits as well as the usual dusty rocks…

St Nicholas Church

Listvyanka’s small mid-19th-century timber church is dedicated to St Nicholas, who supposedly saved its merchant sponsor from a Baikal shipwreck.

Former Uezdny Bank

Opposite the quaint little post office, the wooden-colonnaded former Uezdnogo Bank was once the grand home of Decembrist Mikhail Kyukhelbeker.

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The Top 10 Things To Do In Lake Baikal, Russia

Lake Baikal is big and diverse, so everyone can interpret the phrase ‘perfect holiday in Lake Baikal’ in their own way, from sitting on the shore of Lake Baikal in a deck chair to pulling on a heavy backpack and hiking up a mountain. The area surrounding Baikal is unique, and many of its plants and animals exist only in this area. Below is our selection of the best things to do in Baikal.

Climb chersky mountain.

The Baikal Mountains are located in the northwest of the lake and border the Siberian Plateau. Climb the highest mountain within your sight during your stay at Lake Baikal. Do not forget to grab your camera to capture picturesque and stunning views along your way. Bring your most sturdy backpack with food provisions, as you will definitely feel hungry after a long exploratory walk. Forget about your problems and worries and admire the grandeur of Lake Baikal.

Try Baikal omul

Make a wish in one of the places of power

There are many special places on Lake Baikal where energy is said to be felt much more strongly. Special places for appeasement of local spirits, called Obo , are the main locations of these special places of power. It is necessary to placate the local spirits so that they will be supportive of your trip. Make a wish by tying a ribbon around a small gazebo, a pillar or a tree, or by leaving a coin, and be sure it will come true.

Take a photo with Shamanka Rock

The famous Cape Burkhan, also known as Shamanka Rock, is one of the most photographed spots in Lake Baikal. Located on Olkhon Island in Khuzhir village, it is a place of power and mystery. The mystical and beautiful white marble rock appears amazing on pictures in all cases. Furthermore, on the island, you can meet the shaman who will hold a ceremony for your welfare and will make a wish on the altar of the appeasement of spirits.

Explore Circum-Baikal Railway

The Circum-Baikal Railway is a famous architectural monument of the 20th century and is part of the East-Siberian Railway. Abandoned tunnels and stone galleries, bridges and the picturesque scenery of Baikal attract hundreds of tourists any time of the year. A typical tour of the Circum-Baikal can start from Irkutsk rail station or Baikal Port. Circum-Baikal Railway is a historical incumbent and an engineering monument, and the length of the old Circum-Baikal railway is 85 kilometers. In the first years of its existence, the railway was often called ‘the golden buckle of the steel belt of Russia’, because the construction cost the country enormous sums of money and the result pleased many with its elegant engineering solutions.

Plunge into the water of Lake Baikal

The pure clear water of the Lake Baikal encourages many to plunge into its waters. Only courageous people swim in open Baikal because the water there is very cold. However, the water in the bays gets warmed to a comfortable temperature, so even the children can splash around. Some popular spots for tourists include the beaches of the Olkhon Island, Sandy Bay and the Small Sea, where people can explore and dive. Sarayskiy Beach, located north of the famous Burkhan Cape, is the most beautiful beach on the lake. It stretches for three kilometers and its golden sand dunes are framed by pine forests.

Watch nerpas swimming

It would be a huge mistake to visit Baikal, but not see the nerpa seals, which are the symbol of this place. The easiest way to spot them in their natural habitat is to go on a cruise on Lake Baikal. You will be able to see them protruding from the water, or you can go to the nerpinary and see a show with these intelligent animals. Finally, Ayaya Bay, located on the northern shore of Lake Baikal, is the part which contributes to the preservation of Baikal’s extraordinary beauty. In this bay, on rocks protruding above the water, you are also likely to witness nerpas basking in the warm sun.

Visit the hot thermal springs in Khakasy

Another Siberian phenomenon in Lake Baikal is its hot springs. Located 80 km from Severobaikalsk, and surrounded by beautiful forest full of cedars, the therapeutic Khakasy hot springs rarely get crowded, but in order to get into the hot water, supplied by an underground source you will experience your own five minutes of a freezing hell while getting from the locker room to the shared bath. While the visual aesthetics of the Baikal thermal baths are based on Japanese Onsen (thermal baths), when you sit in a natural hot tub during the cold weather it does not really matter.

Feel the extremely strong winds of Sarma

The Valley of Sarminskoe begins at the foot of the Primorsky Range, where the stream of Sarma flows into the sea near the small village of the same name. Over the years, the river broke through the gorge in the rocks, which today serves as a giant wind tunnel, through which the cold mountain air rushes to Baikal at a hurricane speed of nearly 60 km per hour. This picturesque valley, almost 500m deep, is easily reached on foot.

Taste a traditional Buryat posy

While relaxing in the comfortable lodgings on the shore of Lake Baikal, it is impossible not to try the national culinary pride of Buryatia, buuzy, better known as posy. For their preparation, the pork, lamb or beef meat is minced and rolled into a dough with a hole at the top for steam to come out. Posy is prepared very fast, using steam from the boiling fat. This dish is easy to prepare and very nutritious and will keep you warm during cold Siberian winter days.

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How to Visit Lake Baikal Russia from Irkutsk

Amidst mountains and pine forests in a remote Siberian village in the far east of Russia, lies the deepest lake in the world: Lake Baikal.

This ancient lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Russia’s most popular tourist destinations. In summer, it’s sapphire-blue water and 2000-kilometre-long shoreline make a perfect setting for picnics and leisurely lakeside strolls.

In winter, it transforms into a transparent ice rink that is so clear you can see up to 40 meters down, and strong enough to support a network of winter roads, complete with traffic signs laid on the ice surface.

Table of Contents

Fun Facts About Lake Baikal

Lake baikal history.

This ancient lake is estimated to be about 25 to 30 million years old , making it the oldest lake in the world. It is speculated that Lake Baikal was originally a riverbed that gradually increased its size due to the fractures and movements of the Earth’s crust.

There are several myths and legends surrounding the lake but the most famous one is a Buryat legend about a great earthquake that happened a long time ago. The ground came apart and everything was engulfed in flame.

In despair, people cried to the Gods, “Bay gal!” (Fire, stop!), which miraculously stopped the fire and filled the rift with clear water. That was how the lake got its name.

Lake Baikal Geography

Lake Baikal is a continental rift valley fed by more than 300 streams and rivers but drained by only one outlet — the Angara River near Listvyanka. Every year, up to 2,000 earthquake tremors are detected in Lake Baikal, each one increasing the depth and size of the lake.

Some geophysicists predict that Lake Baikal will one day turn into an ocean, as the shores drift further apart by 2 centimetres (0.78 inches) a year, which is the same rate at which Africa and South America drift apart. Like the ocean, Lake Baikal is also the only very deep lake that has oxygenated water at its lowest depth.

Due to the presence of plankton that eat floating debris, coupled with a lack of mineral salts in its water content, Lake Baikal is considered one of the clearest lakes in the world.

Lake Baikal Size

Lake Baikal has the shape of a banana, with a surface area of 31,727 square kilometres (12,250 square miles) that spreads 636 kilometres (395 miles) from north to south. That’s slightly bigger than the country of Belgium!

Lake Baikal Depth

Measuring up to 1,637 metres (5,370 feet) deep from the lakebed to the water surface, Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and contains a fifth of the world’s freshwater supply.

Lake Baikal Ecosystem

Lake Baikal has been nicknamed the “Galapagos of Russia”, due to its exceptional biodiversity. The age, isolation, and high oxygen levels at great depths of the lake have resulted in one of the richest freshwater ecosystems in the world.

At least 80% of the more than 3,700 species found in and around Lake Baikal are endemic, which means that they do not exist anywhere else on Earth. These include the oily, scaleless golomyanka fish, the omul fish, and — probably the most famous of them — the nerpa  (a.k.a. Baikal seal), which is the world’s only freshwater seal.

Scientists believe that the seals might have swum into Lake Baikal all the way from the Arctic through a prehistoric river.

In addition to these rare species, the lake is also home to more than 50 species of fish, and hundreds of aquatic invertebrate species that all help to purify the water.

In surrounding forests, there are bears, reindeer, elks, polecats, wild boars, Siberian roe deer, sables, ermines, and wolves, as well as dozens of tree species, including the native Angara pine tree.

Best Time to Visit Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal is open to visitors all year round, with each season offering its own charms. The best time to visit therefore depends on your weather preference and the kind of activities you plan to do at the lake.

As far as weather goes, summer is the most pleasant time to go, and is perfect for picnicking, swimming, and hiking. However, it also attracts the biggest crowds and tour groups.

Winter is when you get to experience the true beauty and uniqueness of Lake Baikal. To see the lake in its beautiful frozen state, go between October and April, although it may still be icy in May. The weather is manageable as long as you dress appropriately. Prices are also lower in winter.

How to Go to Lake Baikal

The nearest airport to Lake Baikal is in Irkutsk, which is a five-and-a-half-hour flight from Moscow.

You can either fly to Irkutsk or opt for the Trans-Siberian Railway (longest train ride in the world that connects Moscow and Vladivostok). This was what I did. Check out this video to learn more about my journey in the 3rd-class coach of the Trans-Siberian:

There’s also another route that makes a stop in Irkutsk: the Trans-Mongolian, which takes you from Beijing to Moscow via Mongolia, or the other way around.

From Irkutsk, take a bus or drive over to Listvyanka, a popular village located in the western shores of the lake. The buses depart around 4 times a day from the main bus terminal (avtovokzal) in Irkutsk city center (Oktyabrsky Revolutsii Street, #11). The first bus leaves at 7 a.m. and the last bus at around 6 p.m.

If you don’t want to explore independently, there are several tour operators that offer private and group tours. Prices vary depending on the length of the trip and the itinerary.

Top Things to Do at Lake Baikal

No matter what time of the year it is, Lake Baikal has plenty to offer its visitors, especially those who love outdoor activities. Here are some of the things you must do at Lake Baikal:

Exploring Listvyanka

Most visitors to Lake Baikal will stop in Listvyanka, a popular village on the western edge of the lake that also serves as its main gateway and tourism center.

Most shops and tourist facilities are concentrated around this area, including the Baikal Museum, the Siberian Zoo, a food market selling local delicacies, souvenir shops, a tourist information center where you can get a free map, and an observatory at the south of the village.

The village itself is a treat for the eyes, with its quaint architecture, rich flora and fauna, and a laid-back vibe. Nightlife is said to be quite lively with bars and restaurants serving alcohol and playing music, but I didn’t stick around long enough to experience it.

Shopping at the Local Market

Listvyanka is also a good place to indulge in some shopping or mindless browsing. Fares on offer range from typical souvenirs like the matryoshka dolls and T-shirts, to the more unique finds, such as taiga herbs, teas, cedar nuts, and dried fish that can be packed nicely to bring home.

Don’t forget to try the smoked omul fish, a famous local delicacy.

Hiking the Great Baikal Trail

The Great Baikal Trail (GBT) is a circular trail surrounding the lake that originally began as a project to help promote ecotourism, voluntary work, and ecological education in the area.

It now attracts a large number of visitors every year owing to the spectacular scenery and unique flora and fauna along the route. The most popular section of the GBT is the 22-kilometre Listvyanka – Bolshie Koty that takes 5 – 8 hours to hike.

A permit is required to hike or camp along the trail.

Engaging in Water Sports

Many tourists go to Lake Baikal to take part in water sports, such as sailing, speed-boating, and water skiing. Scuba-diving is an especially popular activity due to the water clarity and rich underwater ecosystem.

Taking Part in Winter Activities

Its location in Siberia means that Lake Baikal gets a proper winter that promises a whole range of winter activities every year, including:

• Cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, tubing, and freeride biking.
• Horse-riding across the lake and through the Siberian taiga to Bolshie Koty village.
• Dog-sleighing.
• Ice-fishing (there are even championships held there every year).
• Riding on snowmobiles.
• An ice marathon on the frozen lake.

Visiting Olkhon Island

Can You Swim in Lake Baikal?

Yes, visitors are allowed to swim in Lake Baikal. Although it’s possible to do so near Listvyanka, the best place to go for a swim is Olkhon Island , which has the best beaches that are relatively shallow and have warmer temperatures.

How Long to Stay at Lake Baikal

Allow at least 2 – 3 days if you wish to see everything Lake Baikal has to offer, including the hiking trails and the island(s). But if you’re short of time, it’s also possible to make a day trip from Irkutsk and only explore Listvyanka.

Where to Stay Near Lake Baikal

There are a range of accommodation options available near Lake Baikal to suit all budgets, from cheap hostels to luxury resorts overlooking the lake. Most of them are concentrated around Listvyanka, with a few on Olkhon island. Here are some of them:

Belka Hostel – A cozy wooden house located in a quiet area, away from the main road and surrounded by nature. Owned by a friendly couple, the hostel is equipped with a communal kitchen, shared bathrooms, and a Russian steam bath. Rates start at RUB 700 per person per night.

Hotel Dauria – Set in the center of Listvyanka, 300 metres from the lakeside, this rustic-style hotel offers rooms with wooden interiors, private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and free toiletries. Barbecue facilities and a steam bath can also be found on site. Rates start from RUB 2,678 per night.

Baikal View Hotel – Located on the picturesque Olkhon Island, this hotel is only 700 metres away from the banks of Lake Baikal and features an outdoor pool, a seasonal sauna, and a restaurant offering regional and European dishes. Each room comes with a private bathroom and panoramic views of the lake. In summer, guests can use barbecue facilities and a bike rental service. Rates start from RUB 9,020 per night.

Additional Tips for Visiting Lake Baikal

When traveling to Lake Baikal, there are a few things to consider to make your visit an enjoyable one:

• Dress appropriately according to weather. In winter, ensure you have adequate coats, jackets, scarves, and gloves to keep yourself warm. In summer, it can still get cold in the evening, so bring some warm clothing in addition to your summer wear.

• There are no ATM machines , so make sure you bring enough cash to last you for your entire stay.
• English is not as widely spoken as in the big cities.
• In summer, there are kayaks, catamarans, quad bikes, and bicycles for rent. In winter, you can rent skates to ride on the frozen lake.
• Before going kayaking, it is wise to ask the locals about weather conditions, as there can sometimes be sudden strong winds that can push you out far from shore.
• Bring insect repellent or anti-mite sprays especially in the summer. Mite bites can bring on high fever, or in severe cases, encephalitis and Lyme disease.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Lake Baikal

Is lake baikal worth visiting.

Given the choice, I would have preferred visiting when it’s frozen solid as I don’t often get to see frozen lakes at home in Southeast Asia. The unique winter road system on the icy lake must be interesting to see and experience.

Still, I think Lake Baikal is worth visiting if you happen to be in Irkutsk — whatever the season may be. Its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the fact that it is the deepest, oldest, and one of the clearest lakes in the world easily warrant a visit.

Due to a time constraint, I only got to spend a day at Lake Baikal, but I managed to explore Listvyanka, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lake shores, and try the smoked omul fish. And I get to brag that I dipped my hands in the deepest lake in the world.

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46 comments.

Wow very details travelogue and nice information. I baca pun rasa macam really excited sebab tak pernah sampai. Nicekan dapat baca semula old travelogue sebelum covid.. sure rindu nak travel again

Terima kasih, Mohd Zarin. Sangat rindu nak travel again sebenarnya. Tapi dengan kelapangan masa yang ada sekarang ni, dapat la juga saya gunakan untuk tulis travelog yang lama2.

Wow!!!!!!!! Best nyer you Dah melawat one of Unesco’s world heritage. Lake Baikal look so beautiful and enchanting.

It’s really beautiful, Fadima. And I have been to quite a few other UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Penang being one of them. Heheh. 🙂

Cantik sangat lake Baital ni.. Bersih je air dia.. Menakjubkan.. Baca entry you memng sesuatu tempat yang menakjubkan

Terima kasih, Nadia. Ya, Lake Baikal ni memang bersih dan jernih, sebab ada hidupan invertebrata yang filter out all the impurities. Cuma saya teringin nak tengok tasik ni sewaktu musim sejuk pulak. 🙂

Now i know rupanya Lake Baikal masuk list UNESCO. Baru2 ni baca pasal new 7 wonders of the world.

P/s: btw nak bgtahu yg ur previous comments detected as broken link bila sis buat checking. I pun rasa pelik coz ur blog is active. Sis tpksa padam broken link tersebut. Sorry ya.

Ya, kak Bell. Ada lebih daripada 1000 World Heritage Sites di seluruh dunia ni sebenarnya. Setakat ni saya baru pernah sampai ke lebih kurang 30+ sites.

Anyway, about the broken links, takpe, kak Bell unlink je semua. Your site doesn’t allow me to enter my URL, kena guna blogger (blogspot) profile, so it links to my old blogger profile yang dah lama tak aktif. But thanks for letting me know. Now saya dah activate balik.

I would love to visit the lake in its frozen state and see the beauty of the vast frozen roads. Tak lama lagi Ummi, the world will be opened once again and we will read more of your adventures lepas semua dah dapat vaksin.

Amen to that, Rawlins. I hope that will be soon. I’d love to revisit the lake in winter too and see the winter road system on the icy lake. Must be wonderful to watch.

Waaa best juga kalau pergi tempat gini,. tapi kelilingnya pun ada semua tempat boleh pergi.. so enjoy aje habiskan masa di situ kan.. time ni sejuk panas ye? Nampak panas tapi angin sejuk..

Ya, sis. Waktu saya pergi ni musim luruh. Walaupun ada matahari, tapi rasa suam2 kuku je. Angin sejuk. Bila matahari dah nak terbenam, lagi la bertambah sejuk. Baju tebal dengan jaket saya tu pun tak cukup.

Tak pernah lagi berkunjung ke Russia. Nampaknya kat sini ada Lake Baikal yang sangat cantik!. Kalau sis ke negara lain pun sis suka tengok permandangan macam ni. Rasa takjub dengan ciptaanNYA.

Betul tu Ezna. Saya pun lebih suka tengok keindahan alam semulajadi berbanding bangunan pencakar langit dsb. Lake Baikal ni lebih cantik sewaktu musim sejuk, kalau musim lain, dia nampak macam laut je.

Cantik lake dia. Boleh mandi ye. Thank you share tips. Yang kena gigit insect sampai demam tu bahaya sungguh

Ya, Marina, boleh mandi, tapi kena tahan sejuk la. Sebab musim panas kat sana pun tak panas macam tempat kita. Yang insect tu, kena hati-hati la terutama sewaktu musim panas.

I.pernah tgk psl lake baikal dalam salah satu rancangan dokumentari. Bila bc dr entri ni.. baru lebih paham dan jelas

Terima kasih, Ayu. Bila saya menulis travelog2 ni pun sebenarnya saya banyak belajar perkara baru tentang tempat2 yang saya lawati. Jadi, kita sama2 tambah ilmu pengetahuan 🙂

Love reading your travelog, details with informative information. I bet u miss travelling over sea right? Hope we can cross border and enjoy travel again

I hope so too, Huda! I miss traveling overseas so much, but on the positive side, I get to use the extra time that I have now to work on my blog. There’s still so much of my previous trips that I haven’t written about.

Wow, another interesting place to be explored in near future ya,.. so, this entire lake will turn into icy solid lake during the winter? That will be even more interesting to explore right.. cool, looking forward to visit places like this..

That’s right, Kitkat — the whole lake will turn solid come winter, although maybe not all is safe for road traffic. It would be so interesting to see. I hope you’ll get to visit it too. 🙂

Lake Baikal masuk list UNESCO! Cayalah.. Memang cantik pun. Pernah tengok dalam rancangan dokumentari. Beruntung Ummi

Terima kasih, Nina. Memang cantik dan unik tempat ni. Bayangkan la, tasik sebesar negara Belgium!

This is going to be one of my pit stops when I eventually drive my car from my home town here in the UK to Japan via Russia! (I also want to do the train but I love road trips even more!). I know the lake isn’t the most scenic (my wife tells me that, she is Russian) but there is plenty to do around the lake as mentioned in the post. I been told 2-3 days is enough to do everything and is a great pit stop. I hope to do this at the end of summer as I don’t fancy getting bitten by all the bugs there. 😀 Great post and love your video on the railway (brings back great memories of Moscow and shopping in the GUM), very in depth and great tips.

Thank you, Danik, and glad you enjoyed the post and video. That sounds like an epic road trip you’re going to make. As someone who can’t really drive a car (I mean I have a license, but I don’t really trust myself to drive long distances on my own), I have to rely on public transports, which took me on some of the most interesting journeys. Anyway, all the best for your upcoming road trip and I hope you’ll enjoy Lake Baikal too. 🙂

What an amazing place and somewhere I hadn’t heard of (even though I have been to Russia) I liked that you went on the world’s longest train journey to see the world’s deepest lake – Russia seems to have a lot of the most extreme stuff!

It does seem to, Angela! Although the main reason I went on the Trans Siberian was for the journey itself and not so much the destination, Irkutsk and Lake Baikal were the perfect ending to my trip. 😀

Oh, this is one of my dreams to visit and explore Lake Baikal one day ! I once read the travelogue of a motorbiker who traveled the Silk Road and had great stories about lake Bakal. Ever since, I have wanted to know more about this place and now I can finally start planning with all the info in this post.

I hope this post will be useful for your future trip to Lake Baikal, Iuliana! I must go and find the motorbiker’s travelogue — sounds interesting!

I can’t believe I had never heard of Lake Baikal, but how breathtakingly beautiful & rich with things to do & see! I find the endemic species the most interesting part… I think if I made it to Russia I would have to scuba dive here. I’d also love to see it when transparent & frozen.

I agree with you, Chloe. The endemic species are the most interesting part. It would be so cool to see animals that are not available anywhere else on Earth. I actually didn’t know about the lake either, until I booked my Trans-Siberian train ticket and wanted to see what was available near Irkutsk. Glad that I did!

Tergeliat lidah nak sebut nama2 tempat. Hari tu baru jer tengok satu dokumentari dengan anak pasal pengembaraan seorang wartawan ker apa kerjanya kurang pasti yang berjudul Trans Siberian Adventure. Ada scene2 yang mendebarkan dengan askar2 Rusia lagi . Dalam hati terus rasa macam tak pergi pun takper walaupun tempat-tempat yang dia singgah tu semua memang cantik..tapi bila nampak dia kat Mongolia alahai terus hati rasa nak pergi jugak walaupun sekali seumur hidup.

Oh, selama saya berada di Rusia (St. Petersburg, Moscow, dan Irkutsk) saya takde pulak nampak askar Rusia atau kekacauan di mana2. Mungkin saya tak sampai ke tempat2 yang dia pergi kot. Mongolia memang saya berniat nak pergi tapi belum ada rezeki lagi. Dengar kata ibu negara Mongolia, Ulan Bataar agak kurang selamat bagi wanita yang travel solo, tapi tak tau la kan. Tu orang kata.

Visiting Lake Baikal is on my husband’s mind also. He keeps telling me that we should go, but it seems it’s quite difficult to get there: five-and-a-half hours flight from Moscow is a long distance. From what you are saying, visiting it in winter would be quite spectacular, but I wonder if it’s not too cold. At any rate, Lake Baikal looks really beautiful and I should probably listen to my husband and go.

Perhaps you should, Anda. 🙂 Five and a half hours from Moscow is a long distance. To make it worthwhile, perhaps you can also explore more around Irkutsk, go to nearby Ulan Ude or cross the border to Mongolia. I imagine the winter in Siberia would be extremely cold, but it should be bearable as long as you have the appropriate winter wear. 🙂

Best baca article you. rasa mcm l yg ada di Lake Baikal tu. nkn sng dpt travel untung you dpt jelajah tempat2 menarik

Terima kasih, Halimah. Semoga Halimah juga berpeluang untuk menjelajah tempat2 tersebut suatu hari nanti. 🙂

I would love to stay long and do the hikes. Lately, my city senses have just got tired and I am always searching for peaceful sojourns. Listvyanka sounds just like a place where you can lose yourself and explore in peace.

Yes, it is, Ambica. Or if you prefer somewhere quieter, perhaps you could also consider Olkhon Island. 🙂

Now this is an amazing post to read. I love everything about it. I had never heard of Lake Baikal before and how funny that it is bigger than Belgium as a country itself. Those seals look adorable and yes this lake has just made it to my list of places to visit. I never knew a lake can be that deep actually.

Me neither, Raksha. Nature is so fascinating, isn’t it?

I also had never heard of Lake Baikal until I started to do the research for my Trans Siberian trip. Would be lovely to see those seals next time. I hope you’ll get to visit it too. 🙂

I have a wish to visit Lake Baikal after I watched a movie about the Gulag. And I would like to visit sometime in winter to see the ice rink. I am interested in hiking the Lake Baikal Trail as well. Whenever I visit Russia, Lake Baikal will definitely be on my list.

I hope you will visit it someday, Amrita! It would be cool to hike the trail and skate on the lake when it’s frozen. All the best for your future trip. 🙂

Lake Baikal is in my list since forever. After this COVID, it’s more difficult now. However, glad that you explained about how to go there. I am interested in the Trans Siberian Railway.

I hope you’ll finally make it to Lake Baikal someday, Shreya. I’m currently working on an article detailing my trip on the Trans Siberian Railway. In the meantime, do watch the video. 🙂

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How to maximize your visit to Lake Baikal

A little Lake Baikal History

How big is lake baikal, olkhon island, volkonsky house-museum, usadba sukacheva, trubetskoy house-museum, what to eat at lake baikal, tour at lake baikal, things to know before going, when to visit lake baikal.

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A piece of raw Siberia resting in the far east of Russia which is remote and way different from the bustling life of Moscow and St Petersburg, is what attracts the most visitors. Some of these following Lake Baikal facts could get you to gravitate towards the place. Surrounded by mountains, shores lined with dense Trans-Baikal conifer, pine forest and taiga and utter wilderness beyond sight, Lake Baikal is sapphire-blue and balmy. In winter, it is dotted with lumps of blueish ice and flounced by the mild sun and chilling winds. From boating across the lake to visiting the quaint settlements in Irkutsk and Listvyanka or just admiring the 2000 km long shoreline, Lake Baikal is a great holiday destination.

A geographical phenomenon, panoramic Lake Baikal is estimated to have been formed about 25 to 30 million years ago. The highlight of Eastern part of Siberia, summer travellers can enjoy the awe-inspiring vistas of the blue waters to the towering mountain ranges across the shore. For the curious winter visitors, the powder-white frozen surface and icy road conditions give gobsmacking opportunities to witness rare sights. Whether travellers prefer to go swimming in the lake, drink its nectar pure water, trek around the southern trip or sledge, cycle in winter- Siberia does offer you enough.

Another one of many interesting Lake Baikal facts is its strategic location on the border of Irkutsk Oblast and Republic of Buryatia . The nature and coast along Irkust Oblast are diverse with several options for tourists to take in the sights. Hop on to a hydrofoil trip from Irkutsk across the water to Bolshie Koty. Nerpas (Baikal seals), an endemic freshwater seal found only in Lake Baikal, is another one of the many Lake Baikal facts. On the dry land amidst the forested and mountainous shores of the lake you could find elks, bears, wolves and lynx if you are lucky. The animals are generally shy and wary of human so you may not always spot them but there will be warning signs of their presence.

At 5,370 feet, the world’s deepest lake contains a fifth of the world’s fresh water. It provides habitat to over 2000 animal and plant species that only inhabit the lake and its surroundings. The lake is larger than the country of Belgium and the crystal-clear quality of the water offers visibility to a depth of up to 40 meters. For an appreciation of the size of the lake, hop on to a boat for a trip. As the land fades away from sight, you gradually sink into the enormity of the lake and feel like you are wandering on an ocean.

Olkhon Island on the territory of Irkutsk Oblast is a main attraction at Baikal. With its own lakes, terrain that includes steppe, forests and mountains, hiking is a favorite activity for adventurous travelers. A dip in Lake Baikal could be invigorating even though the water is icy and could send deep shivers down your flesh. Another interesting Lake Baikal fact is the presence of ethnic groups for years. The shamanistic Buryat people still reside in wooden cabins across the lake shore and their settlements can be seen from the water as you go boating on the lake.

Baikal is in the shape of a banana. It spreads 636 kms from north to south and is about 1637 m deep. This makes it the world’s deepest lake and contains about one-fifth of the unfrozen fresh water of the whole planet. The beauty of the place is that it is fed by 300 rivers and drained by just one – Angara River near Listvyanka. During the winter, you can drive across the lake (in January the lake is frozen upto a solid 2 m, which means almost 7 ft thick). The water turns into a deep shade of blue and the ice is a bright turquoise. You can also see streaks of white from crisscross patterns on the ice. It is possible to see right through the ice and view the lakebed. When you set foot, it feels like you are walking on glass. Boat trips, buryat culture, hiking trails, wilderness is characteristic of this place- The Pearl of Siberia and the deepest lake in the world.

If you have read The Princess of Siberia, then you can relate to the Volkonsky House-Museum. The museum is a house in duck-egg-blue and white of Decembrist Count Sergei Volkonsky. The house was renovated in 1980’s and tells the story of the family of Count Sergei and his wife Maria Volkonskaya (the main figure in the book) when in exile in Irkutsk.

It would be hard to guess but one among the very popular Lake Baikal facts is that Siberia was famous for timber architecture. Irkustsk takes the lead as the city to enhance the visitor’s experience. An entire quarter of space is recreated with wooden buildings and 130 Kvartal, is a pleasant place to stroll. The place is bustling with cafes, restaurants and commercial museums with an impressive 21 st century mall that culminates at the end of the space.

Usadba Sukacheva is a small park on the edge of the historical center in the town of Irkutsk. With a smattering of beautiful building laced with wood and arbors, the houses contain exhibits that are dedicated to the family of the 19 th century benefactor Valdimir Sukhachev. He lived here until the October Revolution. Period furniture and paintings by Spanish and Dutch art connoisseurs accentuates the ambiance of this tourist spot. The “perfect photo” opportunity is the recreated “winter garden” which is an indoor greenhouse replete with tropical plants.

A visit to the Znamensky Monastery will only add a subtle tinge of peace and calm to your visit. The gorgeous interior with mural vaulting, gigantic iconostasis and a gold embellished sarcophagus that holds the relic of Siberian missionary St Inokent will suffice to invoke your zen.

The Trubetskoy House-Museum, as per Lake Baikal facts is the second Decembrist house-museum that was revived after a renovation. A perfectly symmetrical mini mansion, it was built for the daughter of Decembrist Sergei Trubetskov. The mansion was built after the original Trubetsky house near the Znamensky Monastery was burnt down in 1908. There are two floors, in which the lower level is dedicated to the story of the Decembrists’. The upper level displays the personal items that belong to Trubetskoy’s French wife who passed away in Irkutsk.

Although many believe that Lake Baikal and its surrounding areas are inaccessible, Listvyanka is one of the most accessible places. It is located about 70 kms from Irkutsk and is one of the most picturesque areas of the lake. The Angara River flows from Baikal and the place is perfect to admire the crystal-clear water and the snow-capped mountain peaks of Chaman-Daban on the opposite side.

The Architectural and Ethnographic Museum Taltsy, located about 20 kms from Listvyanka is a great spot for those who enjoy culture and history. The open-air museums that have wooden buildings from the 17 th -19 th century bring alive a lot of unknown Lake Baikal facts and also depicts a lot of the life of the locals. The entry is priced affordably at 3.5 Euros and a personal tour would cost about 21 Euros.

If you want to delve deep into Lake Baikal facts, then visit the Baikal Museum which is just 4 kms from Listvyanka. It hosts an interactive session to get acquainted with the nature of Baikal and gives a virtual dive into the bottom of the place.

Listvyanka’s best viewpoint which is Chersky Rock that overlooks the source of the Angara and is named after Jan Czerski, a Polish explorer. Access it by a cable car from the Eastland ski resort. The resort is not very far from the Baikal Museum and the cable car journey is priced at 50 Euros for a return journey.

At an altitude of 700 meters, Chersky Stone viewpoint should be your next halt after the museum. Hire a chair lift to the top and take pictures of panoramic views and come down through the forest serpentine. Stick to the village path to enjoy some local food.

Lake Baikal won’t cease to amaze you. Nerpinariy is where you must head to regale yourself in the acrobatic performance of the freshwater seals.

Snippets of tourism in winter are an interesting feature of Lake Baikal. Day excursions on hovercrafts are popular in inter with stops in Peshanaya Bay, Bolshie Koty and Bolshoye Goloustnoye. You can see the Baikal ice complemented by bubbles that freeze in the icy conditions due to methane.

The Great Baikal trail is a definite feature in the Lake Baikal facts. A project that you could undertake on your own without any tour guide, it is a scenic route along the Baikal coast from Listvyanka. A section of 25 kms up to Bolshie Koty is recommended and all you need is a good pair of sports shoes. The grandeur of this trail is the change you will see in every 5 kms. First you have to cross the coniferous forests, followed by the rocky coasts, then climb down to the water and finally reach at the beach and the shore.

Want to visit the bygone Soviet era? Then head to Retro Park near the St Nicholas Church. It is full of wacky sculpture pieces that are modeled and fashioned from old Soviet-era cars and motorbikes. You can check a few samples on the railings of the embankment to know what to expect when you get there.

An interesting Lake Baikal fact that tourists would not be aware of or even expect is that Lake Baikal is close to the Mongolian region in China and the Mongolian market in the Arshan and Tunka valley is where traders bring Mongolian herbs, spices, clothes and leather goods from across the border. A makeshift market stretches for a few hundred meters along the spectacular Kyngyrga Valley and the interior territory of Kurort Arshan.

Tips for Hikers

Are you an avid trekker or hiker? Then visit the Buryat side of Baikal. A well-known Lake Baikal fact is that this part is where travellers travel with tents and go on hiking following the Mount Svyatoy Nos trail. When you arrive at the Bay you can set up camp there. Listen to music, eat, drink alcohol and just soak the culture. Early next morning start your trek to the mountain top. At an altitude of 1870 m, you have organized excursions that will take you to the top. It is the perfect viewpoint to see the breath-taking view and the perfect photo to frame your holiday experience.

How about a barbecue on the shores of the world’s deepest lake? Food and wine by the lovely calming waters against the backdrop of the mountains is something to lookout for; operators organize barbecues where tourists can take part in preparations of typical Baikal fish culinary delights. Tourists learn from age old recipes and you can enjoy a 5-course meal.

Interesting tour would be a journey in the Circum-Baikal Railway which will help you marvel at the engineering genius of the late 19 th century. The journey traverses through the dense Baikal National Park through the forest, going down to the river and following the stones in the tunnels with the warm breeze blowing through your face.

When travelling to Baikal, it is important to know a few things that will help you enjoy your trip without any hindrances. Stock yourself with anti-mite sprays. A mite bite may only cause high fever but a few odd ones could cause encephalitis and Lyme disease. Summer months can be quiet cold during the evenings. So apart from summer clothes, make sure you have a stock of warm clothing. If travelling in winter, you must ensure that you have adequate coats, jackets, gloves, scarves to wrap yourself warm. There are no ATM machines, so you need to be stocked with enough cash. Make sure you visit the travel exchange counters to convert your money into local currency to avoid any problem. English is not widely spoken and only a few locales in the city are well-versed with the language. You will encounter tourists and locals who are inebriated, and it is better to avoid them than to get into an argument.

If you are visiting any of the islands, you can hire quad bikes or bicycles to hop around the place. In the winter, you can hire skates to ride on a frozen lake. Kayaks and catamarans are also popular in summer. You can hire a kayak and canoe down the lake at a leisurely pace. It is advisable to consult locals about weather conditions as there can be sudden bouts of wind blows that can push you to the middle of nowhere.

Although summer would be the time you would want to visit, it is recommended to avoid the summer. Summer crowds and large tour groups could dull your experience and winter could be a great time to visit. October to April is the ideal time although you could catch the lake icy even in May. Winter is when you can experience the lake at its atmospheric best. The lake in winter is quintessentially Siberian and perfect. The weather is manageable if your dress appropriately. Lake Baikal is just five and a half flight hours from Moscow. You can fly to Irkutsk or even opt for the Trans-Siberian Railway to Irkutsk. There is also a journey that starts in Beijing and travels through Mongolian, where you can actually catch a slice of the Siberian plains and stop of at various points of interest. The Golden Eagle Train provides a more luxurious journey with fine compartments and dining. You can travel in groups at various halts and experience Russian history. There are a range of accommodation options available and you can book yourself into small hotels or luxury resorts that overlook the lake and offer extravagant services. You will find several eateries and restaurants in Irkutsk and Listvyanka. Try the local cuisine, the bakery items and fish delicacies to experience the local taste. If you don’t want to wander on your own, then there are several tour operators who offer customized tours to enjoy the beauty of the place. Prices vary according to the number of days and itinerary of the trip. You can also indulge in some shopping at the local market and stock up on cedar nuts, taiga herbs and Siberian fish that can be packed nicely to retain freshness. Nightlife in Lake Baikal is quite colorful with several bars and restaurants serving alcohol and great food to complement it.

Lake Baikal is a perfect place for those who seek some respite for busy lives and solitude to rejuvenate their senses and spirits. With its idyllic surroundings, gorgeous beaches and islands and scaling mountain tops, Lake Baikal is fast emerging as a top tourist destination for the discerning traveller. Tourists heading to Russia are now beginning to be inspired by the beauty of Lake Baikal and want to experience the magic of the lake and the surreal beauty of the place. So, look no further and plan your next holiday to this amazing place to unwind in the lap of nature.

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• Description

Situated in south-east Siberia, the 3.15-million-ha Lake Baikal is the oldest (25 million years) and deepest (1,700 m) lake in the world. It contains 20% of the world's total unfrozen freshwater reserve. Known as the 'Galapagos of Russia', its age and isolation have produced one of the world's richest and most unusual freshwater faunas, which is of exceptional value to evolutionary science.

Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

Situé au sud-est de la Sibérie, le lac Baïkal, d'une superficie de 3,15 millions d'hectares, est le plus ancien (25 millions d'années) et le plus profond (1 700 m) lac du monde. Il contient 20 % des eaux douces non gelées de la planète. Son ancienneté et son isolement ont produit une des faunes d'eau douce les plus riches et originales de la planète, qui présente une valeur exceptionnelle pour la science de l'évolution, ce qui lui vaut le surnom de « Galápagos de la Russie ».

بحيرة بايكل

تقع بحيرة بايكل جنوب شرق سيبيريا وتمتد على مساحة3.15 مليون هكتار وهي أقدم بحيرات العالم (25 مليون سنة) وأعمقها (1700 متر). وهي تضمّ 20% من مياه الأرض العذبة غير المثلجة. وفي قدمها وعزلتها ما أفضى إلى تكوّن مجموعات حيوانيّة هي الأغنى والأكثر ابتكاراً على وجه الأرض وهي تتمتع بقيمة استثنائيّة لعلم التطوّر فكسبت اسم "غالاباغوس روسيا".

source: UNESCO/CPE Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

坐落在俄罗斯联邦境内西伯利亚东南部的贝加尔湖，占地315万公顷，是世界历史最悠久（2500万年）且最深的（1700米）湖泊。它拥有地表不冻淡水资源的20%。以“俄国的加拉帕戈斯”而闻名于世的贝加尔湖，因其悠久的年代和人迹罕见，使它成为拥有世界上种类最多和最稀有的淡水动物群的地区之一，而这一动物群对于进化科学具有不可估量的价值。

Lago Baikal

Situado al sudeste de Siberia, este lago tiene una superficie de 3.150.000 hectáreas y es el más antiguo (25 millones de años) y profundo del mundo (1.700 metros). Contiene el 20% del agua dulce no helada de la Tierra. Debido a su antigüedad y aislamiento posee una de las faunas de agua dulce más ricas y singulares del planeta. El excepcional interés que ésta ofrece para el estudio de la evolución de las especies le ha valido al lago Baikal el sobrenombre de “las Galápagos de Rusia”.

source: NFUAJ

Baikal meer

Het 3,15 miljoen hectare grote Baikal meer is het oudste (25 miljoen jaar oud) en diepste (1.700 meter) meer ter wereld. Het bevat 20% van 's werelds (niet bevroren) zoetwaterreserve. Het meer in zuidoost Siberië – de ‘Galapagos van Rusland’ – heeft een van de rijkste en meest ongewone zoetwaterfauna's ter wereld. Een van de meest opvallende soorten is de Baikal zeehond. Het gebied kent verder een grote verscheidenheid aan planten, waarvan een aantal inheems. Ten westen van het meer zijn er lichte naaldbossen en bergsteppen. In het gebied ten oosten domineren dennen- en loofbossen.

Source: unesco.nl

Justification for Inscription

The Committee inscribed Lake Baikal as the most outstanding example of a freshwater ecosystem on the basis of natural criteria (vii), (viii), (ix) and (x). It is the oldest and deepest of the world´s lakes containing nearly 20% of the world´s unfrozen freshwater reserve. The lake contains an outstanding variety of endemic flora and fauna, which is of exceptional value to evolutionary science. It is also surrounded by a system of protected areas that have high scenic and other natural values. The Committee took note of the confirmation of the revised boundaries of the site, which correspond to the core areas defined in the Baikal Law (excluding the five urban developed areas). It also noted that the special Lake Baikal Law is now in its second reading in the Duma. Finally, it noted concern over a number of integrity issues including pollution, which should be brought to the attention of the Russian authorities.

• Natural Heritage Protection Fund
• Lake Baikal (Friends & Partners)
• Protectedplanet.net

State of Conservation (SOC)

Protections by other conservation instruments.

2 protections / 3 elements

• Barguzinskyi
• Selenga Delta

Read more about synergies

Tours to Baikal

Baikal lake travel

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OLKHON ISLAND 3 DAY TOUR

OLKHON ISLAND 4 DAY TOUR

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THE CIRCUM BAIKAL RAILWAY TOUR

There are different types of Baikal Lake travel: sightseeing tours, city tours, active tours, outdoor tours and others. Each and every is unique, but all of them guarantee the unforgettable experience. We offer a variety of Baikal tours from Irkutsk all year round.

We offer a variety of Baikal tours from Irkutsk all year round.

Baikal is the best place to experience a “real Siberian winter”. Winters here last almost a half of the year. : If you want to visit Baikal Lake in winter - the best time to visit IS January, February and March.

This time of the year the weather on the lake is cold and sunny. You'll find all sorts of winter entertainment - from ice-skating and ice fishing, to hot spring bathing and a real Siberian sauna.

Baikal Lake in winter turns into the largest and most picturesque skating rink in the world. During the winter tour to Baikal , you will see amazing ice caves, frozen air bubbles, unique blue ice, hear “the breath of the lake” – a sound that can’t be heard anywhere else. You will take photos of the cleanest and the most transparent magnificent ice. 

Want to see more?

We can include a snowmobile ride or a hovercraft trip in your winter tour program. 

Dogsledding is also a great way to lift your spirit. On a sled with Siberian husky, you'll be racing through the snowdrifts through taiga forest, like the pioneers of Siberian lands. Racing across the snow is really an extraordinary experience. This ride will make your trip to Lake Baikal a truly unforgettable journey.

In the village of Listvyanka you can visit the festival of ice sculptures, the Museum of Baikal or just rent skates and explore the wide open space of the frozen lake yourself. 

Baikal Lake tourism in spring started gaining popularity relatively recently. However it’s one of the most beautiful seasons here as one can witness the slow melting of Baikal ice and the taiga forest flowering. Come along to see the nature awakening – drifting ice on clear water, snowcaps of mountains in the clean transparent air, flowering meadows on the shores of the mighty lake.

Spring on Baikal Lake is a perfect time for skiing or snowboarding.

You can go skiing in Listvyanka or take a trip to a Mount Sobolinaya ski resort in Baikalsk. There you'll   enjoy a beautiful view over Lake Baikal right in front of you.

Many travelers choose summer tours on Baikal Lake. We recommend coming in June, as at the beginning of summer there is no large crowd of tourists here. The weather on Baikal in June is variable. The day temperatures reach 25 ° C, however in the night, the air cools down to 5 to 10 ° C. The peak tourist season begins in July and ends in mid August. So does the swimming season. This is the time when water in the shallow bays of the lake is the warmest - up to 20-25 ° C. Summer on Baikal is great for active tourism. You can order a ship cruise and see the places, which can be reached only by water, like the rookery of Baikal seal. This unique animal is endemic and can be seen only here. Feel like exploring Baikal on your own? Take a kayak trip, an ATV ride along the shores or go hiking in the mountains.

The best time to visit Baikal Lake in autumn is September. It’s still sunny and warm, there’s no wind, the air is clean and transparent and the nature is incredibly beautiful. Baikal autumn is bright and colorful.

THE 10 BEST Lake Baikal Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities in lake baikal.

• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Hiking & Camping Tours
• 4WD, ATV & Off-Road Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. The Great Baikal Trail

2. Cape Sagan-Khushun

3. Konny Island

4. Irkutsk Zoo

5. Siberian Zoo

6. Baikal Vision

7. Eastland Ski Resort

8. Siberian Zoo

9. Baikal Secrets

10. Sport Park Polyana

11. Nursery K-9

12. Fanat Baikala

13. Baikal Explorer

14. Picnic Park Yakobi

15. khizhina yenota.

16. Irkutsk House of Nature

17. Irkutsk Free Tour

18. Zolotoi Mustang

19. irkutsk zoo gallery.

20. Irkonia

21. Baikalika Tour Operator on Baikal

22. argamak.

23. 52o17' Travel Center

24. Baikalnova

25. SeeBaikal

26. Baikal Dog Sledding Centre

27. Baikal Geographic

28. BaikalMajestic

29. Irkutsk State Stable with Hippodrome

30. Kavalkada

What travelers are saying.

• The Great Baikal Trail
• Cape Sagan-Khushun
• Eastland Ski Resort
• Konny Island
• Siberian Zoo
• Baikal Vision
• Baikal Secrets
• Baikal Explorer
• Fanat Baikala
• BAIKALTOUR.net
• 52o17' Travel Center
• Baikalika Tour Operator on Baikal
• Baikal Dog Sledding Centre

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• A Visit To Lake Baikal Will Definitely Mesmerize You With Its Natural Beauty!

23 Mar 2023

Lake Baikal is the largest and oldest lake of the world that consists of 80% freshwater of the world. The lake is a home for many people and animal species. The lake surrounds the rocks of Olkhon Island which makes the overall place a mesmerizing one. The best season to visit Lake Baikal is from December to April. It is not only a place for tourists but for scientific researchers.

About Lake Baikal

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Lake Baikal is the largest freshwater lake in the world with 23% of fresh surface water. Baikal is formed as a rift valley which makes it the deepest lake with 1642m depth. It is also a shelter for Buryat people who are staying near the lake and for a lot of animal and plant species. Many governmental organizations and research institutes are carrying out their natural research projects on this lake. The tourist attraction also offers various activities according to their seasons.

Being one of the famous tourist attractions, there are a lot of hidden facts about Lake Baikal that people across the world are not aware of. Let’s dig out some interesting facts about the lake.

1. Researchers are not able to determine the exact age of the Lake Baikal as lake exists till 10-15 thousand years and then slowly it dries out.

2. Due to the continuous rifts, it is still expanding by 2m each day. The researchers have named it as ‘small ocean’ because of its large size and increase in water level.

3. Being formed in the heart of the rift zone, as the transformation continues, earthquakes still occur around the lake.

4. The early tribe in the area was Kurykans, the Siberian tribes that inhabited in Lake Baikal in the 6th century.

5. In 1996, Lake Baikal was declared as a UNESCO World heritage site.

Must Read: 19 Cool And Unusual Things To Do In Russia That You’ve Never Heard Before!

Best Time To Visit Lake Baikal

If you want to see the scenic view of the lake then you must visit this place in early summer that is in the month of May and June. Ice usually melts at this time and there is no fog which gives the best view of the lake.

Suggested Read: 8 Cities With Best Russia Nightlife; Say It Aloud, “Lights, Vodka, & Russians!”

Top 5 Things To Do In Lake Baikal

Here is a list of the best things to do in Lake Baikal that will give you a heartwarming experience of visiting it. Take a look!

1. Dog Sledding

Enjoy your adventures in Lake Baikal in winters. Go for dog sledding to experience some thrilling moments in the icy land. Dog sledding is famous in most of the icy regions across the country.

Suggested Read: 10 Places To Visit In Russia To Witness The Beauty Of This Incredible Nation

2. Ice Fishing

What about fishing in winters? You can go for ice fishing at Lake Baikal. No worries the lake becomes 3-2 feet thick that you can drive vehicles across the lake(not heavy vehicles like trucks, buses, etc.). Don’t stop your hobbies because of the season.

Suggested Read: 9 Fabulous Beaches In Russia That Let You Relish The Taste Of The Good Life!

3. Steam Bath

Get yourselves a steam bath in the chilled winters to energize yourselves to continue your activities. Enjoy the traditional Russian bath that gives you relaxation and healthful experience when in Russia.

Suggested Read: 9 Hotels In Russia That Are A Perfect Blend Of Modern Culture And Old-World Charm!

4. Nerpa Spotting

There are several amazing animals living in freshwater. One of these is nepra which are very energetic so it is hard to get them. You can have a view of these animals from a distance. They are chubby and naughty ones.

Suggested Read: Russia Plans To Open A Luxury Hotel In Space By Since Earth Is Too Mainstream!

5. Cruising

Cruising is a great chance to view the scenic surroundings of the lake and get the cool breeze of the atmosphere. Feel the nature and the pleasant atmosphere of the place. Do not forget to include this in your itinerary and enjoy with your loved ones.

How To Reach Lake Baikal

You can reach this destination via train, bus, and road. You can enjoy the scenic view of the places in Trans-Siberian Railway and by bus. Several buses are available from the Irkutsk station throughout the day.

Further Read: 10 Best Places To Visit In Alaska That Offer Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience

Enjoy your vacations in Lake Baikal and get to know more about the place. Create joyful moments during your journey to Russia . So, what are you waiting for? Gather your friends and family and get ready for the tour.

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Tours to Lake Baikal

Circum-baikal rail road, excursion to listvyanka village, discovery of bolshiye koty village, dog sledding through taiga, trekking from listvyanka to bolshiye koty, trekking on olkhon island, sea of siberia cruise, grand crossing of lake baikal 2023, golden baikal, horseback ride in taiga, baikal transit, moscow - magadan expedition, cruise among ice floes, excursion to the old believers, kingdom of ice, baikal buggy winter adventure, classic baikal, baikal by kayak, baikal multi-active, dog sled ride, new year's eve 2023 on lake baikal, around baikal winter expedition, great baikal, baikal active, three religions, seven wonders of russia, baikal - magadan winter expedition, around baikal expedition, survival in the siberian taiga, hermitage in the forests of siberia, lake baikal fishing, great baikal. winter version, phototour with viktor balaguer, seals & ice floes.

Baikal has been waiting for you for millions of years! And so you decided to immerse yourself into the wild nature, discover unexplored trails, breathe freedom! We will help you to organize your holiday on Lake Baikal! BaikalNature has been developing beneficial and interesting tours to Lake Baikal for 10 years, and for sure you will be pleasantly surprised with the prices we can offer. We are happy to give you a choice of various options for an unforgettable trip to Siberia!

Lake Baikal, the blue eye of Siberia, can hardly be likened to a simple lake. And how can it be otherwise? The world's oldest at more than 25 million years old, 636 km long Lake Baikal is known for its depth and the purity of its waters. Indigenous peoples have not deceived by calling it the Sacred Sea. It is feared and revered. We must say that shamanic and earth spirits are everywhere here. The Baikal is inhabited by Burkhan (meaning God). Its residence is located on Olkhon Island. This treasure is considered to be the heart and the energetic center of the lake.

Lake Baikal is a real celebration of diversity. It is rich in flora and fauna, two thirds of the animals are endemic. The lake is adorned with the picturesque shores. Steppes, meadows, marshes, tundra and high mountains stretch for 2,000 km of the shoreline. Moreover the Baikal itself also changes. Each season gives a whole new face. We, who live near the Baikal, have real passion for it. Come and share our feelings!

Our tours to Baikal are suitable for every fan of active adventures and lovers of wildlife nature, the same as for families with kids. One of the most exciting activities of our tours are: 4x4 off road driving, kayaking and ice trekking tours. Take part in one of the tours and you will experience lots of unlimited emotions. Our trips to Baikal already include accommodation in hotels, meals, excursions around lake and services of an experienced guide, from whom you will learn amazing legends and stories about the deepest lake on Earth and the peculiarities of the local residents' life. We will be happy to organize individual tours from any place of our planet at any date convenient for you.

• Kola Peninsula
• Lake Baikal
• Nenets Autonomous Okrug
• Putorana Plateau
• Shantar islands
• Animal observation
• Russian banya
• Cruise / Navigation
• Event / Celebration
• Cultural exploration
• Reindeer sledding
• Snowmobiles
• 70 Adventure tours in our catalogue
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• +7 924 531 8701 Irkutsk, Russia
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Our office in Irkutsk is open Monday through Friday 9 am to 6 pm.

55, Dekabrskikh Sobytiy str., office 405.2 664007 Irkutsk, Russia

Tel.: +7 924 531 8701

By appointment only. Let us know in advance.

Police Str, 5-4A 0120 Tbilisi, Georgia

Tel.: +995 591 257 715

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Along Russia’s majestic Lake Baikal, the quest for tourism cash stalks a pristine landscape

Home of the nerpa

Tourism’s toll

Rapid development

‘We’re all waiting’

About this story

Editing by Brian Murphy. Photo editing by Chloe Coleman . Video editing by Jason Aldag. Copy editing by Dorine Bethea. Design and development by Betty Chavarria.

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