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Lake Baikal, Eastern Siberia, Russia

Also known as:  Lake Baykal, Sacred Sea, Pearl of Siberia, Blue Eye of Siberia, Galapagos of Russia

Russia’s national treasure, Lake Baikal, is the world’s deepest lake and is our planet’s largest freshwater lake measured by water volume. Its bottom is 4,215 feet below sea level. Lake Baikal contains about 1/5 of Earth’s unfrozen surface freshwater. It is also one of the most biologically diverse lakes on Earth. Lake Baikal is the world’s oldest lake, estimated at 25 to 30 million years old. Because…
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    • All About Lake Baikal, Russia

    Lake Locations: Russia - Eastern Siberia Region, Russia -

    Russia’s national treasure, Lake Baikal, is the world’s deepest lake and is our planet’s largest freshwater lake measured by water volume. Its bottom is 4,215 feet below sea level. Lake Baikal contains about 1/5 of Earth’s unfrozen surface freshwater. It is also one of the most biologically diverse lakes on Earth.

    Lake Baikal is the world’s oldest lake, estimated at 25 to 30 million years old. Because of its location, depth and volume, Lake Baikal rapidly self-purifies. Despite its great depth, it freezes in winter. (Russian minisub dives in 2008 reported its maximum depth at 5,512 feet, but 5,314 is more generally accepted.)

    Lake Baikal is a “continental rift lake”, situated in one of the world’s deepest active rifts — ocean-creating phenomena where Earth’s crust separates by a few centimeters every year. Seismic activity occurs every few years, producing natural hot springs.

    Lake Baikal’s well-oxygenated water helps to create unique biological habitats for at least 1,500 animal species and 1,000 plant species. Most of these are endemic – found only at Lake Baikal – including “nerpas” (freshwater seals) and omul salmon. The unique Goby fish – completely transparent, with no scales and comprised 1/3 of fat – surfaces at night but must stay deep during the day to prevent sunlight from liquefying its fat.

    Fed by more than 300 rivers and streams, Lake Baikal boasts at least 50 species of fish. Fishing and ice-fishing are both supported by outfitters. Game fish include black grayling, perch, omul salmon, pike, umber, bullhead and sturgeon. Big game hunters pursue Manchurian deer, sable, bear, wolves, elk, lynx, wild boar, and more.

    Described by the US Geological Survey as a “magnificent natural resource”, Lake Baikal is one of the most intensively studied lakes on Earth. While clearly an unsurpassed natural wonder, Lake Baikal is also a natural beauty, with clean, clear blue water and visibility exceeding 125 feet. Surrounding forests, the majestic Barguzin Mountains, waterfalls, warm-weather boat tours, hiking, plus excellent fishing and hunting make tourism a growing source of income for surrounding residents.

    Lake Baikal enthusiasts question its ability to maintain its pristine quality. Some believe that Lake Baikal is “growing warmer, dirtier and more crowded.” They say that Baikal is threatened by increasing tourism by wealthy Russians and others, by global warming, and by a uranium enrichment facility and pollution from factories on its waterfront. Lake Baikal’s future will depend on the Russian government’s commitment to preserve and protect Lake Baikal as a uniquely valuable world resource.

    Things to Do at Lake Baikal

    These are some activities in the Lake Baikal, Russia area visitors can enjoy:

    • Vacation Rentals
    • Fishing
    • Ice Fishing
    • Boating
    • Hiking
    • Hunting
    • Waterfall
    • Wildlife Viewing

    What Kind of Fish Are in Lake Baikal?

    Lake Baikal has been known to have the following fish species:

    • Grayling
    • Perch
    • Pike
    • Salmon
    • Sturgeon
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    Find Places to Stay at Lake Baikal

    If you’re considering a Lake Baikal lake house rental or hotel, we’ve made it super easy to find the best rates and compare vacation accommodations at a glance. Save time using this interactive map below.

    Note: These are affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Read our full disclosure policy here.

    More Sites to Book a Lake Baikal Vacation

    Our interactive Lake Baikal lodging map above is an easy tool for comparing VRBO rental homes and nearby hotels with Booking.com, but there could be times when you need to expand your search for different types of accommodations. Here are some other lake lodging partners we recommend:

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    Lake Baikal Statistics & Helpful Links

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    Lake Type: Natural Freshwater Lake, Not Dammed

    Surface Area: 7,782,336 acres

    Shoreline Length: 1,300 miles

    Normal Elevation (Full Pond): 1,496 feet

    Minimum Elevation (Min Pond): 1,496 feet

    Maximum Elevation (Max Pond): 1,496 feet

    Average Depth: 2,487 feet

    Maximum Depth: 5,314 feet

    Water Volume: 19,261,440,000 acre-feet

    Water Residence Time: 350 years

    Drainage Area: 216,000 sq. miles

    Trophic State: Oligotrophic

    Lake Baikal Map

    More local lakes to explore in this area:

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    Rybinsk Reservoir, Russia

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    Lake Ladoga, Russia

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    Caspian Sea

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