Lake Baikal: The Deepest, Oldest, and Most Mysterious Lake on Earth

Origin of Baikal

The Turkic peoples who inhabited southeastern Siberia in ancient times referred to it as "Bai Kul," meaning "rich (or large) lake." The age of Baikal, when its history began, and its origin have long been subjects of debate. The lake's basin is a large tectonic rift formed after an earthquake. As early as the 18th century, it was said that a river (now the Angara) once flowed here, fed by numerous tributaries that now supply the lake. Scientists believed the lake to be around 25-30 million years old. However, recent theories suggest that the deep-water part might have formed just 100,000 years ago, with the coastal relief being even younger. Local legends, passed down through generations, offer a more vivid tale of Baikal's formation, aligning with the scientific explanation. According to legend, one day the earth split open, and a fiery stream erupted from the depression, consuming villages and taiga. Terrified, the locals fled, pleading with the heavens to stop the disaster. Whether the gods heard their prayers is unknown, but the fire suddenly vanished, and the massive basin began filling with fresh water flowing from the mountains. Thus, the unique Siberian landmark—Baikal—was born.

Baikal in Numbers and Facts

Here is some information that provides a general understanding of Baikal's geographical position and its parameters.

Location, Size, and Depth

Baikal is located in the Asian part of the Russian Federation, where the Republic of Buryatia and Irkutsk Oblast meet. The lake is 636 kilometers long, with a width ranging from 25 to 80 kilometers. The Republic of Buryatia is considered the primary "owner" of the lake, as 60% of its 2,000-kilometer shoreline lies within its territory. The northernmost point of the lake is near Nizhneangarsk in Buryatia. From here, the lake, covering an area of 31,700 square kilometers, stretches southwest toward Irkutsk. Its crescent shape and relatively narrow width make it resemble a crescent moon rising in the evening sky during the early days of the lunar month.

Baikal is a deep lake. Like all natural basins, the depth varies significantly across different parts. The maximum depth of Baikal is one of the features that allows it to compete with large seas. The deepest point, 1,641 meters, was established in the early 1980s during a scientific hydrological expedition. In 2004, as part of an international project to update the bathymetric map of Baikal, depths at 1.3 million points were measured, confirming the maximum depth using digital technology. This discovery solidified Baikal's status as the deepest continental basin. Although the average depth is only 0.74 kilometers, it still surpasses the depths of many famous lakes.

Volume, Temperature, and Water Properties, Inflows, and Outflow

The maximum volume of Baikal's water is 23,600 cubic kilometers—an enormous figure. To put it into perspective:

• Baikal holds the largest volume of freshwater among lakes worldwide.
• It contains one-fifth of the world's freshwater reserves.

Despite its location in southern Siberia, the lake remains cool even in summer, with water temperatures not exceeding +9°C. Only in the shallow bays of the Maloye More (Little Sea) can the water warm up to +15-+22°C on the sunniest summer days. The average annual water temperature is just +4°C.

Baikal's water is exceptionally pure and oxygen-rich. Legends speak of its clarity, especially in winter when the lake is so transparent that bottom sediments are visible dozens of meters below. During this time, the water reaches its peak purity, and the lake's surface takes on a stunning sapphire hue. In summer, however, the transparency decreases as microorganisms become active, and the water takes on a warmer, greenish tint.

The deep basin of Baikal receives over 330 permanent inflows in the form of rivers, streams, and brooks. However, it has only one outflow—the powerful Angara River, one of Siberia's largest rivers. Flowing from the southwestern end of the lake, the Angara passes through Irkutsk and eventually joins the Yenisei River.

Climate

The southeastern part of Siberia experiences a continental climate, but Lake Baikal, with its vast expanse and surrounding forests, creates its own microclimate. Winters near the lake are noticeably milder than in the rest of the region, while summers are cooler, with temperature differences reaching up to 10°C. Spring arrives a couple of weeks late, and autumn often lingers before giving way to winter. In winter, average temperatures range from -20 to -25°C, as the lake releases the heat accumulated over the year, moderating the climate of the coastal areas. Summer temperatures peak at +20-+23°C in July and August, but nights remain cool.

In mid-summer, fogs are common over Baikal. Warm air spreads like a thick blanket across the lake's basin, especially during calm periods. These fogs can last for hours, enveloping the lake's surface and rising up to 150 meters.

Baikal's climate is famous for its abundance of sunny days. Even Black Sea resorts might envy the stability of clear weather here—up to 2,500 hours of sunshine annually. On Olkhon Island, the sun shines for over 10 months a year.

Baikal Winds

Winds play a significant role in shaping Baikal's climate. Over the years, they have earned their own names:

• Verkhovik: A cold wind blowing from north to south along the lake for several days. It can intensify but blows steadily, creating powerful waves.
• Barguzin: A steady wind from the Barguzin Valley, bringing clear, sunny weather after it passes.
• Kultuk: Named after a lakeside settlement, this wind brings storms and rough waters.
• Gornaya: A gusty, unpredictable wind that intensifies in mid-to-late autumn, descending from mountain peaks.
• Sarma: The strongest and most dangerous wind, resembling a hurricane as it blows through the Sarma Valley. Its force is due to the narrow rocky opening through which it exits the valley.

Locals have learned to recognize signs of these winds, minimizing the damage they cause.

Islands, Peninsulas, and Settlements

The lake is home to dozens of islands, most of which are located in the Maloye More area, between Olkhon Island and the western coast. Olkhon is the largest and most populated island, with nearly 2,000 residents. Covering 700 square kilometers, it has nine settlements forming an independent administrative district. Nearby is Ogoy Island, home to nesting seagulls. North of Olkhon, in the center of Baikal, the Ushkany Islands archipelago is dominated by Baikal seals. Many small islands are found near the eastern coast in Chivyrkuisky Bay. The largest peninsula, Svyatoy Nos (Holy Nose), is also located here. In the southwestern part of the lake, near the source of the Angara, there are numerous small peninsulas and capes, such as Baklany, Tolsty, Shamanka, and Zobushka. Dozens of towns, villages, and settlements are located along the shores. The largest cities in the northern part are Nizhneangarsk and Severobaikalsk. On the southern side, settlements include Listvyanka, Slyudyanka, Kultuk, Baikalsk, and Murino.

Flora and Fauna

The living world of Baikal is truly unique. It is home to 2,600 species of flora and fauna, two-thirds of which are endemic and found nowhere else. Among the unique plants are Olkhon wormwood, Olkhon cinquefoil, three-leaf oxytropis, and Zunduk milkvetch. Freshwater sponges, which thrive at great depths in Baikal, are also unique to the lake. The shores are dotted with lingonberry bushes, and rhododendrons grow in crevices. The forest flora includes coniferous and deciduous trees, such as fir-cedar and oak-hornbeam forests. Blue spruces can be seen on the southern terraces, and a relict spruce forest grows on Olkhon.

The deep freshwater lake teems with life, thanks to the high oxygen levels in its waters. It is home to about 30 endemic fish species (59% of the total), not to mention various crustaceans and worms that make up the lake's biomass. Each endemic species is fascinating in its own way. For example, the Baikal epischura, a tiny crustacean, makes up 90% of the lake's plankton and plays a crucial role in the food chain and water purification. Anglers also find plenty to enjoy, as the lake is rich in commercial fish. The most interesting species is the endemic golomyanka that doesn't lay eggs, but gives birth to fry straight away. The only mammal in the lake is the Baikal seal. No one knows exactly how this marine animal ended up in a freshwater lake. Some say the seals arrived during the Ice Age, swimming from the Arctic Ocean via the Yenisei and Angara rivers. Today, their population is estimated at 75,000-100,000, with large numbers seen on the shores of the Ushkany Islands.

Baikal Ice

Baikal's ice is one of its most spectacular features, deserving of endless admiration. Among the winter photos taken by tourists, the meter-thick ice of Baikal always stands out. When cold weather sets in, the coastal bays freeze first, usually in October. By mid-winter, the entire lake freezes, transforming into a vast, dark-blue ice rink. The ice cover typically lasts from January to late April.

The legendary transparency of the ice allows the lakebed to be seen, creating the illusion of thin, fragile glass. Tourists stepping onto the ice for the first time often tread cautiously. However, this transparent blue ice is actually the most reliable. By February, the ice reaches its maximum thickness of 1-2 meters, allowing not only walking and skating but even driving cars. During peak freezing, helicopters land on the ice, much to the delight of visitors.

In the deep winter, tourists often attempt to cross Baikal on foot. However, the ice "breathes," forming cracks due to expansion and contraction. Small cracks can be crossed, but larger ones may force travelers to turn back. Even meter-wide cracks can close suddenly, leaving tourists in awe.

At its peak, Baikal's ice is as strong as steel. However, a few days of thawing in spring can weaken it significantly. During this time, the movement of ice creates stunning scenes of towering ice hummocks, some as tall as two-story houses. Another fascinating phenomenon is "needle ice," where melting ice separates into thousands of needle-like shards up to half a meter long, sharp enough to cut.

From above, the lake looks breathtaking: its transparent blue surface, dotted with bubble-filled ice, is crisscrossed with white streaks, as if someone had carved intricate patterns with a skate. The coastal cliffs are equally impressive, as the icy wind freezes the last droplets of unfrozen water, creating multi-meter ice caves and stunning Arctic scenes.

Mysteries of Lake Baikal

Esotericists believe that every body of water has its own spirit, and Baikal is no exception. The lake has long been surrounded by legends and mysteries. For example, the disappearance of the Russian Empire's gold is linked to Baikal. It is said that traces of the treasure, taken by Admiral Kolchak, vanished in Irkutsk. Some believe the gold lies at the bottom of the lake, while others think it was hidden in Baikal's mountain caves. A third theory suggests the story was a diversion, and the gold was taken to the Altai Mountains. This mystery remains unsolved.

The beautiful Olkhon Island is also shrouded in mysticism. Near its serene shores, a powerful whirlpool, known as the "Devil's Funnel," forms several times a year. The water turns dark purple, and strange voices and sounds emerge from the depths. During fogs, mirages often appear near Olkhon and the Ushkany Islands, sometimes depicting entire scenes or even a fairy-tale city with golden domes. In the early 20th century, a mirage of a naval battle appeared over Baikal, coinciding with the legendary cruiser Varyag's battle.

In the mid-19th century, a strange incident occurred on the lake. A caravan carrying silver set out from a coastal village to a trade fair. In the dead of winter, the ice cracked, and the first wagon fell through. The others turned back in fear. In spring, the wagon was recovered, but the silver had vanished. Scientists have also discovered that Baikal's waters emit light invisible to the human eye. Instruments show intense luminescence, but its cause remains unknown. Dark rings, several kilometers in diameter, have also been observed on the winter ice. First seen on satellite images in the late 20th century, these rings periodically appear in different parts of the lake.

The lake's mysteries continue to draw tourists to places associated with ancient legends.

Tourist Baikal: Where to Relax and How to Get There

Baikal has always been a magnet for tourists. Interest in the world's deepest freshwater lake grows annually, with new routes, improved services, and better transportation. More travelers are wondering how to get to Baikal and where to stay to see its main attractions.

Information for Tourists

Baikal can be visited year-round, with each season offering its own charm. While sunny days are plentiful, don't expect a Black Sea climate. Even in summer, rainy days are possible. The best time to visit depends on personal preference. Early winter has short days and frequent fogs. February is ideal for ice enthusiasts. By March, the ice is thick enough for fishing and ice caves. For those avoiding the cold and crowds, late May is a good time to witness the ice breakup and even take a boat ride among the ice floes.

In summer, the lake's attractions and pristine nature are more accessible. Mid-summer is best for forest hikes, when the ground is dry. Don't forget hats, waterproof shoes, sunscreen, and repellents—while there are no mosquitoes on the coast, they are plentiful in the forests. Other essentials include:

• A headlamp
• A charger for devices
• A salt-based hand warmer
• A compass
• A thermos or thermal mug with hot food
• Dry food
• Extra water

And, of course, a camera to capture Baikal's beauty and the wildlife you may encounter, such as moose, roe deer, wolverines, and sables.

The southern part of the lake is well-developed, with numerous resorts and tourist routes. In summer, coastal settlements are easily accessible by car, and passenger ships operate on the lake. For solitude and wild nature, head to the northern part, where remote, pristine areas await. Autumn is particularly stunning, with forests turning crimson and gold in late August and September.

Where to Relax on Baikal

Most tourists prefer settlements with developed infrastructure, though some hardy travelers opt for tent camps. Listvyanka is an excellent base for exploring Baikal and visiting Irkutsk. The Maloye More coast is a favorite for beachgoers, with warm water and air in summer. Olkhon Island, with its mysterious capes, cliffs, and beaches, is also popular.

Natural landmarks to visit include:

• The Two Brothers Rocks and Shamanka Stone near Listvyanka, offering stunning views of the southwestern coast.
• Peschanaya Bay, known for its "walking" trees.
• The Tunka Valley, with its solar observatory, thermal resorts, and Buddhist temple.
• The Ushkany Islands, home to Baikal seals.
• Cape Ryty and its ancient ceramic wall.
• The Barguzin Valley, with mineral springs and rock castles, among many other natural wonders.

How to Get to Baikal

Two major Russian cities are near the lake: Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude. Driving to Baikal is challenging due to the distance from central Russia—5,300 kilometers from Moscow to Irkutsk. The most convenient way is by air. Flights to Irkutsk operate from many cities, with the most frequent routes from Moscow. Ticket prices vary by season. From Irkutsk, Listvyanka is accessible by bus or taxi, just 61 kilometers away.

Direct flights to Ulan-Ude, the capital of Buryatia, are less frequent, mainly from Moscow and a few Siberian and Far Eastern cities. From Ulan-Ude, it's 130 kilometers to the village of Goryachinsk on the eastern coast. Travelers heading to the northern part of the lake can fly to Nizhneangarsk Airport. The Trans-Siberian Railway also provides easy access to Baikal, connecting Siberian cities with the Far East.

Choose your route, book your tickets—Baikal awaits. Whether you visit in summer or winter, the experience will be unforgettable!