Lake Baikal: The Dream Adventure

Lake Baikal, nestled in the heart of Siberia, Russia, is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders on Earth. Often called the “Galápagos of Russia” for its rich biodiversity, Baikal holds a long list of superlatives: it is the deepest, oldest, and largest freshwater lake by volume in the world. Formed over 25 million years ago, this rift lake plunges to depths of 1,642 meters and contains about 20% of the planet’s unfrozen fresh water.

Baikal’s pristine waters are remarkably clear, revealing submerged rocks and aquatic life to depths of up to 40 meters. It is home to over 3,700 species, many of which are unique to the region, including the famed Baikal seal (nerpa)—the only freshwater seal on Earth.

Surrounded by dramatic mountains and dense taiga forests, the lake transforms with the seasons. In winter, Lake Baikal completely freezes over, transforming into a vast, otherworldly expanse of ice stretching as far as the eye can see. By late January to early February, the entire 636-kilometer-long lake is sealed beneath a thick layer of ice—often reaching over 1 meter (3 feet) in thickness. In winter, it becomes a surreal icy world, with cracked crystal-blue ice, bubble formations, and even ice marathons and expeditions across its frozen surface.

What makes Baikal's ice truly unique is its astonishing clarity—in many places, you can see 40 meters (130 feet) straight down into the lake. Cracks form across the surface due to thermal shifts, producing deep echoing booms and fracture lines that create intricate natural patterns, some stretching for kilometers. Trapped air bubbles, frozen methane, and perfectly preserved fish and plants often become visible beneath the surface, turning the lake into a natural ice gallery.

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lake Baikal is not only a vital ecological treasure but also a cultural and spiritual landmark for the Indigenous Buryat people, who have revered its waters for centuries.

This frozen period, lasting until April or even May, allows for rare adventures: people skate, drive, hike, bike, and even run marathons across Baikal’s glassy surface—an experience found nowhere else on Earth.

Whether you're a scientist, adventurer, or traveler, Lake Baikal offers an unmatched experience of natural beauty, mystery, and raw Siberian wilderness.