Although Lake Baikal is not the biggest lake in the world, it has a worldwide reputation for being the deepest lake. The meaning of Lake Baikal is routed back to the Mongolian language, which means lake of nature.
This beautiful wonder has more than 300 streams and rivers that feed into the lake. However, the Salinga River contributes almost 50% of the lake water.
Why Lake Baikal is so deep, you might ask. It is because it is situated in an active continental rift zone. Therefore, the rift zone gets wide at about 1 inch (2.5 centimetres) each year.
Thus, as it grows more expansive, the rifts also grow deeper because of the subsidence phenomena. It leads to the sinking ground of the lake due to the underground material movement. For this reason, this large rift lake might grow deeper as the year goes by.
How Deep Is Lake Baikal?
Lake Baikal is 1,700 m deep, the oldest and deepest lake in the world. It dates back to 25 million years ago and contains 20% of the world’s total unfrozen freshwater reserves.
How Big Is Lake Baikal?
The lake is 31,722 km2 (12,248 sq mile), which is close to Belgium’s size but slightly bigger. To clarify things, the lake can fill 9 billion Olympic swimming pools.
Lake Baikal is considered the seventh-largest lake in its area and the second-largest lake in Eurasia, right after the Caspian Sea.
Where Lake Baikal Is Located?
Lake Baikal is 636 km long and is located in the southern-eastern part of Siberia in Russia. It is situated between the Irkutsk Oblast to the northwest and the Buryat Republic to the southeast.
The depth of the lake is not the only reason it is so popular. It is also popular because it is surrounded by wild rivers, mountains, and taiga forests in the subarctic region.
This makes it a popular place for those who seek a spiritual retreat and want to escape the hustle and bustle of a busy life.
Why Lake Baikal Is So Popular?
The depth of the lake is not the only reason it is so popular. It is also popular because it is surrounded by mountains and taiga forests in the subarctic region.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is also a popular destination for those who seek a spiritual retreat and want to escape the hustle and bustle of a busy life.
Continue reading to learn more about why Lake Baikal is so popular, and what makes it your ultimate tourist destination.
Fauna And Flora Of Lake Baikal:
Lake Baikal is renowned for its unique and diverse fauna and flora, which is endemic to the region. Here’s an overview of the fauna and flora of the deepest lake on earth:
Flora:
- Algae: Lake Baikal is home to numerous species of algae, including diatoms, green algae, and cyanobacteria. These microscopic organisms play a crucial role in the lake’s ecosystem, serving as the base of the food chain.
- Aquatic Plants: While the depths of Lake Baikal are dominated by algae, some aquatic plants are found in shallower areas and along the shoreline. These include various species of mosses, liverworts, and submerged vascular plants.
Fauna:
- Baikal Seal (Nerpa): The Baikal seal, or nerpa, is the only freshwater seal species in the world and endemic to Lake Baikal. These seals are well adapted to the lake’s cold waters and play a vital role in its ecosystem.
- Fish: Lake Baikal is home to more than 50 species of fish, two-thirds of which are endemic to the lake. The most famous of these is the omul, a type of salmonid that is commercially important in the region. Other notable fish species include the Baikal sturgeon, golomyanka, and grayling.
- Invertebrates: The lake is teeming with a diverse array of invertebrates, including amphipods, snails, clams, and various species of insects. Many of these invertebrates are also endemic to Lake Baikal and play essential roles in the lake’s food web.
- Microorganisms: Lake Baikal is home to microscopic organisms, including bacteria, protozoa, and rotifers. These tiny creatures are essential for nutrient cycling and maintaining the overall health of the ecosystem.
Overall, Lake Baikal’s rich biodiversity and high levels of endemic make it a globally significant ecosystem and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Efforts to protect and conserve this unique natural treasure are ongoing to ensure its survival for future generations. Therefore, it is crucial to keep the place clean.
Its richness in flora and fauna makes it a popular distention for wildlife and aquatic life. Many people like to practice wildlife photography and birdwatching. Stick around to find out more about fun things to do in Lake Baikal.
Things To Do In Lake Baikal:
Lake Baikal offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy its stunning natural beauty and unique environment. Here are some fun things to do in Lake Baikal:
- Cruise the Lake: Take a boat tour or cruise on Lake Baikal to explore its vast expanse of crystal-clear waters, dramatic coastline, and picturesque islands. Many tours offer stops at scenic spots and opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- Hiking and Trekking: Explore the surrounding wilderness on foot by hiking or trekking along the numerous trails that wind through the forests, mountains, and valleys near Lake Baikal. Popular routes include the Great Baikal Trail and the Circum-Baikal Railway.
- Visit Olkhon Island: Take a trip to Olkhon Island, the largest island on Lake Baikal. It is known for its stunning landscapes, unique rock formations, and sacred sites. Explore the island‘s villages, sandy beaches, and natural wonders like the Shamanka Rock.
- Siberian Village Experience: Immerse yourself in the local culture and way of life by visiting traditional Siberian villages around Lake Baikal. Learn about traditional crafts, taste local cuisine, and interact with the friendly residents.
- Wildlife Watching: Lake Baikal is home to various wildlife, including the endemic Baikal seal (nerpa), bird species, and small mammals. Join a wildlife-watching tour or simply look for animals while exploring the area.
- Ice Skating and Ice Fishing (Winter): When the lake freezes over in winter, experience the unique sensation of ice skating or ice fishing on the surface of Lake Baikal. The clear ice provides excellent visibility, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Maloe More Strait is a popular ice skating region, and I highly recommend it.
- Hot Springs: Relax and unwind in one of the natural hot springs scattered around Lake Baikal. The warm waters offer a soothing respite, especially during the colder months, and provide a unique opportunity to soak in the region’s natural beauty. Khakusy Resort is a place to soothe your muscles and relax at its hot springs.
- Photography: Capture the breathtaking scenery and unique landscapes of Lake Baikal through photography. From sunrise to sunset, the changing light creates stunning photo opportunities, whether you’re capturing the icy blue waters or the rugged shoreline.
- Cultural Experiences: Learn about the indigenous Buryat culture and the region’s history by visiting museums, attending cultural performances, and participating in traditional ceremonies and festivals. Buryat village and Atsagat village are good examples of such places.
- Adventure Activities: For the more adventurous traveler, Lake Baikal offers activities such as kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, and paragliding, providing an adrenaline-filled way to experience the area’s natural wonders.
Conclusion:
The deepest lake on earth has so much to offer for adventure seekers. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Lake Baikal has something to offer every visitor, making it a truly unforgettable destination.
In this comprehension guide about the deepest lake in the world, we discussed what makes the lake so popular and the top things to do in Lake Baikal.
I hope you enjoy it and have a splendid getaway to Lake Baikal, where the land meets the sea, which creates an opportunity for a greater escape.
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