THE
LAKE BAIKAL
The Lake Baikal is unique for many reasons. Just
a few facts: It is the deepest lake in
the world, containing 20% of the world fresh water supply.
Its maximum depth is more than one and a half kilometer, which is 5
thousands feet - another world record.The
water is very pure - in spring, after ice melting, the water transparency
reaches 40 m (more than 130 feet). Age
of the lake is estimated as 20 to 30 million years so the Lake Baikal
ranks among the oldest ones in the world - the fact which accounts
for the wide variety of endemic wildlife: 3/4 of its 1800 animal
and plant species are endemic.The lake
lies in deep tectonic fracture and is surrounded by mountain ranges
2000 to 3000 metres asl.
Taking into consideration all these features
it is not surprising that the lake is included in UNESCO World Heritage
List.
Not only these qualities make Baikal so attcracting,
but also the fact that it is a perfect place for various outdoor activities
from sightseeing and ethnographical excursions to diving, dog sledding,
horse riding, canoeing, rafting and mountaneering. Whatever your interests
are you will find something special for you there (see
Besides, this Baikal region is a mixture of three
religions - Russian Orthodoxy, Buddhism and Shamanism - so you will
have an opportunity to visit Orthodox Churches, Buddhist Datzans and
Shaman sacred places.
The programs below suggest a variety of activities
and give an idea of what you can do and see on the Lake Baikal. All
programs are customizable according to preferences of the group.
LAKE
BAIKAL PROGRAMS
summer
2005
Lake Baikal
Classic
The tour combines visiting Olkhon island (aka
Olhon), motor boat trips along Lake Baikal coastline, Round Baikal Railroad
excursion, trekking to 19th century gold mines, and Irkutsk sightseeing.
Duration 7 days
Season May to September
Price $730
Magical Olkhon
The best way to explore the lake is certainly
to go by motor boat to Olkhon island - the heart of Lake Baikal, center
of Shaman culture in Buryatia. Sparsely inhabited, this island is considered
to be the most beautiful place on the Lake Baikal. Also it is a good
place for outdoor activities like biking, horse riding and hiking.
Duration 7 days
Season May to September
Price $870
Baikal
mix - 3 in 1
This 7-day tour combines adventure with exploration
of the Lake Baikal: 1 day hiking and 2 days rafting in Sayan mountains,
excursion to Round Baikal Railway and sightseeing in Irkutsk.
Duration 7 days
Season May to September
Price $790
Hot
breathing of East Sayan
Hot springs of Shumak are hidden from outside world by Tunki golets
- mountain range 2000 m asl, but they are famous far outside Lake Baikal
region for their healing force. After 7 days trekking in Tunkinsky Nationl
Park you will return back to the Lake Baikal to take one day rest and
then come to Ulan Ude to explore the city and visit Ivolginsky Datzan
- center of Buddhism in Russia.
Duration 12 days
Season May to September
Price $980
ence
in Orkho-Bom canyon
Wild Russia company Saint-Petersburg
Fontanka emb. 59, room 224.
+7
812 313 8030
+7
812 313 8060
+7
812 273 6514
Fax: +7 812 571 1071
The Lake Baikal
Round Baikal Railway
Shaman Rock
Sunset in Bargusin reserve
Oka river
Sayan mountains
Way to Shumak hot springs
Evening service in Ivolginsky datzan
Shaman idols
Photos by
Wild Russia photographer Vladimir Stolyarov, Viacheslav Petukhov from
Rafting down Oka - aka as Akha and Okha - river
and Orkho-bom canyon is exiting experience - you will see magnificent
landscapes of East Sayan mountains, run numerous rapids and enjoy quiet
evenings beside campfire.
Duration 10 days
Season May to September
Price $1020