Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal lies in southern Siberia. At 1,642 m it is the deepest lake in the world, and at an estimated 25 million years the oldest; it holds about a fifth of the earth's unfrozen surface fresh water. UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site in 1996.

Between February and March its surface freezes into clear ice showing cracks and bubbles beneath, with ice caves and sculptures forming around the islands. It is explored in adapted vehicles or on foot with a guide. In summer the lake is deep blue, framed by forest and mountains.

The gateway is Irkutsk, about five and a half hours by air from Moscow, then an hour by road to Listvyanka, or longer to Olkhon Island. We suggest it as a three-night extension for travellers who already know Moscow and St Petersburg.