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 activities
in the Lake Baikal).
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.
Detailed itinerary
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.
Detailed itinerary
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.
Detailed itinerary
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.
Detailed itinerary
Duration 12 days
Season May to September
Price $980
Experience
in Orkho-Bom canyon
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.
Detailed itinerary
Duration 10 days
Season May to September
Price $1020
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