Lake Baikal is listed as modern. Origin of the name of the lake. Settlements and cities

Lake Baikal is a truly mysterious and wonderful place not only in Russia, but throughout the planet.

Animal and vegetable world, the composition of water and even air cannot be compared with the nature of other lakes. Baikal surpasses them in many ways.

The local population differs markedly from the inhabitants of other regions. They honor traditions, remember and keep legends and respectfully call Lake Baikal the sea.

The lake has the shape of a crescent with a width ranging from 20 to 80 km and a length of about 630 square meters. km, and the most deep point The lake is located at the level of 1642 meters. Baikal takes in more than 300 small and large rivers, and releases only one Angara.

Where is Lake Baikal

Where the lake is located, there is a border between Buryatia and the Irkutsk region. The Russian part of Baikal is geographically located in the south of the eastern part of Siberia.



How to get there

viber for computer

Every tourist planning to spend a vacation on the lake is concerned about the question - how to get to it. First of all, you need to get to Irkutsk or the capital of Buryatia. You can do this by plane or train. And from administrative centers buses, minibuses, motor ships go to the lake itself or the nearest settlement.

Do not forget that tickets to Ulan-Ude or Severobaikalsk are sold not so often and are quite expensive. Therefore, travelers often purchase tickets to Irkutsk. If the choice was made in favor of the train, then you can buy a ticket for almost any one following in the direction of Vladivostok and Khabarovsk.

The quality of roads to Lake Baikal is relatively good, which is a definite plus for those who like to travel around the world driving their car. And for extreme seekers, there is always a way of traveling called hitchhiking.

Cities on Lake Baikal

Cities on Lake Baikal are numerous - from small villages to large administrative centers. Most of the population is professionally employed in the tourism industry. These are employees of hotels, hotels, tourist bases, entertainment centers, guides and guides, transport drivers and guides in the mountains.

Lake Baikal. Slyudyanka photo

Large cities include Irkutsk, Severobaikalsk, Ulan-Ude. They are architectural, historical monuments and museums. They are also centers of culture, politics and economics. The population of these cities ranges from 100 to 400,000 people.

Smaller settlements are Slyudyanka, Listvyanka, Katun, Maksimikha, Khuzhir, Posolskoye, Turka, Goryachinsk and others. They are more visited by tourists. Rafting on stormy rivers, mountain climbing, cruises on the lake, various excursions, ski resorts in winter time.

Lake Baikal on the plain or in the mountains

Lake Baikal is located more in the mountains than on the plain. The west and east coasts are different. The eastern side has a smoother and gentler relief. And the western one is represented by mountains, rocks and cliffs, which can move away from the coast for several kilometers. Lake basin type and pool. The Baikal Rift Zone measures 12,500 km and extends from Mongolia to Yakutia.

A rift is a crack in the layers of the earth's surface, which takes the form of a crescent. The center of the Baikal Rift is its deepest point. It was here that the basin of Lake Baikal was formed. The type of lake basin is volcanic and similar to dead sea in its structure and represents a system of depressions of various sizes. The volume of water in the lake. The volume of water in the lake is approximately 23 km3. This is the largest fresh water supply in the world.

Baikal photo

The volume of water is striking in its colossality. It exceeds the Ladoga Sea by 23 times, and the Sea of ​​Azov by 90 times. Baikal water is saturated with oxygen and practically does not contain various impurities. At a depth of 30-40 meters, it is quite easy to distinguish individual objects. And in some places of the lake, water can be drunk without fear of poisoning. Depth. The water surface of Lake Baikal rises 456 meters above sea level.

Characteristics of Lake Baikal

  • The area of ​​Lake Baikal is 550,000 square kilometers
  • The length of the lake is 636 km
  • Lake width 25 - 79 km
  • Maximum depth - 1637m, average depth- 730m
  • Lake mode. The hydrological regime is floods and floods of its rivers. The flow of rivers is mainly observed in the warm season. In winter, rivers are fed only by groundwater. The water surface freezes for about a month from mid-December to mid-January. But the source of the Angara, 15 km long, is not covered with ice, as it draws in water above freezing.
  • The climate is temperate continental. It is characterized by cold winters and not hot summers (+16+18). Winds generated by different temperatures coastal and water zones, often raise storm waves and arrange hurricanes.
  • The lake is over 25,000 years old. This oldest lake ice age. Most of these lakes, reaching 15,000 years old, disappear from the face of the Earth.
  • The Baikal fissure cuts the upper mantle of the earth deeper than 50 km. The abnormally high temperature of the bowels under the water column forms hot springs, reaching an average of +80 degrees.

Nature of Lake Baikal

The nature of Lake Baikal is unique and picturesque. Dense forests, rocky cliffs, hills and mountains, chains of volcanoes are scattered around the lake. More than 2,600 species of plants and animals live and grow in this territory, 70% of which are endemic. On the coast, the length of which is more than 2000 km, there are rapids, sandy bays, about 180 capes with their own bays. The number of sunny and cloudless days prevails on cloudy ones (there are about 40 of them per year).

Lake Baikal animal world

The fauna of Lake Baikal is presented vividly. Some species have hardly been touched by evolution, and some live only in the Baikal region. The seal is the symbol of the lake. Scientists still cannot give a clear answer about the way this seal got into the fresh waters of Lake Baikal. Musk deer is a deer, weighing up to 17 kg. Its feature is the absence of horns, but the presence of long fangs in males.

Baikal seal photo

There are also red wolf, sable, deer, squirrel, bear, wild boar, fox, lynx, snow leopard. Of the birds, golden eagles, imperial eagles, gulls, ducks, swans, cormorants, bustards, and peregrine falcons are common. In the water column, in addition to fish, special epishura crustaceans predominate. They are a natural filter, passing the water of the lake through them.

A variety of mollusks and sponges are also present. For example, Baikal and Benedictia accumulate large groups on the rocks. Fish from Lake Baikal. The fish of Lake Baikal is represented by omul, viviparous golomyanka fish, sturgeon, bream, sculpin, carp and others.

Lake Baikal plants

Lake Baikal is densely populated with both terrestrial and underwater plants. There are many forests in which ancient trees grow. For example, Siberian pine and cedar, reaching more than 6 meters in trunk diameter and more than 700 years old. Birch with black bark is also considered a unique tree.

There are many medicinal plants (more than 1000 species). These are licorice, anise, bearberry, chamomile, upland uterus, wormwood, thyme, bracken, bergenia. Plants that are found mainly only in this region include Parisian circus, wolfberry, yellow field poppy, sleep-grass, ordinary grass, and so on.

bottom of Lake Baikal photo

In the water column, various algae and sponges host on almost every centimeter of the bottom. These are mainly blue-green and golden algae. Green algae fill the bays and bays. Sponges come in a variety of colors and prefer to attach themselves to underwater slopes. In addition, there are a lot of higher underwater plants with full-fledged leaves, stems and roots (more than 70 species). These are representatives of the ranunculus, bryophytes, lycopsformes, burdocks and others families. For example, a small capsule and a quadrangular water lily.

Inflowing rivers of the lake

The flowing rivers of Lake Baikal number in the hundreds (336 rivers). It's more and less major rivers and large streams. These include the Snezhnaya, Amga, Utulik, Upper Angara, Selenga, Bolshaya Buguldeika, Sarma, Goloustnaya, Barguzin, Zen-Murin and many others.

River flowing out of the lake

The river flowing out of the lake is called the Lower Angara and boasts a length of 1779 km. At the source of the river stands the Shaman-stone, a rock entangled in mystery and legends. According to one legend, the beautiful Angara was in love and wanted to run away to her chosen one, the hero Yenisei. And the furious father Baikal threw this stone after his disobedient daughter.

The river connecting Lake Baikal with the Arctic Ocean

The river connecting Lake Baikal with Arctic Ocean called the Yenisei. It divides Siberia into western and eastern and has a length of 3487 km. The river is unique in that it passes through everything climatic zones. On its banks you can meet both camels and polar bears.

Lakes near Baikal

Lakes near Baikal have the same tectonic origin, but smaller sizes. There are a large number of such lakes and each is unique in its own way. Lake Kolok is considered popular with fishermen.


Lake Baikal in winter photo

Frolikha is located on northeast coast Lake Baikal and has an area of ​​​​more than 16 square km and is included in the Red Book as a lake ice age. And Lake Kotokel is toxic. But although it is forbidden to swim in it, there are about 40 recreation centers on the coast. Also nearby are the lakes Arangatui, Gusinoe, Sobolinoe, Angarsky sor.

Attractions of Baikal

The sights of Baikal are numerous, especially those created by nature itself. But there are also those to which a person had a hand. Natural attractions:

  • Great Baikal Trail
  • sandy bay
  • Small sea with very warm water
  • Olkhon Island and Cape Kobylya Golova located on it and Lake Shara-Nur, located 750 meters above sea level
  • Ushkany Islands
  • Chivyrkuisky and Barguzinsky Bay
  • Tunkinskaya valley
  • Hot Springs
  • Valley of volcanoes in the Sayan mountains
    In the Slyudyanka area, a 300-meter-high cliff on which birds nest, called the bird market.

Landmarks created by man: Taltsy is an architectural monument. Buildings of various times from the flooded regions of Lake Baikal were brought here. In Listvyanka, you can visit the nerpinarium and the center for sled dogs. Drive or walk along the Circum-Baikal Railway 84 km. More than 30 tunnels were cut in the rocks for it and 248 bridges were built.

Baikal photo

The Epiphany Cathedral and the Astrophysical Observatory are located in Irkutsk. World heritage of Lake Baikal. Title world heritage Lake Baikal received in 1996. The lake meets all the requirements of uniqueness. Many endangered species of plants and animals are listed in the Red Book.

  • In winter, the ice reaches 30 meters deep and spontaneously breaks during the winter, providing the fish with an influx of oxygen.
  • The height of storm waves sometimes reaches 5 meters
  • Sturgeons live up to 60 years in the lake
  • Under the waters of Lake Baikal flooded the highest mountains in the world at 7500 meters
  • Scientists suggest that over time Baikal will become a sea. Its banks diverge annually by 2 cm.
  • Baikal Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of September.

Problems of Lake Baikal

The problems of Lake Baikal have existed for a long time, and without proper help they will progress. It is worth noting the drying up of small rivers flowing into the lake. Thanks to this, its ecosystem is changing. The shores are destroyed, the spawning of fish is difficult. Poachers and forest fires, mostly man-made, have had a hand in the reduction and extinction of some species of flora and fauna. The number of seals, omul, red deer, and musk deer has practically halved.

lake pollution

Lake pollution is massive environmental problem. The culprit in this is only a person. This includes garbage left by tourists in the coastal zone, oil products from shipping transport, waste, carbon dioxide, wastewater from large-scale production.

The popularity of Baikal is growing every year, attracting Russian and foreign tourists, artists and scientists. Scientific developments are carried out here by archaeologists, geologists, historians, physicists, ethnographers and others. But it is this factor that leads to the ecological troubles of the lake areas. If measures are not taken to protect it, Lake Baikal may disappear from the face of the Earth, and with it the world's supply of fresh water.

Where is Lake Baikal located? Lake Baikal is the cleanest and deepest freshwater lake our planet. Lake Baikal is also the largest reservoir of fresh water, surface water on the ground. Baikal is famous for its crystal clean water. It is home to a large variety of fauna and flora. This magnificent lake is located in Asia and occupies part of the territory of Siberia in Russia. Lake Baikal is located and borders on the Republic of Buryatia and the Irkutsk region, not far from the city of Irkutsk. Baikal is considered one of the seven underwater wonders of the world. Its name Baikal comes from two words of the Turkic language, it is “bay”, which means rich and “kul”, which means lake.

Depth of Lake Baikal and its dimensions?

The width of Lake Baikal, in its widest part, is 79.5 kilometers, and the width in its narrow part is 25 kilometers. The average width of Lake Baikal is 47.8 kilometers. The lake is located along a tectonic fault, which explains its great depth. The maximum depth of the lake is 1637 meters, which makes it the deepest in the world. And its average depth is 758 meters. Baikal covers an area of ​​31,722 square kilometers. More than 330 small rivers flow into this lake. There are 22 islands inside the lake. by the most big island on the lake is the island of Olkhon. In Lake Baikal there are about

23 615.390 cubic kilometers of the purest fresh water. This is almost 20% of all the world's fresh water reserves on Earth, which is located on the surface. He contains more water than all of the North American Great Lakes combined. It is also the oldest lake in the world. Since Lake Baikal has existed for more than 25 million years.

Features of Lake Baikal

One of its most important features is that the water on Lake Baikal is so clean that any object at its depth is already visible at a depth of 40 meters. In addition, Lake Baikal is also the most beautiful lake planets. It is one of the few sources of fresh water that continues to grow rapidly, growing at an average of 2 centimeters per year.

Flora and fauna on Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal has an impressive and unique flora and fauna. Scientists have determined the existence of about 2,600 species of animals and plants. Among them, about 70 percent of animals and plants are endemic. That is, this means that these animals and plants can only be found here on Lake Baikal. One of the most representative inhabitants of the lake's ecosystem is the Nerpa. This is a unique freshwater seal that lives in the northern part of Lake Baikal. Another symbol of the Baikal fauna is Omul. This is the most popular type of salmon fish. this lake. And another representative of Lake Baikal is Golomyanka. This fish is also called as "Baikal oil fish". This is a kind of unusual, beautiful fish, translucent in appearance. Which lives at a depth between 200 and 500 meters. This type of fish is famous for its decay, under the influence of sunlight, into separate parts, only bones remain from it. Foxes, eagles, deer, bears and many other species of animals and plants also live in this area.

Nature on Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal itself is genuine miracle but other than that it is surrounded by beautiful landscape. There are beautiful forests and Rocky Mountains, so it is one of the most favorite places of the Russians. Hiking, camping, kayaking, biking, fishing and other activities are organized here.

About Lake Baikal, the most famous writer of Russia, Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, said this: “Baikal is so amazing, and it’s not for nothing that Siberians treat it not like a lake, but like a sea. The water in it is unusually transparent, so that one can look into the depths as if through air; the color is soft turquoise, the most pleasing to your eye. And its shores are mountainous and covered with forest; around the impenetrable desert. Bears, sables, wild goats and other wild animals live here.”

History of Lake Baikal.

Since ancient times, many people have lived near Lake Baikal. Remains of human presence in the region have been found. This presence dates back to the Stone Age. Residents of the region consider this lake the most sacred place. Because of this, Lake Baikal was known as "sacred water" or "holy sea" and people here prayed, believed in the power of the lake. But, on Lake Baikal, the main migration of people occurred only after its discovery by the Russians in the 17th century. In 1643, Ivanov Kurbat, who was the first Russian to enter this region of Eastern Siberia. And in 1647, at the head of the expedition, Vasily Kolesnikov, reached the northern part of the coast of Lake Baikal.

From the very beginning, the Russian people were engaged in Lake Baikal fishing and hunting. For this region, the lake is the basis of the economy.

Since the discovery of Lake Baikal, many expeditions have carried out their research. One of the first was a scientific expedition sent in 1723 by Peter I. Most of the scientific works on Lake Bakal had already been published by the Academy of St. Petersburg. However, only in the 19th century, in connection with the construction of the Trans-Siberian railway line geographic and geological studies were carried out. During the 20th century, many other studies were carried out in the lake, including a full survey organized by the Academy of Sciences. In 1976, the first satellite photographs of Lake Baikal were taken. Nevertheless, despite all these expeditions, there are still a lot of questions and mysteries.

Lake Baikal was declared in 1996 a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unfortunately, over the past 50 years, many enterprises and settlements have been built on Baikal that pollute it. They negatively affect and have a terrible impact on the sensitive ecosystem of Lake Baikal. Garbage, chemical waste dumped by agricultural production, a growing flow of tourists, all this causes enormous damage to the fresh water reserves in the main reservoir of the Earth.

Due to the growing pollution of Lake Baikal, the authorities have taken some emergency measures to protect it. They banned the harvesting of timber and their transportation through Lake Baikal. A number of industries in the Republic of Buryatia were transferred to closed loop production. To stop pollution and population growth around the lake, emergency measures were taken to protect the natural environment. But, these activities are not enough to fight against the threat that looms over Lake Baikal. Currently, there are two main pollution threats: the city of Ulan-Ude with its wastewater and the Baikal Pulp and Paper Mill. Though about the second water pollutant of the lake, a decision was made to close it.

The future wonder of nature now depends on our decision to preserve it for our descendants. We are responsible and must fight for the safety of this magnificent, wonderful Lake Baikal. If you are in these parts, then be sure to visit these places and especially Lake Baikal, where you can spend your unforgettable.

Winter. Night. I'm small, but I can't sleep... For more than an hour our train has been rushing along some lake. At night it looks majestic and slightly intimidating. But I, clinging to the glass, cannot take my eyes off the way it moves in sync with the train and seems to have no end.

“Mom, what kind of lake is this long?” I ask my mother.

“So this is Baikal! Most deep and mysterious lake in the world!"

Strange, I thought then, like "Baikal"- this is such a drink and fell asleep.

I often remember this episode, because after that I began to seriously be fond of geography.

Where is Baikal

As it seemed to me during my night trip - Baikal is everywhere.)) And no wonder, because the length of the coastline is 2000 km! If to say in more detail about the location of the lake, then its geographical position I'll present it to you like this:

  • Baikal is located in Russia(between Irkutsk region and Buryatia);
  • the lake is in deep basin- in a hollow, in other words, which, perhaps, influences the fact that Baikal is recognized as the deepest lake;
  • to get to the lake Baikal, it will be enough for you to get to one of the following cities: Irkutsk, Severobaikalsk or. And from there, with the help of guides, travel companies or relatives to go further to inspect this extraordinary lake.

Around Baikal and its origins, there have always been mmany legends and rumors. Nowadays, scientists also do not stop arguing about what nevertheless caused the appearance of the lake, and how many thousands of years it is. I will give you some facts about Baikal so that you can feel and imagine all its greatness:

  • Baikal is a World Heritage Site UNESCO;
  • is the deepest lake in the world and has a unique crescent shape;
  • to Baikal about 300 rivers and streams flow into;
  • during the existence of the lake, more than 20 islands, the largest of which is Olkhon;
  • in the lake are the only ones of their kind filamentous algae the genus Spirogyra;
  • about Baikal made many films and his images are used in philately;
  • traveling through the sights of Baikal, you can see how combining history and modernity, see native Buryats, and them unusual life, which you could only see in historical films;
  • everyone's favorite was named after this lake drink "Ba"ykal", which in Soviet times replaced our Coke and Pepsi.:))

So gather a fun company, stock up on a drink, and go relax on Baikal! Especially where he is in- now you know!

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The action took place about six years ago. As soon as I called a taxi, St. Petersburg, as befits St. Petersburg, decided to take me through the pouring rain. As an evil, the taxi was delayed, the hour hand pointed to the figure eight, the minute hand imitated it, there was not much left before departure more than an hour. Finally, the summoned car appeared in the yard. After some two hours, I, having said goodbye to crybaby Peter, was already flying towards Moscow, where I was waiting for a transfer and a further flight to Irkutsk. Oh yes, I describe mine trip to Baikal.

The geographical location of Lake Baikal and a few dry facts

The lake, which is world's largest fresh water reservoir, is located border of the Republic of Buryatia and the Irkutsk region. The size of Baikal is commensurate with Belgium or Moldova. Two Montenegros or three Cyprus. Among other things, the lake is listed as a World Heritage Site. UNESCO. Now, let's get back to the journey.

How to get to the lake

Irkutsk met me more affably - with a clear sunny sky. Wasting no time, I moved to the village of Listvyanki, on the northern shore of the lake, the journey took about an hour.

Where can you start your journey

Irkutsk is not the only place where travelers can start conquering the world's deepest lake. The following is listed several starting points, as well as some attractions:

  • Irkutsk if you, like me, are going to explore the sights of the southern part of the lake;
  • already mentioned by me the picturesque village of Listvyanka, which is rightfully considered the hallmark of the lake;
  • Sandy Bay where rocks guard the beauty of these places;
  • most beautiful railway in the worldCircum-Baikal Railway where engineering art harmonizes with the untouched splendor of nature;
  • , to explore the east coast, which is famous for the warmest waters;
  • Chivyrkuisky Bay And St. Nose peninsula- one of the most attractive places that I can personally advise you to visit, in these places there are several pleasant and cheap resorts(Baikal harbor, Goryachinsk);
  • southeast coast boasts a picturesque mountain formation - ridgeKhamar-Daban;
  • Severobaikalsk.

I hope I have given an exhaustive answer to your question, Julia.

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In the soul, my friend, in the soul. I close my eyes and try to inhale as deeply as possible. And in anticipation of that intoxicating smell, for a split second I am transported to it. Pure, transparent-virgin, cold and so inviting. Eh guys! How sorry I am for someone who has never seen or heard Baikal. Yes, yes, I did not hear! Do you think this is a typo?! No, you just haven't heard how this lake breathes. You can listen to this for hours.


My meeting with Baikal

I managed to visit Baikal in the summer of 2012. The weather was wonderful, and the guys and I, moving, as usual, hitchhiking, crossed border of the Irkutsk region. Morally, everyone was ready that it would be a decent stomp from the place of stopping to Baikal. About 35 km we heroically walked that day. Only 13 km remained to Baikal. heard that Baikal spread its waters along the border of the Irkutsk region and Buryatia, we were intrigued.


Buryatia - the land of miracles

Buryatia can boast of its splendor and picturesque places. Sights that everyone must see, as we did in due time:

  • Baikal Reserve;
  • Ivolginsky datsan;
  • waterfall Maly Zhom-Bolok;
  • valley of volcanoes;
  • Transbaikal national park;
  • thermal source Dzelinda.

It makes no sense to describe what you need to see for yourself, so to speak, feel it with your eyes.


Where is Baikal

When I was the first to reach the shore of Lake Baikal, I realized that this place cannot be described geographically. Yes, it is located in the southern part of eastern Siberia, near Irkutsk and borders on the Republic of Buryatia. At coordinates 52.836 s. sh., 109.512 in. d. Counts the cleanest and deepest lake, fenced on all sides by hills and a chain of mountain ranges. In general, a lot of dry numbers can be cited:

  • the age of the lake is 25–35 Ma;
  • the coastline of Lake Baikal is 8 thousand years old, the deep-water part is 150 thousand years old;
  • spring comes to Baikal 10–15 days later, if compared with the territory that is nearby;
  • the width of bottom sediments in Baikal is about 6,000 m;
  • at the end winter period The lake is covered with ice 1 m thick.

You can go on for a long, long time to describe the facts that we read about on the way to Baikal. Although there are plenty of numbers, however, I believe that such places should be stored in only one place, in the heart.

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The last time I was on Baikal was in 2015. The beauty of this lake is hard to describe. Water so much in her transparent that stones are visible at a depth of 30-40 meters. The lake was my family's favorite vacation spot. So let me tell you more about this. unique phenomenon nature.


Where is Lake Baikal

You might be interested to know that the lake itself tectonic origin. Located in the center of Asia, or rather, in the south of Eastern Siberia, on the border of the Buryat Republic and the Irkutsk region. To Baikal fall into 336 rivers, and follows one - Angara. The coordinates of the lake are 53°13" N and 107°45" E. d.

close lakes are the following big cities-, Irkutsk, Severobaikalsk, Slyudyanka, etc., that is, it will not be difficult for you to get to your destination. Lake located in depression, which from all sides surrounded mountainous Xrebs. If you are a big nature lover, you will be pleasantly surprised to know that coast lakes occupy Baikal-Leninsky, Pribaikalsky and Barguzinsky parks and reserves captivating with their beauty.


Lake Baikal is an amazing place in the world, judge for yourself:

  • The lake was formed 25 million years ago, is the oldest in the world!
  • The lake has an average depth of 744.4 m, and greatest depth was defined in 1983 and equals 1642 m. Baikal is rightfully considered the deepest lake in the world!
  • The area is 31.5 thousand km². This roughly equals the territory of Belgium, Denmark and Holland separately.
  • The lake is so pure, What some objects can be seen at a depth of up to 40 m!
  • This is the largest source of fresh water. 19% of all fresh waters of the World Ocean are contained here.
  • There are 27 islands on the lake.
  • The water in the lake is cold. Only in 1986 did the water temperature rise to 22 °C, normal temperature is approx. + 8°C.

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Not so long ago I had a personal meeting with Lake Baikal. This is a very beautiful and charming place, which is not inferior, and maybe even surpasses many overseas resorts. Indeed, many of our domestic tourists dream of visiting different parts of the world, forgetting that a large number of places worthy of travel are located in Russia. Now I will tell you about Baikal.


Location of Baikal

Lake Baikal is located in Eastern Siberia, more specifically, in its southern part. It is located between Republic of Buryatia And Irkutsk region, That is center of Asia. It stretches from the southwest to the northeast, having the appearance of a giant crescent, 620 kilometers long. The territories adjacent to the lake are distinguished by a very large variety of both the animal world and various vegetation. Except for the islands, square water area of ​​Baikal is over 31 thousand square kilometers. It is surrounded on all sides mountain ranges and hills. It is also worth noting that Baikal is rightfully considered the deepest lake on our planet, with a maximum depth of 1640 meters. I can also note the fact that the lake can be considered a huge supply of fresh water, moreover, clean water, which is not so common in modern world.


Reasons to visit Baikal

On the territory where Baikal is located, you can see a lot of things that will remain in your memory throughout your life. I am sure that absolutely everyone can find reasons for visiting this great place. Now I will tell you about those that I found for myself.

  • Incredibly beautiful nature. I think few people can argue with this fact.
  • A change of scenery. Sometimes it is extremely important to take a break from everyday life and work in the office.
  • Opportunity to see rare species of animals which for animal lovers can be very valuable.
  • Psychological rest. It is really important to be alone with nature, and, as they say, to relax not only with the body, but also with the soul.

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Snow, water and Chukchi in fur coats - that's all I associated Baikal with. I knew that this is a lake, which is located somewhere in Russia. And since it is located thousands of kilometers from where I live, I have never been particularly interested in what and who lives there. But I was given the opportunity to cross this vast distance and see the miracle of nature with my own eyes.


Where is Baikal

Pearl of Siberia is in center of the Asian continent,in Russia. Irkutsk region And RRepublic of Buryatia share Baikal among themselves. The lake has view huge blue crescent and from all sides surrounded by mountain ranges. This deepest freshwater lake already exists 35 million years. It feeds three hundred rivers and contains one fifth of the world's fresh water. The water here is crystal clear. Once it was considered healing and treated with its help of disease, because it is very saturated with oxygen. There are several name origin options"Baikal":

  • from Turkic - rich lake;
  • from Mongolian - rich fire;
  • from Chinese - North Sea.

Interestingly, the lake does not age. There is an opinion that Baikal is reborn into the ocean. Every year it the sides diverge by 2 cm.

Lake dwellers

The shores and waters of Lake Baikal gave shelter to almost 3 thousand species of animals, many of which are found only here. Scientists also believe that almost 20% of living organisms living in the depths of Lake Baikal are still unknown to science. On land you can find:

  • red deer;
  • brown bear;
  • manula.

The only thing marine mammal In the lake - Baikal seal. Scientists are still debating how it got here.

Secrets of Baikal

Baikal- the lake is not only unique, but also very mysterious. It is believed that there is enough strong energy, with which some sacred places are associated. On Olkhon Island there is a place of sacrifice - shaman stone.


It is considered strong, but unkind. Criminals and unfaithful wives were brought here. Only the innocent survived. Neither locals nor tourists do not stay here overnight. Very often, locals watch over Baikal bright lights and flying objects.

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For many years we dreamed of visiting Lake Baikal, but every time we tried to plan this trip, we came to the conclusion that it was simply unrealistic. It's a shame! To live in Russia and never see this miracle of the planet - a huge well with crystal clear water, a place with miraculous energy, which people from other countries come to see. And so, last spring, at the family council, it was decided that we would spend our vacation on Lake Baikal. It may be far and expensive, but you should definitely see it.


Baikal - what is it and where is it

The deepest lake on earth is located in Eastern SiberiaAnd, or rather in its southern part.Water crescent-shaped, is the border of the Irkutsk region and Buryatia. Water in the lake Baikal cold saturated with oxygen, with a low content of organic matter and mineral suspensions. Its temperature at the surface and in summer rarely rises above +9 ° C, and even at a depth it generally stays within +4 degrees. In spring, it is blue and so transparent that you can see any object located at a depth of more than 35 meters. In summer, transparency decreases to ten meters, and the water becomes blue-green.


How to get there

Not far from the lake itself there are three big cities:

  • Irkutsk;
  • Severobaikalsk.

You can get to the first two of them both by train and fly by plane, the third can be reached only by rail. If you are lucky and you live somewhere in Siberia, then you can plan a trip by car. For example, the journey from Kazan to Irkutsk will take three days by train and five hours by plane.


What to see

Are you going to visit Baikal? Then you must see:

  • Olkhon island (the abode of the spirits of the lake, sacred place for shamans);
  • petroglyphs on the rock of Sagan-Zaba (rock paintings over 2000 years old);
  • Mount Yord (a huge mound 42 meters high);
  • Ogoy Island (Buddhist Stupa of Enlightenment with the relics of saints, books and mantras stored in it);
  • Circum-Baikal Railway (historical landmark, branch line 89 kilometers long).


See Baikal

To see Baikal and… no, in no case die, but start life anew. I don't know why but this lake is capable of changing the world of anyone who is lucky enough to visit its shores. I hope you will not be an exception.

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On the world map, the Baikal "comma" is right in the center of Eurasia. Either it “smiles” at the curiosity of a person, or it means a mystery, understatement. So it is - a special aura of these places opens immediately, and never lets go. Asia and the East intertwined here, European civilization wedged in, but there are still more unexplored places than habitable ones.

Geographical location and history of the origin of the lake

When asked where Lake Baikal is located, the most common answer is - in Siberia. Lake tectonic origin lies in the rift cavity - like, for example, the Dead Sea. On the map of Russia, a fresh body of water separates Irkutsk region and Buryatia. The length from the north to the south-west is almost 640 km, relatively narrow in width - from 25 to 80 km.

The satellite images show the water column - this is the maximum depth of 1637 meters: on the map of the hemispheres of the planet there are only 6 lakes deeper than one and a half kilometers, and Baikal excels.

Curious! There are many versions of the origin of the name of the lake, the advantages are in expressions that are consonant with the current pronunciation:
Beihai (Chinese) - the northern sea;
Baikol (Turk.) - a rich lake;
Baigal-dalai (Mong.) - a rich flame.

Road to the lake

Airports and railway stations are located in Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude. The regularity of flights and express trains is high, the prices are for any budget due to the active development of the tourism cluster. Depending on the city in which the journey begins - from 70 to 140 km to the coast, regular buses run around the clock.

Features and mysteries of Baikal

Basin

Geologists cannot determine the exact age of the reservoir. Amazing location: Baikal lies as if in a stone vessel, and this makes it difficult to diagnose - there is no bottom soil for archaeologists and biologists. So 30 million years or "only" 150 thousand? No answer.

dark rings

For many years, the lake surface has been spontaneously covered huge rings several kilometers in diameter. Observers notice this every spring on a satellite map. Researchers from the Russian Academy of Sciences put forward a hypothesis that this is how bottom water with gases. But ufologists insist on the extraterrestrial origin of this geometry.

deep space

An unexpected location was chosen for a new super-powerful telescope at the end of the 20th century: Baikal, a bottom cushion. It turned out that it is easier for astrophysicists to pick up signals from space through water. The mystery gave rise to the belief in the existence of a deep port for aliens - after the winter, traces of "active" flights emerge with the famous "rings".

Baikal Stonehenge

bizarre man-made structures located in a remote area of ​​the Baikal-Lena Reserve. On Cape Rytom, someone in ancient times built a stone fence 333 meters long. Inside are pyramids of flat slabs. Eyewitnesses admit: there are no graves there, but the energy is incredible. However, it is almost impossible for neophytes to get here.

Underwater riddles

IN great depths Baikal lakes are looking for secrets and treasures, scrupulously calculate the coordinates: Baikal is historically associated with the Supreme Ruler Kolchak and the missing tons of gold reserves. Suddenly hidden at the bottom?.. The great director J. Cameron equipped a whole expedition to the bottom of Lake Baikal. What discoveries he made remained a secret.

living water

Environmentalists praise the life-giving composition of the lake cocktail. Despite the active industrial intervention, the purity of the lake is unique: mineralized, saturated with oxygen. Even under a meter of ice, bottom stones are clearly visible. Recipes are known - cope crustaceans and sponges. Using these properties in cities is a challenge.

Flora and fauna of Lake Baikal

Flora of Baikal

No other region has such a unique combination of natural and climatic zones. Around the perimeter Siberian Sea a marvelous variety of vegetation - from arctic to subtropical species. Hundreds of the rarest shrubs grow here, conifers, rhododendrons and edelweiss bloom. Favorites are:

relic forest- living "fossils" have been preserved on Olkhon since the Paleolithic.

Oaks and hornbeams- the groves on the southeastern coast are like an oasis in the center of Siberia.

Blue spruce- an unusual decorative shade is created by the wax “cover” of the needles, which area of ​​\u200b\u200borigin of the species is unknown.

Fauna of Baikal

The water area and shores of Lake Baikal are famous for their biodiversity. Scientists are surprised - what a rich region: more than 1500 species - the oldest deep-seated ciliates, hosts of insects, fish, birds. Abundant for food coastal zones chosen by predators and herbivores: bears, wolverines, deer. Have fresh sea and its legendary inhabitants:

- a furry animal lives in cedar forests all over east coast along the Barguzinsky ridge. Omnivorous, because of the value of the fur was on the verge of extinction, until physical map the area did not become the first reserve in Russia - already with a 100-year history.

- Baikal seal, protected by the state. There are many versions of how a marine mammal got deep into the continent in fresh lake. Some are sure that from the Arctic along the Yenisei and Angara, others believe in more exotic versions. Good-natured barbels weighing up to 170 kg stoically endure hordes of tourists.

- fish from the whitefish family, considered a signature delicacy, weighs from 0.5 kg to 5 kg. Commercial production is underway.

Curious! Epishura Baikal crustaceans - copepod cleaners have been working for millions of years: they successfully coped with bio-pollution. But the chemical effluents of the new time threaten this population and the ecosystem of the lake.

Attractions of Baikal

Lake Baikal on the world map is an object of attraction in itself. Pagan myths are still alive here - and every cape, bay, rock is covered with them. The legends of the Golden Horde are honored, the Old Believer villages of the first Russian settlers and ancient Buddhist datsans stand as a source of wisdom. Hundreds of natural and historical monuments. The first thing to look at is:

Circum-Baikal Railway- built as part of the Trans-Siberian; now 89 km along the coast, through tunnels and stone galleries with amazing views.

Shaman- a rock on Cape Khuzhir - the ridge of the sacred mountain cuts into the water: rituals have been performed here for thousands of years, and as a sign of continuity, there are 13 ritual serges, visible from afar.

Cave Dream- how many km in length, they didn’t exactly count - but it is the deepest, with golden stalactites, it impresses with a fabulous view and a special musicality of sounds.

Olkhon- an island in the middle of the water surface, with a spruce forest of prehistoric times and deafening beauty of panoramas.

Taltsy– ethno-village-museum of the life of the indigenous population of the Baikal region: authentic and impressive.

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