In the pursuit of the exotic of other countries, beautiful places that are in their own homeland are sometimes forgotten. Baikal is rightfully considered such a picturesque corner of pristine nature - the deepest lake on the planet, which is also one of the oldest. Does Baikal freeze in winter? Of course, yes, and the ice that covers the unique reservoir is also one of the most beautiful sights, combining numerous shades of blue. It is winter time that is the best for a trip to Lake Baikal, which is also called the Small Sea.
Unique Lake Baikal
This beautiful lake is located in Central Asia, in the south of Eastern Siberia. It serves as the border between the Irkutsk region and the Republic of Buryatia. Baikal contains about 19% of the world's fresh water, which is grandiose in itself. In addition, this water is so free of all minerals that it can safely replace distilled liquid. And the purity and transparency of the lake allow you to see stones and other objects at a depth of up to 40 meters. Baikal in winter and summer is an absolutely amazing sight. The depth of the Small Sea is on average 730 m, the maximumfigure - 1637 meters. The uniqueness of the natural site is confirmed by the fact that Baikal has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1996.
Animals and flora of Baikal
Flora and fauna of the lake is diverse and rich. About 2630 species of plants and animals live in a unique reservoir, more than 60% of them are unique. You can find them only in this reservoir. Such a large number of living organisms is explained by the fact that the water of Lake Baikal contains a very large percentage of oxygen in winter and summer. In addition, this reservoir is considered the place of origin of invertebrates as a species. If we turn to numbers, then more than half of all varieties of freshwater mollusks, as well as barnacles, live in Baikal. However, only a few species of inhabitants can be found in the Angara, the only river flowing from the lake. Also on the shores of Lake Baikal there are many different birds. The rocky islands of the lake are inhabited by gulls and cormorants in spring. The locals called this abundance of birds the “bird market.”
Lake Baikal in winter and summer
Current seasons have their own characteristics in this area. Summer on Baikal can be called a very conditional time of the year. In June, small icebergs are still observed on the water, and in August a cold wind, the barguzin, is already blowing. It is northern, so when it clears up, it is impossible to walk without a jacket. Mid-October is the time of the first frosts on the lake, when the fingers freeze in the water in a matter of seconds, and the surface of the lake is covered with frost in the morning. There are many more sunny days here than inany other region of Russia, including the Primorsky coast. At the same time, it is almost never hot on the territory of the lake. A similar climate has been established due to the large number of different winds that walk the territory. The coolness that emanates from the reservoir itself also played its role. Thus, it is the rest on Baikal in winter that will show all the delights of this beautiful lake. There are numerous reasons in favor of this choice, which will be discussed in more detail.
Ride on the ice road
Probably, there is no person who would refuse a crazy and fun idea - to ride through the icy expanses of the lake. Is it possible to remain indifferent, knowing that the car is separated from the abyss of water one and a half kilometers deep by just a thickness of ice. This exciting thought spurs many adrenaline lovers to go to Lake Baikal in winter. From February to the end of the first decade of April, the ice road along the reservoir is open to motorists. However, it is not worth taking much risk, despite the thickness of the ice and all the measures taken for the safety of people, every year dozens of cars fall into the water.
That is why it is almost impossible to rent a car for a trip on your own. There are only two options for a ride on the lake - come with your own car or contact a travel agency. Given that tours to Lake Baikal are quite popular, there are many companies offering excursions on the lake or the possibility of renting a car with a personal driver. Such measures are more reliable and safer than an independent trip on the lake,travel agency executives warn.
The world's largest ice rink
Another reason to visit Baikal in the cold season. During this period, the Small Sea becomes one huge ice rink. That is why a holiday on Lake Baikal in winter cannot be imagined without skates. At the same time, the ice of the lake is simply fabulous: a person pays the main attention not to viewing the colorful landscapes around, but to what is under his feet. This beauty contributes to the fact that many adults fall into childhood and begin to skate on the ice like little ones. This is an indescribable feeling of unity with nature and delight in its beauty!
The purest water of Lake Baikal turns into ice, which has different shades - from slightly blue to piercing blue. Skating rinks of various sizes are opened along the shores of the lake every year. Some of them stretch along the entire length of the coastal village. Skate rental and instructor assistance are included in the tourist service program.
There are people who cross the entire lake on skates. This is a whole journey lasting hundreds of kilometers: it will be difficult for an unprepared person to go through it. Moreover, one should take into account the unpredictability of the weather on the lake, especially in open areas. Some winds blow with such force that they can easily carry a person over the ice: he is powerless in this difficult situation. Therefore, going out on the ice alone is a rather serious risk.
Hot springs of the Small Sea
Winter holidays on Baikal cannot be imagined without visiting the thermal springs, which are located in the northernparts of the lake. You can go there just for one day or spend several days in this wonderful place. Recreation centers on Baikal in winter take into account this need of tourists and organize such trips. At the same time, people are provided with quite comfortable conditions - heated houses, good nutrition. There are also small skating rinks at the spas that offer skate rentals.
Swimming in the snow is an experience everyone wants to experience. The combination of beauty and usefulness of the procedure makes taking healing baths extremely popular among vacationers. Thermal springs differ in crowdedness and price category. The largest concentration of tourists is observed, as a rule, at those sources that are more accessible for transport. The higher the prices and the more difficult the route, the fewer people you can meet on the water.
Fishing on Lake Baikal in winter
This is one of the most popular attractions offered by Lake Baikal in winter. Fishing for some vacationers is a real sport, for others - a way to have a good time. Ice fishing begins in January, when you can catch fish that the locals do not take seriously: perch, pike, roach, dace. The lower the temperature on the thermometer, the thicker the ice level. At this time, many go fishing in the "open sea" for impressive prey. The ice hole is made by an ordinary lumberjack, which saves you from buying or renting large equipment. Recreation centers and travel companies help organize fishing, offering a wide variety of tours.
Pros say that the best time for fishing is in March and lasts until early April. At this time, the sun heats up quite strongly: there is no need to freeze, besides, the ice is still thick, which does not interfere with ice fishing. You can walk on it without fear, despite the spring sun. As for the catch, it does not depend on the season. It's all about luck and human skill.
Diving on Baikal
One of the most unforgettable experiences you can get when visiting Lake Baikal in January. Diving is a dive into the water from the ice of the lake through specially made lanes. Diving near hummocks is especially popular. Through the absolutely transparent ice of the lake, you can see such trifles as the size of shoes written on the sole, facial expressions of people. Of course, no one can remain indifferent to such a spectacle. That is why diving is so popular on Baikal. In order not to get lost in the water and return to the hole, diving is carried out only with a safety rope. Thus, winter diving becomes a great way to spend time on this beautiful lake and get an unforgettable experience.
You can also scuba dive in the summer. The purity of the waters will bring a lot of impressions even to a professional. Through it, you can see to the smallest detail absolutely all objects on the surface. Thus, diving on Baikal is a year-round entertainment that does not depend on the season and weather.
Underwater caves and grottoes of Baikal
Very beautiful sight. Allcaves and grottoes are located under the water column. The largest stretches over 25 meters. The width and height of the cave allow three scuba divers to freely fit inside, who can comfortably move around it. Wave-cut grottoes, of which there are many along the perimeter of the lake, reach an average of 20 meters in length. Most of the depressions are filled with pebbles. There is also a mysterious cave, visible at a depth from the surface, which local fishermen tell about. However, scuba divers have not yet reached it, so it has not yet been explored.
Unique seal
He is the main highlight of Baikal. A seal lives in the lake - the only seal in the world that lives in fresh waters and the only representative of mammals in the fauna of the lake. It lives on the territory of the Ushkany Islands. Quite often it swims up to the ships, not being afraid of a person, however, it tries not to get close to scuba divers. At sunset, you can see how the seal begins a mass movement to its haulout. Without this impressive spectacle, it is impossible to imagine Baikal in winter. However, as in summer.
The magic of Baikal is unforgettable
It's hard to argue with the fact that once you visit this most beautiful place on the planet, it's impossible to forget it. Indeed, one cannot be indifferent to the magic of Lake Baikal in winter. Feedback from experienced travelers confirms this hypothesis. A whole range of emotions that people get from numerous excursions and a wide variety of entertainment makes them come back here again and again.
Fascinatingjeep and quad bike trips, dog sledding, fantastic views of the lake from a helicopter - all this can be seen on Lake Baikal in winter. The most diverse types of fishing, skiing and skating on sparkling ice, winter diving and photography - the list of wonders of the Small Sea can be listed for a long time. That is why tours to Baikal are becoming more and more popular every year, and the number of people wishing to see the fabulous beauty of the lake is growing rapidly.
