What is Lake Baikal?

Baikal [which literally means “cup” or “basin”] is the oldest lake in the world (25-30,000,000 years). Baikal is the world’s deepest lake (1 mile) and most voluminous (one-fifth of the world’s fresh water). Four hundred miles long and at most 50 miles wide, the lake is shaped like a giant blue banana.

Baikal is a four-day train ride from either Moscow or Vladivostok, and is situated just north of the Mongolian border. Geographically and geologically, it is extremely isolated. Ringed by mountains, Baikal is fed by 336 relatively short streams and rivers. Just one – the mighty Angara – drains it. Because of its age and environmental isolation, Baikal is the most biodiverse lake on Earth, supporting 2,565 animal species and sub-species and 700 plant species, more than twice the number supported by any other lake in the world. Approximately 80-85% of these species are unique to Baikal.

Perhaps Baikal’s most renowned resident is the nerpa (Baikal seal) – see box, page 25. Less beloved but equally fascinating is a species of fish made of up to 50% fat. It lives in the lower depths of the lake and literally melts when brought to the surface.

As much as for its animals, Baikal is celebrated for the purity of its water. On a still day, one can see to a depth of dozens of meters.

Perhaps most importantly, Baikal is beautiful.