By far our favorite stop in Russia has been stunning Lake Baikal. Sometimes you appreciate a place more by the difficulty it takes to get there. If 16 time zones, and 5,185 kilometers on the train weren’t enough, we had to endure another 8 hours on a cramped minibus. But just to make sure we REALLY enjoyed it, our driver had to change no fewer than five flat tires (this is no exaggeration). Every time this happened, we were stuck in the middle of freezing nowhere playing “who would we eat first” in a survival situation. Thank goodness we brought snacks.
But upon our arrival – ahhhh… truly worth it.
Consider these facts:
- Lake Baikal is the deepest freshwater lake on the planet
- It is home to nearly 1/5 of the Earth’s unfrozen fresh water, and it could hold all of the water from The Great Lakes combined
- It is home to the only freshwater seal in the world, plus a flatworm so fierce it eats fish
- In the winter it freezes and the locals use it as a highway
- It’s so clear that swimmers complain about vertigo
- It has the bluest water you will ever see in your entire life
We spent four luxurious days doing very little, with the exception of short hikes on the sand dunes or visits to the banya (Russian sauna). After traveling so quickly through big cities, it was the first time we’ve felt like we are truly on a honeymoon. From here we’re on to Outer Mongolia where we will be staying with a nomadic family in a traditional ger (yurt). Somehow we doubt more luxury is right around the corner.
For more Lake Baikal photos click here
Buryat Offerings for Spirits