Baikal is my favourite place in Russia. It’s the deepest and oldest lake on Earth.
Winter ice or summer island? It’s two different trips.
— Sasha
Lake Baikal
The deepest lake on Earth
Clear blue ice in February, Olkhon Island in summer, and three nights on the Trans-Siberian to get there.
Sasha's picks
-
Olkhon IslandThe largest island on the lake, with steppe, cliffs and Shaman Rock.A full day
-
The clear iceIn February and March the ice is clear enough to see the water beneath your feet.Half a day
-
The Circum-Baikal RailwayA historic line along the shore, through tunnels and over stone bridges.A full day
-
ListvyankaA lakeside village an hour from Irkutsk, known for smoked omul fish.Half a day
-
IrkutskWooden houses with carved windows, and the gateway to the lake.Half a day
-
The Baikal sealsThe nerpa lives only here. See them in Listvyanka or, with luck, on the rocks.About an hour
When to go
February and March for the clear ice. July and August for warm days on Olkhon.
| Season | Months | What it’s like |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | Dec–Feb | The lake freezes by January; clear ice from February. |
| Spring | Mar–May | The ice holds into March, then breaks up in May. |
| Summer | Jun–Aug | Warm days, hiking and boat trips. |
| Autumn | Sep–Nov | Golden larches and calm water in September. |
A 4-day plan
Four days: Irkutsk, two days on Olkhon, and the old railway.
-
1
Irkutsk and Listvyanka Irkutsk · Listvyanka · The Baikal seals
-
2
Olkhon Island Olkhon Island
-
3
The ice, or a boat in summer The clear ice
-
4
Along the shore by train The Circum-Baikal Railway
Getting there
Fly to Irkutsk from Moscow in about six hours, or arrive on the Trans-Siberian after three nights from Kazan.
ROTW prices every trip for your dates, hotel level and group size. Pin what you like, send it to me, and I'll come back with a real quote.
— Sasha
Questions people ask
How deep is Baikal?
1,642 metres at its deepest point. It is also the oldest lake on Earth.
Can I walk on the ice?
In February and March, yes, with a guide who knows where it is thick.
Can I swim?
In August near the shore, if you’re brave. The water stays cold.
