Russia is famous for many things, and one of the most stunning is Lake Baikal. The oldest lake in the world, this remote, crescent shaped freshwater lake is in south eastern Siberia and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. It stretches for nearly 400 miles and is more than 1637m (5000 feet) deep, with a further four-mile-deep sediment layer below. An outpost of tranquillity, Lake Baikal is surrounded by huge snow-capped mountain ranges and offers visitors a glimpse of unmatched and breathtaking raw beauty.
Environmental Concern For The Wildlife Haven
The remote mountains and Siberian forest, the taiga, are a haven for wild animals and birds. The lake itself is thought to be around 25 million years old, holding 20% of the world’s fresh water, and hosting more than 3,700 endemic animal and plant species and other strange life-forms. This unspoiled region of Russia attracts over 500,000 tourists every year which presents a growing concern about environmental issues. Chinese tourists, in particular, have flocked there in recent years and there are plans to invest billions of dollars in developing hotels and infrastructure. Environmentalists are extremely concerned that the Russian lake’s future hangs on tourists. They are fighting hard to maintain the ecological integrity and protection of this stunning area and maintain a strict control with fishing and other environmental measures.
Lesser-Known Facts About The Sacred Sea
Lake Baikal is central to Russian folklore and is known as the Sacred Sea. It is surrounded by myths and interesting facts, aside from being the largest and deepest lake. Although it is located in Siberia, the area is actually warmer, due to the large body of water affecting the air temperature. In addition, the bottom of Lake Baikal is heated, although the reason is unknown. It is also the only deep lake that has oxygenated water and it is also one of the clearest lakes in the world, due to the volume of melted ice from the mountains. Lake Baikal is home to more than 27 uninhabited islands and the famous endemic species of the Nerpa, the only freshwater seal in the world. If you feel like exploring this paradise, then visit avionero.com today.
