Lake Baikal is located in Siberia, Russia. It is a rift lake and has the largest freshwater volume in the world. It contains about 20% of world’s unfrozen surface fresh water. It is the seventh largest lake in the world in terms of surface area and has the depth of 1,642 m. In 1996, UNESCO declared it as a world heritage site.
The settlement found here are the Buryat tribes residing on the eastern side of the Lake. The area is completely surrounded by mountains as on the north shore lies the Baikal mountains and Taiga that are preserved as a national park. It consists of 27 islands, among them Olkhon is the largest that makes the lake the third largest lake bound island in the world. Almost 330 inflowing water bodies and streams feed the lake.
The lake is home to more than 1,000 species of plants and 2,500 species of animals. More than 80 percent of the animals found are endemic. Baikal seal can be seen throughout the lake. Numerous flora species can be observed such as marsh thistle found at the eastern limit of the lake geographic range. It consists of less than 60 native fish species like Comephorida, Cottomephoride and Abyssocottidae.
Great activities like rafting boating, swimming can be done. Sightseeing can be done along with bird watching. You can also enjoy doing hiking.
Image Source: ILikeToWasteMyTime