Baikal is the deepest fresh-water lake in the world— at its very deepest some 1,642 meters from top to bottom. That's the same as 909 people standing on each other's shoulders!

If you like hiking along trails or camping in tents, or singing songs by the campfire — well, then, summertime Baikal is the place for you.

While driving around Lake Baikal, you will sometimes come across an unusual small pavilion along the road, often with narrow pillars that are decorated with colorful ribbons. These are meant to be altars for local spirits.

Any traveler who wants to visit the western or southern shores of Baikal should plan to enter the region through the city of Irkutsk.

All foreign visitors need a travel visa to enter Russia. You can apply for a visa through the Russian embassies in your home country.

You can find accommodations around the lake that will fit any budget or any taste that you might have. Besides the usual hotels, there are guest homes, health spas, cabins, hostels, and private apartments to let.

How to stay connected—phone and internet coverage at Baikal. When you call into Russia, please remember that the national telephone code for our country is simply +7.

The time zone at Lake Baikal is the same as in Beijing. When it is 5PM here in Irkutsk, it is noon in Moscow—and 10AM in London!

If you plan to make multiple stops around Baikal, or if you want to visit several sites along the way, then you might want to work through a local tour operator.

When returning home most travelers like to bring something back with them—a keepsake to share with friends and family.

Some tips on what to do if you take a wrong turn or lose your way—or if you fall ill while traveling.

Do you know what our Sagudai salad looks like? Or maybe one of our Sbiten drinks? Or how about the weird ice formations that you can see at Baikal? Please press here to find out.

No matter what time of year you come to visit, winter or summer, we always want your Baikal travels to be safe.

Answers to frequently asked questions. (Can't find the answer to your question here? Then please write us at: tourismbaikalinfo@gmail.com