Lake Baikal, located in the south of Eastern Siberia, on the border of the Irkutsk region and the Republic of Buryatia, is one of the most ancient reservoirs of our planet. Its age is about 25 million years old.
Baikal is the largest freshwater lake in the world and the deepest. Its area is 31.7 thousand square kilometers, which is slightly larger than Belgium. The depth reaches 1642 m. It contains a quarter of the world's fresh water reserves. The water in the lake is so clean and transparent that you can drink it
During the ice age (on average, in the period from January 9 to May 4) Baikal freezes completely, except for a small section of 15-20 km long, located at the source of the Angara River
By the end of winter, the ice thickness on Lake Baikal reaches 1 m, and in the bays — 1.5—2 m. In severe frost, cracks, which have the local name "stanovye slits", break the ice into separate fields. The length of such cracks is 10-30 km, and the width is 2-3 m. Ruptures occur annually, in approximately the same areas of the lake. They are accompanied by a loud crackling sound, reminiscent of thunder or cannon shots.
Olkhon is the geographical and mystical center of Lake Baikal. For many years Olkhon has been on the list of the most desirable places to travel among Russian and foreign tourists.
The village of Khuzhir is the capital of the island of Olkhon on Lake Baikal. The main and most recognizable landmark of Olkhon and Khuzhir (and the whole of Lake Baikal) is Shamanka Rock, located right here, right in the center of the village on the shore of Lake Baikal.
The village of Khuzhir. House on the shore of Lake Baikal.
Pavel Kuzmichev | Russia Life | Pavel Kuzmichev Collection | Pavel Kuzmichev
The village of Khuzhir. Cows walk through the streets.
Pavel Kuzmichev | Russia Life | Pavel Kuzmichev Collection | Pavel Kuzmichev
Olkhon Island, Cape Burhan, Shamanka Rock is one of the nine shrines of Asia (formerly called the "temple stone") In ancient times, cult sacrifices were made at Shamanka Rock to the spirit-master of Olkhon Island, who lived in a cave. The owner of Olkhon was the most formidable and revered deity of Lake Baikal. The sacred Shaman rock with a through cave, where only the shaman had the right of access, remained forbidden for a long time, no one was allowed to approach it or pass through it. Previously, women were forbidden to approach the rock.
Pavel Kuzmichev | Russia Life | Pavel Kuzmichev Collection | Pavel Kuzmichev
Olkhon Island, Cape Burhan, Shamanka Rock is one of the nine shrines of Asia (formerly called the "temple stone") In ancient times, cult sacrifices were made at Shamanka Rock to the spirit-master of Olkhon Island, who lived in a cave. The owner of Olkhon was the most formidable and revered deity of Lake Baikal. The sacred Shaman rock with a through cave, where only the shaman had the right of access, remained forbidden for a long time, no one was allowed to approach it or pass through it. Previously, women were forbidden to approach the rock.
Pavel Kuzmichev | Russia Life | Pavel Kuzmichev Collection | Pavel Kuzmichev
A tourist girl looks at the ice of Lake Baikal.
Pavel Kuzmichev | Russia Life | Pavel Kuzmichev Collection | Pavel Kuzmichev
In February-March, the ice thickness of Lake Baikal can be one meter. During its formation, millions of air bubbles freeze in it.
Pavel Kuzmichev | Russia Life | Pavel Kuzmichev Collection | Pavel Kuzmichev
In the village of Khuzhir on Olkhon Island, one of the main tourist attractions is cycling on the ice of Lake Baikal. You can rent a bike here.
Pavel Kuzmichev | Russia Life | Pavel Kuzmichev Collection | Pavel Kuzmichev
At this time of the year, the ice is so durable that it can safely hold cars on itself.
Pavel Kuzmichev | Russia Life | Pavel Kuzmichev Collection | Pavel Kuzmichev
