Baikal Sea Trekking

March trekking 2011: Where ice meets rock

March trekking 2011: Gas bubbles under your feet inside the ice!

Lake Baikal in Sibiria is the largest freshwater lake in the world, 23% of the world's fresh surface water. it contains more water than the North American Great Lakes combined.Maximum depth of 1 642 m (5 387 ft), the world's deepest, clearest and oldest lake 25–30 million years.

Lake Baikal was formed as an ancient rift valley, having the typical long, crescent shape with a surface area of 31 722 km2 (12 248 sq mi). Baikal is home to thousands of species of plants and animals, many of which are endemic to the region. It is also home to Buryat tribes who reside on the eastern side of the lake, raising goats, camels, cattle, sheep, and horses. The mean temperature varies from a winter minimum of −19 °C (−2 °F) to a summer maximum of 14 °C (57 °F).