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The Lake Baikal is not only limited to being the largest freshwater lake in the world.
One of the Oldest
![](https://eastwestdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/lake15-scaled.jpeg)
The Lake Baikal is estimated to be around 25 million years old, that makes it one of the oldest lakes on the planet Earth.
Vast
![](https://eastwestdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/lake1-1024x680.jpg)
The lake is so vast that its surface area is comparable to the size of the European country Belgium.
Visibility
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Being renowned for its crystal-clear waters, its visibility reaches up to 130 feet (40 meters) in some areas.
Volume
![](https://eastwestdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/lake3-1024x682.jpg)
With approximately 20% of the planet’s unfrozen freshwater reserve, Lake Baikal holds the title of being the largest freshwater lake by volume.
Deepest
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Reaching depths of approximately 5,387 feet (1,642 meters), Lake Baikal holds the title of the world’s deepest lake.
Also known as
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Due to its abundant biodiversity and unique species, Lake Baikal is often referred to as the “Galapagos of Russia.”
Biodiversity
![](https://eastwestdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/lake7-1024x640.jpeg)
Lake Baikal harbors over 1,700 species of plants and animals, with two-thirds of them exclusive to this unique ecosystem.
Habitat
![](https://eastwestdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/lake8-1024x577.webp)
Lake Baikal boasts exceptionally clean and oxygen-rich water, providing a habitat for diverse aquatic life, including the Baikal seal, the world’s only freshwater seal species.
Islands
![](https://eastwestdiaries.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/lake9.jpg)
There are around 27 islands in Lake Baikal, among which the largest of Olkhon Island.
Historical sites
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On the shores of Lake Baikal, one can discover various historical sites, including Buddhist sanctuaries, ancient petroglyphs, and remnants of old trade routes.
Indigenous
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The indigenous Buryat people, who have inhabited the region around Lake Baikal for centuries, have a deep spiritual connection to the lake, considering it sacred and a source of inspiration for their culture and traditions.
Indigenous groups, like the Evenki and Tofalar, practice reindeer herding, maintaining a nomadic lifestyle linked to Lake Baikal’s ecosystem.
Mystical energy
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Certain residents and spiritual seekers hold the belief that Lake Baikal possesses mystical energies, attracting those in search of spiritual rejuvenation and healing.