Baikal is a unique place, the pearl of Siberia. It is shrouded in the legends of the Buryat peoples, and the nature of the lake and its surroundings is simply magnificent. You can relax on Lake Baikal all year round, but most tourists still prefer to visit here in the summer.
The nature of the lake is unique. In the south is the Siberian taiga, in the middle part of the western coast is the Tazheran steppe, and in the north there are rocks and high-mountain taiga. If you want to see all the beauties - buy a water tour. The length of the Baikal coastline is about 2000 km. If you want to see the main attractions - expect at least a week of travel.
On a hot summer day, you really want to swim. You can indulge in a beach vacation on Lake Baikal in the Chivyrkuisky Bay, as well as in the waters of Lake Olkhon. In other places, the water does not warm up enough to be comfortable for swimming.
The vicinity of Lake Baikal is a great place for hiking tours, which is what many tourists do with pleasure. If you are going to rest with tents, keep in mind that the most suitable time for this is the period from mid-July to the end of August. In the rest of the months the weather is very unstable. In addition, when planning your route, pay attention to the terrain. For example, Olkhon Island is one of the most popular tourist destinations. However, part of the island is covered with steppe, there is simply nowhere to find firewood. There are also difficulties with drinking water in many areas.
The beginning of summer on Lake Baikal is the best time for diving. In June, the water is clear, so scuba diving is a real pleasure. The most popular places for divers are Peschanaya Bay, Maloe More, Ushkany Islands and Listvyanka.
Baikal omul is the main commercial fish species on the lake. And although in recent decades its number has noticeably decreased, it is still found in abundance. Feel the unity with nature - sit with a fishing rod on the shore of Lake Baikal. You can rent the necessary equipment. When fishing, remember that fishing with nets is prohibited.
Horse lovers can go horseback riding in the picturesque countryside. Excursions are designed for a completely different contingent. Beginners can take part in a walk that lasts a couple of hours, but experienced riders can go on a real horse trek with overnight stays in nature and food cooked over a fire.