Holidays with children on Lake Baikal: where and how best to relax with children

• October 1, 2019
• Directions
• Victoria Litvinova

Lake Baikal is the pearl of Russia. It is considered one of the oldest bodies of water on the planet. Of course, the flora and fauna of Lake Baikal are unique. Every year hundreds of tourists from all over the world come to the lake. Holidays on Lake Baikal with children are very popular. This will be discussed in this article.

Characteristics

When planning a trip to this natural site, familiarize yourself with its features. The outline of Baikal resembles a crescent. The reservoir extends for 636 km from southwest to northeast. Moreover, it is located in a mountain range, that is, it is considered a mountain lake.

The impressive depth is 1637 km, much greater than Tanganyika and the Caspian Sea. The other largest lakes have a depth of about 600 meters. Scientists believe that Baikal could accommodate several seas.

The climate here is unique: just like in the oceans, storms rage here or there is complete calm, cold winds blow or the sun scorches. The coastline extends for 2100 km. In total, there are 27 islands in the reservoir, including Olkhon.

Water and ice

The volume of water is 23,615.39 km3. Baikal is the leader in fresh water reserves. It is transparent, so you can easily see what is happening at a depth of 35-40 m. The almost complete absence of impurities and minerals makes the lake one of the cleanest in the world. You can drink from a reservoir without using a boiler or other technical means.

True, due to the influx of tourists in some places it is forbidden to drink water, because people leave behind dirt. It is better to ask local residents where it is safest to do this. In spring, the water turns blue, which is why you can even see the pebbles at the bottom!

Freeze-up on the lake lasts from January to May. Only a small area at the source of the Angara does not freeze. The thickness of the cover reaches 1 or even 2 meters. Due to Siberian frosts, cracks form on the ice, the length of which is 10-30 km. It is thanks to them that the fish living in the reservoir do not die from lack of oxygen.

Baikal is a unique natural object: flora and fauna on Lake Baikal

Baikal (other names: Holy Sea, Sacred Lake, Holy Lake) is located in the south of Eastern Siberia. This is the deepest freshwater lake in the world and the largest in area in Asia of tectonic origin. Located in the mountains at an altitude of 456 m. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its uniquely clean, clear water. The lake is home to the Baikal epishura, a planktonic crustacean measuring 1.5 mm. The crustacean eats the bulk of the algae, passing water through itself and ensuring the cleanliness of the reservoir.

Reference.

Baikal contains 19% of the world's lake water reserves. The maximum depth of the reservoir is 1642 m.

Baikal is the oldest lake, its age is 25-35 million years. The unique ecosystem attracts tourists with a variety of landscapes: beautiful sandy beaches, stone cliffs with caves and grottoes, alpine meadows and harsh mountain peaks. Flora and fauna were formed over centuries in a fairly closed space framed by mountain ranges. More than 1,800 species live in Baikal, 2/3 of which are endemic. Among them are the Baikal seal, omul, and the viviparous fish golomyanka.

Transparent water of Baikal

In the Baikal region you can meet the Barguzin sable, Siberian mountain goat, and demoiselle crane. The flora is no less diverse. Several species of rhododendron live here. The main wealth is the Siberian cedar, which lives up to 500 years; local residents called it the “breadfruit tree of Siberia” because it produces abundant harvests of nutritious and healthy nuts.

When to go?

Holidays with children on Lake Baikal will be interesting and full of events at any time of the year, so it is impossible to give an exact answer to this question. However, according to reviews, different attractions and activities are available depending on the season.

Thus, tourists note that the hottest months are July and August. The time for winter sports falls on December-March, because at this time the ice has not yet begun to melt. In summer you can visit almost all interesting places, as well as enjoy camping and river rafting.

In autumn, people who are interested in photography come here. Calm and sunny weather makes this period ideal for a holiday on Lake Baikal with children. According to reviews, the nature here is very beautiful in the autumn months.

If you wish, you can come here for Christmas and New Year holidays. You will get a boost of energy for the whole year by spending a few days in this picturesque place, watching hundreds of stars, a bizarre pattern of ice cracks and beautiful nature.

Season: when is the best time to travel with children?

The holiday season on Lake Baikal is open almost all year round. In winter, those who prefer to have an active holiday, snowboarding, come here. In summer, these regions attract tourists with the beauty of their nature, smoked omul, fresh air and strawberries.

It is in the summer that it is best to relax here with children.

In July, the average daily temperatures are quite high, but you can swim in most places on the lake only when summer has already passed the middle.

The summer season on Lake Baikal opens in May and lasts until the end of September. In summer, the air temperature on especially hot days can rise above 30 degrees, but if you are near the lake, you don’t feel much discomfort, since a cool breeze constantly blows from Lake Baikal.

What to visit?

Where to relax with children on Lake Baikal in the summer or at any other time of the year? You can visit a wide variety of attractions that will definitely appeal to young travelers.

The Siberian Sea, as it is also called, was included in the UNESCO list in 1996. This, of course, was influenced by the unique nature of the region, which requires careful treatment. However, this is not the only reason. The fact is that there are historical sights, architectural monuments, as well as unique natural objects here.

Listvyanka

It is from this village that you should start your journey to Lake Baikal. A holiday with children should definitely include a visit. According to reviews, you can get to this place from Irkutsk in just 40 minutes. The coastal area here is very clean. Listvyanka is located in an area with the freshest air and picturesque landscapes. Anyone can find entertainment here: with children you can go to a museum, look at the stars through a telescope, or, for example, make a wish. They do this in a specially designated place - at the Shaman Stone.

However, you need to remember that services in Listvyanka hotels are quite expensive. However, the level of work of the staff here is at the highest level. If you wish, you can rent a room or an entire house.

During the winter season, the largest ice skating rink in the world operates in Listvyanka, which means that children will definitely enjoy it there. Younger children will find something interesting in the museum of old dolls. Be sure to go to a seal show or admire the starry sky with your son or daughter, they will definitely be delighted.

Olkhon

This island is popular not only among tourists, but also among local residents. There is a legend that Genghis Khan was buried here. In any case, there are a large number of places where you can worship spirits. What to do while traveling around Olkhon with children?

You can make your holiday on Lake Baikal unforgettable by going to a real shaman. He predicts the future and drives out evil spirits. You can find it in one of the villages. In addition, it is believed that visiting Olkhon will bring health benefits. Local spirits can heal you from various diseases.

In their reviews, travelers note that visiting the ethnographic museum, as well as natural attractions, such as Cape Sagan-Shuun, brings positive impressions.

The most interesting sights of Lake Baikal

There are many cultural, natural and mystical attractions on Lake Baikal, visiting which gives you the opportunity to recharge your batteries, broaden your horizons, and enrich yourself spiritually. While on the Sacred Lake, be sure to visit the most interesting places.

• Olkhon Island. It is also called the “heart of Baikal”. Here are unique marble rocks covered with red moss. Cape Khoboy is not only very beautiful, it is considered a mystical place, where you can see representatives of various religious cults meditating. Cape Burkhan (Shamanka Rock) is another significant shrine of the Buryats. There is a through cave in the rock. According to legend, Baikal itself lives in it.
• The Stupa of Enlightenment is located on an island in the center of the Small Sea. Another name is Buddhist Suburg. It is believed that this is the place where 4 elements converge. If you walk around the shrine 3 times, your wish will definitely come true.
• Barguzin Valley. Shrouded in traditions and legends. It contains a unique natural monument, the Inisky Garden of Rocks, the central object of which is the local shrine of the Bull-Kamen. In the valley you can drink water from a mineral spring.

Rock “Shamanka”, Baikal

Studying the culture and nature of Baikal helps to better understand the philosophy, customs and traditions of the local population, learn the history of our controversial multifaceted country and, through the knowledge gained, rise to a new stage of development ourselves.

Posolskoe village

This settlement is a must-visit place when going on vacation with children to Lake Baikal. The history of Posolsky dates back to the 17th century. To get to the village, you need to get to Kabansk, after which you will have to call a taxi. What is remarkable about this settlement?

The Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery is located on its territory. It is a cultural heritage of Russia. Its unique architecture makes it one of the most beautiful religious buildings in the world.

Slyudyanka

The southernmost point of Lake Baikal is located just 100 km from Irkutsk. With children over 12 years of age, you can climb Chersky Peak, which is the highest point of the lake. Experts have developed a weekend route.

The Khamar-Daban rock is another interesting place to relax with children on Lake Baikal in the summer. A Silver Spring with healing properties flows out of the rock. An amazing feature is that the water does not deteriorate for several years. At least that’s what tourists write in their reviews.

What time of year should you choose to travel to Baikal?

Baikal is located in the zone of a sharply continental temperate zone, but a large water mass softens the climate, giving it marine features. Winters become milder and summers cooler than far from the lake. There are many sunny days in spring and summer. Due to pressure differences between water, land and mountains, strong winds often blow here, which were even given their own names - Verkhovik, Barguzin, Kultuk, Sarma. The weather is capricious and changes frequently, but despite this, Baikal is beautiful at any time of the year, the main thing is to choose the right time for your trip.

Lake Baikal in winter

• Winter. The most beautiful time. The lake is completely covered with solid ice from the beginning of January, when severe frosts of about -300C hit. The average temperature in mid-winter is -12 – -160C. At this time, Baikal turns into a huge skating rink due to the winds blowing all the snow off the surface. Ice is another mystery of the Holy Lake. It’s worth coming here just to see its diversity. The ice at the mouth of the Anga is black, the hummocks near Khoboy are absolutely transparent and pale blue, and the ice near the shore is whitish with streaks. “Hills” are called icy hills, up to 6 m high, hollow inside. From mid-February to the first ten days of March, the strongest ice is formed, up to 100-120 cm thick. At this time, people ride on the ice in jeeps, hovercraft, and snowmobiles. The rest of the time you can go skiing, fishing, and ride on dog and reindeer sleds.
• Spring. There is still ice in March. Fishing in spring is prohibited. This time should be devoted to exploring natural, cultural and religious attractions, of which there are a lot on Lake Baikal. In May, nature wakes up. Leaves are blooming, flowers are appearing. The temperature rises to 10-120. At this time you can already plan trips.
• Summer. High season, the time of maximum influx of tourists. In June it is still cool, you can’t swim. The beginning of summer is suitable for hiking, sightseeing, and extreme entertainment. From July to August it becomes hot, during the day the air warms up to 25-300C, and the water to 20-230C. This is an ideal period for rafting, beach holidays, and diving.
• Autumn. September is 2-3 degrees warmer than May. The weather is comfortable, nature is colorful. At this time, photographers from all over the world come here. In October it becomes colder and rains and storms may begin.

The weather on Lake Baikal is unpredictable, so you should always take warm clothes with you, even in the hottest months of the year. The tourism industry in the Baikal region is on a grand scale; no one will be bored here. Entertainment and excursion programs are designed for both adults and children.

Seal on Lake Baikal, animals on Lake Baikal

Circum-Baikal Railway

This railway was built under Alexander III. Currently it is considered the most picturesque in the world. It stretches through 39 tunnels. The train stops at every attraction. Upon arrival at Lake Baikal, tourists are transferred to a ferry, and travelers return to Irkutsk by water. A summer vacation with children on Lake Baikal cannot be imagined without such a trip.

Small Sea

This strait separates Olkhon Island from the mainland. Warm water and beaches make it a great place to relax on Lake Baikal with children. The fact is that the air here is very clean and healthy. You can swim in Mandarkhan Bay without fear of becoming infected with anything. The gently sloping shore allows you to move a considerable distance away from land, while still being able to stand on the bottom. This place is ideal for teaching children to swim.

Features of fishing on Lake Baikal

Of the valuable fish that are allowed to be caught, the lake is inhabited by golomyanka, grayling, omul, and representatives of whitefish. Pike, perch, and whitefish are usually caught in winter; at this time they rise from the lower layers of water to the surface. There are fish listed in the Red Book, so their fishing is completely prohibited; there are species whose catch is limited.

Fishing on Baikal, omul

The most fish can be caught in places where there are few people, on the eastern and southern shores in shallow, well-warmed places. The most favorite places for fishermen are Chivyrkui, Proval, Mukhor bays, and small bays of the Small Sea.

How to spend your vacation to get a lot of emotions?

We have listed the most popular attractions that tourists can visit. If you are already tired of traveling around the area, you can spend your vacation differently. How? Go fishing, try yourself in various sports.

Adults can fish from the rocks or go out into the lake on rented boats. Fishing lasts throughout the year, and local residents will be happy to help you organize a pleasant pastime even in 40-degree frost.

Tourists who have visited here note that among all kinds of sports, dog sledding stands out. Under the supervision of professionals, you will go through various routes, ranging from the simplest to the very difficult. In addition, you can go skiing, snowboarding or sledding, or go on an excursion on a real snowmobile. According to reviews, children enjoy this pastime.

Active recreation on Lake Baikal: hiking, diving, alpine skiing, rafting

The dominant direction of tourism on Lake Baikal is active recreation. The swimming season is very short, so mainly wildlife lovers come here. This is a great alternative to a leisurely beach holiday and museum trips for those who are filled with energy and a thirst for adventure. Main types of active recreation.

Rafting on Baikal

• Hiking. Here you will be offered horseback riding, hiking and cycling trips. Safari on jeeps, quad bikes.
• Rafting. More than 300 rivers flow into the lake, some of which are characterized by their stormy nature. They are the ones chosen by extreme sports enthusiasts for rafting. Beginners will be offered relatively simple routes, while professionals annually train in areas with turbulent currents and rapids.
• Skiing. The Eastland center is located in the village of Listvyanka. The resort has a trail for beginners, 150 m long, and 2 trails for those who are confident on skis, each 1 km long. A snowboard park is built here, the only one in Siberia.
• Diving. The best opportunity to get to know the unique lake is to explore its depths. The most famous places for scuba diving are near Listvyanka, where the bottom is replete with underwater canyons; near the eastern part of Olkhon, where there are many rocks and gorges under water. There are several diving schools on the coast.

Attention!

In the north, in uninhabited areas, there are many bears that differ from their smaller European counterparts in their ferocious character. When going on a hike in the taiga, be sure to take an armed guide.

Recreation centers

Recently, more and more places where tourists can stay have appeared on Lake Baikal. Recreation centers on Lake Baikal are popular. With children you can stay in hotels, rent a house or pitch a tent. Since there are so many such places, there is no point in listing them. The main thing you should know is that the level of service at all recreation centers is almost the same. Most often, tourists prefer places such as Listvyanka, Goryachinsk and the resort of Khakusy.

How to get there?

Baikal is a popular tourist destination, so you can get here in any way convenient for you. The departure point is nearby cities, such as Ulan-Ude, Severobaikalsk and Irkutsk. You need to get to them first. This can be done by train or plane. Please note that there are no last-minute tours to Baikal, so plane tickets, for example, will cost you about 50 thousand rubles per person.

One of the most popular recreation centers is Listvyanka. You can stay here with children. You can get to the village by bus or boat. You will cover a short distance from Irkutsk in just an hour. Local taxi drivers will take you to any attraction you want to visit.

Goryachinsk

The Goryachinsk resort has existed for 200 years. Here is the Goryachinsk sanatorium, famous for its healing mineral springs.

You can get to Goryachinsk by bus from Ulan-Ude. Tickets are sold at the ticket office at the bus station.

In Goryachinsk, you can relax with your children in a local sanatorium, where all conditions are created for relaxation and treatment of children with various diseases of the respiratory system and musculoskeletal system.

Behind the sanatorium there is a nice sandy beach. The beach has all the conditions for relaxation: discos, cafes, entertainment on the water. The cost of staying at the sanatorium is from 2,400 rubles per day, including meals.

Where is the best place to stay in Goryachinsk - prices for the 2018 high season

Goryachinsk is suitable for a quiet family holiday. We bought a ticket to the sanatorium, here the children are given proper nutrition, and there is a special treatment menu for parents. And although it seemed to me that Goryachinsk is a place for a recreational holiday, throughout June there are discos on the beach almost every night.

This place has a magical pine forest. I would say that even the air here is healthier.

Adviсe

Holidays on Lake Baikal with children in the summer of 2022 or at any other time will be a great time. However, before your trip, listen to a few tips that will help you get only pleasant impressions from your stay at the lake.

• Take a couple of warm clothes, because at night the air temperature can drop to +13 °C.
• Get vaccinated against tick-borne encephalitis in advance. There are a lot of ticks in the forests, and it is better to prevent this disease than to treat it.
• Take baby food with you because there is not much choice of food here.
• Give preference to cash - you will not be able to pay with a card in every establishment in this region.

Baikal is an amazing place. It is a natural heritage of our planet. A visit to the lake is worth it for every person who wants to enjoy the unique nature, have an unforgettable vacation and get only pleasant impressions!

Traditions and customs of local residents on Lake Baikal

Most of the inhabitants of the Baikal region are Buryats. This is an ancient people who have preserved the culture of their ancestors. Many traditions are echoes of ancient shamanic and Buddhist rituals. The people live in harmony with nature, worshiping the mountains and the sky. Buryats believe that every mountain and valley has its own spirit, which must be appeased by presenting it with gifts.

Buryat traditions

When visiting a yurt, it is forbidden to stand on the threshold. In ancient times, a person who stepped on it openly declared himself an enemy of the owner, thus declaring evil intentions. It is customary to leave things at the entrance before going inside, thus showing that you are not a thief. Shoes are taken off and also left on the street. The yurt is divided into female (eastern) and male (western) halves. The northern segment is reserved for honored guests; people do not sit here without a special invitation.

In greeting ceremonies, the cup is served with the right hand. Take the treat with both hands or also with the right hand. A symbol of special respect is a greeting with two hands folded, like Buddhists do when bowing. They respond with a handshake made with both hands at the same time.