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The largest and deepest -

Lake Baikal is the largest freshwater lake by volume in the world. With a maximum depth of 1,642 m (5,387 ft), it's also the deepest. It was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1996.

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The oldest lake in the world -

Its dramatic formation dating back some 25-30 million years makes Baikal the oldest lake in the world.

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Ancient rift valley -

Baikal was formed as an ancient rift valley, typified by its long, crescent shape. It ranks as the seventh-largest lake in the world by surface area.

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Glacial splendor -

Making the effort to reach the lake is rewarded any time of year. But brave the bitter Siberian winter months and be mesmerized by a glacial steel-hard surface that's etched with crevasses, bubbles, and fissures.

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Turquoise treasure - Sunlight filtered through solid blocks of ice leaves the surface looking like it's been scattered with turquoise lozenges.

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Unworldly appearance -

On clear moonlit winter nights, the frozen lake takes on an ethereal, almost unworldly appearance.

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The clearest waters -

Lake Baikal's crystalline waters make it among the world's clearest. During the winter, in open sections, the water transparency can be as much as 30–40 m (100–130 ft), though considerably less so during the summer months.

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Protected coastline -

The lake boasts 2,000 km (1,242 mi) of protected coastline.

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Ogoy Island -

The largest island in the Maloe More strait of Lake Baikal, Ogoy is reached by ferry during the summer months. In winter, a snowmobile, dog sled, or even a bicycle will do the trick.

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Ogoy Island -

Pictured is the Buddhist Stupa of Enlightenment, dedicated to Dakini Tröma Nagmo, built on the highest point of the island.

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Ice sculptures -

During winter, the lake's frozen surface is textured in places by fantastic ice shards and hummocks that look they've been sculptured by an ogre's hand.

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Patterns of ice -

This blade of ice resembles the dorsal fin of a shark.

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Olkhon Island -

This is the largest island in Lake Baikal.

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Olkhon Island -

Olkhon is a favorite tourist destination and is served by a scattering of villages, several homestay options, a couple of good museums and shops, and plenty of outstanding scenery. Pictured is Shaman Rock, the ninth most sacred place in Asia.

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Olkhon Island -

The island's population consists mostly of Buryats, the indigenous people of Siberia. Adherents of shamanism, they believe the island to be a spiritual place.

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Olkhon Island -

This expression of spirituality manifests itself in the form of prayer flags or ribbons wrapped around trees or poles. Head for the highest points of the island to admire these colorful displays.

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Olkhon Island - One of Baikal's most photographed natural wonders, the "Three Brothers Rock" at Cape Sagan-Khushun is supposedly named after three brothers who were first turned into eagles and later pieces of stone by their supernaturally endowed father.

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Visit a Buryat village - To glean a better idea of Buryat culture, visit one of their villages and immerse yourself in centuries-old customs and traditions.

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Instagram looks - If you're here in winter and looking for a different photo angle to document your stay, head for the ice caves embedded in the coast. Enter one and snap an Instagram-worthy picture that your followers will love.

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Explore underwater - Alternatively, take the plunge and explore the lake's pristine depths accompanied by an experienced dive master. Expeditions take place year round, but it's the mid-winter ice safaris that truly reveal the magic of this exceptional environment.

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Explore by kayak - Arguably the most rewarding way to explore the lake in summer is by paddling its surface. After all, Baikal contains more water than the North American Great Lakes combined.

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Trek the Frolikha Adventure Coastline Track - Experienced hikers can follow this 100 km (62 mi) long-distance trail, which starts at the northern end of Lake Baikal and runs southwards, passing sandy beaches and bays before climbing steeply into thick forest.

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Circum-Baikal Railway - A nostalgic throwback to the age of steam, the Circum-Baikal Railway is a historic railway that runs along the northern shore of the lake's southern extremity. A popular tourist attraction, the train chugs round.

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Lake Baikal tourist train - An alternative to the steam railway experience is the electric train tour, which is faster, arguably more comfortable, but no less scenic. These excursions tend to be the more popular choice during the winter months.

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Rich in biodiversity -

The lake is a wildlife haven. Rich in biodiversity, it hosts more than 1,000 species of plants and 2,500 species of animals, more than 80% of which are endemic.

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Rich and unusual freshwater fauna - There are at least 20 different species of sponge resident on the lake bed alone. Most are recognized by their beautiful emerald coats.

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Fragrant flora - Visit in spring or early summer and you're greeted by flecks of vibrant wild flowers carpeting the lake's borders.

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The "walking trees" -

Look out for the uprooted trees lining areas of Baikal's sandy lakeside zones. Eroded by wind and rain, the stilted trunks appears as if they are striding out of the forest.

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Baikal seal - Also known as a nerpa, the adorable Baikal seal lives only in the waters of Lake Baikal. It's one of the smallest seal species.

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Try this delicacy -

Pictured: omul drying in the sun. A primary food source, this endemic whitefish is considered a delicacy and is usually eaten smoked.

See also: The world's most appealing lakeside hotels and resorts.

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