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Explore Lake Baikal, the Pearl of Siberia – FAQ

Here is where you will find answers to some of your questions about this expedition. If you do not find what you need here, please contact us at info@bergadventures.com.

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1. What kind of physical shape do I need to be in to trek around Lake Baikal?
2. What is the climate like near Lake Baikal in the autumn?
3. What are accommodations like?
4. What size of backpack do I need?
5. What is the number of people per tent?
6. Can we take showers during the trek? How do we clean ourselves?
7. Do you have access to radio communications for any emergency needs?
8. Can I extend my trip?
9. I have heard that Lake Baikal is the world’s deepest lake, is that true?

1. What kind of physical shape do I need to be in to trek around Lake Baikal?

You should be in good cardiovascular health and comfortable walking for long distances. Most excursions are moderate activities with some sections that involve short, steep climbs or longer walks. Our guides will inform you fully of any challenges an activity might present, and help you tailor each day to make the most of opportunities. You should also be comfortable on the water as we spend some time cruising and sightseeing on a boat.

Sayan Mountains & Kynryga River

2. What is the climate like near Lake Baikal in the autumn?

The Baikal basin, at an elevation of only 450m/1,476ft above sea level, experiences a continental climate, meaning that it can be quite warm during the days and in direct sunlight, but becomes quite cool on cloudy days and at night. The average daily temperature highs and lows in September, autumn in Siberia, range from about 12 to -5 degrees Celsius or 50 to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Within 25km of the lake itself, the conditions are more coastal, with steadier, less variable temperatures. You should expect to be adjusting your layers all day as you and hike around Lake Baikal.

3. What are accommodations like?

Travelers will be staying in comfortable hotels, rustic lodges, village home stays, and camping in tents for one night on the shores of Lake Baikal.

4. What size of backpack do I need?

You will want a medium size rucksack (1800-2000 cubic inches or 30-35 litres) that can hold your layers of clothing for changing temperatures through the day.

5. What is the number of people per tent?

For the one night that we will be camping, it will be two people per tent.

6. Can we take showers during the trek? How do we clean ourselves?

Hotels and lodges have modern bathroom facilities and showers. In villages, banayas (saunas) are both social gathering places and the traditional means of getting clean at the end of the day.

7. Do you have access to radio communications for any emergency needs?

Our primary means of communication with Lake Baikal and the rest of the world is our satellite phone. In addition to our phone, land line phones are available, but rare. Cell phone use is commonplace throughout the lake Baikal region; there are mobile networks in all bigger cities by now, but outside the cities this in not always the case.

8. Can I extend my trip?

Yes, you can arrive earlier or leave at a later date if you would like to spend more time exploring around Moscow and other Russian cities. We can work with you to create an itinerary that suits your travel goals.

9. I have heard that Lake Baikal is the world’s deepest lake, is that true?

Yes. With crystal clear water more than a mile in depth (four miles prehistoric sediment lying below that), Baikal contains over 20% of the world’s fresh water. Formed 25 million years ago, it is also the oldest lake on earth and one of the most beautiful.