The Deepest Freshwater Lake in the World

About The Deepest Freshwater Lake in the World

The world’s deepest lake… a lake that we can also call The Deepest Freshwater Lake in the World. Whenever we’ve discussed water, we’ve always considered the sea to be deep, but this is a lake that gives even the sea a strong competition. The deepest depth ever recorded in the sea is 36,000 feet but this lake is 5,387 feet deep which is considered quite deep. And, in addition to its depth it is also known for its freshwater.

This lake is located in Siberia, Russia and its name is Lake Baikal. It is believed that this lake is about 25 million years old and it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This lake is the source of the world’s largest freshwater supply. It holds about 20%-23% of the world’s unfrozen freshwater.

The area/length of lake Baikal is about 636 km and it can hold 23,000 cubic kilometers of water which sounds huge. The shoreline of this lake is approximately 2,100 kilometers long. It is also known as the “Pearl of Siberia.”

Water Clarity and Temperature:

The water in this lake is very clear, and there are several spots where you can see the bottom of the lake clearly up to a depth of 100 feet or more, which is quite rare to witness anywhere else and hence this is the reason for the deepest freshwater lake in the World tag.

The temperature of the water in this lake ranges from 6°C to 11°C, and it sometimes even drops below 0°C depending on the season.

Species Available in Lake Baikal:

Over 2,000 species of animals and plant organisms are found in this lake. Some species that are found only here include:

• Baikal Seal (Nerpa)
• Golomyanka
• Baikal Sculpins
• Omul Salmon
• Baikal Sturgeon
• Whitefish
• Grayling
• Taimen
• Invertebrates
• Baikal Sponges
• Aquatic Earthworms(160 species of aquatic earthworms that are found nowhere else on Earth)

Some special plants include:

• Pinus sylvestris
• Larix sibirica
• Orostachys spinosa
• Pulsatilla turczaninovii
• Stellaria dichotoma
• Pinus sibirica

So, these are some unique and special species found here. The largest species found here is the Siberian Sturgeon, which has been measured to be as long as 6.5 feet.

River Flow and Drinking Water:

The water from Lake Baikal flows out through the Angara River, which is the lake’s main outflow, while no other river or stream flows into the lake.

Angara River

Although the water in this lake is pure and clean, we cannot drink it directly. The water may contain some organisms or bacteria that could be harmful. Also, when swimming here, safety precautions are necessary and swimming is not recommended in all seasons because of the cold temperature of the water.

Tourist Facilities:

Lake Baikal is a famous tourist destination, and there are many activities and attractions available for tourists:

• Boat tours: Boat tours in Lake Baikal are quite popular. You can take boat rides on the lake’s calm and crystal-clear waters.
• Kayaking: If you enjoy adventurous activities, you can try kayaking here.
• Shoreline Hiking: There are many hiking trails around Baikal that offer views of mountains, forests, and the shoreline.
• Olkhon Island Trekking: Olkhon Island, the largest island of Lake Baikal is a popular trekking destination.
• Ice Diving: If you visit during the winter months, you can experience ice diving.
• Camping: If you want to experience nature up close, camping around Lake Baikal is an amazing option.
• Natural Hot Springs: There are some natural hot springs around Lake Baikal that tourists can enjoy.

Here, you’ll find the perfect combination of adventure, nature exploration, wildlife viewing and cultural experiences. This lake is an ideal destination for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and cultural enthusiasts.