Those looking for a polar adventure often jump to the likes of Antarctica or Greenland, however an accessible option for people inclined for such extreme environments is found deep in Russia’s Siberia.

Lake Baikal, considered by many as the world’s oldest lake, is not only the world’s largest freshwater lake but the deepest too. Plunging down to over a mile in places it holds a fifth of the world’s fresh water. 

Lake Baikal in winter provides scenery like nowhere else in the world. The water freezes in some places like a transparent glass, in others it forms bubbles and intricate patterns. Crossing the lake you will discover islands and ice grottos and conditions that will test your endurance and strength. The average air temperature at this time is -15 to -20C and in northern parts it is not uncommon to encounter conditions as low as -40C. You may well face strong winds and blizzards as you ice trek across the lake. It is for this that Lake Baikal offers an excellent introduction to polar conditions and man hauling.

The classic route is approximately 650 km and takes around 20 -30days depending on conditions. 

Trip Duration: 20-30 days 

Maximum Altitude: