Russia / Irkutsk Oblast380 years ago, Lake Baikal appeared on Russian maps—a body of water over 1642 meters deep, comparable in area to Belgium or the Netherlands. This "sacred sea" still evokes much controversy and legend, though it's not inaccessible—it attracts thousands of tourists. Are aliens involved with this lake? What should you avoid doing to avoid angering the spirits? What time of year is the best time to visit? RIA Novosti explores this topic.
History of discovery
This body of water, resembling a giant crescent moon, contains a quarter of the world's fresh water. Around 2635 species of plants and animals are found in the vicinity and depths of Lake Baikal. More than a thousand are endemic, meaning they are found only here. This natural wonder was discovered by Cossacks on their way to collect taxes. Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich sent Kurbat Ivanov's detachment to Siberia "to find new yasak-paying people," as rumors of the local inhabitants' wealth had reached the autocrat. On July 22, 1643, the Cossacks reached the lake's western shore. Ivanov also drew the first schematic map. In 1661, another Cossack, Yakov Pokhabov, founded the Irkutsk fort on the right bank of the Angara River, which later became Irkutsk, the gateway to Lake Baikal.
Myths and legends
The lake's basin is a gigantic quarry, where some ancient super-civilization mined minerals on Earth. Yes, there is, of course, an unsubstantiated theory about Lake Baikal's origins. But the "sacred sea" conceals so many mysteries that the myth of aliens seems entirely plausible. Scientists have never reached a consensus on the origin of the lake. One thing is clear: it is a tectonic fault in the Earth's crust. It is 25-35 million years old. And this is one of the main mysteries. It is believed that the lake cannot be older than 10,000 to 15,000 years. Only one river flows from it, and, according to various sources, 300-500 springs feed it. Baikal reclaims two centimeters from the land every year. And sometimes even more, because it is located in a seismically active zone. For example, on New Year's Eve between 1861 and 1862, 200 square kilometers were submerged.
Ecology
The unique cleaning sponges are currently dying. And trash is being found in water that was once even drinkable. In June 2022, a bill was introduced in the State Duma to ban the sale of anything in plastic containers in the lake area (plastic bags are also prohibited).
There's another danger: the former Soviet pulp mill. It closed long ago, but huge reservoirs of unprocessed waste remain. The problem is being addressed. Cleanup efforts have already begun. Deputy Prime Minister Victoria Abramchenko announced this on April 19, 2023, during "government hour" in the State Duma: "We have allocated 7,5 billion rubles in funding for central wastewater treatment facilities."
The Secret of the Name
For locals, Baikal isn't a lake—it's a "sea," a "breadwinner," a "father," and a place of power. It's revered. Upon arriving at the shore, everyone greets it. Swimming is permitted, but washing and washing, throwing trash into the water, and spitting are prohibited. According to legend among the Kaban Buryats, who live on the eastern shore, a fissure once appeared in the ground, blazing with fire. Frightened people began shouting, "Bay gal!" (Fire, stop). The flames died down, and the hole gradually filled with water. Incidentally, this doesn't contradict the official version of the lake's volcanic origin. There are other versions of the origin of the name. The most common is that the word is Turkic, from "bay" (rich) and "kul" (lake). The Buryat-Mongolian "Baygaal-dalai" (large body of water) and the Chinese "Beihai" (northern sea) also sound similar. Evenki legends also include "Lamu" (sea). But it was the Buryat-Mongolian that took root.
Soul and spirits
There are many sacred and mystical sites around Lake Baikal, especially on Olkhon. The heart of the island is Cape Burkhan, or Shamanka Rock, named after the first female shaman, Odegon. It is said that she healed the sick and helped lost souls find their way. Locals and guides warn that only men—followers of shamanism—are allowed near the rock. No one is allowed to climb it. "It's like climbing a church dome," explains Olkhon Sky guide Tatyana Guraleva. But tourists don't believe in spirits and climb for the beautiful photos. As a result, many suffer serious injuries. It is said that spirits dwell in the forests of Olkhon who can make you get lost in three pine trees. Or they can help you make your wishes come true. Near Burkhan stand 13 pillars—serge. According to legend, the spirits of ancestors tether horses to them. To ask for a wish to come true, sprinkle the stones with milk, walk around them clockwise three times, say hello, and tie a ribbon. This is called "poburkhanit."
Irkutsk Region380 years ago, Lake Baikal appeared on Russian maps—a body of water over 1642 meters deep, comparable in area to Belgium or the Netherlands. This "sacred sea" still evokes much controversy and legend, though it's not inaccessible—it attracts thousands of tourists. Are aliens involved with this lake? What should you avoid doing to avoid angering the spirits? What time of year is the best time to visit? RIA Novosti explores this topic.
History of discovery
This body of water, resembling a giant crescent moon, contains a quarter of the world's fresh water. Around 2635 species of plants and animals are found in the vicinity and depths of Lake Baikal. More than a thousand are endemic, meaning they are found only here. This natural wonder was discovered by Cossacks on their way to collect taxes. Tsar Mikhail Fedorovich sent Kurbat Ivanov's detachment to Siberia "to find new yasak-paying people," as rumors of the local inhabitants' wealth had reached the autocrat. On July 22, 1643, the Cossacks reached the lake's western shore. Ivanov also drew the first schematic map. In 1661, another Cossack, Yakov Pokhabov, founded the Irkutsk fort on the right bank of the Angara River, which later became Irkutsk, the gateway to Lake Baikal.
Myths and legends
The lake's basin is a gigantic quarry, where some ancient super-civilization mined minerals on Earth. Yes, there is, of course, an unsubstantiated theory about Lake Baikal's origins. But the "sacred sea" conceals so many mysteries that the myth of aliens seems entirely plausible. Scientists have never reached a consensus on the origin of the lake. One thing is clear: it is a tectonic fault in the Earth's crust. It is 25-35 million years old. And this is one of the main mysteries. It is believed that the lake cannot be older than 10,000 to 15,000 years. Only one river flows from it, and, according to various sources, 300-500 springs feed it. Baikal reclaims two centimeters from the land every year. And sometimes even more, because it is located in a seismically active zone. For example, on New Year's Eve between 1861 and 1862, 200 square kilometers were submerged.
Ecology
The unique cleaning sponges are currently dying. And trash is being found in water that was once even drinkable. In June 2022, a bill was introduced in the State Duma to ban the sale of anything in plastic containers in the lake area (plastic bags are also prohibited).
There's another danger: the former Soviet pulp mill. It closed long ago, but huge reservoirs of unprocessed waste remain. The problem is being addressed. Cleanup efforts have already begun. Deputy Prime Minister Victoria Abramchenko announced this on April 19, 2023, during "government hour" in the State Duma: "We have allocated 7,5 billion rubles in funding for central wastewater treatment facilities."
The Secret of the Name
For locals, Baikal isn't a lake—it's a "sea," a "breadwinner," a "father," and a place of power. It's revered. Upon arriving at the shore, everyone greets it. Swimming is permitted, but washing and washing, throwing trash into the water, and spitting are prohibited. According to legend among the Kaban Buryats, who live on the eastern shore, a fissure once appeared in the ground, blazing with fire. Frightened people began shouting, "Bay gal!" (Fire, stop). The flames died down, and the hole gradually filled with water. Incidentally, this doesn't contradict the official version of the lake's volcanic origin. There are other versions of the origin of the name. The most common is that the word is Turkic, from "bay" (rich) and "kul" (lake). The Buryat-Mongolian "Baygaal-dalai" (large body of water) and the Chinese "Beihai" (northern sea) also sound similar. Evenki legends also include "Lamu" (sea). But it was the Buryat-Mongolian that took root.
Soul and spirits
There are many sacred and mystical sites around Lake Baikal, especially on Olkhon. The heart of the island is Cape Burkhan, or Shamanka Rock, named after the first female shaman, Odegon. It is said that she healed the sick and helped lost souls find their way. Locals and guides warn that only men—followers of shamanism—are allowed near the rock. No one is allowed to climb it. "It's like climbing a church dome," explains Olkhon Sky guide Tatyana Guraleva. But tourists don't believe in spirits and climb for the beautiful photos. As a result, many suffer serious injuries. It is said that spirits dwell in the forests of Olkhon who can make you get lost in three pine trees. Or they can help you make your wishes come true. Near Burkhan stand 13 pillars—serge. According to legend, the spirits of ancestors tether horses to them. To ask for a wish to come true, sprinkle the stones with milk, walk around them clockwise three times, say hello, and tie a ribbon. This is called "poburkhanit."