I’ve had the privilege of leading two expeditions to Lake Baikal. Once in the warmth of summer and once in the crispness of winter. Our journey typically began in Moscow and continued across Russia on the iconic Trans-Siberian Railway. Given this rail adventure’s unique character and length, it deserves a separate article.
To be completely honest, I must mention the third trip to Baikal, which I organised but did not take part in. It was a week-long cruise with a group of friends on Lake Baikal. I oversaw the expedition remotely, ensuring everything ran smoothly—without leaving my computer for 24 hours (due to the time difference) and with my phone constantly in hand.
This endeavour required a great deal of effort and caused me significant stress. I would have felt much better if I had been there in person.
A necessary comment on this video:
I’m primarily a photographer, and filmmaking is outside my usual expertise, as you’ll likely observe. I simply captured this footage using my iPhone 6, pulled from my pocket. As for the music, it was playing from our driver’s car stereo.
Lake Baikal
Lake Baikal is Siberia’s most precious gem. While geographically a lake, it has always been revered as a sea by the people who inhabit its shores.
Baikal is the deepest lake on planet Earth. Its depth reaches 1642 meters, and the average depth of the lake is also very large – 744.4 m, it exceeds the maximum depths of many very deep lakes.
The lake is located in southeastern Siberia, between the Irkutsk Oblast and the Republic of Buryatia.
The tectonic processes that formed the lake are still ongoing. Over the past 30 years, there have been 6 earthquakes of 9-10 degrees on the Richter scale in the Baikal region. The number of minor earthquakes is estimated at around 3,000 per year.
The lake stretches from north to southwest for a distance of 636 km and takes the form of a giant crescent or banana, as written in one of the Lonely Planet guides. The maximum width of the lake is 81 km, and the minimum is 27 km. The water surface area is about 31,500 km², the capacity is 23,000³ km, and the length of the shoreline is about 2100 km.
The photos in the gallery below were taken in February on Olkhon Island and in the Small Sea Strait. During the day, the temperature was around -30°C, and after sunset, it dropped below -40°C.
A Few Facts and Curiosities About Lake Baikal
The origin of the name Lake Baikal
The origins of the name Baikal can be traced back to ancient Chinese texts dating to 110 BC. Russian chronicles first mention it in 1640, and Marco Polo brought news of the mysterious lake to Europe.
The indigenous peoples of the region had their unique names for this vast body of water. The Chinese called it the ‘North Sea’, while the Mongols referred to it as ‘Tengis’ or ‘Great Sea’. The Buryats, who have lived alongside the lake for centuries, named it ‘Baygaal-Dalaj’, meaning ‘Great Lake’. The Evenks, nomadic hunters of Siberia, simply called it ‘The Sea’.
When Russian explorers reached the region in the 17th century, they adopted the Buryat-Mongol name ‘Baygaal’. A subtle shift in pronunciation, replacing the Mongolian ‘g’ with the Russian ‘k’, gave us the name that has endured to this day.
The Water of Lake Baikal
Lake Baikal contains one-fifth of the world’s freshwater (approximately 23,000 cubic kilometres). It is estimated that if Lake Baikal were to be drained, it would take the annual flow of all the rivers on Earth to refill it.
It is the only open reservoir of fresh water in the world suitable for drinking and bottling. The water of Lake Baikal is clean, and clear, and can even replace distilled water. This is because it has a low mineral content. The waters of Baikal are highly valued for their taste, are rich in oxygen, and have negligible organic pollution.
The water in Baikal is cold. The temperature of the surface layers in the middle of the lake in summer is 8-9°C, along the rocky shorelines it is 12-14°C, and only in shallow bays does it reach 18-22°C. The water temperature at depth does not exceed 5°C. The clarity of the water is so high that even small objects like coins can be seen at a depth of 40 meters.
Many rivers and streams flow into the lake (a total of 336). The main tributaries are the Selenga, Upper Angara, and Barguzin rivers. Only one river flows out of the lake, the Angara. Water remains in the lake for about 400 years before being carried away by the Angara. During this time, all organic elements and substances brought into the lake by incoming waters settle at the bottom or are bound by microorganisms living in the lake. This is why Baikal’s water is so clean and clear.
James Cameron
James Cameron, the director of the blockbuster films Avatar and Titanic, celebrated his birthday at the bottom of Lake Baikal. During his dive, he spent four and a half hours underwater, reaching a maximum depth of 1,380 metres (4,500 feet).
The Baikal Climate
The influence of the large body of water creates a special, almost maritime climate in the lake region. Winters on Baikal are mild, and summers are cooler than in other parts of Siberia. In winter, a lot of snow falls on the coast and the surrounding mountains, and the low temperatures are not so terrible thanks to the dry air.
Flora and Fauna
The world of Baikal’s fauna and flora is truly unique. It contains over 2,500 species of plants and animals, of which 60% are endemic species. The most famous include: the Baikal omul, the golomyanka, the Baikal teal, and the Baikal seal. The latter can be seen both in the seal sanctuary and in the wild.
58 species of fish have been recorded in the lake. The most famous are: omul, whitefish, grayling, trout, sturgeon, and golomyanka. The shores of the lake are overgrown by about 2,000 species of plants and inhabited by 200 species of birds. Every year, scientists describe over 20 species of invertebrates and predict the existence of over 1,500 unknown species.
A Truly Unique Wedding Destination – Frozen Lake Baikal
I have yet to photograph a wedding on Lake Baikal myself, so you won’t find such photos in the gallery on this site. However, I have seen breathtaking images of couples standing on its vast, frozen surface. And let me tell you—it’s pure magic! Overall, Baikal is pure magic.
If anyone plans such a session in this cool place, the information on this page may be useful.
A Fairytale Setting Like No Other
Imagine a bride and groom standing on crystal-clear ice, the deep blues and intricate cracks creating a natural masterpiece beneath their feet. Lake Baikal in winter transforms into an ethereal wonderland, making it one of the most unique wedding destinations in the world.
The ice is so transparent that you can see metres below, giving the illusion of floating above another world. Snow-capped mountains, endless skies, and dramatic ice formations complete this once-in-a-lifetime wedding photography backdrop.
Why a Winter Photoshoot on Frozen Lake Baikal is Worth It
Yes, it’s cold—but not unbearably so, with the right clothing. The dramatic landscapes and surreal beauty of Baikal’s frozen surface create a dream setting for adventurous couples. Sunlight bouncing off the ice adds a mystical glow, while wind-sculpted ice formations, known as hummocks, introduce a wild, untamed beauty to the scene.
Top Reasons to Choose Lake Baikal for a Wedding Photoshoot
✔ Unparalleled natural beauty – A frozen lake as clear as glass, with striking ice patterns.
✔ Unique and rare location – Very few couples can say they had a wedding shoot on the world’s deepest lake in winter!
✔ Dramatic winter landscapes – Snow-covered peaks, endless icy plains, and magical sunsets.
✔ Perfect light conditions – The sun reflecting on the ice creates a dreamlike, soft glow.
Challenges and Tips for Couples
If you’re considering a wedding photoshoot on Lake Baikal, here are some essential tips:
1. Dress in Layers
A stunning wedding dress looks incredible, but wearing thermal layers underneath is a must!
2. Choose the Right Footwear
High heels on ice? Not ideal. Opt for stylish winter boots to keep warm and steady. However, if you insist on wearing high heels and I’m your photographer, we’ll find a way to make it work. I’ve handled trickier situations before!
3. Pick the Best Time of the Year
The best months for Baikal ice photography are February and March when the ice is thickest and clearest.
4. Bring Sunglasses
The reflection of the sun on the ice is dazzling! Protect your eyes while still looking effortlessly cool.
An Extreme Destination for adventurous Couples
A wedding photoshoot in Siberia is not just about the pictures—it’s an adventure. It’s for couples who dream of something extraordinary and aren’t afraid of a little chill in exchange for breathtaking memories.
Would I love to capture a love story on this frozen wonder? Absolutely. Until then, I’ll keep admiring the incredible photos that prove Lake Baikal is one of the most unique wedding destinations in the world.
