Here are some fun facts about Russia’s Lake Baikal, this week’s featured UNESCO World Heritage Site:
- Lake Baikal was formed about 30 million years ago, making it the world’s oldest lake.
- At 1,700 meters deep, it’s also the deepest lake in the world.
- Over 20% of the world’s unfrozen fresh water is found inside Lake Baikal.
- Lake Baikal is home to many species of plants and animals that are found nowhere else on earth. Because of its rich biodiversity, it is often called the “Galapagos of Russia.”
- The lake is formed by the deepest continental rift in the world.
UNESCO added Lake Baikal to the World Heritage List in 1996, calling it “the most outstanding example of a freshwater ecosystem.”
In addition to the lake itself, the surrounding landscape is a striking mix of mountains, tundra and ancient forests. Activities for visitors include hiking, horseback riding, mountain climbing, cruising, visiting hot springs, scuba diving and touring the area’s many museums and cultural artifacts.
You need a visa to visit Russia- unfortunately, this may be one of the hardest parts of getting to Siberia. Russia’s visa system has a well-deserved reputation for being bureaucratic and hard to navigate. Here’s what you need to get a tourist visa:
- Your passport.
- A completed visa application form
- 1 passport photo
- A copy of your airline tickets or a copy of your itinerary showing your flight number and the dates that you’ll be in Russia.
- A tourist invitation from a Russian travel agency or hotel that can serve as your visa sponsor. The hotel or travel agency must be registered with the Russian government.
- A hotel voucher from your hotel.
RushMyTravelVisa specializes in cutting through the red tape to make it easier for you to get your Russian visa. We’ll walk you through the paperwork and expedite your application so you have the documents you need sooner.
Apply for your Russian visa today!
Tags: Russia, Russia visa, Russian visa, UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Leave a Reply