Russia is a riddle waiting to be solved, and even you may never arrive with an answer, the journey is a rewarding adventure. A mighty land spans over nine different time zones and bordering 14 different countries by area, offering plenty of once-in-a-lifetime trips while pampering you with million-dollar views. Let’s find out why Lake Baikal is topping bucket list.

The Blue Eye of Siberia

The area of Lake Baikal is about equal to the area of the whole country of Belgium, stretching from the Ural Mountains to Lake Baikal. It is one of the oldest and deepest lakes in the world, hailed as the “Blue Eye of Siberia” in Russia kudos to the mind-blowing landscapes and the lake’s crystalline clarity. During winter, the legendary lake is solidly frozen and become the unspoken spot for those travellers who look for an extraordinary travel experience. Have you ever seen the frozen wave? To see is to believe, a phenomenon is so unique that it can’t be seen anywhere else in the world except Lake Baikal.

Olkhon island

There are more than thirty islands in Lake Baikal. The largest among them is Olkhon Island, which is also the world’s second-largest island in a lake. Olkhon is also one of the most, if not the most photographed site in Lake Baikal. Winter is when the magic happens in Lake Baikal, which frozen during this time. Vast open spaces and strong winds blow snow away from the surface, and the low mineral content of the water makes the ice surprisingly.

Irkutsk-The Paris of Siberia

When you think of Siberia, you probably don’t think of cities. Nestled on the banks of the majestic Angara river, there is a remote jewel in Siberia Irutsksk. Also known as Paris of Siberian, the unique symbol of Irkutsk is the Lace Houses which look straight out of the fairytale. Admire the Russian baroque lace houses which built in the late 19-century with artistic carved wooden ornaments and Baroque carving. Catch a glimpse of what a Russian most beautiful city looked like centuries ago.

Russian Authentic cuisine

Siberia is home to peoples with a diversity of culinary customs making Russia the most exotic gastronomic heaven. Russian cuisine is famous for delectable soups, rustic Solyanka, which is made of assorted meats, pancakes with different fillings, and of course, caviar. No trip to Russia is complete without a sip of Russian Vodka. The spirit is famous in the world for its clarity and classic smack, and enjoy a vodka shot on its origin land in a traditional Russian way by pairing with a dash of pickle juice!

When you hear the name “Irkutsk Philharmony,”

You probably imagine classical music and ballet performances. Marvel at a beautiful folklore performance that combines music, dance, typical costumes, and which relates the history of Russia and immerse yourself in the Siberian cultural vibes!

The Russian Matryoshka doll

Last but not least! Don’t forget to bring home an iconic Russian Matryoshka doll for your friends and families, also known as a Russian nesting doll is a set of wooden toys of decreasing size placed one inside another. Traditionally the outer layer is a woman, dressed in a sarafan. Matryoshka is a symbol of the feminine side of Russian culture, and a chain of mother’s carrying on the family legacy through the child in their womb.

Wait no more! Book a life-changing trip to Russia with The Wandering Lens, meet warm locals, sample Russian cuisine and wandering to the scenic route and capture unforgettable moments with our professional photographer.