Lake Baikal

Alpine Hikes, Swim in freshwater lakes and streams, bake in Russian saunas, horses and feast on the fat of the land – At lake Baikal you can do it all! We stayed at a family homestead on the edge of the world’s largest freshwater lake, lake Baikal. Each night, morning and lunch we eat like kings, fresh lamb, sumptuous salads prepared with forest specialities, handmade jam cream and a host of delicious oddities.
The Russian ‘banya’ experience is one not to be missed. It consists of getting into very hot sauna and being hit by leaves and branches then jumping out and pouring a bucket of ice water over your head... oddly this is a very pleasurable experience and we were all left wanting more – maybe not having a shower for a week had something to do with it but we felt as clean as we would get.

Treks though forest and across fellfield and grassy meadows worked up a hearty appetite for more of the fantastic local food.