The Russian "Galapagos Islands," Baikal is the single richest location in Russia for endemism, a fabulous reservoir of unique flora and fauna. Lake Baikal is the oldest and deepest lake in the world, and stores nearly 20% of the freshwater on earth. It is immense – the distance from San Francisco to Los Angeles – and contains more than 1,500 species unique to Baikal, and hundreds more endemics on the surrounding mountainsides.

At Lake Baikal, we will board M/V Zaisan, a 41-meter ship with modest accommodations for 20 participants plus leaders. We will venture more than 250 miles up the lake, visiting Pribaikalsky and Zabaikalsky National Parks; Maloe More, the "small sea" and Olkhon Island, to visit the fishing village, school, and museum. We will walk along the marble headlands to Baikal’s famous "Shaman Rock" and explore the Ushkanyi Islands, home to the "nerpa" seals of Lake Baikal. Also of interest will be the 1000-year-old petroglyphs and the Selenga Delta, a spectacular bird and wildlife refuge.

Our journey will begin in Khabarovsk where we will board the Trans Siberian Express for a two and one-half day train adventure across the Siberian taiga, a land of grand rivers, lush forests, and charming small villages. One of the classic train journeys in the world, our trip will include lectures by our expedition leaders and a chance to practice Russian conversation on board, with interesting commentary. In Irkutsk, we will explore the "Paris of Siberia," with striking gold-domed churches and wooden homes with blue and green shutters. Here, we will also have a special visit to the Irkutsk Botanic Garden and a brief introduction to the "Academic Village," the vast scientific community on the shores of the Angara River.

We look forward to returning to Baikal this year and to sharing the many wonder of Siberia and Baikal with you. You may depart from San Francisco for Anchorage and Khabarovsk in the Russian Far East.  Contact us for flight information.

Space is limited. We urge you to reserve your place soon. For reservations call  Betchart Expeditions, Inc. at 800-252-4910 or 408-252-4910 or write to: 17050 Montebello Road, Cupertino, CA 95014-5435.
Email: [email protected]

For more detailed brochure click here (gif-files).

or go to the Mel Siegel's Photos of Siberia and Baikal-97

and the Mel Siegel's Home Page

For Information, phone  (800) 252-4910 or (408) 252-4910
Fax: 408 252-1444   Email: [email protected]
Look at the web: http://www.betchartexpeditions.com/expeditions.htm