Where in the world are we?

LAT operates in the Republic of Buryatia, an autonomous republic in Eastern Siberia within the Russian Federation. It is located near Lake Baikal, north of the border with Mongolia. Lake Baikal is the world's largest and deepest freshwater lake and contains 2,635 species of life, two-thirds of which are found nowhere else on this planet. Baikal’s huge expanse of water-636 km long and 80 km wide with 30 rocky islands-plunges to a depth of 1,620 meters. It contains as much water as all the Great Lakes in America combined and is fed by 336 rivers. Only one, the Angara, flows out to the permafrost of the Arctic and its tundra. Its water is so pure that one can see clearly as far as 50 metres down from a boat. In addition to Lake Baikal, Buryatia hosts many natural wonders. Its mountains are magnificent and imposing. The highest peak, Mount Munku-Sardyk, soars to 3,491 metres. It is no surprise that this is called the “Ancient Crown of Asia.” Three quarters of the land is forest known as "taiga," often still unexplored and home to diverse wildlife.

This rich natural setting provides an excellent backdrop for our work in orienteering and in eco-tourism, both in the taiga and near Lake Baikal.

For more information on Buryatia and Baikal, see baikaladventures.ru, firntravel.ru, or baikalex.ru.