Baikal-Lena nature reserve, Nature reserve in Lake Baikal region, Russia
The Baikal-Lena Nature Reserve spans a large area along the northwestern shore of Lake Baikal, featuring mountain forest, alpine meadows, and rare steppe landscapes. The terrain includes different zones with varying plant and animal life at different elevations.
The reserve was established in 1986 to protect the region around the source of the Lena River, Russia's longest river. Its creation was part of broader efforts to safeguard the natural habitats of Lake Baikal.
The Rytyi Cape holds sacred meaning for local communities, with ancient Kurykan walls and stone structures still visible throughout the area. These sites show how deeply rooted the connection between people and this land remains today.
Visitors need a boat to reach the area from Olkhon Island or Severobaikalsk, with winter travel possible across frozen lake surfaces. It is wise to check weather conditions and accessibility ahead of time, since the location is remote.
The area is home to Russia's largest population of black-capped marmots, found exclusively in the southwestern alpine zones. This rare species is specially adapted to the extreme conditions of the high mountain region.
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