Chivyrkuisky Isthmus, Protected land bridge in Zabaykalsky National Park, Russia
The Chivyrkuisky Isthmus is a land bridge connecting the Svyatoy Nos peninsula to Lake Baikal's eastern shore, featuring sandy beaches, wetlands, and areas with hot springs scattered throughout. The terrain varies in width and creates a diverse landscape shaped by natural geological processes.
Svyatoy Nos was once an island but gradually became connected to the mainland through sediment deposits from the Barguzin River over thousands of years. This natural transformation created the land bridge that exists today.
Local communities have long adapted to the unique conditions of Lake Baikal and developed sustainable relationships with its natural resources. This connection to the land remains visible in how people interact with the landscape today.
You need a permit from Zabaykalsky National Park to visit this area. The isthmus is best explored on foot or by boat, and summer months offer the easiest access for travel through the region.
The Kulina marshes contain dozens of mud volcanoes, small openings in the ground where gas and hot water naturally emerge. A nearby village had to be relocated because residents faced hazards from these active geological features.
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