The most outstanding landmark of Buryatia is Lake Baikal. The lake is situated 150 km away from Ulan-Ude. Actually, the republic is situated on the coast of this clearest and deepest reservoir of sweet water in the world. The lake contains 22% of the world’s sweet water and sometimes it is referred to as the “well of the Earth”. The water in Baikal is so clear that one can see a white disk with the diameter of 30 cm even when it is placed as deep as 43 m. The lake Baikal is surrounded by picturesque mountains and taiga forests, with cedars, pines, larches, birches, rich berry-fields and numerous animal creatures. Sunrises and sunsets, quiet moonlit nights and storms produce unforgettable and majestic sceneries that hardly have something equal in the world. One can enjoy this magnificent nature from the lakeside, but for those who prefer comfortable cruises there are also a number of options. A tour down the Selenge River to the lake Baikal is the real adventure.