Lake Baikal, the Earth’s oldest and deepest freshwater lake, which is situated in the Russian region of Siberia, is intriguing and creepy. Its crystal clear, serene waters hold myriad mysteries.
This UNESCO heritage site has been a hotspot for UFO sightings, creepy disappearances, and even alleged encounters with underwater alien beings.
Lake Baikal Aliens
This huge lake has been the theatre of numerous strange reports, particularly involving Soviet military divers in the 1980s.
The 1982 Soviet Army Encounter
The declassified Soviet documents say military divers were conducting training exercises in Lake Baikal when they had a chance encounter of terrifying proportions that shook their senses. Strange humanoid gigantic creatures, described as 3 meters (9 feet) tall, wearing tight-fitting silver suits and helmet-like apparatuses, appeared before their eyes. They did not have any visible scuba gear. When the divers attempted to capture one of them, a lightning force pushed them away, resulting in injuries and even deaths.
UFO Sightings Over the Lake
Several accounts from fishermen, locals, and even cosmonauts shared UFO sightings over and around the lake. They told about seeing glowing orbs, beams of light and disk-shaped crafts coming from the water. Some reports claim these unidentified flying objects appeared to moving in a stunning pace and appeared much advanced in technology than humans can think of.
Unexplained disappearances
Lake Baikal is known for mysterious vanishings, much like the Bermuda Triangle. Fishermen have reported seeing
Lake Baikal is the deepest and most mysterious freshwater lake on Earth. It is 1,642 meters (5,387 feet) deep and over 25 million years old, making it the oldest lake in the world.
Home to 20% of the World’s Unfrozen Freshwater
Lake Baikal is the reservoir containing more water than all the Great Lakes combined. It contains 23,600 cubic kilometers (5,662 cubic miles) of fresh water.
One can see up to 40 meters (131 feet) deep water.
Lake Baikal secrets
Habitat of unique and ancient ecosystem
It is home to species, 80% of which are only found in Lake Baikal. The Baikal seal (nerpa)—which lives in lake Baikal is the only freshwater seal species in the world.
In Lake Baikal, thousands of microscopic organisms help purify the water, keeping it crystal clear.
An ever-growing tectonic marvel
Lake Baikal is situated in a rift valley, where the Earth’s crust is gradually pulling apart.
Oceanologists believe that millions of years from now, it could turn into an ocean.
An epicentre of mysterious phenomena
The oldest lake is also known for its mysterious ice rings. They can be viewed from space. According to scientists, they are caused by methane emissions. Locals associate the factor with supernatural.
A Natural Laboratory for Climate Change
Because of its pristine environment and isolation, Lake Baikal is like a living time capsule, offering scientists valuable data on climate change, biodiversity, and freshwater ecosystems.
Spooky tales
Ancient myths and legends, many of which come from the Buryat people, the indigenous inhabitants of the region surround Lake Baikal. Anecdotes, folklore, supernatural beings make Baikal one of the most mystical lakes in the world.
Baikal Dragon (Lusud-Khan)
One of the most famous myths talks of a gigantic water dragon known as Lusud-Khan, or the “Water Dragon Master”. Legend says a serpent-like beast has resided in Baikal for centuries, guarding its deep waters.
Some say Lusud-Khan is an ancient spirit, while others believe it is a prehistoric creature that has lived in the lake’s depths.
Folklore of Baikal and Angara
Another well-known myth speaks about the tragic love story of Lake Baikal and the Angara River.
According to folklore, Baikal is a mighty old father. His only daughter, Angara, was the only river that flowed out of the lake.
Angara fell in love with a young warrior, the Yenisei River. Baikal, however, had already chosen a husband for her.
An enraged Baikal threw Shaman’s Rock at her to stop her from leaving. Angara escaped, running toward Yenisei. Locals believe Baikal still weeps for his lost daughter. Lake’s waves and storms are taken as his tears.
Anecdotes of spirits presence in cursed island of Olkhon
Olkhon Island, which is the biggest island in Lake Baikal, is considered a sacred place. It is believed to be the home of mysterious spirits.
Locals say Shamans, who once lived on the island, reside and roam there.
According to legends, Olkhon is a gateway to the spirit world, where the souls of the deceased people travel.
UFO mystery
Lake Baikal has long been a hotspot for UFO sightings, with reports of strange lights, glowing orbs, and flying objects hovering over or diving into the lake.
Russian cosmonaut Vladimir Kovalyonok claimed to have witnessed from the Salyut 6 space station in 1981. According to him, a huge glowing object moved over Lake Baikal before vanishing. According to theorists, Baikal could be hiding an underwater alien base.
Read more: NASA UFO Report 2025: Do Aliens Exist? What Do They Eat?