Located in Siberia, Laka Baikal is the largest freshwater lake on the planet that contains approximately 20 percent of the Earth’s freshwater. Apart from being the oldest lake in the world at over 25 million years old, Lake Baikal is also home to over two thousand varieties of flora and fauna, of which almost 1,600 are endemic to the lake. The water of Lake Baikal is renowned for being some of the clearest in the world. When the lake freezes during the winter, an amazing phenomena takes place: large shards of transparent ice form on the surface of the lake, giving the amazing appearance of turquoise ice.

A tourist takes photos of an Aurora Borealis display (Northern Lights) over the Bals-Fiord north of the Arctic Circle, near the village of Mestervik late September 30, 2014. (Photo by Yannis Behrakis/Reuters)

People walk in the rainstorm as typhoon Lekima approaches in Shanghai, China on August 10, 2019. The death toll from Typhoon Lekima rose to 49 on August 13 and 21 were still missing after the monster storm wreaked havoc on China's eastern coast, causing huge damage with strong gales and torrential rain. (Photo by Aly Song/Reuters)

Musher Michael Ruopp of Germany starts with his sled dogs at the 23rd International Sled Dog Race in Oberhof, central Germany, Sunday, February 24, 2013. (Photo by Jens Meyer/AP Photo)

Steam enthusiasts demonstrate their engines at the Great Dorset Steam Fair, the biggest event of its kind in Europe on September 2, 2011 in Tarrant Hinton, near Blandford, England. Over 200,000 people are expected to attend the 600 acre event, which is in its 43rd year and includes displays and demonstrations of steam and vintage machinery over five days. (Photo by Matt Cardy/Getty Images)

Shannon McGurgan (Bottom), Farhad Ahadi (Middle) and Malia Walsh (Top) perform the Circus Trick Tease on stage at a media call ahead of the inaugural Melbourne Circus Festival on September 23, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. The National Institute of Circus Arts will showcase artists from around the world during the first ever circus festival in Melbourne from September 26 – October 2. (Photo by Hamish Blair/Getty Images)

Over 1000 New Year revellers, many in fancy dress, braved freezing conditions in the River Forth in front of the Forth Rail Bridge during the annual Loony Dook Swim on January 1, 2012 in South Queensferry, Scotland. Thousands of people gathered last night to see in the New Year at Hogmanay celebrations in towns and cities across Scotland. (Photo by Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images)