Lake Baikal, World's Deepest and Largest Freshwater Lake

At 1,637 meters in deep and with a surface area of 31,494 square kilometers, Lake Baikal is the deepest and largest freshwater lake in the world. It is located in Southern Siberia in Russia. It is also known as the "Blue Eye of Siberia" and "the Pearl of Siberia" and contains more water than all the North American Great Lakes combined.

Map of Lake Baikal (Source)

During winter months, Lake Baikal's upper layer solidify into ice. The ice is so thick that it can support people and snowmobiles.

Lake Baikal during winter months (Source)

At more than 25 million years old, it is the oldest lake in the world. It hosts 1,085 species of plants and 1,550 species and varieties of animals and more than 80% of the animals found in the area are endemic. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

Satellite image of Lake Baikal (Source)

Olchon Island inside the lake (Source)

Dead Sea, the World's Saltiest Lake

Despite it's name, Dead Sea is a salty lake between the West Bank/Palestine/Israel and Jordan. The "sea" in it's name is because it is so salty. In fact, it is the world's saltiest lake. It is called "dead" because fish and aquatic plants cannot grow in it because of its high salt and mineral content.

Blue water of the Dead Sea (Source)

The Dead Sea is 420 metres below sea level and its shores are the lowest point on Earth that are on dry land. With 30 percent salinity, it is 8.6 times saltier than the ocean. In times of drought, to salinity climb to 35 percent.

Salt deposit in the shores of Dead See (Source)

Because of it's salinity, the Dead Sea is famous among tourists because one can float in it without using a life vest. The famous trick is to float and read a book.

Tourist floating in the Dead Sea (Source)

The Dead Sea's salt content is due to it's location. Being the lowest point on Earth, during wet season, minerals flow to it's basin. This has been happening for millions of year, thus the water became concentrated with minerals including salt.

Ali Sadr Cave

Ali Sadr or Alisadr Cave is a cave located in 75 km north of Hamedan in Iran. It was formed 130-190 million years ago in the second Jurassic period. The caves walls can extend up to 40 meters high, and it contains several large, deep lakes.

Near the entrance of the cave (Source)

It has a river flowing through it and and so traveling through the cave is mostly done by boats. In the summer of 2001, a German/British expedition surveyed the cave to be 11 kilometers long. The main chamber of the cave is 100 meters by 50 meters and 40 meters high.

Rental boats and tourists (Source)

Ali Sadr cave is situated between the large cities in Hamedan, Tehran and Zanjan making it a popular destination for Iranians and foreign tourists.

Rock wall (Source)

The cave was originally discovered during the reign of Darius I (521-485 BC) which can be verified by an old inscription at the entrance of the tunnel. However, the knowledge of the existence of the tunnel was lost, and only rediscovered in 1978 when a local shepherd followed the tunnel searching for water or a lost goat.

The lion-elephant rock (Source)

Lake Saiful Muluk, One of the Most Beautiful Lake in Pakistan

Located in the northern end of the Kaghan Valley near Naran, Pakistan, Lake Saiful Muluk is dubbed the most beautiful lake in Pakistan. At an altitude of 3,224 m above sea level, it is one of the highest lakes in the country. The lake's water is clear with a slight green tone.

Tourist boat at Lake Saiful Muluk (Source)

Lake Saiful Muluk is feed by multiple glaciers from the surrounding mountains. These glaciers contribute to the clear water of the lake.

Crystal clear water at Lake Saiful Muluk (Source)

Due to the natural beauty of the Kaghan Valley, this place has a flourishing tourism industry.

Lake Saiful Muluk during summer months (Source)

If you're planning to visit this place, it is accessible by a 14 km jeep road from Naran or you can trek from Naran to the lake takes which about 4-6 hours.

Full view of Lake Saiful Muluk and the surrounding mountains (Source)

Subterranean River, the Navigable Underground River

Located in the city of Puerto Princesa, Palawan in the Philippines, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park is a limestone karst mountain landscape with an 8.2 kilometers navigable underground river. This park is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Subterranean River entrance (Source)

The underground river is said to be the world's longest. At the mouth of the cave, a clear lagoon is framed by ancient trees growing right to the water's edge. Monkeys, large monitor lizards, and squirrels find their niche on the beach near the cave.

Inside the Subterranean River (Source)

Inside the Subterranean River (Source)

Inside the cave are major formations of stalactites and stalagmites, and several large chambers.

Subterranean River rock formation (Source)

Subterranean River rock formation (Source)

Subterranean River rock formation (Source)

The most spectacular feature of the river is that it winds through a cave before flowing directly into the South China Sea. The lower portion of the river is subject to tidal influences.

Subterranean River exit (Source)