The Trans-Siberian Express

BOLSHOE GOLOUSNOE, RUSSIA - 2006/06/10: The most popular stop along the Trans-Siberian Railway is at Lake Baikal - one of the world's largest, deepest and cleanest lakes. At 600 km long and 80 km wide, it is so huge that it contains 20% of the world's fresh water supply. Sturgeon, salmon and the local specialty, omul, are products of the lake. The train passes by the lake at an unspectacular angle, but most Trans-Siberian and Trans-Mongolian passengers alight at Irkutsk Station and head for the a couple days on the lake. Hiking, fishing, boat excursions and homestays with Russian and Buryat families are popular pastimes with travelers. . (Photo by John S. Lander/LightRocket via Getty Images)