Our first Pinnacle expedition takes Young Explorers to Lake Baikal located in southern Siberia, Russia, between Irkutsk Oblast to the northwest and the Buryat Republic to the southeast.
Lake Baikal is the world’s largest (by volume) and deepest freshwater lake and contains more than 20% of the world’s fresh surface water. The lake is a UNESCO World Heritage site and boasts exceptional biodiversity, with many species of plants and animals found nowhere else on the planet. Formed in a rift valley, Lake Baikal has a fascinating geological history and offers a remarkable range of study opportunities.
The physical challenges of this expedition will be considerable; you will be living and working on the frozen lake with temperatures dropping as low as -20 degrees and you will need to haul all the kit and equipment you need using pulks (sleds) which you will drag behind you. The expedition will be a considerable test of endurance.
As an Explorer on this challenge you will be given access to remarkable opportunities to develop your character, knowledge and skills, both pre and post expedition. Working with exceptional Leaders for an entire year before departure you will have the opportunity to work together as a team to plan your expedition, taking into consideration; required provisions including sustenance and equipment, logistical requirements, navigation, risk management, itineraries and setting your science goals.
- Closed for applications
- Age 21-25
- Up to £2,000 (more details available on application)
- 22nd February - 22nd March 2022
- Lake Baikal, Siberia
- Russian tourist visa required
- Further details given nearer the time
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Join us, You are about to change your life
“If I’ve learned anything in nearly 12 years now of dragging heavy things around cold places, it is that true, real inspiration and growth only comes from adversity and from challenge, from stepping away from what’s comfortable and familiar and stepping out into the unknown.”
Ben Saunders, polar explorer, Fellow of British Exploring Society
‘Five weeks in the Zara Valley has been an experience of a lifetime. Trekking to the highest peaks, battling altitude, the crisp ice as we scaled the glaciers… What an incredible adventure. I am not only taking away memories, I am taking home a wider appreciation for the environment.’
Jennie - Young Explorer, Himalaya 2017
I loved every minute of what was a life changing experience with some amazing people. I feel I learnt valuable skills and am now in a position to go on to do an awful lot more than I would otherwise have been able to.
Isaac - Young Explorer Himalaya, 2018
Wow! What an expedition. This has undoubtedly been the best 5 weeks of my life. Some of the best moments have been summiting peaks, listening to the Dali Lama and going on 2 glaciers. I have found all the Science really interesting and have learnt so much about the world and myself. I would recommend this to all young people as it really has been amazing.
Katherine - Young Explorer, Himalaya 2017
It’s been life changing. This has been the first programme I've gone on that's worked for me and has really impacted me. I’d describe myself before expedition as a shy and nervous kind of person who worries a lot, but after finishing the expedition I've really changed and I now feel confident in myself and my ability to push my limits.
John - Young Explorer Dangoor Next Generation 2018