The Mission
In March 2027, two Greek explorers will attempt something never before documented by a Greek expedition: crossing the frozen Lake Baikal on foot. Seven hundred kilometres through extreme cold, fierce winds, and complete isolation. A test of human endurance, driven by a purpose greater than the expedition itself: to turn every kilometre into an act of solidarity.
Lake Baikal
Deep in the heart of Siberia lies one of the most mysterious places on Earth. Lake Baikal, the world's oldest and deepest lake, is 25 million years old and reaches a depth of 1,642 metres. Every winter, its waters transform into a vast frozen wilderness. A world of ice, relentless winds, and fractures stretching across its surface. A place where nature sets the rules.
The 700-Kilometre Route
From Kultuk, on the southern shores of Lake Baikal, to Severobaykalsk, in the frozen north. Approximately 700 kilometres across the ice, travelling entirely on foot. For more than 20 days, the two explorers will pull sleds loaded with their survival equipment, covering dozens of kilometres each day through an environment where conditions are constantly changing.
The Challenge
Θερμοκρασίες που μπορεί να αγγίξουν τους −45°C. Άνεμοι με ταχύτητες εώς 100Km/h και πάγος που ραγίζει και μετακινείται κάτω από τα πόδια τους. Σε αυτό το περιβάλλον, η κούραση γίνεται καθημερινός αντίπαλος και κάθε απόφαση αποκτά ιδιαίτερη βαρύτητα. Μια αναμέτρηση όχι μόνο με τα στοιχεία της φύσης, αλλά και με τα ίδια τα ανθρώπινα όρια.
Theofanis Kountouris
Master Mariner, maritime safety instructor, and explorer. He has completed a 900-kilometre journey along the Camino de Santiago, reached Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), and undertaken a trekking expedition in the Sahara Desert. With experience in challenging environments and multi-day expeditions, he is preparing for a 700-kilometre crossing of frozen Lake Baikal in March 2027.
Ioannis Beis
A member of the Hellenic Navy's Underwater Demolition Teams and a Physical Education instructor, with experience in military training, physical conditioning, and operating under demanding conditions. His operational expertise, discipline, and commitment to teamwork are central to his approach. He is actively involved in the planning and preparation of the BAIKAL 700 expedition, with the goal of safely completing the 700-kilometre crossing of frozen Lake Baikal.
Preparation & Safety
In a place where a single mistake can prove fatal, nothing can be left to chance. Months of preparation, equipment designed for extreme cold, satellite communications, and detailed emergency response plans form the foundation of the expedition. Because on Lake Baikal, having the strength to keep going is not enough. You must also have the judgment to know when to stop.
A Walk for Humanity
But this journey is more than a test of endurance. Through the initiative A Walk for Humanity, the expedition aims to support the work of Humanity Greece and families facing serious hardships. Every kilometre across the frozen wilderness of Siberia will carry a message beyond borders and distances. Because the greatest challenge is not always reaching your destination, but giving your journey a purpose greater than yourself.
Donations go directly to Humanity Greece to support families and do not fund expedition expenses.
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Be Part of the Expedition
No great expedition is ever accomplished by just two people. Behind every kilometre stand those who believe that limits are meant to be tested and that extraordinary efforts are most meaningful when they serve a greater purpose. BAIKAL 700 invites companies, organisations, and individuals to become part of this journey by contributing equipment, expertise, or support. Because some journeys become even more meaningful when they are shared.