Short description
The nature of Bashkortostan is not only beautiful, but also unique in many ways. In the vastness of this amazing region, you will find endless forests and fields, rushing rivers, steaming mountains, ice caves and many other natural monuments, the existence of which is sometimes difficult to believe. Bashkiria will enchant you with its landscapes, fall in love with the responsiveness of people and will definitely interest you with its diverse culture and rich history. In this article we will tell you about the best sights of the Republic of Bashkortostan.
1. Ufa Botanical Garden (Ufa)
Traveling around Bashkortostan, you will be able to see not only mountains, forests and steppes, but also real tropics. Exotic plants grow in the greenhouses of the Ufa Botanical Garden, which has been studying and preserving the flora of our planet for almost 100 years. In addition to tropical species, there are thousands of other plants belonging to different climatic zones. The largest collection is dedicated to the flora of Bashkortostan itself and allows you not only to admire trees, shrubs, and flowers, but also to learn many interesting facts about them. Of course, the Ufa Botanical Garden will not replace the nature that can be seen outside of big cities, but it will help you relax a little and give you a boost of aesthetic pleasure. Address: Ufa, Mendeleev St., 195 k3.
2. Lala-Tulpan Mosque (Ufa)
The tulip is one of the symbols of the Turkic world and Islam, which became such during the time of the Ottoman Empire. In addition, the tulip represents spring, an important time of the year for Muslims, as it is believed that the Prophet Muhammad came into the world with it. That is why the Lala Tulip Mosque got its name, and that is why its minarets resemble this beautiful flower. The construction of the shrine began in 1989 and was completed 9 years later, after which Lala-Tulpan became one of Ufa's main mosques and an important cultural and educational center. It is also interesting for ordinary tourists who want to see its unique and distinctive architecture firsthand. Address: Ufa, Komarova str., 5.
3. Monument to Salavat Yulaev (Ufa)
One of Ufa's most recognizable monuments is dedicated to Salavat Yulaev, the national hero of Bashkortostan. When he was very young, he took part in the uprising of Yemelyan Pugachev and became one of his closest associates. For disobedience, Yulaev was exiled to penal servitude by the authorities, and they tried in every possible way to bury his name in oblivion. However, this could not be done, because the Bashkirs remembered the exploits of their countryman and passed from mouth to mouth his poems dedicated to the nature of their native lands, love and the national liberation struggle. The Soviet era also played an important role in popularizing Salavat Yulaev, who was in dire need of heroes who devoted their lives to fighting the tsarist government. It was then that streets named after him appeared in almost every city of Bashkortostan, and in 1967 a 14-meter monument depicting the Bashkir national hero on horseback was erected in Ufa. Address: Ufa, Salavat Yulaev Square.
4. National Museum of the Republic of Bashkortostan (Ufa)
In Ufa, on Sovetskaya Street, you will find a 1911 Art Nouveau building that belonged to the Peasant Land Bank. Today it no longer serves commercial purposes, but is used by the National Museum of the Republic of Bashkortostan to house the main exhibitions. They will tell you about the nature of the region, its rich history, traditions and culture of indigenous peoples, as well as important milestones of Ufa. Among the exhibits you will see household items, tools, national costumes, works of art, archival documents and photographs, numismatic collections and even a saber that once belonged to the national hero Salavat Yulaev. Address: Ufa, Sovetskaya St., 14.
5. Vatan Ethnic Park (Ufa)
With culture, as with language: if you want to get to know it better, surround yourself with its speakers. To get acquainted with Bashkir culture, we recommend visiting the Vatan Ethnic Park. It opened in 2015 on the eve of the BRICS summit in order to acquaint participants of foreign delegations with the traditions and customs of Bashkortostan residents. The park continued to operate after the event, becoming one of the most popular attractions in Ufa. It consists of several yurts, each of which is dedicated to different aspects of the life of the Bashkir people. By visiting them, you will learn about household items and traditional crafts, the natural resources of the Republic, the peculiarities of local culture, as well as about the past, present and future of Bashkortostan. During the holidays, the Vatan Ethnopark offers not only static exhibitions, but also theatrical performances, performances by folk ensembles, master classes, tastings of national cuisine and much more. Address: Ufa, Zaki Validi str., 2A.
6. Shulgan Tash Nature Reserve and Kapova Cave
Shulgan-Tash is 255 km2 of mountains, forests and rivers, forming amazingly picturesque landscapes. This reserve was created in the middle of the last century to preserve Burzyan honey bees, which are found only in the mountain forest area of Bashkortostan. They produce the famous Bashkir honey, which is loved not only in Russia, but also far beyond its borders. In Shulgan Tash, "burzyanka" lives both in natural conditions and in apiaries, one of which houses a museum of beekeeping. It is often visited on the way to another famous landmark of the reserve — Kapova Cave. It is known not only for its impressive size, but also for the drawings of primitive people, whose age ranges from 15,000 to 40,000 years. The most remarkable of the rock paintings depicts a camel and is the oldest known drawing of this animal. In addition, this find proves that camels appeared in Bashkiria much earlier than is commonly believed. Coordinates: 53.043641, 57.064880
7. Blue Lake
Blue Lake, also known as Zyangyar-Kul, is a small but extremely picturesque body of water. It got its name due to the deposits of blue clay, which gives the water such a rich color. The lake was formed as a result of flooding by springs of a karst funnel, therefore, although it is small in area, it is very deep (8 m) and crystal clear. Zyangyar-Kul is famous for its rich set of trace elements that have a beneficial effect on the health of the entire body. If you want to try out their healing power, then keep in mind that the average water temperature in the Blue Lake is about +6 °C. However, cold baths are also good for the body, but you should approach this procedure wisely. Coordinates: 54.355831, 55.874168
8. Lake Aslykul
Do you want to relax by a picturesque pond, be alone with nature and improve your health at the same time? — Then we recommend visiting Lake Aslykul, the largest lake in Bashkortostan. Here you can relax on one of the beaches, experience the healing mud from the bottom of the lake, go fishing or explore the surroundings, which are famous for their beautiful landscapes. Among the famous attractions near Aslykul, it is worth noting the Charlama Waterfall, located between the villages of Burangulovo and Pyzhyanovsky. Its height is 12 meters, and it is most abundant in spring and during prolonged rains. We also recommend climbing the coastal mountains.: they are small, but from their peaks there are wonderful panoramas of the lake and the surrounding area. If you like Aslykul so much that you don't want to leave, then you can always rent a guest house or spend the night in a tent on the shore. Coordinates: 54.315803, 54.577362
9. Sterlitamak shikhany
Over hundreds of millions of years, our planet has changed markedly: seas have appeared in place of mountains and plains, and mountains and plains have appeared in place of seas. Bashkortostan used to be the bottom of the Ural Ocean, which existed about 500-300 million years ago. In memory of those times, 3 shikhans have been preserved near the city of Sterlitamak: Kushtau, Tratau and Yuraktau. They are lonely remnant mountains that were part of a huge underwater reef millions of years ago. Among the ancient people, shikhany was revered as sacred mountains, as evidenced by numerous archaeological finds and references in the works of local folklore. Today they are treated less reverently from a religious point of view, but in the scientific community Kushtau, Tratau and Yuraktau are highly appreciated for the discoveries made with their help. Once there was a fourth shikhan — Shakhtau, but, alas, it was destroyed during the extraction of limestone. Coordinates: 53.554543, 56.098398 / 53.554543, 56.098398 / 53.741705, 56.096939
10. Muradimov gorge
Once in the Muradimov gorge, you will never tire of admiring the beauty of its landscapes. Here you will find majestic cliffs, a slow-flowing river and picturesque forests where bears, wolves, moose and other animals roam far from the paths of man. The Muradimov gorge is famous for its caves, which are more numerous here than in any other corner of the republic. Some of them are simply beautiful, while others have a lot of rock carvings created thousands of years ago by primitive people. There is something interesting, beautiful and impressive waiting for you in the gorge at every step, and therefore the memories of the trip here remain extremely positive. Coordinates: 52.575482, 56.869615
11. Mount Yamantau
Yamantau is the highest (1,640 m) mountain of Bashkortostan and the entire Southern Urals. Its name translates from Bashkir as "evil mountain", which is interpreted differently by different experts. Some believe that the reason for this is the extremely unfavorable terrain for grazing, expressed in swampy and kurumnik-dotted slopes. Others associate the origin of the name with the beliefs of the indigenous peoples, who considered Yamantau to be the abode of evil spirits. Nowadays, a mysterious halo still shrouds this mountain. Since about the mid-nineties, there have been rumors about the existence of a secret bunker under Yamantau. It is assumed that it is a huge underground complex created for the needs of the government in the event of a nuclear war. No one has been able to prove or disprove this yet, but Yamantau has long been popular thanks to books and video games, whose plot unfolds in the post-apocalyptic expanses of Russia. Adding fuel to the fire of mystery is the fact that climbing Yamantau is prohibited. This does not stop many, but we recommend not to try your luck and climb to the neighboring peak — Maly Yamantau (976 m), from where you can enjoy equally beautiful views. Coordinates: 54.240172, 58.124890
12. Kuk-Karauk Waterfall
From Bashkir, the name of the Kuk-Karauk waterfall translates as "blue and noisy". This name is more than appropriate, because Cook-Karauk is really very noisy, and its waters have a bluish tinge. The waterfall consists of several cascades, whose total height is 12 meters. On hot summer days, it dries up almost completely, so it is recommended to come in the spring if you are going to find Kuk-Karauk in its prime. In addition to the waterfall itself, there are several other interesting natural attractions in the vicinity. Among them, it is worth noting the Kalim-Uskan rock, popular with rock climbers, as well as the Salavatskaya and Ziganovka caves. They are relatively modest in size, but this does not detract from their popularity among fans of exploring the bowels of our planet. Coordinates: 53.601120, 56.684956
13. Iremel Ridge
The Iremel mountain range consists of two main peaks, which are known as Bolshoy and Maly Iremel. In ancient times, the locals believed that gods lived on these mountains, so only a select few were allowed to climb here. Today, anyone who has a few free hours, a desire and 200 rubles for a ticket to the nature park can conquer the Iremel ridge. The route to the top will require endurance and fortitude from you, but it will not become an insurmountable obstacle and will be obeyed even by beginners. Once on Iremel, you will be able to observe the picturesque expanses for many kilometers around, including the famous Yamantau Mountain. On the way to the ridge, we recommend visiting the Larkino gorge, where you will find a stormy river, mossy rocks and a pristine forest that embodies all the beauty and power of the Ural nature. Coordinates: 54.520067, 58.841754
14. Yumaguzinsky reservoir
The Yumaguzinsky reservoir was created for the needs of a hydroelectric power plant, but over time it gained the status of a popular attraction in the Republic of Bashkortostan. This attraction is quite young, as the filling of the reservoir began only in 2004. Today, tourists can observe vast expanses of water and ubiquitous rocks covered with a "blanket" of trees. What can you do here besides admiring the natural beauty? — You can grab fishing gear and catch perch, burbot or bream for dinner, or you can take a boat and explore the most hidden corners of the reservoir. If you decide to go on a boat trip, we recommend finding a boat with a motor, since the length of the Yumaguzinsky reservoir is almost 60 km. Coordinates: 53.000851, 56.559619
15. Nugush reservoir
If the Yumaguzinsky reservoir resembles a river, then Nugushskoye has more similarities with a lake. For almost 60 years, the surroundings of this reservoir have been used for recreational purposes. Numerous recreation centers, campsites, sanatoriums and children's camps are located on its shores, and dozens of hiking trails have been trodden through the nearby forests and cliffs. People come to the Nugush reservoir for the sake of unity with nature, hiking, fishing and sailing competitions. And, of course, do not forget about the landscapes, which, wherever you look, look picturesque and peaceful. Coordinates: 53.082422, 56.470422
16. Aigir rocks
The Karatash ridge is an interesting place both for those who have long been familiar with the mountainous Urals, and for those who are just starting to get to know it. There are many routes along the Karatash ridge, but we recommend choosing the one that will lead you to the Aigir rocks. Rising to the sky like the fangs of a fallen monster, they allow travelers to climb higher and see the indescribable beauty of the scenery. The views from the Aigir cliffs are especially picturesque at dawn, when everything below is shrouded in a milky mist, and the sun is just rising from the horizon. To see this with your own eyes, you need to start from the village of Aigir no later than 4 a.m. At the end of the 3-kilometer route, you will have to sweat a little and climb kurumnik, but all efforts will more than pay off with vivid impressions that will stay with you all your life. Coordinates: 53.082422, 56.470422
17. Lake Bannoe
During the Pugachev Uprising, an exhausted Cossack detachment camped by the lake. After bathing in it, the soldiers received an unprecedented charge of strength and energy, which helped them to defeat the tsarist army. Since then, the lake has been called the Bath Lake, because its effect was very similar to the traditional Russian steam room. Among the Bashkirs, the lake was called Mauzdy — "bottomless", "insatiable". These words perfectly characterize this reservoir, because it is the deepest lake in Bashkortostan (28 m). Like the rest of the large lakes in the region, Bannoe is a popular recreational area. Here you can rent a house on the shore, go fishing, water walks and other active and not so active types of recreation. In winter, you can go skiing or snowboarding, because there is a ski resort nearby. Coordinates: 53.589418, 58.627678
18. The Red Key Source
Looking at the photos of the Red Key, you might think that we have confused the words "lake" and "spring". In fact, there is no mistake, because Krasny Klyuch is one of the largest springs in the world and the largest source of fresh water in all of Russia. The source is formed by the waters of the Yamanelga River, which originates on the slopes of the Karatau range, disappears underground after 8 km and flows through karst channels for the next 40 km. Krasny Klyuch is the place where the Yamanelga comes to the surface and continues its course to the mouth. Every second, two karst craters at the bottom of the reservoir release about 15 thousand tons. liters of water, creating a powerful stream that rips masks off divers and carries rocks at great speed. You won't be able to see them with the naked eye, but you can swim in the font, walk around the neighborhood and taste the water of the Red Spring in the pump room. Coordinates: 55.377751, 56.679944
19. Gadelsha Waterfall
Tuyalas, aka Ibragimovsky, aka Gadelsha, is the highest waterfall in Bashkiria. It consists of three cascades, the total height of which, according to various estimates, reaches from 15 to 20 meters. The width of the Gadelsh is also quite impressive, which makes the waterfall look not only picturesque, but also majestic. Of course, we are talking about the second half of spring, when the Gadelsha is the most full-flowing, because in summer it becomes noticeably weaker due to the shallowing of the river. In addition to visiting the waterfall itself, we recommend taking a short walk around its surroundings, where there are many more picturesque and photogenic corners of nature. Coordinates: 52.757414, 58.372021
20. The Inzer Teeth Ridge
The main attraction of the Inzer Zubchatki ridge is the remnant rocks towering menacingly above the forest. To some, they resemble the teeth of a monster, someone sees petrified giants in them, and someone compares them to the ruins of a once beautiful castle. There are also those who seriously claim that the Inzer Teeth are the remains of an ancient and very advanced civilization. However, no matter what association you have, it does not detract from the beauty and grandeur of these rocks. Coordinates: 54.270842, 58.374196
21. The Aysky Fountain
During rafting on the Ai River, tourists can observe rocks, caves, forests, plains and one unique attraction — the Ai Fountain. It is a source of artesian water, which bursts out of the ground with a powerful jet. You can see it in action at any time of the year, and in winter, fancy ice sculptures created by an unfading stream of water will be a pleasant addition. Previously, the Ai fountain was difficult to access, but today, in the absence of rains, it is possible to reach it by car. Due to the increased popularity, this place has somewhat lost its original charm, but the Aysky fountain has not become less beautiful and fascinating. Coordinates: 55.203388, 58.630335
22. Atysh Waterfall
The Atysh waterfall is far from the largest and most powerful in Bashkiria, but it is definitely one of the most picturesque. It originates from the grotto of the same name, which makes it look incredibly beautiful and recognizable. In the middle of summer, the surroundings of Atish are somewhat reminiscent of a lost corner somewhere in the middle of the jungles of South Asia. There has been a waterfall since time immemorial, as evidenced by the results of some scientific research and archaeological finds made in the grotto. These include very ancient remains of fish, as well as fragments of dishes dating back to the II millennium BC. Coordinates: 54.555660, 57.271834
23. Bashkiria National Park
If nature had its own treasures, then Bashkiria National Park would become one of the main treasures. About 95% of its territory is covered with forests, which are home to bears, wolves, foxes, lynxes, moose, roe deer and many other animals. The flora of the national park is even more diverse, represented by hundreds of plant species, many of which are listed in the Red Book. Among the most popular attractions of Bashkiria, it is worth noting the Kutuk-Sumgan tract, famous for its abundance of caves, the Five-leaf Canyon with its winding river, as well as the Kuperlinsky karst bridge, formed as a result of the cave collapse. Coordinates: 53.045501, 56.528780
24. Russian Switzerland
Russian Switzerland is not something from tourist guides, but a very real village in Bashkiria. Who came up with its name is a mystery. According to one version, it was so named by veterans of the Patriotic War who actually visited Switzerland. Another version says that the village owes its name to entrepreneur I. P. Kanshin, who tried to attract tourists here in this way. Anyway, the landscapes of Russian Switzerland really look like Swiss Switzerland. There are also green meadows, forests and vast expanses of water. The only thing missing is the monstrous mountains, but they are quite well replaced by slightly lower Ural peaks. Address: Republic of Bashkortostan, Russian Switzerland.
25. Kush-Tau Ski Resort
Bashkortostan is equally beautiful in winter and summer, so you can come here at any time of the year. If you will be in the Republic in winter, then visit the Kush-Tau ski resort. There are trails for both professionals and beginners who are just learning to ski or snowboard. All the necessary infrastructure, such as ski lifts, rental points and recreation centers, is also present, so a visit to Kush Tau will be comfortable and will leave only positive impressions. In summer, this complex also deserves attention, because with the arrival of heat, you can go diving, ride an ATV, swim in the river, go fishing, or just relax for a couple of days in a cozy house. Address: 2A Tsentralnaya str., Shikhan village, Republic of Bashkortostan.
26. Kuperl Waterfall and karst bridge
Kuperlya Waterfall is considered to be quite large and powerful by the standards of the region, so it is definitely worth seeing during a visit to Bashkiria National Park. Next to it, just upstream, you will find another natural monument — the Kuperlinsky Karst Bridge. It was once part of a large cave, but after the collapse of its vaults, it remained standing alone, decorating the landscape. Getting to the Kuperlya Waterfall is not an easy task, so it is usually visited as part of multi-day hiking trips or rafting on the Nugush River. Coordinates: 53.144456, 56.625231
27. Pavlovsk reservoir
The Pavlovskoye reservoir is a huge reservoir with a length of about 150 km. It was created in the sixties of the last century and for a long time was used exclusively for economic purposes, but over the years numerous recreation centers began to appear on both banks of the reservoir. They have not disappeared anywhere these days, so the Pavlovsky reservoir welcomes guests all year round. Here you can swim, sunbathe, explore the surroundings, admire the views, go boating, fish, steam in the sauna, barbecue and do many other things that give pleasure. Coordinates: 53.144456, 56.625231
28. Uchalinsky quarry
The depths of the Urals are extremely rich, because for many years this region has been actively mining ore, coal, gas, oil, precious stones and many other minerals. You can see firsthand the result of their extraction in the city of Uchaly, on the outskirts of which the Uchaly quarry is located. Its development began in the forties of the last century and continues to this day. In 80 years, the depth of the quarry has reached more than 300 meters, the length is 1.5 km, and the width is 500 m. However, this is not all, because most of the workings are underground and inaccessible to people from the outside. Everyone can see the quarry itself by visiting the unofficial observation deck on the northern slope. And it's worth seeing it live, because neither photos, videos, nor epithets like "monstrous" and "huge" will be able to describe the true size of the Uchalin quarry. Coordinates: 54.309772, 59.422823
29. Sibai quarry
If the Uchalinsky quarry did not impress you with its size, then Sibaysky, whose depth is more than 500 meters, will definitely be able to do it. A few years ago, he found himself in the center of a scandal, as the entire city of Sibai was shrouded in toxic smog due to oxidative processes. To solve this problem, the quarry had to be partially flooded, resulting in a lake at its bottom. The water in it has a brown color, but at a certain angle and under certain lighting conditions, its hue changes to blood red. Because of this, the Sibai quarry looks extremely unusual and even creepy, resembling a gateway to the underworld. Unfortunately, today it is quite difficult to look at the quarry up close, but some particularly curious tourists manage to find a way to get to the observation deck. Coordinates: 52.695492, 58.638301
30. Nurali Ridge
The main peak of the Nurali range is located at 752 m above sea level, which is quite high by the standards of the Ural Mountains. Despite this, its peaks have rounded shapes and are practically devoid of forest cover, which makes them very safe for hiking, riding off-road vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles. The local places are famous for their unique flora, extraterrestrial landscapes and numerous legends dedicated to mighty spirits, unhappy love and real historical figures like Yemelyan Pugachev. In addition, the Nurali Ridge is a place of strength, because it is here that the Russian and Siberian tectonic plates collide. Coordinates: 54.787567, 59.628255
31. Mount Yangantau
The German scientist Peter Simon Pallas visited Yangantau Mountain in Bashkiria in 1770. In his notes, he noted that hot steam rises from its crevices, instantly burning at the slightest touch. Little has changed in the 250 years since Yangan Tau was first mentioned in the scientific community. Bashkir Mountain still emits hot steam from its depths, the nature of the origin of which is unknown to scientists to this day. However, a number of studies have proven that, when used correctly, mountain heat can have a positive effect on health. Thanks to this, a sanatorium of the same name, which is one of the largest in Russia, has been operating on the top of Yangantau for many years. If you are already over twenty-five and your body is letting you know that old age is approaching, then steam treatments will help restore youth and tone your mind and body. A pleasant bonus will be the picturesque views and the cleanest air. Address: Republic of Bashkortostan, village of Yangantau.
32. Krasnousolsky resort
Krasnousolsky resort is another destination for those who not only want to relax in nature, but also want to improve their health. The local sanatorium uses mineral waters as a remedy, which are suitable for both drinking and bathing. Due to their rich composition, they are an excellent aid in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, biliary tract, kidneys, musculoskeletal system, nervous system, etc. They also come to the resort for God's help, as the Bogoroditse-Tabynsky monastery is located here. It was founded in the 17th century after the acquisition of the icon of the Mother of God, which for the next decades healed the locals. And although this revered image has long been lost, thousands of people come to the monastery every year to pray for health for themselves and their loved ones. Address: Krasnousolsky village, Republic of Bashkortostan.
33. Askinskaya cave
Askinskaya Cave is a unique natural monument that will surprise even seasoned travelers. This cave is unique not for its size or shape, but for the ice that has been preserved here since the last Ice Age. Its exact age is difficult to name, but scientists are inclined to believe that the ice of the Askin cave is from 5,000 to 25,000 years old. Such a venerable age allows it to be used for scientific research, which will help to learn a lot about the climate, flora and fauna of the region at that time. Due to the great scientific value, access to the Askin cave is limited, so book an excursion in advance if you want to see this unique place with your own eyes. Coordinates: 54.235728, 56.902697
34. Akhunov menhirs
Menhirs are called the simplest blocks of stone, from which, for example, the famous Stonehenge is built. This megalithic structure from England is the most famous of its kind, but far from the only one. The Akhunov menhirs are a direct proof of this. They consist of 13 stones, whose height varies from 0.7 m to 2 m. It is unknown who installed them, when and why, but the popular version says that the Akhunov menhirs were part of some kind of religious building. Versions are also being put forward about the use of the megalithic complex for astronomical observations, burials and transmission of signals into space. If the first two versions have a right to exist, then the third is nothing more than an echo of the fashion for conspiracy theories about aliens. However, it is unlikely that we will ever discover the true purpose of the Akhunov menhirs, but this does not detract from the interest in these ancient structures. Coordinates: 54.191740, 59.576746
35. Kinderlin Cave
Kinderlin cave will surprise you with its size, because it is the longest cave in the Urals. As of 2024, its length was 16,395 meters. In the near future, this figure may increase significantly, because the research of the Kinderlin cave continues even after more than half a century since its beginning. Only a small part of this vast dungeon is accessible to ordinary tourists, as special equipment and basic knowledge of caving are required to complete the passage of the cave. However, what you see on a publicly accessible site will be quite enough to get a lot of impressions and beautiful pictures. Coordinates: 54.158285, 56.857812
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