To go mountaineering and rafting, ride horses and bicycles, it is not necessary to travel to distant countries - such adventures are available in our country. We have compiled the top 4 places in Russia for outdoor enthusiasts.
Even a person with a minimal level of training can join the brave conquerors of peaks and tamers of wild rivers. For beginners who are just getting acquainted with the peculiarities of this or that active sport, special easy routes have been developed. Passing them will not discourage you from setting yourself more and more difficult tasks and will allow you to be proud.
Mountaineering in North Ossetia
Do you want to feel like a real mountain climber? Travel to North Ossetia to climb Kazbek. This famous five-thousander, which is located on the border with Georgia, can be climbed from the Karmadon Gorge. It is best to do this in the company of experienced guides: tours to Kazbek have long been offered by some travel agencies.
Peculiarities of climbing Kazbek from the side of Russia:
- in the Karmadon Gorge, travelers do not miss the opportunity to soak up the hot springs;
- then tourists will pass through the most beautiful and dangerous Miley glacier with its unpredictable failures;
- the next point on the route will be the camp, which is set at the level of 4200 meters, from where you can walk to the top of Kazbek in about 6 hours;
- in the camp, tourists can spend some time waiting for good weather, because Kazbek often brings unpleasant weather surprises to its guests: torrential rains can fall on its slopes, strong winds blow;
- there is only one road to the highest point of Kazbek - on it there are expeditions that have begun their ascent from Georgia and from Russia.
Cycling in Meshchera
The Meschera reserve, praised by Yesenin and Paustovsky, Levitan and Vasnetsov, is located on the territory of three regions - Moscow, Vladimir and Ryazan. It was founded in the Meshchera lowland - a huge hollow of glacial origin, overgrown with dense forest.
There was a time when only incorrigible romantics remembered about Meshchera, who were not afraid to be alone with the wild nature. Now the territory of the natural park is well developed, and for those who like cycling, special routes have been laid along it.
Alone with a two-wheeled friend, you can overcome the 84-kilometer trail. Cycling tours are designed for an average of 2 days. You can spend the night in tents, which are allowed to be set up in campsites. There is also a tourist base.
If desired, the time of stay in Meshchera can be easily extended.
Usually bike tours are organized through travel companies who take care of an experienced guide. If you came to the reserve on your own, then hire some resident of the nearest villages who knows these places well as guides.
Horse riding in the South Urals
The South Ural is a suitable place for equestrian sports enthusiasts. Horse riding tours are organized in the most picturesque places. For example, in 6 days, participants pass routes of 95 km, which are laid through the mysterious taiga, fields overgrown with fragrant herbs, along crystal rivers and resounding streams.
Participants of the horse trek must be accompanied by several cars, which carry tourists' personal belongings, tents and food supplies. Thus, travelers can enjoy the horse crossings light.
Overnight stays are organized in guest houses located along the route, or in tent camps.
Adults of all skill levels are allowed to take part in the hikes. Each group of 10-15 people is led by 2 guides who show how to stay in the saddle, correct mistakes of beginner riding enthusiasts, help on the road and solve all the issues that have arisen.
Those tourists who do not risk going on a long equestrian trip right away can learn horseback riding at the numerous equestrian centers in the region. The initial course usually takes about a week.
Rafting in Karelia
Hundreds of tourists annually storm the rivers and lakes of Karelia on large inflatable rafts, catamarans or kayaks.
Water tours on local rivers are of different duration. There are two-hour easy transitions that are quite within the power of any person, even family tourists with small children. Multi-day routes are intended for experienced "water enthusiasts" who are interested in overcoming any obstacles, for example, rapids.
Rafting goes well with outdoor recreation, because you will have to spend the night on the banks of the rivers in tents, far from civilization. Rafting on kayaks is also preferred by lovers of fishing, since by boat you can get to the remote corners of Karelia, where there are no noisy neighbors that interfere with a good bite.
The best time to travel along the waterways of the North of Russia is July and August. At this time, the water in the rivers will be relatively warm.
