Day 1
The introduction to the park will begin with a short hike. Walk along forest roads, see beautiful waterfalls, test yourself with a river rafting experience.
Weather in The Many Faces of Kuperlya
-13°C/+9°F
09.01.2026
clear
Humidity
83%
Wind
1.3 km/h
High
-7°C/+19°F
Low
-12°C/+10°F
Tourist Route "The Many Faces of Kuperlya"
This journey utilizes two modes of transport combined with a walking tour. Travel will be in the national park's specialized vehicles. First, in an off-road vehicle, then each participant is provided with a single-person packraft. Snacks, drinks for the journey, and repellents for mosquito protection must be brought along. The route is available to all by prior appointment. Tours are conducted in groups of 8 to 14 people. The tour begins with an off-road vehicle ride over rough terrain. Afterwards, a guided 6-kilometer walk through the forest to the Kuperlya Waterfall takes place. The route concludes with an independent 7-kilometer packrafting trip. Afterwards, return from the Nugush Reservoir backwater to the national park's visitor center by motorboat. Restrictions are in place on the route: national park staff request no flash photography of animals and no littering. To apply for a visit, call: 89610467606 Route starting point: "Bashkiriya" Visitor Center Length: 60 km Travel time: 8-9 hours Difficulty: medium Season: May through September
Address: Coordinates: 53.039643, 56.422722
Day 2
Continuing to explore the beauty of Bashkiriya along the Nugush River. Capture a photo of the most recognizable pine tree in the Southern Urals, admire the bends of the Nugush River and the amazing natural waterfall beneath a bridge created by nature itself. This route also starts from the "Bashkiriya" National Park visitor center. The route length is 60 km. The route can only be undertaken as part of an organized group with prior registration.
Weather in The Nugush River
-13°C/+9°F
09.01.2026
clear
Humidity
83%
Wind
1.3 km/h
High
-7°C/+19°F
Low
-12°C/+10°F
Viewpoint overlooking the Nugush River
The perfect spot for stunning photos from your hike! A view opens from the high bank of the winding ribbon of the Nugush River, framed by pine trees. The viewpoint is located near the Kuperlya Waterfall. A sprawling pine tree grows on the rocky bank, having become almost a symbol of the national park due to its popularity in photographs.
Address: Coordinates: 53.144418, 56.625325
The Nugush River
Translated from Bashkir, its name means "pure water." The main source of these waters is snow. The winding path of this water artery through the Southern Ural mountains stretches for 235 km. In the western part of the national park, the river widens and transitions into the Nugush Reservoir. Unlike many other attractions, this one was created by people and relatively recently, in 1967. The reservoir is open for visits, has many recreation bases on its shores, and is popular with tourists in summer.
Kuperlya Waterfall and Karst Bridge
Kuperlya translated from Bashkir means "with a bridge." The cliff directly above the waterfall indeed resembles a bridge, as if assembled from stones. Surprisingly, this form was created by nature. The Kuperlya River, formerly an underground stream, carved its path through the rock, piercing a cave. Its vaults collapsed, leaving behind a bridge 20 meters high, 4 meters wide, and 35 meters long. Now, passing through the bridge, the stream forms a waterfall. The highest step in its cascade is over 15 meters. The ancient stones from which the water flows are covered in moss. For tourists in the heat, the coolness by the waterfall is a true respite.
Address: Coordinates: 53.144418, 56.625325
Portrait of Lenin on the Cliff
Visible from the water during a boat trip in the upper reaches of the river. The drawing is located on one of the cliffs, framed by vegetation. The portrait was painted with ochre in 1970 by the artist Bulat Rakhimov. Over the years, it has faded somewhat but continues to amaze tourists. The image size is 20 by 20 meters. Route starting point: "Bashkiriya" Visitor Center Length: 60 km Travel time: 8 hours Difficulty: low Season: year-round
Address: Coordinates: 53.039643, 56.422722
Day 3: Ecological Trail "Tally"
A relatively short trail. Length is 4.6 km. Route can be completed in 3-3.5 hours. The path leads through the forest to an open space with a view of the village. The ascent begins right behind the "Bashkiriya" National Park visitor center in the village of Nugush. Along the way are 10 stops with information boards. Including the starting point and the final viewpoint on the mountain, there are 12 such stops. This route is interesting for travelers with children: an opportunity to learn about natural biodiversity, see it, and even touch the exhibits. The trail is suitable even for the youngest visitors aged five and up. The route is open year-round. Summer requires comfortable shoes; winter requires snowshoes. The walk can be independent or as part of a group - your choice. Winter is no less interesting: an opportunity to play in the fluffy snow and see animal tracks. Bring food and drinks. In the warm season, repellents for mosquitoes and ticks are useful.
Weather in Tally
-13°C/+9°F
09.01.2026
clear
Humidity
83%
Wind
1.3 km/h
High
-7°C/+19°F
Low
-12°C/+10°F
"General Information" stop
A symbolic wooden arch, resembling a roof, greets visitors. Boards at the entrance provide information about the park's history, what to expect on the route, and how to behave correctly to avoid harm to both nature and oneself. The national park will turn 40 years old in 2026. In 2012, it, along with several other protected areas of the Republic of Bashkortostan, became part of the "Bashkir Urals" biosphere reserve. The reserve received international status under the auspices of UNESCO, becoming the 41st such reserve in Russia.
"Insectarium" stop
A place for breeding and observing insects. These are "nurseries" for entomophages - beneficial predatory insects. Used for pest control, laboratory experiments, and for exhibitions at zoological gardens. Anthills can be considered natural insectariums. Pay attention to them while continuing along the trail.
"Birds" stop
Over 200 bird species inhabit "Bashkiriya" National Park. 40 species are listed in the Red Data Book. A good time to listen to the sounds of the forest. The voices of feathered inhabitants are often heard. The national park has many hawks, buzzards, and golden eagles. Very rare species are also present: the white-tailed eagle and the peregrine falcon, known for its speed.
"Trees" stop
A display with tree cross-sections is available here. Shows the trunks of the most common trees growing in the national park. The most widespread tree is the linden, so loved by bees: an excellent honey plant. The park also grows aspen, Norway maple and boxelder maple (ash-leaved maple), as well as elm, birch, oak, and bird cherry. Among conifers, pine and larch can be found. Cross-sections show not only the tree's years of life but also seasonality: light rings represent growth in the warm season, dark rings in the autumn-winter period. This stop also displays tree seeds.
"Salt Lick" stop
Interesting wooden structures are present here: logs on legs, installed for feeding forest mammals. Salt is placed here, greatly needed by many forest inhabitants, especially those with antlers. In "Bashkiriya" National Park, these are roe deer and moose. Spring and summer create a high need for additional mineral sources. Salt is mixed with soil - in its pure form it is less beneficial. In winter, animals can find food in the form of grains at the salt licks: park workers scatter cereals during periods when finding food becomes difficult.
"Animal World" stop
An opportunity to learn about the park's inhabitants while resting. Hunting and free access are prohibited in the park, leading to a growing fauna population. The number of animals is determined via route surveys: in winter and spring, animal tracks are counted along movement routes. This stop displays samples of tracks from the park's main residents. Recognizing these tracks in the forest becomes possible after this stop.
"History of the Nugush Reservoir Creation" stop
The reservoir is one of the main attractions of these areas. Created 20 years before the national park appeared, it provides water for the Nugush Hydroelectric Power Station. The route offers views of this impressively sized body of water from the hills.
"Plant World" stop
An opportunity to get acquainted with rare plant species. Visiting this clearing at the right time allows for seeing the Bieberstein tulip and the Russian fritillary in bloom. For those who miss the flowering period, a board provides information about the park's plants. The history includes not only scientific information but also legends. For example, about the Ural ribbed fruit plant or the "kurai," used to make the homonymous Bashkir wind musical instruments. Or about the elecampane, which, according to legend, was transformed from a girl's tears.
"Anthill" stop
A whole metropolis where ant life is bustling in the warm season. A perfect reason to stop and observe their work! Also an opportunity to learn about these forest sanitizers - ants are called this for dealing with insect pests. In turn, ants serve as food for wild birds.
"Tree Beekeeping" stop
Look up to see the main exhibit of this stop. A wooden hive (koloda) in the tree branches is man-made but installed for wild bees. Often such hives are made directly in the tree trunk. This requires skill to avoid killing the tree. If done correctly, bees inhabit the dwelling. Tree beekeeping is the most ancient form of beekeeping. Honey from this method is still considered the most valuable, containing no impurities. Obtaining it is difficult: requires climbing several meters for the "harvest." Height can reach 10 meters. For climbing, beekeepers use a leather strap - the "Kiriam," and notches-steps cut into the trunk. Another element is the "lyange" - a footrest used when collecting honey. Currently, tree beekeeping is developing in Bashkiriya. Masters are reviving the forgotten craft. The final point of the route is on a hill. Offers views of the surroundings: Mount Beletau (Maple Mountain) is the closest in view. Mount Kungak is located a bit further away. Visits are only available in groups of 5-6 people accompanied by a national park staff member. Route starting point: "Bashkiriya" Visitor Center Length: 4.6 km Travel time: 3.5 hours Difficulty: low Season: year-round
Address: Coordinates: 53.039643, 56.422722
Day 4: Eco-Route "Mysterious Sumgan"
Of the three routes presented here, this is the longest: 72 km. The route can be traveled both summer and winter. In warm weather, travelers move in off-road vehicles and on foot. In winter, the route is accessible on private snowmobiles accompanied by a staff member or in sleds towed by "Bashkiriya" National Park snowmobiles. The entire journey takes about 7 hours. The route introduces visitors to the caves of the Kutuk-Sumgan tract and the unique Sakaska Island - a mountain that became an island after the filling of the Yumaguzinskoye Reservoir. Geologists began actively studying the caves and chasms of the Kutuk tract in the 1960s. According to them, the winding passages and grottoes in the limestone were formed by the flow of the Kutuk Stream. No special speleological training is needed to complete the "Mysterious Sumgan" eco-route. The Kutukskaya-4 Cave, which tourists pass through, is equipped with ladders. Bring waterproof clothing and footwear, flashlights, snacks and drinks; repellents are also needed in summer, and ski goggles, mittens or gloves in winter. This is an excellent opportunity for an information detox. There is no phone service on the route, only satellite communication available to the accompanying "Bashkiriya" National Park staff member. Garbage must be carried out during the hike: trash cans and containers are only available at the "Bashkiriya" National Park visitor center.
Weather in The Mysterious Sumgan
-13°C/+9°F
09.01.2026
clear
Humidity
83%
Wind
1.3 km/h
High
-7°C/+19°F
Low
-12°C/+10°F
Kutukskaya-4 Cave
One of the most beautiful caves in the Urals. Entering requires overcoming an eight-meter vertical descent via ladder. At the bottom of the shaft is perpetual cold: a non-melting glacier is located here. The descent, like the further excursion part of the cave, is equipped with metal ladders and safety ropes. The cave length is just under two kilometers - 1869 m. A true underground palace of nature! The cave has a large meander - the name for its long, winding passage. The cave galleries reach heights of 28 m. This is approximately the height of a nine-story building. In the cave, you will see stalactites - "icicles" growing from the ceiling (actually mineral deposits) and a cascade of active gours (natural water wells) over 200 meters long.
Sumgan-Kutuk Chasm Cave
An entire underground city. Without professional training, one can only look into this cave from a specially equipped platform. The entrance shaft alone is over a hundred meters deep! Other dimensions are equally impressive: the Sumgan-Kutuk Chasm Cave length reaches 9.86 kilometers, depth - 134 meters, and its cavity volume is 350 thousand cubic meters. It is cold here even in summer: air temperature reaches only 6.5 degrees, so a warm sweater or jacket will be useful even if it's hot on the surface. Close to the entrance shaft is a perennial ice sheet, covering about 600 square meters. In winter, the cave is even colder, with frost on the walls (appearing very beautiful in flashlight light), and ice stalactites hanging from the ceiling and vaults. The cave labyrinth has three levels. The "floors" are not isolated and connect via shafts. Inside the cave are many spacious halls. An underground river flows on the lower level. Research history of this place began in 1959. A collapse was discovered at the confluence of the Sugman and Kutuk ravines. Only six years later did archaeologists begin studying the cave from inside. It still cannot be said with certainty that Sumgan-Kutuk is fully explored.
Sakaska Island
This island was a mountain several decades ago. The elevation was submerged after the creation of the Yumaguzinskoye Reservoir. People used to live here; a village thrived. During the route, you will admire this place from a viewing platform. Route starting point: "Bashkiriya" Visitor Center Length: 72 km Travel time: 7 hours Difficulty: medium Season: year-round
Address: Coordinates: 53.039643, 56.422722
