URAL MOUNTAINS

The Urals are an extensive mountain area (up to 1900 meters / 6230 ft) dividing Europe and Asia. Ural Mountains  are stretched from South to North more than 2000 kilometers (1242 miles). The Urals consist of 5 parts: Southern, Middle, Northern, Pre-Polar and Polar.

Southern Urals are the widest. The eastern slopes are characterized by forest-steppe with numerous lakes, while the western slopes up to 1200 meters (3937 ft) are characterized by karst regions and forest zones. The southern part is mostly steppe. In July and August the weather is fair and warm. The region is densely populated and has a well-developed railway and auto transport system.

Middle Urals are the lowest (up to 1000 meters / 3280 ft) and most narrow area. The Middle Urals are the zone of coniferous forest (fir, pine, larch). This part is highly industrialized, densely populated and has a wide transport system.

Northern Urals is higher (up to 1600 meters / 5250 ft) and wider than the Middle Urals. This area is disposed in forest zone. The climate is more rigorous. The area is sparsely populated. Pechoro-Ilychskii and Visherskii (4th largest in Europe) State Reserves are situated in the Northern Urals.  Forests are rich in mushrooms and berries while in the rivers there are many different species of fish. Tourists travel in uninhabited areas in a condition of absolute autonomy.

Pre-Polar Urals - the highest part in the Urals. In the central part of the Pre-polar Urals there are highest peaks of the Urals – Mount Narodnaya (1894 meters / 6213 ft), Mount Karpinsk (1846 meters / 6056 ft). The Pre-Polar Urals are in a forest zone, with the boundary of the forest at 400-600 meters (1300-1970 ft). The Pre-Polar Urals are the zone of coniferous forest. The Pre-Polar Urals climate is severe. It is thinly populated and has a poorly developed transport network. Tourists travel in uninhabited areas in a condition of absolute autonomy.

Polar Urals Mountain area becomes more narrow and lower. Most picks (up to 1000 meters / 3280 ft) are separated by passes at heights of 300-400 meters (984-1300 ft). For the most part of this area is a tundra zone with an extreme climate. Summer lasts from middle of July to middle of August. The polar Urals are virtually uninhabited. Tourists travel in a condition of absolute autonomy.

The Northern and Pre-Polar Urals are the most attractive areas to travel due to some reasons. It's convenient to arrive from abroad. Perm and Ekaterinburg have international airports. It takes about 3 hours to get to Solikamsk, Cherdyn or Krasnovishersk (the northernmost populated towns) by a car or a bus from Perm and 7-8 hours from Ekaterinburg. Solikamsk, Cherdyn and Krasnovishersk are the starting points to travel in uninhabited northern areas. The best time to travel is from July to the end of September.

Monthly average temperatures

More than 30 thousand rivers allow easy and comfortable travel by water even for inexperienced travelers. Experienced people can try strengths choosing more difficult rafting routs. Stops in the most picturesque places, forest walks, rock climbing and fishing will make your rest rich in impressions and very interesting. Your safety and convenience are provided by very experienced personnel.

On the river banks there are caves and rocks (kamen - in Russian). Some rocks still keep drawings of ancient people dated 500-1100 years B.C. Our tour programs always include visits to the most interesting places and caves of the Ural Mountains. When you have climbed the rock beautiful sights are in front of you. Take with you cameras to capture this wonderful views and amaze all friend after return.

Mountain walks take place during rafting stops, trekking and automobile tours. Rivers and beautiful waterfalls spring from the mountains. Absolutely pure air and water purify your body and recover your health. You can view picturesque landscapes hundreds kilometers around from the tops of the Ural Mountains.

Ural Mountains are about 500 million years old so they are not very high. Mostly it's possible to climb without special experience. Only in rare situations good shape is needed. Every mountain and trekking rout is developed in advance depending on travelers wishes and experience. Visiting the remote areas is possible by helicopter.

Ridge Kvarkush is the unique native zone. It is stretching 60 kilometers (37 miles) long. Vogulskii Mountain (Vogulskii Kamen) is its highest peak (1066 meters / 3497 ft). Visiting this small area you can see how all natural zones of the Northern Urals change each other. Taiga (Fir and silver fir) zone is at the bottom of the ridge. Walking higher you will pass mountain taiga forests with human growth ferns. Next is the area of meadows with exuberant vegetation which is changed into coniferous elfin woodland. And finally mountain tundra is at the top of the ridge.

Kvarkush is like a fairy forest and alpine meadow. It's the corner of the world where mushrooms are higher then trees. Kvarkush mountain bogs are shallow and smelling sweet. Even in the middle of summer snow can be found here. It's bears' paradise abounded in different kinds of berries. Reindeers live here and they are not afraid of people and can be hand-fed.

Ural forests are wonderful. The most part of the Northern Urals (except mountain area) is covered with pinery and coniferous woods: fir, silver fir, larch, cedar. In mountains the boundary of the forest is at 600-700 meters (1970-2300 ft). Higher is the belt of alpine meadows and elfin woodland (strong winds and snow affect trees become bowed and trailing).

Coniferous wood ecology is unique. Air is pure and salubrious. During walks and hiking tours you are less tied, your body is purifying and reviving. Forests are rich in different mushrooms and berries which are allowed to be picked and can be eaten with delight. Dishes prepared of fresh picked mushrooms are very tasty.