Summer extreme: the best locations for outdoor activities in Russia

With the onset of summer, the desire to travel awakens with renewed vigor. Although the borders with other countries are still closed, air travel between different parts of Russia has now been established. This means that very soon we will be able to set off on the road.

Those who are used to hunt for extreme, not to lie for hours on a sunny beach, we hasten to rejoice: in our country there are many places where bright emotions are waiting for you. Today we have selected five locations for active vacation that you will definitely like.

Skypark, Sochi

What to try? Bungee jumping.

The Olympic city has become a place not only for a quiet vacation by the sea, but also for extreme sports. For those who like to tickle their nerves, we recommend you to go to the Skypark and try bungee jumping. If you don’t know what it is, imagine a few seconds of free flight into the abyss from the height of a 67-storey building. Only on a cable, of course, and with a picturesque view of the Black Sea coast and the Mzymta River.

Pros

In addition to bungee jumping, you can see the longest suspension footbridge in the country, ride a zipline and go mountain climbing. And as a bonus at the end of the day, visit a bird’s-eye view panoramic restaurant and perhaps stay at a local hotel. By the way, you can jump not only in summer.

Cons

The most significant is the costliness of jumps, the price varies from 6 to 15 thousand rubles for such a short flight time. In addition, you should take care of the transfer from Sochi in advance, since the park is located in the village of Kazachiy Brod – 40 km from the city. And, of course, be prepared for the fact that there will be a lot of tourists who want to make a photo with the most beautiful view.

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Karyala Park, Karelia

What to try? Rafting.

Karelia can safely be called one of the best locations for rafting on rafts and kayaks in Russia. Karyala Park is located 32 km from Petrozavodsk and offers rafting tours on the most diverse and picturesque rivers of the republic, as well as on Ladoga and Onega lakes. All tours are designed for different levels of preparation and take from one day to a whole week! By the way, a long journey along the Keret River ends with a trip to the White Sea.

Pros

Our chosen location in Karelia is not just a starting point for rafting, but a whole eco-hotel for extreme lovers. In summer you can also conquer dirt tracks on quad bikes and jeeps, and in winter – ride snowmobiles on snowy wastelands or sleds pulled by huskies.

Cons

Again, the price for single tours can be quite high – up to 30 thousand rubles per person. But we think it is quite justified payment for a whole week of extreme sports with unique views. And since we are talking about a vacation away from civilization, you should realize in advance that during the long rafting 5-6 hours a day will take away the movement on the water. You will hardly be able to be in touch and sleep in a cozy bed.

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Khalaktyrsky Spot, Kamchatka

What to try? Surfing.

Kamchatka is a cult place among experienced surfers, every pro dreams to visit it. Access to the Pacific Ocean, clear waves, offshore winds, mountain views and black volcanic sand create a unique atmosphere for an active vacation. It will help you reboot after life in the metropolis one hundred percent! The only advice is to dress warmer even in the summer season and rent a car to get to the right beach. And if you are just learning to stand on a board, we recommend you to apply to a surf school.

Pros

Halaktyrsky beach has quite smooth waves, which are suitable for longboarding. Besides, you can surf here all year round. And lovers of wild animals will be delighted to catch them right on the spot. However, it is better not to get close.

Cons

The main difficulties of skiing in Kamchatka are the inaccessibility of places and cold water. Not every beginner will venture into it. So if you are just getting acquainted with surfing, it is better to prefer warm spots, for example, in Sochi or Kaliningrad.

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Yutsa hang gliding track, Pyatigorsk

What to try? Paragliding and hang gliding.

Yutsa is exaggeratedly called the Mecca of delta and paragliding. Hundreds of pilots from Russia and neighboring countries gather here to feel the incomparable sensation of flying over the mountains for the first time or again. Not far from Pyatigorsk you can fly with a professional instructor, get training in a flying school and take home a lot of impressions.

Pros

Flying from Yutsa is practically all year round, except for a couple of winter months, when the weather does not allow. You can approach the mountain by any car, and the road from Pyatigorsk will take up to 20 minutes. The cost of the flight is quite reasonable – 4 thousand rubles. To it you can separately order photo and video shooting on an action camera, so that you can always review the air journey.

Cons

On some days, a large number of pilots gather on the mountain. This may be due to too good flying weather or due to competitions and other events. Tourists may not be allowed on delta and paraglider if their weight is below 30 and above 110 kg, and if they suffer from cardiovascular disease and epilepsy.

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Horse farm in Ust-Dzheguta, Karachay-Cherkessia Republic

What to try? Equestrian tourism.

Equestrian tourism in Karachay-Cherkessia is a great opportunity to look at the spectacular landscapes of the North Caucasus: Lake Khurla-Kel, Elbrus, Makhar and Duutskoye gorges. You will be able to see whole herds in their natural habitat and get acquainted with wonderful animals far away from the usual metropolitan areas. And if the level of preparation allows, you can gallop across the fields in pursuit of thrills.

Pros

In Ust-Dzheguta you can learn horseback riding for an adequate price – 1 thousand rubles per hour, and also order a photo session with horses in nature. In addition, there are jeep tours in the republic, but you need to catch a good moment to join them. Since to date there is no actual schedule, it remains to follow the updates.

Cons

Not every horseback riding trip is suitable for beginners. In most cases, long tours, which last several days, require from tourists the level of riding a confident trot and higher. In this case, the vacationer will have to invest financially, because the price varies from 14 to 55 thousand rubles.

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