6 places for summer trekking in Russia: where to go camping for a few days, list of things to do on the road

Hiking has always been a popular form of physical activity. Today, with the spread of trekking, they are experiencing another peak of popularity. Trekking is a hike through rugged terrain along a pre-planned route. The integral attributes of this kind of leisure are beautiful landscapes, overnight stays in nature and, as a consequence, rather spartan conditions.

However, for beginners there are trekking routes with camping sites along the way. We talked to experts David Kumaritov and Kristina Ponyavina and selected six interesting and popular trekking routes in Russia for you.

Kristina Ponyavina

Sportmaster PRO-expert, hiking expert

These are the places you will definitely want to visit.

Inhoudsopgave

Southern direction

Keivu Waterfall (43.706300, 40.228916)

An easy route for those who decide to walk through the forest to the picturesque waterfall in the village of Krasnaya Polyana. The route does not require any special equipment – you will only need shoes suitable for the ground.

It takes about four hours for the whole trip, its total length is about 9 kilometers. By trekking standards, this is not much, so the journey is suitable for those making their first forays into the forest. You don’t need a pass to enter the area, and the route is open all year round.

What to take with you:

backpack for 30 liters;
snack;
1-1,5 liters of water per person;
first aid kit.

This is the necessary minimum. Other things according to individual preferences.

Mount Fisht (43.979169, 39.903422)

Located in the Caucasus reserve, the way to Fisht shelter takes about five hours, its length is almost 10 kilometers. On the way you will encounter both steep ascents and descents. The hike is of medium difficulty and it is better not to go alone, especially if you are a beginner.

The route starts from Yavorovaya glade, but before that you need to buy a ticket to the reserve at the cordon in Guzeriple. You need to take equipment for two days with an overnight stay – here you can find details about what to take and in what quantities.

Bzerpinsky ledge (43.732562, 40.374906)

One of the most popular trekking routes in Krasnaya Polyana. This trip is quite versatile: it will suit both those who are going on a one-day trek and those who want to go out for several days with tents and overnight stay in the mountains.

The trail starts from the Fir Glade of the Laura ski resort and has a minimum length of about 5 km. On the way there are beautiful views of Krasnaya Polyana. A ticket to the reserve will be required for entry. We recommend choosing a longer route to stay overnight: the sunsets and sunrises here are amazing.

In terms of equipment here is easier:

backpack 20-30 liters, hiking or multisport;
flask 1 liter;
headlamp;
first aid kit;
handy camping utensils;
multitool;
power bank with a capacity of at least 10,000 mAh;
wipes (wet and dry);
seat, foam;
matches/lighter/firewood (one or the other will suffice);
insect spray.

Chelyabinsk region

Dvuglavaya Sopka (55.272216, 59.788200)

David Kumaritov

Sportmaster PRO-expert, hiking expert

To get here, you need to walk a short distance (about 6 km) from the Central Homestead along a wide, well visible path. When you reach the White Key stop, you can leave the main load and take with you the necessary minimum (water, a small snack).

Further on, you will have to overcome a rather difficult path with a steep ascent, half of which will take you up hundreds of steps. Here you will have to climb, clinging with your fingers to tree roots and rocks.

After overcoming this path (and at the same time yourself), you will find yourself at the top of the Two-Headed Sopka. The view from there is incredible, and your words echo for hundreds of kilometers around.

What to bring:

a small backpack for 30-40 liters;
provisions (depending on the number of days you intend to spend there);
water (don’t take a lot of water, there are many springs with clear ice water on the place);
sleeping bag (optional, for those who like civilization on the White Key there are comfortable houses);
clothes according to the weather (just in case, bring a membrane jacket and warm clothes).

The whole route from the Central Estate to the summit will take about 4-5 hours depending on your preparation – it’s not long, but the relief will require persistence and endurance.

And you can read about why you should try trekking here.

Kruglica (55.319373, 59.844436)

This is a more difficult route of 13 km, it will require more efforts and will take about 3-4 hours (from the stop “Shelter Taganai”). The trail to the stop is not difficult: there are only stones, roots and streams. After reaching this intermediate point, you can leave the main load and take everything you need (water, snack) in a small rucksack or belt bag.

The first section after the stop is a rather difficult climb – you will have to be patient. But when you get to the Rejection Ridge, you can take a break, take incredibly beautiful photos, and replenish the water in the spring. After taking a break you will climb to the top of Kruglitsa.

This ascent is not for everyone, but it is worth a try. You will have to climb on kurams (that’s how they call the stones, from very small to majestic, which abound in the Ural Mountains). For a person of average physical fitness it will take about two hours to get to the top from the shelter.

What to take with you:

backpack 40-60 liters;
trekking poles;
provisions;
shoes with aggressive tread;
two or three pairs of socks;
clothing: thermal underwear for the night, warm clothes, membrane jacket in case of rain or strong wind;
insect repellent or other insect protection;
sleeping bag;
canteen.

You can find a more detailed list of things you need for the hike in this article.

People are often found on the above mentioned ascents, so these trails are as safe as possible. The main thing is not to forget that you should not go off the trail: wild animals can be found in that area.

Zyuratkul National Park, Mt. Nurgush (54.874924, 59.167164)

Incredibly beautiful place with convenient logistics – you can take anything with you, because you can get to the starting point (Moose Farm in Zyuratkul Park) by hitchhiking. Here you can sleep both in a tent and in small warm houses.

The place surprises from the first minutes: incredible view, clean air and wild animals (especially a lot of moose). Let’s go on our way. We walk 7 kilometers along the untouched terrain, observing wildlife in its pristine form. When you reach the stop, you will have a chance to rest, have a snack and replenish water from the spring.

The best place to stop is in a small shelter – a wooden shelter with a table and benches underneath. There is only one such shelter, make no mistake. After a breather, we move on – this is where the fun begins. You’ll definitely need trekking poles on the next ascent, as the path is almost vertical and you need a good footing.

After another kilometer and a half, you reach a plateau – almost there! And at the very top you will have a chance to see how clouds are born and slide down the ridge, breathe incredibly clean and sweet air.

What to take with you: