Ecotourism in Russia

Ecotourism, based on travel to wilderness areas untouched by modern civilization, is gaining momentum worldwide, and its popularity grows year by year. Ecotourism implies not only getting acquainted with nature untouched by humans, but also a certain amount of excitement and risk.

The main principle of this type of tourism is not to interfere with the natural habitat of wild flora and fauna and not to cause harm. Walks along narrow mountain paths, rocky gorges, and winding rivers on foot and by water routes will bring undeniable variety to your usual mass-market vacations and will help you completely forget about your office, colleagues, boss, endless phone calls, and complicated postal codes. Ecotourism does not require any special physical training, although a certain degree of endurance will undoubtedly come in handy.

Ecotourism routes are extremely diverse: river rafting, horseback rides, walking tours. The Southern Urals — more than any other place in Russia — actively develops and offers tourists eco-oriented routes to suit every taste and budget. For example, horseback tours lasting from one to several days will not only allow you to master riding skills, but also to admire stunning mountain landscapes that alternate with deciduous and coniferous forests, and to breathe the fresh scent of mountain air full of floral fragrances. Traveling through the Southern Urals you can visit and admire the ancient rock paintings of Karpova Cave, located on the shore of the Belaya River, at whose foot there is always ice. This is not like the Moscow Metro map you have to study every day. The Belaya River is also famous for its variety of water routes for eco-tours.

Baikal is a unique lake in the world, full of some of the rarest species of plants and animals that live there. A seven-day eco-tour route has become hugely popular here, covering excursions to the Barguzin and Baikal-Lensky nature reserves and Pribaikalsky National Park. This tour will introduce you to all the sights and beauties of Baikal: numerous hiking treks await you, as well as boat trips into the reserves. And a walking journey along the Shumilikha River across the Barguzin Range will acquaint you with an astonishing and unique plant and animal world, many representatives of which are listed in the Red Book.

You will certainly want to call all your acquaintances to tell them about your unforgettable and unique vacation. Take a directory that contains all the telephone codes of Russian cities and share your wonderful impressions with everyone.