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It would be easy to spend several decades getting
to know Russia's great cities alone, but visitors should know that there
is far more to do in today's Russia. That much of the country consists of
spectacular and nearly virgin terrain makes Russia an adventuresome traveller's
dream. In the last few years, the Russian government has opened up enormous
areas that for decades have been closed to virtually all human visitation.
For the truly intrepid, Russia presents a lifetime's worth of unexplored
territory. For those whose spirit of adventure is leavened by a taste for
relaxation, there are plenty of places to visit that are within easy striking
distance of a comfy hotel, a river
cruise boat, or even a major city. This page provides only a brief glimpse
of the possibilities that now exist.
Hiking, Trekking, and Nature Tours
With climates ranging from arctic icecap to
subtropical forests, there is no limit to to the choices available for
outstanding trekking and hiking. There are, however, certain regions of
such remarkable beauty that they deserve special attention. In the southwest
and the southern border regions lie the Caucasus and Altai mountains.
Both ranges are comparable in climate and ecology to the Alps or the Rocky
mountains, with alpine mountain valleys ringed by evergeeens and carpeted
with wildflowers. In the southeast is the wondrous expanse of Lake Baikal,
nestled in a massive mountain valley ringed by protected nature reserves
and parks. In the Far East, trekkers can explore the dramatic volcanic
peaks and steaming hot springs of the Kamchatka peninsula. Closer to the
developed western region of Russia lie the ancient Urals, whose gentle
slopes and dappled birch forests invite daylong walks in the woods. In
the Far East, the land is densely populated with wildlife, including bears,
elk, eagles, and even the rare Siberian tiger. Expert and reliable guide
companies have sprung up all over Russia in recent years, making expeditions
to even the most remote regions possible for Western visitors. Tours specializing
in birdwatching, volcanoes, mountaineering, and river travel in remote
regions are all now possible in Russia.
Mountaineering and Alpine Skiing
Russia possesses a number of great mountain
ranges, some of which are barely known in the west. The Caucasus, Altai,
Sayan, and Stanovoy mountains all offer fantastic mountain climbing, as
do some of the peaks along the Kamchatka peninsula. Alpine skiing facilities
are thus far rather limited in Russia, although they should improve rapidly
in the next several years. The best facilities are to be found in the
western Caucasus, around Dombay.
Hunting and Fishing
Hunting and fishing in Russia are activies apt to astound the average
sportsman from the West. With so much territory having been closed to
outsiders for decades, the rivers and mountains of Russia are still abundant
with game. The country has begun to experience problems with illegal hunting
and fishing expeditions in protected areas. However, there are many reputable
companies that lead expeditions to the country's legislated game preserves.
Particularly in the Far East, opportunities for salmon fishing and bear
hunting are unmatched anywhere else on earth.
Wildlife Preservation in Russia
--The Example of the Siberian Tiger
It should come as no surprise that the same
removal of restrictions that has made legitimate hunting possible in such
regions has also led to an enormous increase in poaching. Many species
unique to their Russian habitats and only recently rediscovered by visitors
and naturalists from around the world are now threatened with extinction.
Among the most threatened species are the Amur and Anatolian leopards
and the great Siberian tiger, the world's largest cat. Siberian tigers
can reach lengths of up to 13 ft (4 m) long, including the tail, and may
weigh as much as 650 lb (290 kg)--much, much bigger than any mere lion.
They are, in their natural habitat, one of the most magnificent sights
in nature. By some counts, there are as few as two hundred left. We encourage
visitors to Russia, and to these pages, to take an active interest in
preservation efforts. The easiest way to help is to contribute to any
of the major wildlife preservation organizations, among which are The
Audubon Society, The Wilderness Society, The Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy,
and The World Wildlife Fund.
Copyright (c) 2000 Dm.Core
Ltd.. All rights reserved.
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Russia Outdoors
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