Russia Outdoors
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.
History
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