Nurimanovskiy District: Springs, Lakes and Protected Landscapes

Springs, lakes and protected landscapes give Nurimanovskiy District a distinct focus on nature. Notable places include Kipun Spring, Lake Sarva and Krasny Klyuch. A published three-day hiking route leads to some of these destinations and offers a different perspective on the area than the individual protected areas and bodies of water.

Springs, Lakes and Natural Monuments

Kipun Spring is a natural monument of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Lake Upkanny-Kul, called Upkan, is also known as a natural monument: it is the only known site of the water caltrop in Bashkiria. This distinctive connection to plant life sets the lake apart among the district’s natural attractions.

Krasny Klyuch is a hydrological natural monument of federal significance and is part of the regional protected area “Istochnik Krasny Klyuch.” The natural monument consists of two large, interconnected karst sinkholes. This brings together a specific geological formation and two protected-area classifications.

Lake Sarva is a hydrological natural monument in Nurimanovskiy District. Its water is very cold, exceptionally clear and slightly bluish. This description also makes the lake an interesting natural subject: its character is shaped not only by its protected status but also by the striking qualities of its water.

Other Protected Landscapes

Lake Upkankul (Upkannykul) is designated as a botanical natural monument in Nurimanovskiy District (as of August 23, 2024). It lies 2 km west of Nimisslyarovo and covers 104.2 hectares. The spruce-fir forests of the Ufa Plateau (Pervomayskiy) are designated as a state landscape reserve in Nurimanovskiy District. The Yaman-Yelga River and its surroundings are a hydrological natural monument; Lake Bilgilyar and the Bilgilyar Bog form a complex natural monument. Taken together, these designations show the variety of protected natural features in the district: bodies of water, forest landscapes and a lake-and-bog complex are all represented.

A Three-Day Hiking Route

Travelers wishing to include a longer hike in their trip plans can follow a published route lasting three days and covering 60 km. It passes through Novy Subai and Kaznatash, among other places, as well as Kipun Spring, Sarva, and the Krasny Kamen and Saulla meadows. The route thus links several named places and landscapes in a multi-day excursion; Kipun and Sarva are also individual natural attractions in their own right. Check current route conditions before setting out.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

When looking for a vacation rental, you can first consider what you want your trip to focus on: a multi-day hike or exploring individual springs, lakes and protected areas. The route is clearly described as three days and 60 km, while the natural monuments offer a range of features, from water caltrop and karst formations to forest and bog. This distinction can help you decide what kind of trip you want without combining the places into a single itinerary.

A Look at the Republic of Bashkortostan

The Toratau UNESCO Global Geopark is located in the wider travel destination of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Its geological landscapes include outcrops near Usolka and Dalny Tulkas, as well as caves, waterfalls, ravines, mountain rivers and rugged rock exposures. The geopark also includes the Shikhany mountains of Toratau, Yuraktau and Kushtau: they are remnants of a barrier reef that formed about 280 to 300 million years ago. The geopark also preserves the ruins of ancient settlements and fortresses and showcases regional heritage, cuisine and crafts. This complements the natural features of Nurimanovskiy District with a distinct perspective on the Republic of Bashkortostan.

Discover More Destinations

Add the town of Chandar to your orientation.

Discover more destinations: Tuymazinskiy District, Beloretsky District, Tuymazinskiy District, Alsheevskiy District, Blagovarskiy District, the city of Kumertau, Aurgazinskiy District.

For the overview of the wider travel destination: Republic of Bashkortostan.