Spring
1. Altai
Spring Altai will definitely not disappoint lovers of nature recreation. In March, you can still plunge into the famous ice-free Blue Lakes here – later will hide flood on the Katun River. In April, the mountains begin to slowly become free of snow caps. Ice is melting on the rivers, and maralfish are hatching in the valleys. If you want to see the picturesque flowering of this plant, which is also called Altai sakura, plan your trip closer to May.
Glamping would be an ideal accommodation option in Altai – there are more than two dozen such camps scattered throughout the region. There are options right on the shore of beautiful Lake Teletskoye, such as Saykol or Fusion Inn. Do you want to go further, into the wilderness? Take a closer look at the “Forest and Sea” or LEDNIK camp tents. The latter is located on the shore of the largest glacier in the region – Taldurinsky. Most places offer excursions, boat trips and mountain climbs, so you don’t have to worry about logistics.
2. Adygea
To travel to this republic, it is worth setting aside at least a week to leisurely explore the many attractions. You can start from the capital of the region – the city of Maykop. Here you can look into the Central Park and the Cathedral Mosque, go on excursions to the Maykop Brewery and the National Museum. Then move towards the calling card of the region – the Lago-Naki plateau. This place is a must visit if you have never seen stalactites and stalagmites. An hour’s drive from the plateau is the Rufabgo waterfall complex. You can have a picnic, and in May you can even go swimming.
If you like extreme sports, sign up for rafting on the Belaya River. Rafting trips are organized by local sports clubs. Be sure to take a dip in the hot springs. They are literally everywhere in the region, and most recreation centers have thermal pools. Also try the local cuisine. Adyghe-style shish kebab, famous cheese, honey, pastries – the menu of even a small local restaurant will not disappoint.
Summer
1. Shantar Islands
For residents of Central Russia, a trip to the archipelago in the Sea of Okhotsk is unlikely to be budget-friendly. First you have to get to Khabarovsk, and from there you will be transferred to Bolshoi Shantar Island by helicopter.
In general, the entire archipelago is one of the least explored places in Russia: here you will definitely not meet crowds of tourists, and you will have to live either at a tourist center or in a tent camp in Wrangel Bay. But here you can observe for whales right from the shore – at this time of year, sea giants gather in large flocks day and night. If you’re not afraid, take a SUP and go swimming with them – you can do that on Shantar.
Expeditions to other islands take place on motor boats. You will be able to see rookeries of seals and seals, enjoy views of majestic rocks and waterfalls, climb into the taiga and watch rare birds. For example, here nests The Steller’s sea eagle is a large feathered predator.
2. Makhachkala
The capital of Dagestan awaits lovers of beach holidays, hiking and southern flavor. Here you can relax on the shores of the Caspian Sea and try kite or windsurfing. In the city itself, it is worth visiting the Central Juma Mosque, going up to the observation deck on Mount Tarki-Tau and stopping by Market No. 2 – wandering among the ruins of fruits, vegetables, spices and nuts.
There is also plenty to do around the city. For example, 18 kilometers from Makhachkala, in the foothills of the Narat-Tyube ridge, located an amazing natural monument – the huge sand dune of Sarykum. If you have long dreamed of a “desert” photo shoot, it would be a shame to miss this opportunity. If you want to go further from the capital, go towards Derbent. Not far from the village of Avadan, right on the beach, a huge ekranoplane “Lun” found its last refuge – the only one an example of a Soviet experimental hybrid aircraft and ship.
Autumn
1. Kaliningrad
Old German streets, coffee shops, squares strewn with yellow leaves – the city is good in any season, but in autumn it is especially cozy here. They no longer swim in the sea, but no one will forbid you to walk along the shore of the Curonian Spit and look for amber. It is very photogenic next to the Rossgarten Gate – in early autumn, summer verandas are still open here.
From the architectural monument you can walk through the historical center of the city to the Fishing Village – this is a small city quarter that consists of houses and buildings in the style of old Königsberg. On the way, stop at the main cathedral on Kant Island. A great philosopher is buried near its walls. And in the westernmost region of Russia, you must definitely try marzipan. The almond delicacy can be bought in souvenir shops or the Marzipan House chain of stores.
2. Kamchatka
The beginning of autumn is a great time to conquer volcanoes. The most popular among tourists are Avachinsky, Koryaksky, Kozelsky, Arik, Aag and Vilyuchinsky, because they are located near the capital of the region. If you are completely new to hiking, test your strength on Camel, a rocky massif between Avacha and Koryaksky. Be sure to visit the Valley of Geysers. You simply cannot miss such a unique natural monument when you are in Kamchatka. And you can relax after the hike there, in the hot springs.
Fishing enthusiasts will be able to hunt for coho salmon – in early September, the red fish enters the rivers to spawn. Just be careful: there are often turn out to be bears who also respect salmon. And it’s better to go to sea for white halibut: tourists are picked up from Avachinskaya Bay by boat. By the way, you can enjoy fish and seafood delicacies in Kamchatka without any gear. In the bazaars of the regional capital you can find everything from dried chum salmon to the famous crab.
Winter
1. Irkutsk
On the way to Lake Baikal, stop for a couple of days in the city itself. Here you can see a real Siberian winter, with fluffy snow and bitter frost, and not the December puddles usual in the middle zone. By the New Year, ice sculptures and labyrinths appear in the city, skating rinks and fairs open. Stroll through the “must see” attractions. This is the 130th quarter, the nerpinarium, the Kazan Church, the Angara icebreaker museum. If you are lucky and the air temperature does not drop below -20, you will be able to ride a Ferris wheel to view the snow-covered city from above.
Well, we discussed in detail what to do and what to see on Baikal itself in this article.
2. Kemerovo region
Here you can visit the Kuznetsk Fortress and Tomsk Pisanitsa museum-reserves, see the monument “In Memory of the Kuzbass Miners” and take a walk through the Shorsky National Park. But perhaps the most interesting thing in the Kemerovo region is the Sheregesh resort. In the near future it are planning make it a world-class ski cluster: they will build an airport, renovate old areas and build new housing for tourists and staff.
But even now the Kuzbass complex pleases tourists. There are 60 kilometers of ski slopes here. There are options for beginners, professionals and even those who don’t consider anything more serious than cheesecake – last year in Sheregesh opened Europe’s largest tubing park. Freeride enthusiasts can be taken on snowcats to the most snow-covered slopes. The resort also has more than 70 cafes and restaurants, 20 cable cars, 50 spa areas and dozens of instructor schools, so you’ll definitely find something to your liking.
