Travels in Russia: secrets and beauty of the Perm region
Magic Stone City and fabulous winter forest; stunning views of the Kosva River and Ladeine Mountain; ski resort Gubaha and tubing park. Evgenia Lysenkova shared her impressions of the trip to the Perm Territory.
Where was your trip?
The purpose of our trip was to visit the Stone City, which is located on the territory of the Gremyachinsky urban district of the Perm Territory.
It turned out that the ski resort of Gubaha is very close. When I started looking online, what else could I see in the neighborhood, I realized there wasn't enough time for everything. Local lands conceal a lot of beauty and interest.
The trip was by car. The distance from Yekaterinburg to Gubakha, where we spent the night, is just over 400 km. The road took about 7 hours with stops for lunch and the toilet. To the Perm region to go quite comfortable. But after crossing the border almost immediately begin sharp descents, ascents, sharp turns. You know you're in the mountains!
What did you see and what are the plans for the future?
Since we travel with children, we always consider their interests and opportunities.
My husband and I are not ski fans. So I didn't even think about riding. But in the evening, when they got to Gubahi, they decided to scout the situation at the resort and the children asked for training. And we even got a coach.
In general, accommodation and classes with an instructor here it is better to book in advance if you go on weekends and holidays. The resort is very popular. They come here from all over Russia.
You can live in houses near the slope, which is very convenient if you ride. Or Gubach. Avito rent a lot of apartments. There are also several hotels, but the service in them is lame.
The resort itself is equipped with everything necessary. The equipment seemed no worse than Sochi.
After the training, which the children were delighted with, we planned a visit to Stone Town. But the plans suddenly changed when we learned that a little further there is a tubing park. The road to him goes through the old Gubakh - an abandoned village. The road is not easy. Very steep ups and downs. Not every car will make it. Especially in winter. But our all-wheel drive drove us calmly, except for the fact that several times I had to leave with oncoming transport - in winter there is one lane.
The park is located on the territory of the former pioneer camp. I'm usually against tubing. But here are all 5 tracks with soft snowboards. Routes of different levels. It is for very small, but able to hold, children. Plus, employees conduct clear safety briefings and monitor its compliance. You do not need to carry cheesecakes on yourself, there is a lift. The rental building has a room with a fireplace and buffet.
We really enjoyed it! The tracks are high, the speed is high, the views in front of the eyes are excellent. The kids were thrilled! And adults, too.
On the way back, we made a couple more stops.
The cold log, where the scenery for the film "Heart of Parma" is located and stunning views of the Kosva River, Ladeinaya Mountain and the suspension bridge near it open. You can't pass. The place is atmospheric and photogenic.
The bridge was a bit frightened by its antiquity. But still, we walked through it to admire the mountain and watch the huge ice floes going with the flow.
We spent the last day walking to Stone Town. From Gubahi to it about 20 km. The navigator tried to get us into the snowdrifts. But there are signs on the road. When you see the parking lot, you are here.
To the rocks you need to get a few kilometers on foot. And these kilometers are beautiful, because they pass through a fabulous forest, in which winter rules. The furry trees, covered with snow, fluffy snowdrifts in which we were happy to lie, natural huts from tree branches - all this makes the way pleasant and absolutely not tense. Besides, the trails are trodden. Children can even take a snowball.
The rocks themselves are very interesting. They're called a city for a reason. There are many "streets" here. Wide and narrow. And even very narrow ones. The largest rock - the Big Turtle is in demand as a photo zone.
From the top of the stones, fascinating views of the snow-covered taiga open. You can just sit and meditate, looking at the magnificence of nature.
Of course, two days is not enough to visit everything that attracts tourists here.
But this is an occasion to return and climb Mount Krestovaya, find the caves of Mount Ladeinaya and climb it, go to the Usvin pillars, ride a banana for snow, steam in the bath, study local broods, maybe try mountain skiing or snowboarding yourself and learn even more secrets that are hidden in these parts.
Your positive impressions of the trip. What surprised/surprised?
Very beautiful nature! There are many unique and touristic sites nearby.
Equipment GLA was also pleasantly surprised. And Gubaha infrastructure. Despite the fact that this town is small and provincial, cards are accepted almost everywhere.
There are most of the usual shops, excellent modern and budget canteens. The price tag for everything we meet is acceptable. Prices are posted on the official websites of organizations.
Another pleasant surprise was the feelings of local residents about what impressions the tourists had. This was the last time I met in Georgia.
Your negative impressions of the trip. Why are you unhappy?
There are no negatives as such. Even from the long journey we did not get tired.
It is sad that the authorities do not care about the ecological condition of these places. It's a big deal.
In my mind, this region seemed environmentally friendly. But no! There are many problems. Therefore, the local population is leaving their native land and several settlements are currently abandoned and destroyed.
Have you been to a lot of popular tourist attractions with you? Which places are getting more attention?
There are many tourists in the region both in winter and summer. In winter, skiing comes from all over the country.
In the Stone City and on the Usvinsky Pillars, tourists are year-round. There are independent travelers and organized tours.
There were not many people in the tubing park. Film sets, too.
You travel with children. Tell us what conditions (tourist service) are available on Gubakh and in the Stone City for a comfortable tour with kids? What's missing?
Our children are not very small (9 and 4) and used to long trips and walks, so it was comfortable.
At GLC there is a children's club "Snowflake", where you can organize training in alpine skiing and snowboarding. Individual and group. There is a children's playroom in which children can stay with a nanny while parents skate. I think it's very convenient. Although we didn't.
Coaches skillfully communicated with children, motivating and encouraging. In the end, the children were given ski passports, where they noted their skills. These little things are very important and leave a pleasant impression.
The chair lifts also help. You can climb to the top of Mount Cross. There are several hiking routes from there.
Parking, of course, does not cope with the number of people who want to visit the resort. Therefore, the whole street under the slope is crowded with cars.
Tubing Park also came in handy.
In Gubakh itself there is an ice arena where you can skate.
The walking route to the Stone City is quite easy and not long. Saw people with wheelchairs. Among the rocks, of course, is not comfortable with them. We took a snowball. Just left it under a tree while climbing rocks.
Perhaps it would not be superfluous to have a cafe and toilet at the entrance to the park. Although we did not feel the extreme need.
The road to the Usvinsky poles is longer and more difficult. So we haven't gone there yet.
What would you advise future travelers to the Perm region?
Be prepared for steep mountain roads, where sometimes lays his ears.
If you start driving early in the morning, then there will be enough parking space, and there will be fewer tourists on hiking routes.
Pre-book accommodation and remember that scammers are everywhere (Read the article)Renting an apartment on a trip: simple, profitable, without problems".
Study hiking routes, because there are no connections outside settlements.
Remember that the preservation of unique nature depends on each of us and take care of it!
The interview was prepared by Pauline M.
Photos: Evgenia Lysenkova
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