Taganay and Turgoyak. Legends of the Southern Urals

We wake up to the singing of birds and kitchen attendants, have a good breakfast, warm up, set up backpacks and hit the road! 

On the first running day, we will go to the top of the Two-headed hill on the rocks “Feathers” (1034 m), with a climb of about 500 m.

First, we will walk along the forest path to the White Key shelter. 

On the way, you can feed the birds in specially equipped places. 

We'll leave our backpacks at the foot and start climbing light.

We will overcome a million steps (in fact, about 200), and then climb the steep slope to the very top. 

Here we will arrange a group photo shoot, admire the views of the neighboring hills and peaks, take a walk among the bizarrely protruding rock "feathers", and then hurry down. 

On the White Key, we will cook lunch on the purest spring water, take a break and continue our journey to the Rattlesnake Key shelter. 

We check into the houses and go to see off the sunset light on Mitkin rocks (1020 m). 

Crossing 9 km, Two-headed Hill, 1034 m.

First, under the backpacks, we go to the Taganay shelter. 

On the way, we will look at the Response Ridge to listen to the powerful echo and look at the neighboring peaks Kruglitsa and Mont Blanc (yes, Russia has its own Mont Blanc!). 

According to legend, in ancient times, a terrible monster lived at the foot of the local mountains. 

No one could defeat him, and only one elder managed to defeat the monster with the help of the gods through prayers. 

The defeated beast sprawled among the valleys and swamps like a stone ridge. 

All that was left of him was a voice echoing off the rock walls, hence the outlandish name: The Responsive Ridge. 

At the shelter, we check into houses, have lunch and go light to Kruglitsa (1178 m), the highest point of the Taganai massif, with a climb of about 750 m. 

We will walk about 6 km back and forth along a forest path, and at the end – along a stone scree and a kurumnik.

Interestingly, in clear weather, the mountain seems to hover above the ground and sway. 

Why is this happening? We'll find out from the guide.

In the evening we will return to the shelter, drink tea, chat, look at the stars and share our impressions. 

The crossing is 6 km, the Circle is 1178 m.

Today we will have a difficult transition to the weather station on the top of Dalny Taganay. 

Let's go there along the forest path among the giant fir trees and look at the Three Brothers. 

Three towering granite pillars, dating back millions of years, stand off the main trail. 

The closer you get to the weather station, the more sparse and low the trees become. 

We are entering a zone of tundra woodlands and a strong wind walking on top. 

There is a tourist shelter at the very top, it is a very cozy and atmospheric place. 

The windiest weather station in the USSR used to work in this building, because the wind speed on the mountain reaches 35-40 m/s, and there are almost no "quiet" days. 

Travelers bring garlands and decorations for the house, books for the local spontaneous library, and on a special wall you can leave a message to other travelers and mark your visit with greetings or a drawing.

After lunch, we will walk along the top, take spectacular photos at sunset, and look at the rocks similar to a sleeping dragon and camel. 

And in the evening we will gather in the common kitchen, play board games or sing songs.

We sleep in the house on bunk beds. 

The crossing is 11 km, the set is 500 m.

We say goodbye to the farthest point of the Taganay National Park and set off on our way back. 

In order not to get bored, let's take another path that will lead us to the Kialim cordon. 

Once there was a whole village with a school, a club and a hospital. 

Over time, charcoal was no longer burned on Kialim, residents began to leave closer to the big cities, and the village was deserted. 

After lunch, we go light to Mount Itsyl (1068m, with a climb of about 400m), which is located on the ridge separating Europe and Asia. 

First, we will follow the path through the taiga forest, and then we will climb a large kurumnik.

Winds are constantly blowing on the top of the mountain, which explains its name (Itsyl – bask. “The Eternal Wind"). 

A hot bath with tea and diving into the river is planned for the evening – today you need to rest properly to gain strength for tomorrow. 

The crossing is 5 km, and the distance is 1068 m.

The day will not be easy, so in the morning you need to thoroughly refresh yourself and stretch well. 

We will have a long walk to Lake Turgoyak, in total we will walk about 30 km with a backpack.

By this day, we are already “splitting up” and will eat almost all the food, so only the weight of your personal belongings will remain in the backpacks.

We will walk along dirt roads and forest trails, cross rivers (possibly wading), enjoy the views of the Great Ural Ridge and cheer each other on the crossings. 

In the middle of the way we will arrange a big rest stop for rest and food, and in the evening we will come to the lake. 

Turgoyak is a unique place with the purest water.

Because of its transparency, Turgoyak is called the “younger brother of Lake Baikal".

But we will see all the beauty tomorrow, and today we will check into a guest house with a friendly company and relax.

The transition is 30 km, first a set of 500 m, then a descent of 700 m.

We're sleeping it off and not in a hurry, because today we have a day off. 

If desired, we will walk along the forest paths, look at Cape Teschin tongue and choose the most photogenic beach. 

We will offer the most indefatigable to rent a bike and ride around the lake with the breeze, go fishing or diving. 

If you are not drawn to active exploits, we are happy to do sealing, swim and sunbathe. 

In the evening, the whole team will gather for a final dinner, where we will summarize the results of our eventful journey and make sure to arrange to meet new friends on the next hike. 

Swimming and beach holidays.

In the morning, a bus will pick us up and take us to the already familiar Chelyabinsk.

We arrive in the city at about 12 o'clock local time. 

If desired, you can still stay in Chelyabinsk or on the lake, we will help you rent a room or a hotel. 

Transfer to Chelyabinsk 2.5 hours.