Unique extreme tourism object may appear on Bashkiria map

UFA, 10 October 2017. /Bashinform News Agency/. Today the Head of Bashkortostan Rustem Khamitov met with participants of the scientific research expedition of divers-cave explorers. They arrived in Bashkortostan to explore the cave-source Sakaska at the Yumaguzinsky reservoir, which claims to be the longest underwater cave in Russia.

The expedition is carried out within the framework of the Year of Ecology and Specially Protected Natural Territories under the auspices of the Russian Geographical Society, with the support of the State Committee RB for Entrepreneurship and Tourism, the Ministry of Nature Management and Ecology RB. Within the expedition, which will be held from 9 to 14 October, it is planned to survey a known part of the cave, mapping and further passage of the Sakaska spring. The work will take place at significant depths (40-60 m) and remoteness from the entrance to the spring (up to 500 m and more).

The head of the republic discussed with the expedition participants the issues of technical equipment, safety, plans and tasks of the work. According to him, the appearance on the map of Bashkortostan of a new world-class tourist facility largely depends on the success of the divers-cave explorers work. This will allow developing extreme tourism in the republic, attracting to the region a unique segment of travelers-extreme sportsmen.

The head of the expedition Yevgeny Runkov noted that Bashkortostan with an abundance of karst areas was an ideal region for the development of that type of tourism. At present, Ordinskaya cave in the Perm region attracting fans of cave diving still is the most famous in Russia.

"I love Bashkiria, I know a lot about caves and try to do everything to ensure that the similar tourists - cave explorers, divers - could come here," said Yevgeny Runkov. "But for this purpose the cave should be investigated, described, and mapped. Only after that tourists will start to go to such places".

Rustem Khamitov wished success to the expedition members, noting that he would closely monitor the progress of their work.