What to see in Bashkortostan
What is Bashkortostan known for? Usually, this region is associated only with Ufa, its capital, and the national sweet treat chak-chak.
Meanwhile, it is an amazing republic that is not limited to its capital and food. Let's figure out when is the best time to go to Bashkiria and what to see there.
What's the weather like
The weather in Bashkiria is characterized by snowy winters and warm summers. Winter lasts almost five months — from November to March. The average temperature is –12 °C, but severe frosts down to –40 °C also occur. At the same time, the air humidity is quite high, which makes the cold feel more intense. However, winter is always snowy, and there's a high chance to take beautiful photos for mom.
Summer is warm: temperatures range from +20 to +30 °C. Occasionally, there are spikes up to +38 °C (for the most heat-loving). Again, humidity does its job and turns +25 °C into a full +30–35 °C. It starts getting warmer in April and colder in October.
The best season to visit Ufa is considered to be from mid-September to mid-October, or, as people say, golden autumn. Trees are painted in all shades of red-orange, perfectly complementing the color of the city's architecture.
How to get there
The fastest and most comfortable way to get to Bashkiria is by plane. Flight tickets to Ufa are available almost daily and are quite affordable (up to 5,000 rubles one way). From the city, you can travel anywhere further depending on what you want to see in Bashkortostan: mountains, gorges, or lakes.
Additionally, you can reach Ufa by train. It will be slightly cheaper than a plane, but the journey, for example , will take almost a day. If you are a fan of train romance, it's a great option. If not, take plane tickets.
You can also choose a bus, but be prepared to spend about 30 hours on the road to Ufa.
Where to stay
The top cities to live in the republic include:
- Among small cities — Dyurtyuli, Agidel.
- Among medium cities — Sibay, Tuymazy, Belebey.
- Among large cities — Sterlitamak, Ufa.
When choosing where to go in Bashkiria, try to arrange accommodation in advance. Usually, on Ostrovok and Sutochno.ru, everyone easily finds a comfortable option based on proximity to the best attractions and price-value ratio. In small towns, it's easier to arrange rentals either on the spot or by specifically googling "rent accommodation in Dyurtyuli".
Attractions
Ufa Mosque-Madrasah "Lala-Tulip"
Perhaps the first thing we recommend to see in Ufa is the "Lala-Tulip" mosque. Unusual color scheme, marble walls, and stained-glass windows. Two minarets, 53 meters high, are built in the shape of two tulips, hence the name. Definitely recommended for a visit!
National Museum of the Republic of Bashkortostan
The entire history of Bashkiria, from the Stone and Bronze Ages, is gathered in one place. Archaeological finds, decorative art objects, and much more. The museum staff is super friendly, so you can (and should) clarify and ask everything. The museum's day off is Monday, try not to forget.
Monument to Salavat Yulaev
The main attraction of Bashkortostan and the calling card of Ufa is the monument to Salavat Yulaev. It stands on a high and steep bank of the Belaya River, so be prepared for a light cardio workout. But the view of the city is worth it.
Beautiful natural places
Shikhany Mountains
In Bashkortostan, shikhans are isolated rock-reef formations. They have been preserved since the time of ancient seas, just imagine! There are currently three such shikhans left: Kushtau, Yuraktau, and Toratau. Tourists often go on trekking excursions in these directions; the height of each of them is no more than a 400-meter ascent.
Stone River
The largest stone river is located in the Beloretsky district of Bashkiria. Essentially, it is an accumulation of stones weighing from a few grams to a ton in a dried-up riverbed. The stones rolled down from the peaks of the Ural Mountains and, as locals say, possess special energy. Walking along the stone river is physically challenging, but the photos turn out excellent. Plus, there's a belief that you can build a small tower of stones to make a wish come true.
Muradymovo Gorge
The cliffs of Muradymovo Gorge, where the Ik River found its place deep within, are an ideal spot for history lovers. In the caves, you can see rock carvings and calcite waterfalls, and signs of an ancient human settlement were discovered on one of the stone observation decks. If you don't know where to go in Bashkortostan, we recommend this location as a must-visit!
Bannoe Lake or Yakty-Kul Lake
Yakty-Kul translates from Bashkir as "bright lake," which is close to the truth. The water in the lake is so clean and transparent that it is also popularly called "Baikal in miniature." Fish bite here on almost any bait, and along the entire coast, you can find many recreation centers and health resorts.
Atysh Waterfall
An underground river found its way out in a grotto, and that's how Atysh Waterfall began. Translated from Bashkir, "atysh" means "shot." When everything melts in spring and the water volume increases significantly, the waterfall seems to shoot directly from the wall. Its height is only 4.5 meters, but the overall view is worth it: water making its way, mossy rocks, and sun glints — simply a fairy tale!
"Russian Switzerland"
Just a three-hour drive from Ufa separates tourists from the rare nature reserve "Russian Switzerland." Previously, there was a kumis treatment center here: kumis was used to treat many digestive system diseases, as this drink has bactericidal properties. Now people come here to enjoy the picturesque nature.
Lakes, pine groves, landscapes straight out of chocolate commercials and alpine meadows. The nearest hotels are several kilometers from this place, and its status as a natural monument prohibits littering or cutting down trees here. A good location for those who want to be away from people.
Summer vacation
Bashkortostan has no access to the sea, so summer recreation is mostly about nature trips. Various types of entertainment are available for tourists. Active ones include trekking in mountains and rocks, and rafting down rivers in kayaks. More relaxed options include fishing, hiking, and exploring history.
Due to the lack of sea, people open the beach season on the shores of lakes and rivers. In tourist areas, you can find boat and inflatable mattress rentals. For those who love to get away from everyone, limiting their social circle to a group of friends, hiking remains an excellent option — the republic has everything for a beautiful and peaceful nature retreat.
If nature is not your thing, and you've already seen Ufa and Sterlitamak from all sides — there's always something to see in Yekaterinburg. The city is located very close to Bashkiria and is considered the capital of the entire Urals.
Winter vacation
Given the presence of mountains of various heights, the republic is famous for its ski resorts. There are plenty of them here. Some of the popular ones are "Abzakovo" and "Mratkino." Each ski resort offers the necessary equipment and slopes of varying difficulty. This is a pleasure for skiers and snowboarders, but if you don't ski and aren't ready to learn, you can consider the following:
- wellness spa complexes (to relax body and soul);
- a winter hike to the Askin Ice Cave and Abzanovsky Ice Waterfall;
- a trip on the "Legend of the Urals" train to the Aygir Rocks.
Family vacation
Every city in Bashkiria has many equipped places for children: playgrounds and sports fields. Cafes and restaurants have children's rooms so parents can relax a bit. In addition, every recreation center hosts a huge number of interactive activities for children and their parents.
We would like to specifically highlight the "Lukomorye" recreation park. It is located 15 kilometers from Ufa — you can get there by car or by marshrutka directly to the park gates. Both in summer and winter, there are entertainments for every taste. Slides, paintball, boat rentals, a water park, and much more. Entrance to the park is paid, but there is security and a medical worker on site — so you don't have to worry about the safety and health of yourself or your child.
Tips for tourists:
- choose the season in advance and pack your suitcase accordingly: comfortable shoes, comfortable clothes, hat/scarf/sunscreen;
- don't be afraid to ask: the Bashkir language might seem strange and incomprehensible, but friendly locals will tell and show you everything;
- make a plan in advance, considering opening hours and prices, so you don't arrive at the National Museum on its day off, for example;
- turn off your mind and ponder the eternal — Bashkiria's nature provides all the conditions for this;
- just relax!
