In all corners of the earth they know that Shulgan-Tash reserve is located in Bashkiria. The cave, which is located on its territory, brought this area world fame. Every day you can meet about 1000 tourists. But what makes the Shulgan-Tash cave so famous and why do so many travelers flock here?
Description of the cave
In the Bashkir Southern Urals, among all karst caves, Shulgan-Tash is considered the largest. It was formed four kilometers from the Belaya river in the Burzyansky district. The entrance, reminiscent of a large arch, is located on the southern side of the slope of Saryuskan. Shulgan-Tash Cave has an official name, which appears in the scientific literature. This is Kapova cave. Its height is 260 m, and the length of the object reaches 2 640 m.
Journey Inside the Cave
This cave is truly an awe-inspiring structure of nature. Its large entrance (48 m - width and 18 m - height) opens the way to a long corridor, in which there are many halls and galleries. Two kilometers from the cave, the Shulgan River flows, but suddenly it disappears. The fact is that the river falls into a karst funnel and continues on underground. It was her water, eroding centuries-old limestones, formed halls and corridors. But the waters of the river reappear in a stormy spring from under the cave on the left side of the entrance.
Shulgan-Tash Cave has three levels (some claim to be four). River water flows along the first floor. You can get to the third tier from the second floor through a well with steps. To see the lower floor, you need to go down the steep slope of the third tier.
There is something to see on each floor. For example, on the third there is a huge stalagmite, whose width is 8 meters. In the most remote halls and corridors, you can see calcite natyas of a snow-white color, corals and more. But the Shulgan-Tash cave is most impressive because of the shape of the rooms, especially if you think about the fact that they appeared as a result of the activity of a small river. The most favorite halls for tourists are the Risunky Hall, the Chaos Hall, the Diamond Hall, the Sign Hall.
Cave age
Kapova cave (Shulgan-Tash) is an ancient natural formation. It began to form about 3-5 million years ago. The entrance to the cave is considered modern, and of all three tiers, its middle floor is the oldest. It is estimated that it began to grow rapidly three million years ago. The lower tier is the “youngest” one; it formed about 15, 000 years ago. This age is enough for ancient people to inhabit the cave at a certain time. Interestingly, primitive weapons and tools were discovered inside. The remains of small rodents and even a large bear were also identified.
