Near Turgoyak lies Lake Turgoyak, with six islands. They form where rises on the lakebed reach the water’s surface. Three distinct focal points can help with planning a trip: the megaliths on Very Island, the shoreline formations and sailing on the lake. If you are planning to visit Very Island, check current access arrangements in advance.
Very Island: Megaliths and Water Levels
Very lies in the lake, closer to the western shore. The island is home to prehistoric megaliths: menhirs, dolmens and a chamber tomb complex; there is also an old quarry. This variety gives the island an archaeological focus alongside the surrounding lake scenery. When the lake’s water level periodically drops, Very becomes a peninsula; an Old Believer hermitage then becomes visible as well. The island becoming a peninsula and the hermitage becoming visible are thus tied to the same water-level condition. Check current access arrangements if you plan a specific visit.
Shoreline Formations and Sailing
The western and northwestern shores of the lake are home to Cape Palenyy, Cape Kamennyy and Cape Dolgiy, as well as numerous bays; the eastern shore has a gentle slope. The contrast between the named capes and bays on one side and the gentle shoreline on the other can help you choose which landscape to focus on. Sailing enthusiasts hold competitions and training sessions on the lake. If you specifically want to watch a competition or training session, enquire about possible dates in advance.
More Nature to Explore in Chelyabinsk Oblast
The wider destination of Chelyabinsk Oblast offers a distinct perspective on mountain landscapes. Taganay National Park lies in the western part of the oblast, in the Taganay mountain massif of the Southern Urals. Its landscape features include rocky peaks, stone rivers, mountain streams, taiga and tundra. Chernaya Skala is one of the northern peaks of the Nazminskiy Ridge; it is made of white quartzite and reaches 853 metres.
The “Ves Taganay za 600 shagov” ecological trail is just over 1.5 km long and passes through scenic areas of the Chernaya Skala area, as well as natural landscapes typical of Taganay National Park. It has a paved path and an observation platform, and is accessible to wheelchair users. Check current conditions before your visit.
Zyuratkul National Park lies in the highest part of Chelyabinsk Oblast. Another route in the oblast leads to the Zyuratkul Ridge: the easy ecological trail is 6 km one way, gains 460 metres in elevation and can also be completed by children. The Malaya Medvezhya Trail starts in the settlement of Zyuratkul and is 5 km long. The routes listed provide different details for planning; for the trail to the ridge, the 6 km distance explicitly refers to one way.
Discover more destinations: Ust-Katav, Uvil'dy, Kharino, Malaya Kuysarina, Mokhovichki, Kartaly, Yuzhnouralsk, Yuryuzan.
For the broader travel overview: Chelyabinsk Oblast.
