In the centre of Myski is Skver “Skazki Shapkaya”. It commemorates “Skazki Shapkaya” by Shor author Sofron Totysh. The square thus gives the town a distinctive literary touch: its name refers to the work of a Shor writer.
Another way to explore Shor culture is to visit the “Ene Tag” Centre for Spiritual Culture in the Chuvashka district of Myski. Visitors can explore an ethnographic village and take part in a traditional Shor blessing ritual. The excursion combines a visit to the village with a ritual; check before travelling whether it is currently available.
For getting your bearings in Myski, these are two distinct cultural highlights: the literary memorial at the centrally located Skver and the ethnographic offering in Chuvashka. If literature or Shor culture is a particular factor in choosing your destination, you can consider these themes separately and plan your stay accordingly.
More things to explore in Kemerovo Oblast
Beyond Myski, Kemerovo Oblast offers its own cultural and natural attractions. Shorsky National Park is in the south of the oblast. Activities listed there include rafting on mountain rivers, motorboat trips and hikes along nature trails. The “Sheregesh” eco-trails feature three land art installations, a dancing forest, “living stones”, block fields and the ancient “Verblyudy” rocks. These rock spires are on the slope of Mount “Kurgan”.
Those looking into river routes will find different information about their course and conditions. The “Srednyaya Mrassu” rafting route runs from Ust-Kabyrza to Ust-Anzas. Depending on the weather, it takes at least three days; it is rated Class I and is accessible to all age groups. The “Verkhnyaya Mrassu” route includes small rapids and riffles rated Classes I and II. Water conditions and the duration of this route depend on participants’ preparation and water levels. Check current park rules and route conditions before setting out.
Visitor facilities in Shorsky National Park are another regional planning consideration: there are more than 30 tourist rest and picnic areas and three equipped bases with a total capacity of up to 54 people. The visitor bases “Mednaya”, “Karchit” and “Kabuk” offer tourist accommodation and glamping sites for between three and fourteen people each, as well as bathhouses, gazebos and cooking fire pits. Check current availability before travelling.
Rock art and history in the region
Another highlight of Kemerovo Oblast is the “Tomskaya Pisanitsa” Museum Reserve. It is considered a cultural monument of federal significance and one of the best-known and most important rock art sites in Western Siberia. The reserve covers 156 hectares of pine forest on the picturesque banks of the Tom River. People left 300 rock images at places considered sacred; the oldest depictions are 4,000 years old.
Since its early years, “Tomskaya Pisanitsa” has also hosted historical, ethnographic and folklore events and festivals. At the “Shorskiy Ulus Kezek” complex near the site, the homestead of a wealthy Shor has been reconstructed. The buildings are original structures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. At the “Selskiy Dvorik” petting zoo, visitors can feed domestic goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, geese and ducks.
In Novokuznetsk stands “Kuznetskaya Krepost”, a federal monument to history, military engineering and architecture. The fortress houses a permanent archaeological exhibition on the region’s early history, as well as halls for temporary exhibitions. Check current visitor arrangements before your visit.
Landscape and trails around “Sheregesh”
Ski runs at the “Sheregesh” ski resort range from 350 to 3,800 metres in length. Those interested in the landscape can find the “Verblyudy” rocks on the eco-trails, along with other features mentioned above, such as block fields, “living stones” and the dancing forest. The characteristics of the runs and trails appeal to different interests; check the area’s latest information and local conditions before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Kalinkino, Yurga, Tashtagol, Zhuravlevo, Silino, Prokopyevsk, Denisovo, Novorossiyka.
See the overview of the wider region: Kemerovo Oblast.
