Karst water in two forms
In Nurimanovskiy District, karst water appears in different ways: as a powerful spring and as a lake where a river emerges from underground. The Krasnyy klyuch spring is considered the most powerful karst spring in Russia and the second largest in Europe. It is a hydrological natural monument of federal significance and is part of the regional protected area “Istochnik Krasnyy Klyuch”. At Lake Sarva, by contrast, the focus is on how the water enters the lake.
The Sarva spring lake, “Sarvinskoye ozero”, is also a karst formation, created where the Saula River emerges from underground. The Saula rises on the northwestern slope of the Kara-Tau Range, disappears underground several times, and continues to flow below the surface before emptying into the lake. This makes it possible to trace its course from the slope, through the underground sections, to the lake. Together with Krasnyy klyuch, Sarva illustrates two different karst features: the spring itself and a lake where a river resurfaces.
Lakes and natural monuments
As of August 23, 2024, several natural monuments have been designated in the district. Lake Upkankul, also called Upkannykul, is listed as a botanical natural monument; it lies 2 km west of Nimislyarovo and covers 104.2 hectares. Lake Sarva lies on the eastern edge of the village of Sarva and is designated a hydrological natural monument covering 0.4 hectares. The Yaman'yelga River and its surroundings are also designated a hydrological natural monument. Bilgilyar consists of a lake and a marsh and is a complex natural monument; the area lies 1.4 km west of Nimislyarovo and covers 36.7 hectares.
Compared with Bilgilyar, Upkankul lies farther west of Nimislyarovo and covers a larger area: 104.2 rather than 36.7 hectares. Bilgilyar is closer to the village. The two areas also differ in their designations: botanical natural monument versus complex natural monument. Distance, area and protection category therefore provide concrete points of comparison.
Forest, rocks and park
The state landscape reserve of the spruce and fir forests of the Ufa Plateau is named “Yelovo-Pikhtovye lesa Ufimskogo plato (Pervomayskiy)”. It lies on the Ufa Plateau and includes the headwaters of the Yaman-Elga River. The Krasnye skaly, or red rock formations, are also located in the district, on the shore of the Pavlovsk Reservoir. Alongside lakes, springs and marshes, the area’s named natural places also include forests and rocky landscapes.
A park was created at the Krasnyy klyuch body of water in 2019. It was laid out with paved paths, a sports ground, a children’s playground and gazebos for resting. If you plan to use these facilities during your visit, check their condition in advance. The park connects the karst spring’s surroundings with these landscaped areas, while the spring itself stands out for its protected-area designation.
In the wider travel destination of the Republic of Bashkortostan
Toratau UNESCO Global Geopark is located in the Republic of Bashkortostan. It includes geological outcrops near Usolka and Dalny Tulkas, as well as caves, waterfalls, gorges, mountain rivers and rugged rocky outcrops. The geopark also preserves the ruins of ancient settlements and fortresses and showcases local cultural heritage, cuisine and crafts. These themes complement the natural perspective on the Republic of Bashkortostan; the springs, lakes and protected areas in this article are located in Nurimanovskiy District.
Discover more destinations: Iglinskiy District, Aurgazinskiy District, Alsheevskiy District, Ufa, Kuyurgazinskiy District, Baymakskiy District, Ishimbayskiy District, Tuymazinskiy District
Back to the wider travel overview: Republic of Bashkortostan.
