Ural

South Ural is a mountain region, situated on the border of two parts of the world - Europe and Asia. Three natural zones - mountain and forest (mountain taiga, broad leaved mixed forests), partially wooded steppe and steppe compose beautiful and multi image pictures having absorbed the landscapes of all the corners of Russia. There are more than 200 of national parks, including the world famous Mineralogical Paradise - Ilmenski reserve, museum reserve Arkaim, which is of the same age as the Egyptian pyramids, a lot of monuments of nature, unique geological, natural and botanical objects. There are a lot of mountain lakes and caves.

Ekaterinburg is the capital of Ural (1.4 million people).

It is the most important industrial and cultural center of the Eastern Russia. The city was founded in 1723 shortly after discovering the depots of iron ore and coal there.

There is an international airport (regular flights to several destinations in Europe (Prague, Koln, Varna), China, Israel, Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates).

Many interesting sights were preserved in Ekaterinburg. A district around the Lenin's square is full of the 18-19th century buildings. There are several Cathedrals and churches here.

Kungur's caves

At the foot of the Ural mountains there are amid farms and woodlands, riverbands and small streams and magnificent views. Kungur's caves are the biggest caves in Russia.

General extent of tunnels is 25 kilometers, around 5 km are opened to visitors.

There is also a beautiful phenomenon of limestone formations millions of years old.

The same-named town of Kungur is connected by railway with Ekaterinburg (350 km) and Perm (75 km). There are about 10 trains which stop at Kungur on their way between Perm and Ekaterinburg. Buses leaves from Ekaterinburg to Kungur four times daily from the central bus terminal.