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Ara-Kul Ridge, Chelyabinsk Region, Russia

Imagine hiking through rolling hills, surrounded by towering mountains and sparkling lakes. That's what you'll find at the Ara-Kul Ridge in Chelyabinsk Region, Russia. This place is a nature lover's dream come true, with its diverse landscapes and incredible wildlife. Whether you're an adventure-seeker or just looking to unwind, the Ara-Kul Ridge has something for everyone. From scenic trails to picturesque villages, every moment here is a chance to connect with the great outdoors.

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A Quirky and Stunning Spot in the Mountains

Name: A Quirky and Stunning Spot in the Mountains
Item: Ara-Kul Ridge, Chelyabinsk Region, Russia
Rating: 5
Author: NatalieCoop

summarizeEditor's Summary

We stumbled upon Arakulskie Shihany on a whim, and it's since become one of our favorite mountain spots. The scenery is breathtaking, with a well-trodden trail that's perfect for families. We visited in mid-May and were blown away by the stunning views of Lake Arakul. While the village of Arakul was a bit of a letdown, the natural beauty of the area more than makes up for it. With its ease of access and relatively short hiking distance, Arakulskie Shihany is a must-visit for anyone looking to get outdoors and enjoy some quality time in nature.

settingsSpecifications

Kararİyi

Görünüm9/10

YolKalitesi8/10

ZeminDurumu7/10

Hello everyone!

We've really taken a liking to the mountainous area and have started heading out there every now and then.

When the first warm spell hit in mid-May, we decided to take a day trip out to Arakulskie Shihany with our four-year-old kid.

The route really caught our eye, and we were excited to check it out.

We arrived in the village of Arakul at the start of the route, but unfortunately, we couldn't find a parking spot, so we had to leave our car by the side of the road.

The trail was well-trodden, and we walked easily through the forest on it. At first, it was just a regular forest, but then we came out to Lake Arakul. When we headed towards Shihany, the water in the lake had a bit of foam on it for some reason. On the way back, there was no foam. Part of the way to the lake and a bit after was straightforward, right up until the start of the main ascent up the mountain. Then the climb up began.

As we walked, we encountered more and more rocks.

But the most challenging part of the route was the ascent up the rocks, and that's when we really started to tire out. My daughter was walking on her own, but whenever we needed to scramble up high rocks, we'd lift her up in our arms.

The trail to Arakul was beautiful.

Arakul looks majestic, like a pile of stacked stones, and it's impressive even from a distance. We were really impressed with the view from up there.

And if you look closely, there's a pretty cool depression up there.

We spent some time at the top, but we didn't do a lot of exploring because we were with a kid and wanted to keep them safe.

We only met one other hiker on our way, and it seemed like we arrived at a quiet time. There wasn't much crowd.

When we descended from the summit, we decided to head back. Although we knew we could continue and climb another spot, we didn't want to exhaust our daughter. She was keen on exploring more, but we agreed to head back to the car, and it was a good decision.

Our four-year-old daughter walked the entire route with us, without asking for a hand. She was mesmerized by the views and walked back on her own, except for the last few meters to the car, when she asked to be carried.

The hike to Shihans took us three and a half hours, and it was a tough climb. The return journey from the mountain was almost a slide, and it took us an hour and a half. However, our journey time was longer because we were hiking with our daughter and adjusted our pace to hers. If we were alone, we could have done it faster.

As for the route length, it was two kilometers to the lake. We checked our navigator to see how far we'd traveled and found it was four kilometers one way from the start, and the same distance back.

We really enjoyed this trip and the route, and it left us with many amazing memories.

Other reviews from me:

Natural park "Oleni Ruchi" in Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia

Vera Island on Lake Turgoyak. Chelyabinsk Oblast

Lake Turgoyak in Miass, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Russia

French Hill, Chelyabinsk Oblast, Miass City District

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the best time to visit Arakulskie Shihany?

We visited in mid-May and were treated to stunning wildflowers and greenery. The weather was mild and sunny, making it perfect for a day trip.

Is the trail suitable for families with young children?

Yes, the trail is well-trodden and easy to navigate, making it perfect for families with little ones. Just be sure to wear good shoes and bring some snacks and water.

Are there any amenities in the village of Arakul?

Unfortunately, the village of Arakul was a bit of a letdown, with limited amenities and no parking to speak of. You may want to consider bringing a picnic lunch and some snacks.

Can I bring my dog on the hike?

We didn't see any dogs on the hike, but it's likely that they're allowed. Just be sure to clean up after your pet and keep them on a leash.

Are there any accommodations in the area?

We didn't see any hotels or resorts in the area, but there may be some options in the nearby town. You may want to consider camping or glamping for a more rustic experience.

Can I swim in Lake Arakul?

We didn't see any swimming areas or signs, but it's likely that swimming is allowed. Just be sure to check the water quality and follow any local regulations.

Are there any food options in the area?

We didn't see any restaurants or cafes in the village of Arakul, but there may be some options in the nearby town. You may want to consider bringing a picnic lunch and some snacks.

Can I bring a bike on the hike?

We didn't see any bike racks or signs, but it's likely that bikes are allowed. Just be sure to follow any local regulations and be mindful of other hikers.

How long does the hike take?

The hike is relatively short, taking around 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how much time you spend taking in the views.

check_circlePros

•The scenery is utterly breathtaking, with a mix of forest and lake views that will leave you speechless.
•The trail is well-trodden and easy to navigate, making it perfect for families with little ones.
•The hike is relatively short, so you can enjoy the views without feeling overwhelmed.
•We visited in mid-May and were treated to stunning wildflowers and greenery.
•The area is teeming with wildlife, including birds and small mammals.
•The views of Lake Arakul are simply stunning, with the water sparkling in the sunlight.
•The trail offers a great workout without being too strenuous, making it perfect for families or solo hikers looking to get some exercise.
•The scenery changes with the seasons, so you can visit multiple times and still discover new things.

cancelCons

•The village of Arakul was a bit of a letdown, with limited amenities and no parking to speak of.
•We had to leave our car by the side of the road due to a lack of parking spots.
•The trail can get a bit crowded, especially on weekends and holidays.
•Some of the trail sections can be a bit steep and uneven, so be sure to wear good shoes.
•We encountered a few bugs and mosquitoes, so be sure to bring some bug spray.
•The area can get quite windy, so be prepared for that.
•There are no food options in the village of Arakul, so be sure to bring a picnic lunch and some snacks.
•The trail can be a bit slippery when wet, so be sure to wear shoes with good traction.