10 must see waterfalls in Russia
Discover Russia’s breathtaking marvels through its mesmerizing waterfalls, where nature’s majesty reigns supreme in a symphony of flowing beauty. Kivach is a must-see waterfall in Karelia, mesmerizing with its magnificent 10-meter plunge and lovely surrounding scenery. Kivach, one of Europe’s greatest plain waterfalls, captivates visitors with its tranquil beauty, making it a must-see attraction. Neozhidanny, which means “unexpected” in Russian, delivers an unforgettable surprise tucked in the Caucasus Mountains. This hidden jewel boasts a breathtaking 16-meter waterfall, beckoning brave adventurers to delight in its solitary splendour.
Gedmysh, enveloped by the Ussuriyskii National Park, exemplifies the Far East’s natural magnificence. The cascade’s pure splendor, surrounded by lush trees and wildlife, provides an unforgettable experience. Visit the Big Chulchinsky Falls in Altai, where the Altai Mountains create a dramatic background to this breathtaking sight. With its thunderous waters reverberating across the virgin forest, this waterfall exemplifies Russia’s various and unspoiled landscapes. Finally, Phekhsky in the North Caucasus welcomes visitors to observe its stunning drop through rich foliage. As Russia’s waterfalls tell stories of untamed beauty, this introduction encourages you to start on a trip to discover these natural beauties, each of which leaves an unforgettable stamp on the broad and diverse canvas of Russia’s picturesque landscapes.
Here are some must-see waterfalls in Russia.
1.Kivach: The most well-known waterfall in Karelia is this one on the river Suna, which is 10 meters tall. Even renowned Russian poet Gavriil Derzhavin hailed it (in his ode ‘The Waterfall’, which starts with the line “A mountain of diamonds pours down…”). Its name is thought to be derived from the Finnish word ‘kiivas’, which means “powerful, impetuous”. Even a snapshot shows how forceful the split flow of turbulent water is. The waterfall does not freeze in the winter and cascades picturesquely past snow-covered boulders.
2. Neozhidanny: This waterfall (whose name translates as “suddenly, unexpectedly”) on the Shkotovsky Plateau in the Sikhote-Alin mountain range is only about 13–15 meters high, but its water flows adorn the plateau’s stone cliff so beautifully and sculpturally that it is regarded as one of the most spectacular in the Far East.
3. Gedmysh: This waterfall, which is approximately 60 meters high, is located in the valley of the River Gedmysh in the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria. It is also known as the ’70 Streams’ or ‘Royal Crown’ because of its numerous streams. It is nourished by natural springs that arise from the earth higher in the mountains.
4. Chegem: In the Caucasus’ Chegem Gorge, up to three waterfalls ranging in height from 25 to 60 meters fall into the river Chegem. They are one of Kabardino-Balkaria’s landmarks. This natural treasure is surrounded by villages, a road, and even a hotel, so it is constantly crowded with people.
5. Big Chulchinsky Falls: The Big Chulchinsky (Bolshoi Chulchinsky) waterfall, also known as the Uchar waterfall, is said to be among the youngest in the Altai Mountains. It is said to have originated around 200 years ago as a result of an earthquake. It was found relatively recently, in the 1970s, during a period when sporting and mountaineering tourism were quite popular in the USSR. The 160-meter-high waterfall on the river Chulcha produces tremendous torrents of water that tumble upon a pile of big rocks. The waterfall’s name, translated from the Altai language dialects, means “flying” or “impregnable.”.
6.Ilya Muromets: Iturup, a Kuril Island, is home to a waterfall named for a mythical bogatyr (great warrior). It has a height of 141 meters and flows directly from the Demon volcano into the sea. The waterfall is exceedingly difficult to access and can only be observed from the open water. According to scientists, gray whales travel to the point where they empty into the sea to clean themselves of crustaceans that have clung to its fresh waters.
7. Phekhsky: The Fishtinsky, or Pshekhsky, waterfall is fed by a mountain glacier and starts in a gorge between two Caucasus peaks, Mounts Fisht and Pshekha-Su. The waterfall is located in the Republic of Adygea and has three primary water flows. The first descends from a height of around 190 meters, while the other two descend from about 160 meters. The waterfall runs very heavily in the spring, when the glacier melts, and then nearly totally dries up in the summer, leaving just a little stream that adventurous tourists venture to stand under at their own peril.
8. Kinzelyuk: This waterfall is located in the midst of Siberia, on the boundary between Krasnoyarsk Territory and Irkutsk Region. This inaccessible high-altitude area in the Eastern Sayan Mountains is known as ‘Tofalaria’. Water from Kinzelyuk Mountain Lake cascades into the Kinzelyuk River. The name translates from the Khakas language to “highly valued.” The waterfall’s height is 328 meters, and the free fall part is around 90 meters. In 1989, a group of scientists and hobbyists completed the first waterfall investigation and observations.
9. Zeygalan: The waterfall in the highlands of North Ossetia is also known as ‘Bolshoi Zeygalansky’ (“Great Zeygalan”). Its name translates from Ossetian as “place of the falling avalanche.” According to the most recent measurements, taken in 2016, the waterfall is 648 meters high and is considered Europe’s biggest waterfall (and Russia’s second highest). The water flows most freely in July and August, when the mountain glacier that feeds it melts. In the winter, the water freezes, and the mountain ravines are clothed with a branching network of frozen streams, resembling a gorgeous spider web.
10. Putorana Plateau waterfalls: The Putorana Plateau, one of Russia’s most remote areas, is home to the most waterfalls. They are highly understudied since few scientists or tourists have the opportunity to visit them. There are full-flowing torrents and narrow, yet quite high, streams that pour down the canyons. The Talnikovy Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Russia (and probably all of Asia), lies concealed in the center of the Putorana Plateau. Mikhail Afanasyev, an adventurer, found this natural treasure in the 1970s. According to various assessments, its height ranges between 480 and 700 meters (the tallest waterfall in the world, Angel Falls in Venezuela, is over 1,000 meters high).
Russia’s must-see waterfalls are beautiful examples of the country’s rich and pristine natural beauty. From the enchanting Kivach in Karelia to the unexpected beauty of Neozhidanny in the Caucasus Mountains, the secluded charm of Gedmysh in the Ussuriyskii National Park, the dramatic cascade of Big Chulchinsky Falls in Altai, and the thundering waters of Phekhsky in the North Caucasus, each waterfall creates a unique and unforgettable tapestry within Russia’s vast landscapes.
For those drawn to the appeal of these natural beauties, the notion of going on this adventure may raise concerns regarding the convenience and simplicity of travel. Russia tour packages from Delhi provide a smooth and guided tour of these beautiful waterfalls, allowing every traveller to fully immerse themselves in Russia’s breathtaking beauty and cultural diversity. Whether chasing waterfalls or exploring historical and cultural riches, Russia tour packages from Delhi provide a thorough and captivating experience in this large and diverse country. These waterfalls are more than just attractions; they serve as channels for visitors to interact with the raw, untamed beauty that distinguishes Russia’s stunning landscapes.
