We do believe that traveling in Russia will liven up soon. When it does, it's not just Moscow, Saint-Petersburg and Kamchatka that will be popular among foreign travelers. More destinations are becoming very attractive: having rich natural resources such as gorgeous mountains, cleanest lakes, and fantastic wildlife, recently they have succeeded in providing wide range of activities and good service for visitors. Accommodation in some of the regions is still rather simple, while the others provide comfort of hotels, new tourist basis and glampings.

1. Shantar Islands

The Shantar Islands in the Sea of Okhotsk offer some of Russia's best whale watching. Bowhead whales, gray whales, beluga whales and orcas come here to feed. There are so many of these giants in the sea, that one can take photos of them even from the shore. The islands are uninhabited and difficult to access, so the landscapes and wildlife are preserved in their original form.

2. North Caucasus

A diversity of cultures, customs, traditions, old settlements and castles exist amongst Russia's and Europe's highest peak, Mount Elbrus, and deepest canyons. Through alpine meadows, pristine forests, breathtaking waterfalls and healing mineral water springs, a journey to the Caucasus satisfies adventure travelers, history and culture enthusiasts, mountaineers and photographers alike.

3. Putorana Plateau

Putorana Plateau is a 250-million-year-old massif crossed by mountain ranges. The mountains look as if their peaks have been neatly cut off and the canyons seem bottomless. Lakes are hundreds of meters deep. Rivers break off from the rocks, forming the highest waterfalls in Russia and Europe. In winter, waterfalls become giant walls of ice reflecting the colors of aurora borealis. There are no roads, no mobile communications and no people on the plateau.

4. Altai

Altai attracts mountaineers and active travelers with turquoise lakes and rivers, vast plains and mountain peaks over 4,000 m high. National Geographic has included the Altai Chuysky Tract road in the top 10 most beautiful roads in the world. Among active options are trekking or horseback riding to hard-to-reach lakes and excellent rafting: the Katun River is recommended for beginners while the Chuya River attracts experienced rafters.

5. Kuril Islands

The Kurils, together with Kamchatka, form the Russian part of the Ring of Fire, an area in the Pacific Ocean with the highest volcanic activity. Active volcanoes, cliffs, hot springs and waterfalls create stunning vitas and prime habitat for rare animals and birds: Steller sea lion, northern fur seal, Steller's sea eagle, tufted puffin. One of the region's highlights is outstanding gastronomy: oysters, king crab, mussels, scallops and more.

We have detailed information on these and other destinations of Russia in our Agent Manual. If you need one, please send a request to hello@russiadiscovery.ru

With love for adventures,
RussiaDiscovery Team

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