To the west of the city of Krasnoyarsk, five kilometers from the village of Udachny, on the banks of the Yenisei is the famous Karaulnaya cave. Its grottoes, passages and halls are suitable for research by both children and the elderly.
Description
The length of the underground passages, according to experts, is more than 540 meters. The lowest point relative to the entrance is 41 meters.
The Karaulnaya cave (Krasnoyarsk) was formed by the karst route, that is, a slow destruction of the rock under the influence of natural factors took place.
The entrance is arranged on one of the slopes of the Karaulnaya river valley, in the forest, almost a kilometer from the mouth. Nearby, for the comfort of tourists, they organized a small recreation center. On the territory there is a cafe, a souvenir shop and several cozy rooms.
There are two tiers in the cave. The first thing that everyone sees is a grotto called "Ice". Here previously there was a continuous glacier, the elements of which can be seen on the “wall” farthest from the entrance. A low hole opens behind it, which leads into a stunningly beautiful gallery with leaky calcite covers.
The underground “museum” welcomes guests with unique exhibits: “Cave Keeper”, “Clay Sculpture Gallery”, “Paleolithic Painting”, “Gurs”, “Traces of Ancient Disasters”, “Cave Deposits”, “Monomakh’s Cap” and “Pagoda”.
Covering nets, stalagmites, color draperies from white to brown, stalactites and clay landslides are amazingly beautiful in the passages and halls of the cave. The Dirty Grotto, confirming its name, consists of viscous clay covering limestone blocks.
Ideally, only bats feel good in the Karaulnaya cave (Krasnoyarsk).
Lower tier
This part of the cave, located at a depth of 30 meters (relative to the entrance), greets guests with the Kapelny grotto. This room is approximately 20 by 30 meters, a height of just over three meters. In the middle of the “floor” there is a small lake of stunning beauty, in which, as legend tells, in the 60s of the last century cave pearls were discovered. Through the entire Grotto “Kapelny” there are two faults.
A well-trained person, having crossed the overhanging wall, falls into the course of the Prometheus of the Karaulny cave (Krasnoyarsk). At the very end of the winding underground path, the tourist finds himself in a place that plunges into shock. The stone cells located here in a special way are in constant resonance. Thanks to this effect, the sound of the work of one’s own heart turns into a terrible beating of a giant hammer.
The lowest point of the underground attraction is the Clay Hall. It is called so, because clay is gradually flowing here from the upper tiers of the Karaulnaya cave (Krasnoyarsk). Guests sculpt from it all kinds of figures.
Upper tier
It starts with the “Charm” grotto, which is very long. Its walls are covered with calcareous non-solidifying formations, the so-called "cave milk".
The coral hall surprises guests with the huge “Monomakh Hat”. This is an amazingly dazzling stalagmite of immense size.
Stunning cynicism
Guard cave (Krasnoyarsk), how to get there - read below, in the 60s of the last century it became very famous. At this time, hundreds of tourists visited it uncontrollably, who in a fairly short time brought the underground complex to a terrible state. In 1977, in order to preserve this unique natural site, the authorities of the region assigned the status of a monument of regional significance to the underground “museum”. But nevertheless, the wall managed to “strangle” the oldest glacier, the natural air exchange regime was violated, and the ice in the entrance grotto melted. Now guests can only access the ice reel at the beginning of the descent.
The relevant documents prescribed a protected area of ​​10.6 hectares. It was forbidden to visit the Karaulnaya cave (Krasnoyarsk) without a permit from the organization responsible for guarding the object, to remove natural materials from its halls and grottoes, including streaking formations, to destroy and damage walls, vaults, etc., to install and paint signs, arrows, etc., illuminate the road with torches, disturb bats, etc.
Our days
Today, the entrance to the Guard Cave in Krasnoyarsk was equipped with a gate and an iron door. And excursions are allowed only in the presence of a guide with the permission of the environmental society.
In the underground "museum" conducted a minimum engineering support route. Its length is now just over 350 meters.
A tension bridge and railings were equipped for guests, fences were installed in vulnerable places and near expositions. The paths were also aligned, on steep slopes they organized steps, widened narrow manholes and conducted twilight lighting according to a temporary pattern.
How to get to Karaulnaya Cave (Krasnoyarsk)
As you know, it is located almost five kilometers from the village of Udachny. It can be reached by bus number 12 (he goes from the city). Further, for the seasoned, a walk along the most beautiful bank of the Yenisei, past centuries-old "ship" pines and magnificent cedars is offered.
In the warm season, it is possible to get to the village of Izvestkovyy on the boat, and then, all the same, on foot, climb to the destination of the trip. If the question is: “How to get to the Karaulnaya cave (Krasnoyarsk) by car?”, The answer is simple. Follow the signs to the path leading to the underground “museum.” Near it we leave the car, overcome the last 500 meters on foot and find ourselves at the treasured doors.
For tourist groups a shuttle bus is available.
Opening hours
The complex is open on weekends from eleven in the morning until five in the evening. Groups of single-arriving tourists are organized on site. But judging by the reviews on the network, it is better to inform in advance about the time of the visit in order to avoid a long wait for your turn and other overlays.
On weekdays, only group hikes are served upon prior request.
What to bring
The most important thing is drinking water. She is simply not here. In addition, it would be nice to prepare a light snack, for example, sandwiches and tea. On request, the complex can organize a hot lunch directly "from the fire."
From the equipment you need gloves, a flashlight, rubber boots and warm clothes (in the walls of the cave only + 4 ). To this you need to add replaceable shoes if you plan an overnight stay.
Tourists note
How to get to the Karaulnaya cave (Krasnoyarsk) is already clear. We add only that for the convenience of guests at the site in front of the entrance are organized covered gazebos, camp toilets. From it, by the way, offers stunning views of the Yenisei.
It is possible to rent a warm lodging for the night, a gazebo and barbecue or barbecue facilities.
In front of the cave in a purpose-built building, a lounge is open. There are also kiosks with souvenirs. On the veranda, those who wish can change clothes and leave their personal belongings in storage. At the rental point, you can rent flashlights, sleeping bags and other equipment for a memorable vacation.