6 UNIQUE NATURE EXPERIENCES TO ENJOY IN UKRAINE

2018-12-03 13:54:51

Do you think that Ukraine is an ordinary East European country, and there isn't opportunity to find something unique here? Obviously you are mistaken. There are so many tempting places to see in Ukraine and activities to do, that every tourist can interest himself for years. But the most valuable for tourists feature of this country is its admirable nature. So I'll tell you just about truly special and extreme natural experiences you shouldn't miss here.

1 Caving in Podilla region

Photo by Oleg Grygoryev

Nowhere else in the world you can find so many unique gypsum caves on such a small territory, as in Ukrainian Podilla, especially in Ternopil region. The most astonishing is the fact, that these caves have been preserved in their native and untouched condition, and only rare tourists descend into some of them. But if you want to, you can become a part of a team, that explores these dungeons. You are bound for an awesome adventure during which you will discover fascinating lakes and gorgeous galleries. You'll have a chance to listen to absolute silence of this little-known part of the world.

 

2 Cycling ALONG ARABAT SPIT

Photo by d0gart

On Arabat Spit you can feel yourself like in a desert and like on a gorgeous ocean beach at the same time. This thin strip of sand connects mainland with the eastern part of Crimean peninsula. There isn't a proper road to drive on Arabat Spit, and it is too long for walking. So – bicycle is a perfect vehicle here. While taking a cycling trip in this area you can dive into the waters of the Azov Sea, then fish at the same place, and cook your catch for a dinner. A few of the families, who live on Arabat Spit, always will be kind to you, and will tell a lot of mysterious stories about this beautiful but difficult for living place.

 

3 Hiking in Gorgany mountain ranges

Even though Gorgany ranges of Carpathian mountains are situated not far from main roads, you can feel yourself like a real pioneer and discoverer here. Among all the places to see in Ukraine, it definitely comes to the top as one of the wildest ones.

Gorgany mountain range is one of the least traveled in Carpathians, Ukraine. During a weekend hiking trip there, you can pass by an abandoned military station. But you also have a high chance of facing a wild animal: from cute and colorful salamanders to predatory and dangerous wolves or even bears. Be careful on Gorgany path! It is easy to lose your way here, so, if you are going hiking here for the first time, it would be better for you to join guided Carpathian tours.

 

4Visit Mizhrichysky Nature Park

Photo by Andriy Sagaydak

Great fishing on the largest Ukrainian rivers, hiking in virgin pine forests and visiting huge military tanks range (a big super secret in the past!) – all this you can find just 100 km away from the capital of Ukraine: in the Mizhrichysky Nature Park. This park is the biggest in Ukraine. It is situated between the rivers of Desna and Dnipro in Chernigov region. Most of the Park's territory during Soviet times was closed to visits for common people, because of the tanks' range, where USSR army had its military training.

Now anyone is allowed to explore huge military command bunkers and deep craters in the ground made by explosions from military bombs. But the main attraction of the area is its pristine nature. Some of the villages here are home to Ukraine's oldest oak trees. And wild forests in the Park host a long list of endangered animal and plant species: if you are lucky, you can even spot a lynx among the tree branches!

 

5 See bisons and wild horses in Askania Nova

Photo by 2bpatchett

Have you ever read the “The Lost world” Conan Doyle? Have you ever dreamed about visiting a virgin place, where animal from the past still roam around?  So, Askania Nova Steppes Reserve is among the perfect places to see in Ukraine for you. This oldest in the world steppe reserve covers the area five time larger than San Marino republic. It is home to 500 kinds of plans and 3000 animal species.

You’ll be astonished visiting this place! While taking up a walking tour, or riding a horse carriage on the Reserve's conservation territory you can feel yourself like in the Africa plain or in North America prairie – stuck between the herds of bison and Przhewalski horses.  Ultimate sneak peak into what Ukraine of cossacks used to be!

 

6 Pass through  the “Golden gate” of Crimea

Photo by Katia @Flickr

“Golden gate”, “The top with the caves”, “Infidel’s garden” – sounds intriguing, doesn't it? How about “The world of the butterflies” or “The dead devil’s volcano”? Enticing enough? I think you are ready to visit one of the southernmost points in Ukraine – Karadag mountain range. This area is an old dormant volcano, turned into a gorgeous nature park, and one of the most mystical places to see in Crimea. Oh, the many young girls and boys who found their death beneath the sharp cliffs of Karadag, after love-story full of sadness! Oh, the lucky couples, who found their life's fortune, passing through magical “Golden gate”!... Oops, am I being over dramatic again?

Sigh.. Well, just visit Karadag Nature Reserve without thinking about all this stuff and simply enjoy the glittering waves of Black Sea at the sunset. In any case I'm ready to bet my house on it, that you’ll consider these places like a miracle.

Did we manage to inspire you to visit Ukraine? If we did, and you decided to urgently look for an amazing tour and explore all these beautiful places to see in Ukraine, drop us a line. We'll be thrilled to host you over here!

These suggestions are just a tip of an iceberg, of course. Have you been to Ukraine already? Which places would you add to the list?  We'd love to hear your stories in the comments below.

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