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Protected Areas > Shorsky National Park > Shorsky National Park (cont.)
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Wildlife
The Shoriya Mountains are an integral part of the Salairo-Kuznetsk m ountain system. The major part of the national park is basically a blanket of southern taiga forest, interrupted only by rivers and rock outcrops. The dominant species are Siberian Pine (Pinus sibirica), Siberian Fir (Abies sibirica), Scot’s Pine (Pinus sylvestris), Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) and Eurasian Aspen (Populus tremula). The undergrowth is composed by a number of native shrubs such as Bird Cherry (Prunus padus) and Siberian Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia subsp. sibirica). The taiga’s beauty becomes highlighted in autumn, when the forest turns into a great display of colours and hues. The abundant flowering plants attract colourful butterflies. Many medicinal plants are used in traditional healing. The forests are home to majestic moose, shy roe deer, brown bear, sable, polecat and many other interesting taiga dwellers.
Things to do
There are several guided tours and hiking routes on offer by the park’s administration starting in the town of Tashtagol (near the eastern border of the national park). Very popular are rafting and boat expeditions at the river Mrassu and speleological excursions in the caves. On the picturesque bank of the Ust-Anzas River, an open-air museum ‘Tazgol’ has been established to show the main economic activities of local people. On its 5 hectares the visitors can learn about the gold mining history and see reconstructed gold extraction facilities, wash-out ditches and trenches as well as a fascinating photographic exhibition in the typical house of gold prospectors. Not less interesting are a former missionary station of the Russian Orthodox Church, a small factory for the processing of pine nuts and a restored house of Ivanovs on the Kaichak Hill showing the history of wood cutting and traditional artistic carpentry.
Information for visitors
There are entry charges for visitors to the national park payable to the Shorsky National Park Authority. After the payment, each visitor receives a map and an illustrated information booklet about the park. Accommodation is available either in the town of Tashtagol (several hotels and hostels) or in six eco-lodges built within the park’s territory. See also the Instructions and rules section to find out more about permitted activities in the national park. More detailed information can be obtained at the park’s official website: shorpark.ineca.ru or by contacting the Shorsky National Park Authority.
Shorsky National Park Authority
652990 Tashtagol, Sadovaya (street) 8, Kemerovo region
Tel: 7 38473 33338, 7 38473 33339 or 7 3847321603 (also fax)
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