Discover Abzelilovsky District: Peaks, Lake and Mogak

• At 987 m, Kuzguntash is the highest point of the Irendyk Mountains.
• Tagantash, one of the main peaks in the northern part of the mountains, stands at 961.3 m; its cliffs are about 30 m high.
• Lake Muldakkul covers 620 ha and has been a hydrological natural monument since 1965.
• The Mogak Waterfall cascade is about 20 m high.

The Kryktyau Mountains stretch across Abzelilovsky and Beloretsky Districts in Bashkortostan. They consist of volcanogenic rocks, including porphyrites, tuffs and tuff breccias. The term “volcanogenic” classifies these rocks as associated with volcanic activity. The mountains also offer opportunities for hiking and exploring.

Two peaks on the Irendyk can be distinguished by their height and shape. Kuzguntash reaches 987 m and is the highest point in the mountains. Its pointed, rocky summit bears weathering features and offers views across the Trans-Ural plains. At 961.3 m, Tagantash is about 25.7 m lower and is one of the main peaks in the northern part of the Irendyk. Cliffs about 30 m high crown its summit. These figures therefore convey not only the peaks’ heights but also an impression of their different forms.

Lake Muldakkul is the saltiest lake in Bashkortostan. Its water tastes bitter and salty and is chemically classified as chloride-magnesium type. Locals call the lake “Tozlokul,” meaning “salt lake.” It covers 620 ha and has been designated a hydrological natural monument since 1965. Its taste, chemical classification and local name each describe a different aspect of the lake.

Yakty-Kul is also in the area around the destination. The lake is surrounded by the Yamankaya Mountains and lies near the village of Askarovo in Abzelilovsky District, as well as near Magnitogorsk. Covering 7.7 km², it is 1.5 km² larger than Lake Muldakkul, which covers 620 ha, or 6.2 km². Yakty-Kul has a water volume of 81.7 million m³. Its maximum depth is 28 m, its average depth is 10.6 m, and its average width is 1,880 m. The two lakes can thus be compared by area without conflating their different geographical settings.

Mogak Waterfall lies in the southeast of the Republic of Bashkortostan, on the river of the same name in Abzelilovsky District. Its cascade is about 20 m high. In winter, the waterfall does not freeze over completely, even in severe frost, creating unusual ice formations. Its winter appearance therefore differs markedly from that of a completely frozen cascade.

The Kryktyau Mountains offer opportunities for hiking and exploring. Another activity centers on the rock Chyortov Palets, also known as Ebey-tashy. The 41 m-high rock lies in a mountain gorge near the Bannoye resort in Abzelilovsky District and is suitable for climbing and training. The peaks, mountains and rock thus appeal to different interests in nature: hiking and exploring on the one hand, and climbing and training on the other.

Places to visit in the district include Kusimovo, Kusimovskiy Rudnik and Tashbulatovo. You can include these places alongside the natural attractions as you plan your visit.

Discover more destinations: Kushnarenkovsky District, Beloretsky District, Alsheyevsky District, Chishminsky District and Gafuriysky District.

What is the highest point of the Irendyk?

At 987 m, Kuzguntash is the highest point of the Irendyk Mountains. Tagantash is a main peak in the northern part of the mountains and stands at 961.3 m.

What is the difference between Muldakkul and Yakty-Kul?

Muldakkul is the saltiest lake in Bashkortostan and covers 620 ha. Yakty-Kul is in the area around the destination, covers 7.7 km² and is surrounded by the Yamankaya Mountains.

What activities are mentioned in the district?

The Kryktyau Mountains offer opportunities for hiking and exploring. The rock Chyortov Palets is suitable for climbing and training.

For the broader travel overview: Republic of Bashkortostan.