Baymaksky District: Discover Nature and Culture

Lake Talkas lies at the western foot of the Irenyk Range, 548.5 m above sea level. Gadelsha consists of three cascades; the two upper ones are each 7 m high. Museums can be found in Temyasovo, 1-Turkmenovo, Urgaza, and Bakhtigareyevo (Mansurovo).

Lake Talkas covers 395.4 ha, is 4 km long, and averages 1–1.3 km in width. Its average depth is 4.5 m, with a maximum depth of 12 m. It lies at the western foot of the Irenyk Range and is considered the highest-altitude lake in Bashkortostan.

The lake is of tectonic origin; its muddy bottom is covered with sapropel. It has a temporary outflow into the Shugur, a tributary of the Tanalyk. In 2021, it was designated a hydrological natural monument; it is also located in Irenyk Nature Park. Its location, dimensions, and water regime offer different clues for understanding this body of water.

Gadelsha lies on the eastern slope of the Irenyk Range, near the high, rocky peak of Yamantash. The waterfall consists of three cascades, with the two upper ones each 7 m high. The surrounding area is also botanically diverse: more than 270 plant species grow there, including relic and endemic species.

The seasonal difference is important when considering the timing of a visit. In early spring, the river carries more water, and the waterfall is at its most magnificent. During summer drought, Gadelsha becomes a small, quiet stream. These descriptions represent markedly different water levels; a general statement about a single ideal time to visit would not capture this change.

The Gata Suleymanov Museum in 1-Turkmenovo was founded in 1992 in the musician’s home village. Its collection comprises more than 700 items: personal belongings, awards, and photographic and documentary materials about the life and work of the kurai player. Gata Suleymanov bequeathed his personal belongings and musical instruments during his lifetime. The collection thus focuses on both his music and his biography.

A different focus awaits you at the Museum of Virgin Lands in Urgaza. Since 2006, it has been a branch of the Baymak Historical and Local Lore Museum and has focused on the development of virgin lands. In Temyasovo, a two-story former government and parliament building of Bashkortostan is now a museum. The house of Muzhavir-Khazrat in Bakhtigareyevo (Mansurovo) is an architectural monument from the early 20th century and now houses a museum with personal belongings, sacred books, and household items. The museum themes therefore range from musical history and the development of virgin lands to buildings and personal collections.

The Turkmenovo rock carving is an archaeological monument on a rocky outcrop of Mount Tugazhman. The outcrop lies 3 km west of 1-Turkmenovo and faces the Tuyalyas River. The monument can therefore be identified by the named rock, its distance from the settlement, and its orientation toward the river.

Discover more destinations: Nurimanovsky District, Chishminsky District, Blagovarsky District, Karaidelsky District, Kuyurgazinsky District, Aurgazinsky District, Kumertau City, Ufimsky District.

When does Gadelsha carry more water?

In early spring, the river carries more water and Gadelsha is at its most magnificent. During summer drought, the waterfall becomes a small, quiet stream.

How do the museums in 1-Turkmenovo and Urgaza differ?

The Gata Suleymanov Museum focuses on the life and work of the kurai player. The Museum of Virgin Lands in Urgaza covers the development of virgin lands.

Where is the rocky outcrop with the Turkmenovo rock carving?

It is on Mount Tugazhman, 3 km west of 1-Turkmenovo, and faces the Tuyalyas River.

For the broader travel overview: Republic of Bashkortostan.