There is something surprisingly attractive in the dark vaults of underground caves. It is very difficult to pass by and not explore the unknown grotto. Even more exciting can be a visit to an underwater cave. Gloomy vaults, stalactites, curving tunnels in which you can get lost - this is a real challenge for every traveler. If you happened to visit Perm, then the Ordinskaya cave can be an ideal place for extreme recreation. Today we will talk about her in more detail, because she really deserves attention.
Where is located
This is one of the grottoes located in the chain of the Ural Mountains. Moreover, despite the abundance of such objects on the territory of the Russian Federation, it is the Ordinskaya Cave that attracts the most attention of tourists. Perm Krai (Russia) is the southernmost part of the Urals. It is a favorite place for speleologists from all over the world, because it has about 700 caves of various lengths. However, none of them can overshadow this wonder of the world. In 1992, its study began: the first expedition explored more than a kilometer of underwater passagesand one longest flooded tunnel. It was from the end of the 20th century that the Orda cave began to interest scientists and travelers, and its map began to grow rapidly and be replenished with new parts.
A Brief History
With the beginning of the 21st century, a full-scale study of this huge system of intricate tunnels flooded with water began. Of course, they were studied by specialists, but soon it attracted the attention of amateurs, brave people, experts in extreme diving. And gradually the Ordinskaya Cave (Perm Territory) turned into one of the most interesting objects for tourists.
Even at the beginning of the 19th century, deposits of gypsum were found here. It was first mined for construction purposes, then for artistic processing. It was thanks to this industrial activity that the Orda Cave was discovered. It is located in the bowels of Kazakovskaya Gora. On its surface there are large karst funnels, one of which is the entrance to the cave.
In 1997, the first 300 meters of its grottoes were mapped. The cave amazed not only with its size, but also with its beauty. Deep and clear lakes, high gypsum vaults, snow and ice decoration of silent halls - all this is beyond our imagination.
The second All-Russian expedition was held a year later, this time 1980 meters of underground flooded passages were covered. In 2001, the Ordinskaya cave turned into a diving base. Cave divers are trained here, underwater research and video filming are carried out. Today, about 4,000 meters of underground passages have already been studied.
Journey into the unknown
Can any tourist visit the underground tunnels of this cave and soak up its unimaginable romance? No, this is not possible without preparation. Just like an amateur parachute jump cannot be done without training, as it can cost you your life. Ordinskaya underwater cave will not forgive mistakes. A diver in such difficult conditions (complete darkness, danger of cloudy water, collapse of plaster walls, a banal attack of claustrophobia and panic), like a sniper, has only two options: do everything right and survive or stay in the tunnel forever. Only a person who has been trained according to a special technique and knows the equipment perfectly can dive into this complex cave. It is obligatory to dive in pairs, and the entire life support system is duplicated. Behind the back are two cylinders and two regulators.
Transport accessibility
Almost all divers are attracted by the Orda Cave. Photos of its snow-white vaults can make you forget about everything in the world, although they will not replace the dive itself. It has its own world, a person seems to fall into space, cold, unknown and so attractive. The nearest settlements are Perm and Kungur. In the immediate vicinity of the cave is the village of Orda. From this settlement to Perm can be reached by any convenient transport. And from the city to the village will deliver a fixed-route taxi, which are available in large numbers here.
Tourist Accommodation
In fact, the choice is quite large. Very often, tourists consider different options. In the city of Kungur, in contrast to Perm, there are many hotels that differ in a very modest cost. The comfortable hotel "Stalagmit" is very popular among the guests of the city, there are also a number of other suitable complexes here. If you want to choose the least expensive option, you can opt for private mini-hotels or just rent an apartment. They are offered a lot in the village of Orda. By the way, from here to the cave is much closer. And if you do not intend to spend a lot of time at the diving base, then it would be most convenient to choose accommodation in a cottage village, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the cave.
Diving
Not everyone will find Ordinskaya Cave affectionate and friendly. The knowledge of the underwater world should really capture you so that it becomes possible to overcome yourself and descend into its labyrinths. The water temperature here is not higher than +6 degrees, and can reach +4. Visibility is 100 meters at best. It is equipped with a convenient descent to the water with metal stairs and railings. This will help you descend and ascend in a diving suit. A wide area with special benches, as well as good lighting, make preparing for a dive comfortable and enjoyable. It should be noted that only separate galleries are intended for tourists, where running ends are laid, that is, you will move in one direction along the stretched rope.
A little more about the underwater route
What does the Orda underwater cave look like to travelers? Photos taken by researchers and scientists do not convey even a hundredth of the magnificence that is available to those who dare to go here on their own. You will be guaranteed a slight shock from the icy water, as well as the unearthly beauty of huge underground galleries filled with clear water. Of the 4,500 meters of underground grottoes known today, about 4,200 are underwater. Depth is approximately 43 meters. The main galleries are the Chelyabinsk, Krasnoyarsk, Moscow and Sverdlovsk passages. Each hall has its own name and attraction - like a slab of the original form.
Reviews of tourists
Surely you will be interested in what the one who descends into the snow-white grottoes of this cave for the first time experiences. Do not risk doing this without an instructor, because it is very easy to get lost in the underwater tunnels. In fact, there are two options: you will immediately want to leave her and never return, or fall in love with her for life. But the feeling, judging by the reviews, is fantastic. As if in a dream, you float in weightlessness in huge halls filled with clear water. In itself, immersion in icy waters is not a test for the weak. The water temperature is close to zero, which is very noticeable even in a good wetsuit. However, the impression is worth it to overpower yourself and continue the dive.
The cave is very interesting. Every dive is completelysimilar to the previous one. It is impossible to cover the entire cave, hall or passage with your eyes: the flashlight illuminates only part of the picture for you, so over and over again you rediscover this world, find new corners and unknown places. Divers call this cave the White Bride because of the snow-white color of its plaster vaults. These rocks were formed about 200 million years ago, and the sense of time here completely dissolves.
Difficulties and dangers
This is not a walk for amateurs, but a very responsible event that must be approached with all seriousness. This is an elite sport for the elite, because in local conditions there is a great difficulty in diving. Of course, there is equipment for rent here, before you get it, you need to undergo training and get a certificate.
Tourists who have already been here say there are plenty of opportunities for panic. I tried to surface earlier than the appointed place - you hit your head against a stone, you instantly lose your orientation in space, you start to breathe more often. As a result, air is consumed very quickly. And if the lantern suddenly went haywire, then in the ensuing darkness you immediately lose the understanding of where the top is, and where the bottom is. That is, the diver must be prepared for any situation. However, until now, all divers descending under the arches of this cave have returned back.
