Shulgan-Tash Cave, as the locals call it, is located in the valley of the Belaya River. A research station has been set up here, a museum has been opened, and a speleological laboratory is planned to open. Those who wish to take a look at this miracle on their own will benefit from visiting special tours.
Kapova Cave is a huge three-tier gallery of underground halls created in karst rock by the bed of the Shulgan River. Mount Sarykuskan hides an amazingly beautiful entrance. The dimensions of what you see are amazing: the height of the arch is 22, and the width is 40 meters. To the left of the giant gate is a lake that serves as the source of the Shulgan River. The depth of the lake is 35 m, and its diameter is only 3 meters. This is where you can meet speleologist divers. Lake water is rich in minerals and therefore not suitable for drinking, but due to its composition it is extremely useful for wellness baths.
In Shulgan-Tash, a river flows on the lower floor, huge halls are located on the middle level,a transparent lake, having as much as four hundred meters in diameter, and the upper floor, which is located at an altitude of about 40 m above the level of the Belaya River. In total, scientists count 2250 m of underground passages, 9 halls and a large number of grottoes. It will be most interesting to see the Hall of Signs, the Hall of Chaos, the Diamond and the Dome Halls. Stalactites and stalagmites were found in the cave, many of which were taken apart by vandal tourists for souvenirs. This hooliganism stopped only after the place was given the status of a reserve.
Kapova cave in Bashkiria is of historical interest. Wall images of mammoths, horses, rhinoceros and bison, dated to the Paleolithic period, were found here. In addition, drawings of geometric figures, huts, stairs and oblique lines were found, most of them are made in ocher, some in charcoal. The age of the cave is millions of years old, and the first settlers appeared here 18 thousand years ago. Finds of tools made of limestone and calcite, fragments of primitive hunting tools made of flint and jasper in the Hall of Signs allow us to draw conclusions about the site of ancient people. In difficult periods associated with bad weather, they drove cattle to the lower tier, they themselves were located on the second. The presence of primitive people in these places is evidenced not only by the drawings on the rocks, but also by the finds of archaeologists. Among them are tools and weapons.
Such an ancient dwelling surrounded by legends. Kapova Cave gave rise to many legends and myths. The Bashkir epic describes the people living here as the guardians of gold, a kind tribe with watermills and making weapons. Other legends mention the demon Shulgen, who went under water after losing a fight with a hero.
Kapova cave is very popular among tourists. Many sightseers visit bizarre grottoes, admiring ancient drawings. The guidebook for Bashkiria shows the Kapova cave, how to get to it and what sights you can see. In addition to the cave itself, on the territory of the Shulgan-Tash reserve, a museum of nature and a museum "Bee Forest" are open for visitors. Everyone can visit a phytobar, an observation deck, children's playgrounds. There are also specially equipped places for swimming.
