«What Are We Paying For?» Complaints About Conditions in Bashkortostan's Natural Parks

A public activist from Bashkortostan was outraged by the fee for visiting natural parks—or rather, by the conditions provided to tourists for money. According to Roman Nasyrov from Ishimbay, the road in Muradymovskoye Gorge was not cleared, and he had to wade through snowdrifts to get to the observation deck.

The activist said he paid 300 rubles (about $4 at current rates) for park entry, but instead of service, he got a road that was not fully cleared.

«To get into a natural park that nature itself created, I have to pay! At the same time, even basic eco-trails are not made! Not to mention heating points and signal boosters. A logical question arises: why is there a fee for an object created by nature?» said Roman Nasyrov.

He noted that he is not against paying, but only if there is developed infrastructure. In his opinion, if they charge for entry, then the parks must create all conditions for recreation, otherwise no one will go.

The Ishimbay resident noted that this problem also applies to other natural parks: there are no eco-trails there, or they can only be used in summer.

«Imagine the situation: a person read about the park, went there, paid money and couldn»t climb up! You must agree, it leaves a bitter aftertaste,« he said.

The Ministry of Ecology of Bashkortostan (Ministry of Ecology of the Republic of Bashkortostan, MinEC) told the resident of the republic that any trails in natural parks cannot be made just like that. To do this, it is necessary to conclude appropriate contracts with the directorate for specially protected natural areas.

As for Muradymovskoye Gorge, where Roman climbed through snowdrifts, the ministry said that was how it was supposed to be.

«Given the terrain of the natural park, climbing to the observation decks in winter carries a risk of injury, which is why no applications for concluding contracts for the use of such routes in the winter of 2025–2026 have been received. The greatest interest for tourists in winter is visiting the bison enclosure complex, the path to which is cleared and equipped with bridges,» the Ministry of Ecology responded.

The department added that there are gazebos, toilets and trash cans in the park, meaning there is infrastructure.

It is worth recalling that Muradymovskoye Gorge gained particular fame in 2023 when bison were brought there from Belarus. In January 2025, it was noted that the animals had shown population growth. Also, the place is rich in caves: some of them are open to tourists with an escort and special equipment.