Pokrovskiye Chalk Mountains (Orenburg)

The Pokrovskiye Chalk Mountains are a landscape nature monument in Akbulaksky District, Orenburg Oblast, Russia: snow-white hills of pure writing chalk rising above the steppe and creating an almost otherworldly landscape. They are one of the largest exposures of chalk rock in Orenburg Oblast. The chalk formed on the floor of an ancient sea during the Maastrichtian age of the Cretaceous period, about 70 million years ago. The mountains lie near the settlement of Melovoy Zavod, 30 km south-west of Akbulak. Admission is free.

Description

The chalk mountains are a group of low hills with smooth, even outlines, made up entirely of white chalk. In the exposed sections, well-preserved ancient marine fauna can be seen — fossilised shells, sea urchins and belemnites. Visitors can walk freely over the hilltops and even drive up in a car, though they should be ready for clouds of fine white dust.

The white chalk stands in striking contrast against the green steppe grass. The mountains are especially impressive at sunset, when the white slopes take on pink-golden tones. In winter the chalk hills are almost indistinguishable from the snow-covered steppe.

Botany

The Pokrovskiye Mountains are not only a geological but also a botanical phenomenon. Rare steppe calciphiles — plants that favour calcareous soils — grow on the chalky ground: chalk anabasis, chalk sea lavender, Crimean milkvetch, fragrant stock and others. Some species are listed in the Red Book of Orenburg Oblast. Such a combination of geology and flora is extremely rare in the steppe zone.

Melovoy Zavod

Next to the mountains lies the settlement of the same name, Melovoy Zavod (known until 1968 as the settlement at the Pokrovsky chalk plant). Chalk for construction needs used to be quarried here. The quarry survives and is part of the landscape. A correctional facility is also located nearby.

Getting There

From Orenburg it is about 170 km south. The route: Orenburg to Akbulak (130 km by highway), then turn south-west toward the settlement of Melovoy Zavod (another 30 km or so). The final stretch is an unpaved road. From Sol-Iletsk it is about 100 km. The chalk mountains are visible from afar as white patches against the steppe.