Yamashlinskoye Reservoir

The Yamashlinskoye Reservoir is a reservoir in the Republic of Bashkortostan, Russia, near the village of Kugarchi. It is about 1,250 metres long and about 300 metres wide. The Orenburg–Ufa highway runs along its edge, which makes stopping near it not very convenient because of how close the road is.

Camping

On the right bank of the reservoir it is possible to spend the night. There are no equipped campsites, but flat ground and trees make it easy to pitch a tent. Nearby there are mountains, a forest with anthills and a small stream with clean water.

Although staying on the shore of the reservoir has become fairly expensive, the place is still popular with tourists, especially on weekends. Many people come here not only to swim and relax but also to hike in the forest or climb the mountains. The view from a mountain about 120 metres high over the surrounding area is stunning. A herd of horses is often seen on the right bank, coming there even at night and entertaining the tourists.

Yamashla Tourist Base

To reach the other side of the reservoir you have to drive through the Yamashla tourist base. After paying the entrance fee, visitors can use various services at the recreation centre, such as fishing, boat and catamaran rental, and rooms for the night. Prices change from time to time, but the base generally offers a range of options for an active and comfortable stay outdoors.

Location

The Yamashlinskoye Reservoir lies in the Republic of Bashkortostan on the Yamashla River, a tributary of the Bolshaya Suren River. A road to Zilair runs along the right bank, and the reservoir is visible from passing cars. The surroundings are scenic, with picturesque hills nearby; climbing to the top rewards you with good views.

Size and Features

The reservoir is small: about 1,200 metres long and roughly 300 metres wide. Its upper reaches are swampy, and the water is clean. The Yamashla recreation centre operates near the dam. Staying on the left bank is paid for, and the fee for entry and pitching a tent is fairly high, yet the place still draws many visitors on weekends. Those who prefer more comfort can stay at the tourist base itself.

Services and Entertainment

The recreation centre is open all year round and offers something for everyone: a sauna, a bathhouse, fishing, and rides on boats, jet skis, banana boats and catamarans in summer, or on horses, snowmobiles, skis and skates in winter. There is a café. The recreation centre's phone number is (34785) 2-45-66.

Nearest Settlement

The nearest settlement is the village of Kugarchi in the Zianchurinsky District of Bashkortostan, 1 km west of the pond's dam. It was founded in the early 19th century (according to other sources, in the second half of the 18th century) and was once known as Salikhovo (also Kugarchino or Akkunduz). Its residents were engaged in livestock farming and agriculture; the modern name appeared in the 1930s. Tatars and Bashkirs live there today.

How to Get There

From Ufa: take the road toward Orenburg, then after Meleuz turn toward Mrakovo, continue to Isyangulovo and on toward Zilair. The reservoir appears after the village of Kugarchi.

From Orenburg: follow the route airport – Saraktash – Isyangulovo – Kugarchi – the reservoir.

From Yekaterinburg or Chelyabinsk: drive the route Chelyabinsk – Plast – Magnitogorsk – Sibay – Baymak – Zilair – the reservoir, which will be visible on the left side of the road.

Natural Attractions

Among the natural attractions of the Republic of Bashkortostan, the Yamashlinskoye Reservoir in the Kugarchinsky District is quite popular. Forest and mountains surround it, the water is clean, and both tourists and anglers like the place; mushrooms are plentiful in the surrounding woods in season.

Overnight stays without a tent-site are usually recommended on the right bank, although no camping sites are set up there; still, plenty of flat ground can be turned into a camp. Those who want more comfort can stay at the Yamashla tourist base, where entry is paid. It has a dam stocked with fish for paid fishing, a café, a bathhouse and rooms to stay in, and catamarans, jet skis and bicycles can be rented. Prices change constantly, so it is best to check them on the spot.