Barkhan Sarykum
Barkhan Sarykum is a lonely sandy mountain rising on the southern border of the Caspian Plains, near the rocky foothills of the Caucasus. Such dunes are characteristic of desert landscapes or sea coasts. But on the steppe plateau with loess soil such a colossal barchan looks strange: the deserts of Central Asia are hundreds of kilometers to the east from here, and it is reliably protected from desert sands by the Caspian Sea. Where such a colossal amount of sand came from in the Dagestan foothills is a mystery that has given rise to romantic legends. Scientists speculate about how this anomaly arose, and tourists are amazed by the beauty of the Sarykum landscapes.
Video: Sarykum Barkhan
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Barkhan Sarykum in Dagestan is an amazing natural phenomenon. This dune is recognized as the largest in Europe, in height it is equal to a 90-storey skyscraper. It has its own microclimate and a unique ecosystem. The slope of the sandy hill has a handrail-equipped ladder with metal and wooden surface. Stairs are arranged on steep areas. From the top there are picturesque panoramas of the rocky foothills of the Caucasus, a view of the vast steppe valley and the coast of the Caspian Sea.
.There are ancient legends associated with the Sarykum barkhan. According to one of them, under the mountains of sand rests the ashes of the unfaithful wife of a cruel khan. Another legend tells about a giant who sat down in this place to rest and shook the sand out of his shoes. The mysterious Sarykum did not leave indifferent the French writer Alexander Dumas, who visited these lands in the middle of XIX century. The description of the barchan can be found in his collection “Caucasus”. In 1970, the sandy mountain served as a shooting location for the movie “White Sun of the Desert.”
.Geography and climate
The Sarykum barkhan is located on a flat steppe plateau at the foothills of the Kumtorkala Range. The sand dune stretches for 3 kilometers and occupies an area of 1175 hectares. Its height is variable – from 213 to 273 meters. The wind forms several peaks, their shapes are inconstant, but the barchan itself stands still. This is surprising, because similar structures in deserts under the action of the wind usually move.
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Scientists believe that the static Sarykum was formed hundreds of thousands of years ago by a specific wind rose. Above this place, cold air currents from the mountains collide with warm atmospheric masses coming from the Caspian Sea. The expanse of the sea is clearly visible from the crest of the hill in the east, with the southern slopes facing the mountains. At the southern foot of the hill there is the floodplain of the Shuraozen River, which flows out of the gorge of the ridge. On the opposite bank there is another lower hill. Geologists suppose that in ancient times the mountain river divided the barchan, which was blocking the riverbed, into two parts. Within 10 kilometers in the steppe rises several more picturesque dunes, which have a common name – Sarykum dunes.
.Sarykum is located in the maritime climate zone, but the amazing upland has its own microclimate. It is the hottest location in Dagestan. The average annual temperature in the area of the barchan is +14.3 ° C. In summer on its slopes the air warms up to +30 °С, and the sandy surface at noon heats up to +60 °С. In winter frosts on the sandy hill have not been noted for the whole history of observations. Probably, millions of tons of sand accumulate the heat accumulated in summer. Even in mid-January it is about 0° C, although in the nearby valley thermometers sometimes fall to -6° C.
.Flora and fauna of Sarykum
Sarykum and its adjacent territories are included in the lands of the Dagestan State Nature Reserve. In the area of the unique barkhan one can visit different natural habitats in a few minutes. Desert shrubs and stunted grasses grow on the slopes. Relict junipers and pine groves have been preserved. At the foot of the typical desert vegetation is neighboring with lush meadow grass, in some places grow apricot, mulberry, poplar, vinegar tree.
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On the banks of the Shuraozeni River, water-loving willows are densely green, ducks nest in reeds. Three dozen species of local birds are listed in the Red Book, including golden eagles and owls. The steppe stretches further, where the wind rustles waves of wormwood, spreading the tart smell of wormwood. In total, there are up to 350 species of plants in this protected land.
Fauna is represented mainly by small animals, including hedgehogs, hares, weasels. In the bushes live reed cats, badgers, jackals. Closer to the reservoir you can see rare miniature turtles, frogs, earth toads. When traveling along the sands you should be careful, as they are inhabited by poisonous snakes, insects, for example, gyurza, there are also scorpions and tarantulas. Caspian and patterned stripe, cat snake is also better to watch from afar.
.Practical information
Near the foot of the Sarykum barchan, at the stairs leading up the slope, there is a cash kiosk. There is also a souvenir shop and food for sale. You have to pay 50 rubles for the ascent. On the sandy mountain you can, of course, climb free of charge, but if it is discovered, you will have to pay a fine. Monetary penalties are also imposed on tourists who litter, tear down plants or are in a drunken state.
.Climbing on the sand is not allowed, as chaotically trampled paths can lead to landslides. In addition, the sand is very hot in the summer. On a walk you should wear sturdy shoes, take dark glasses – they will protect your eyes from both the sun and sand dust.
.Makhachkala travel agencies offer excursion tours to the Sarykum barkhan. Groups leave from hotels in Makhachkala in minibuses or cars. The cost of the tour is 1500 rubles per person, duration – 4 hours. On the way back the driver takes tourists to hotels.
.On the territory of the Dagestan Reserve are guest houses, a small zoo.
.How to get there
Barkhan Sarykum is located 18 kilometers northwest of Makhachkala. From the capital of Dagestan you can go to the natural attraction by suburban bus. The bus goes from the Northern bus station, located near Tsumadinsky market (Ali-Gadzhi Akushinsky Avenue, 100). Get off in the village of Korkmaskala, from there walk about 2 km to the south-west.
.A cab ride from Makhachkala to Sarykum will cost 500-700 rubles one way.
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