Sarma Gorge

Sarma Gorge

Sarma Gorge is located in the Maloye More (the Small Sea) area near the village of Sarma. Locals also call it the "33 Bends" because of the many curves in its slopes. The Sarma River flows through the gorge and is the largest of all rivers that flow into the Maloye More (the Small Sea). The 42-kilometer Sarma begins at the highest point of the Primorsky Range. The blooming mountain valley surrounded by sheer cliffs is highly scenic. During our Lake Baikal tour, we often visit this mysterious place.

According to legend, Sarma Gorge was carved by a White Deer fleeing hunters. It leaped across the Maloye More (the Small Sea) and raced into the mountains to the west, creating the gorge beneath its hooves.

Sarma Gorge attracts tourists at any time of year. In summer, the banks of the Sarma River are covered with fragrant flowers. In spring, Baikal grayling appear in the river during the spawning season, attracting fishing enthusiasts to the gorge. In winter, when the river freezes, remarkable shapes form on the ice, while the rocky cliffs become covered with icicles and intricate ice formations.

On the left bank of the river, you can see rock art depicting a person and a trident. At the end of the trail, Garnet Mountain comes into view. Lucky travelers may find a small garnet there. The best time to look for this unusual souvenir is when the snow is just beginning to melt or in summer after long downpours.

Sarma Gorge is famous as the place where Baikal's fiercest wind, Sarma, forms. Gusts of Sarma can reach 60 m\/s! The wind can uproot trees, tear roofs from buildings like sheets of paper, and even sink ships. Sarma forms when air currents collide with the Primorsky Range and, after crossing it, pick up incredible speed as they head straight toward Lake Baikal.

Locals are used to nature's sudden changes in mood, but for those unfamiliar with the area, an encounter with fierce Sarma can end in tragedy. This has happened repeatedly throughout the history of Lake Baikal. The most destructive tragedy occurred on the night of October 14–15, 1901. Sarma sank the steamship Yakov, which was towing three other vessels. The wind carried the vessels away, killing all 178 people on board.

The stunning Sarma Gorge draws tourists with its natural beauty. Its narrow local trails, ancient rock art, alpine flowers, mountain rivers, and lakes impress many travelers.