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Maly Abakan Unit (97,829 ha)
This unit of the Khakassky Zapovednik, once a separate zapovednik created in 1993, is located in the far southern part of Khakassia protecting the upper part of Maly (Small) Abakan River basin on the northern side of the West Sayan Mountains. At higher elevations, the area has alpine character. The valleys are covered by lush taiga forests of Siberian Pine (Pinus sibirica), Siberian Fir(Abies sibirica) and Downy Birch (Betula pubescens). Owing to the overlap of three geobotanical regions, the unit has a rich flora with many species recorded in the Red Book of Russia. The extensive tracts of forest are suitable habitat for kabarga, also known as  Siberian musk deer (Moshus moschiferus), Siberian roe deer (Capreolus pygargus) and maral deer (Cervus elaphus). Siberian Mountain Goats (Capra sibirica), sometimes also called Siberian ibex and mountain sheep Argali (Ovis ammon ammon) which frequently come to the area. The Siberian chipmunk (called burunduk in Russian), weasels, sables, and polecats are very common here, as the Brown Bear (Ursus arctos) and Grey Wolf (Canis lupus). From 139 bird species, 18 species are recorded in the Red Book of Russia and 7 species are considered endangered globally. The rivers serve as a spawning ground for the highly valued taimen (Hucho taimen) and lenok (Brachymystax lenok).
Local people are authorized to use the land around the protected area in traditional ways. They hunt for sable and collect berries and mushrooms which are abundant. Expeditions (on boats) can be organized for eco-tourists who may wish to explore the remote land in and around the reserve. Together with zapovednik’s rangers, they can observe local wildlife and participate in scientific research.The area is a true wilderness; hence each itinerary is basically a field expedition. Accommodation is always in simple log cabins and tents. Meals are cooked on fire.
Zaimka Lykovych Unit (142,441 ha)
This quite large and very remote unit was added to the Khakassky Zapovednik only in May 2001. It lies in the southernmost part of Khakassia - deep in the Sayan Mountains. This little explored part of Khakassia got in the news headlines across the whole Russia in the 1980s when the actual zaimka Lykovych, literally the hamlet of Lykov family, was uncovered to the public by a geological expedition. The settlement dates back to the 1920s when several families of Old Believers (similar to the Amish people of the US and Canada) fled from persecution, making a living in the Siberian wilderness. Agalfa Karpovna Lykova, the only descendent of the Lykov family, still lives there.
Zaimka Lykovych unit of the Kkakassky Zapovednik fits like a piece of puzzle into the much larger Altaisky Zapovednik across the border in the Republic of Altai.  As a matter of fact, this area covering the headwaters of Bolshoi (Great) Abakan River had already had the status of a protected area in 1932 when it was made a part of Altaisky Zapovednik. However in 1951, when 21 of the then 37 Russian Zapovedniks (considered useless by the Soviet leaders at that time) were abolished this land lost its conservation status. When the Altaisky zapovednik was reestablished in the 1970s, the unit in Khakassia was not included. Fortunately, because of the area’s remoteness it remained untouched and could have been reestablished as a nature reserve again.
Scientists have identified a specific microclimate and lower snow cover in the area. So, it is an ideal place for wintering of ungulates. These forested mountains are home to snow leopard, otters, Siberian ibex, sable, maral, kabargas (dear with protruding teeth like a vampire) and many other forest-dwelling species. Expeditions (on boats) can be organized for eco-tourists who may wish to explore the remote lands of the reserve and together with zapovednik’s rangers observe local wildlife and participate in scientific research.
Information for visitors
Khakassky Zapovednik has its own Information and Environmental Education Resource Centre in the city of Abakan. So far, this is used mainly by local people; however the zapovednik’s staff strives to make it as friendly as possible for all visitors. It is the place to start discovering the fascinating natural world of the protected area, to obtain further information (booklets, books, films on a DVD) and to buy souvenirs. So far, the zapovednik has only one information centre in the field near Lake Itkul (limited operation hours). The zapovednik’s administration publishes a monthly newsletter ‘Zapovedano’ and various other information materials regularly. However, most of the texts are published in Russian only. The official website of the zapovednik: www.reserve.khakasnet.ru.
Visitors to any of the 9 units of the zapovednik need to register before entry. The zapovednik’s administration provides detailed information about the zapovednik and can help with the organization of your trip. It also issues entry permits to the core area of the protected reserve, however only to a very limited number of people per year and advance bookings are necessary. There are several excursion itineraries available, which allow visitors to spend some time in the reserve and together with reserve rangers observe local wildlife and participate in scientific research. Such itineraries are true field expeditions. Accommodation is in simple log cabins and tents. The mountain units could be inaccessible in winter or spring due to snowstorms, risks of avalanches and strong frosts. Furthermore, the park is a true wilderness environment, therefore we advise you to read the Visitors safety section on our webpage as well as getting an updated weather forecast before the start of your trip. A serious risk is posed by ticks - common during the spring and early summer. It is advisable to wear appropriate clothing which offers some degree of protection and to check for ticks on your body and clothing after hiking. Tick bites can cause serious illness. See also the Instructions and rules section to find out more about restrictions in the zapovednik.
Khakassky Zapovednik Administration
655017 Abakan, Krylova 47 (street), Russia
Tel.: 7 3902 250783 or tel/fax: 7 3902 258938
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