Surgut District is the largest in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug. It stretches for almost 106 thousand square kilometers. The municipality consists of four urban and nine rural settlements.

Over 100 oil fields have been discovered and put into operation in the Surgut region throughout its history. But this is not the only developed area in the area. Modern life here perfectly echoes the traditional one. Indeed, more than 500 families still live in camps in the Surgut region.

You will definitely see all of the above for yourself by taking a short but fascinating trip around the neighborhood.

We suggest starting with the urban-type settlement of Barsovo, which is located just 17 kilometers from Surgut.

Barsova Gora tract

This is a unique natural and archaeological park, where pristine nature is adjacent to archaeological and ethnographic monuments reflecting key historical milestones from the Mesolithic to the Late Middle Ages. In our country, as well as in the world, such objects are very rare. Just imagine, on an area of 8.5 square kilometers, among the picturesque nature with snow-white pastures of yagel, there are about 400 archaeological sites. Impressive, isn't it?

The oldest of them date back to the 5th millennium BC. However, scientists do not rule out that people lived here in more ancient times. Monuments of the Bronze Age, the Iron Age, the Middle Ages, and even the active sanctuary of the Khanty house of Luk-Evet-Iki – that's what you can see on the "Leopard Mountain". By the way, more than 100 scientific articles and monographs have been written about this place both in our country and abroad.

Well, we are going further, to the village of Ruskinskaya. There are two interesting places with a real national flavor.

A.P. Museum of Nature and Man Yadroshnikova

This museum is a real attraction of the Surgut district. It all started with Alexander Pavlovich's personal collection and has grown into a whole fund, which now holds more than 6 thousand exhibits. The museum's ethnographic collection is based on household items of the Trom-Agan local group of the eastern Khanty.

Handicrafts and handicrafts, clothing, birch bark utensils, vehicles, toys, jewelry made of fur and leather are only a small part of what can be seen in the museum. And the open-air complex allows you to fully immerse yourself in the life of Khanty: to see traditional dwellings, warehouses for storing food and clothing, an adobe oven, a deer pen.

The enthusiast also collected a zoological collection of the Surgut Ob region. It includes representatives of fur-bearing animals, fish, predators, deer, moose, wild game and migratory birds.

Among other things, it is in this museum that you can find documentary sources and photographic materials on the history of the Surgut district, as well as the village of Ruskinskaya itself. Rich in exhibits and history, it is definitely worth a visit to anyone who wants to learn more about Ugra in all its diversity.

By the way, the museum is quite popular among tourists. According to official data, it is visited annually by more than 12,000 people from different parts of Russia and the world.

Ethnic group of Russians

Once here, you will visit a real Khanty family and see the authentic life of the representatives of this people. The Ruskin family is one of 500 families that still live on their ancestral lands, among the forests. The most interesting thing is that they still strictly observe national traditions, as well as the way of life.

And the Ruskin family are professional reindeer herders. The camp contains 30 animals. Therefore, here you can visit the corral, see how the indigenous peoples take care of the deer, feed and pet them. Among other things, there is an opportunity to ride a reindeer sled.

In summer, it will be interesting to take a short trip to the Trom-Agan River, where you can also go fishing, and then go to pick berries and mushrooms. In autumn, cones.

While men are fishing or in the woods, women and children can participate in national workshops to make a charm doll or a birch bark craft, and play traditional games. 

In winter, a snowmobile ride is added to the main entertainment. This fact will especially please fans of extreme sports. 

The ethnographic camp is located near the village of Ruskinskaya, 200 kilometers from Surgut.

Yugansky State Nature Reserve

This is another picturesque place that any tourist should visit. After all, this is a rare area with a rich flora and fauna that has not been touched by human activity. It is located 300 kilometers from Surgut. 

The journey starts from Ugut settlement. You can only enter the territory of the reserve itself if accompanied by staff, and transportation will depend on the time of year you choose. But what you will see will amaze you. 

Almost 2/3 of the reserve is covered with forests, the rest is swamps and swampy forests with a large number of lakes. Birch, aspen, Siberian spruce and fir, pine and cedar – there are no trees here. 

There are almost 276 species of birds in the reserve and even red-listed ones are registered: white-tailed eagle, golden eagle, black stork. There are also 40 species of mammals: reindeer, moose, bear, fox, wolf, squirrel, hare, arctic fox, lynx, wild boar, wolverine, weasel and many others.

A unique place untouched by civilization. It was created relatively recently – in 1982. The goal is to preserve and protect West Siberian flora and fauna.

"Is there more modern entertainment in Surgut district?"

Absolutely! For example, the Riding Federation for Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug-Yugra, which is represented by the Ugra Husky Center. In this place you can get acquainted with everyone's favorites – huskies. The most Siberian dog breed.

Individually, the staff of the husky center will form a real team in which you will go on a mini-trip. Moreover, both an adult and a child can manage dogs.

It's up to you to spend one or several days in Surgut district. We only know that we have told you about only a small part of the interesting places that can be visited here. Be sure to come back to explore other parts of the municipality. Traveling in Ugra is incredibly interesting!