The world’s largest known conglomerate cave — ~47 km of passages 4 km from Oreshnoye.
Bolshaya Oreshnaya Cave
Bolshaya Oreshnaya Cave sits in Mansky District on the Eastern Sayan’s east slope, 4 km east of Oreshnoye village in the left bank of the Tayozhny Badzhey valley. Entrance coordinates 55°17′35″N 93°44′09″E. It formed in Cambrian conglomerates of the Narva suite. Regional protected-area records give ~47 km of passages, 247 m amplitude and up to 195 m depth — the largest known conglomerate cave. Visit category 2B; two entrances and a multi-level system. The site is a regional nature monument with a buffer zone. Unauthorised descent without experience is prohibited: labyrinth passages, collapses and underground streams need gear and route knowledge. Drive to Oreshnoye (~165 km from Krasnoyarsk on local roads), then walk to the entrance. Pair with Badzhey Cave in the same district — separate sites with distinct protection rules.
How to get there
Mansky District, Oreshnoye village, then ~4 km on foot to the entrance (55°17′35″, 93°44′09″).
Best season
June–September for approach; descent only with a caving club
Travel tips & stories
Category 2B — no deep descent without experience and safety gear.
Nature monument — no litter and do not touch speleothems.
Trail is slippery after rain — hiking boots and spare flashlight batteries.
Arrange visits via the regional caving club or reserve inspectorate.
Do not confuse with Badzhey Cave — different entrance and rules.
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Local guides
- TR
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