Kozhym River

The Kozhym begins on the slope of Mount Kozhim-iz in the Subpolar Urals and over 202 kilometres descends to the Kosyu river, joining it at the northern boundary of the 'Yugyd Va' national park. In its upper reaches it is a fast mountain river in a narrow stony channel up to 20–25 metres wide; after the Sana-iz ridge it turns west and calms down. The river is a classic start point for the Subpolar Urals: routes to the ridges and lakes of the national park begin here, and its largest tributary, the Balbanyu, leads to the famous Balban lakes. The water is clear; the flow is driven by snow and rain. The river freezes by early November and opens in May. The entry point is the town of Inta on the Northern railway: drop-offs to the Subpolar Urals start there. Like the whole park, the river requires an approved visit and strict rules — this is the territory of the 'Virgin Komi Forests' World Heritage site.