Verkhovye on the Oka

Verkhovye village in Verkhovsky District stands in the upper Oka basin — the river that reaches the Volga at Nizhny Novgorod begins here on the Central Russian Upland. Not a signed 'river source' monument — an ordinary village with church, fields and small tributaries. Geographic and atmospheric interest: where a great river starts. Near Tula Oblast border; rural roads. Few tourists; silence and space. Combine with Novosil and Kolpna — three upper and middle Oka stops in one route. No official 'Oka source' marker — do not expect a large sign. Fuel and signal in Novosil or the district centre.