The Kosva River, which is located in the Perm Territory, got its name from the ancient Perm peoples. In translation, the name ("braid") means "shallow water". This is a picturesque place that has long been a source of food for local residents.
Poets and writers compose poems and stories about the rivulet, and artists paint it in their picturesque paintings.
Where does the Kosva River flow and how to get to it
Being the left tributary of the Kama River, this waterway flows throughout the Perm Territory and Sverdlovsk Region. You can get to the desired point (most often it is the nearest settlement to the river) by public transport or by your own car. From Yekaterinburg, you need to choose a route to the city of Serov (along the Serov highway).
Then move to the city of Karpinsk in the direction of the city of Ivdel. In Karpinsk, you need to take the direction to the village of Katlym, from which continue towards Ust-Tylaya or Ust-Typyla. At this point, you can often wade the river.
Travelers should not expect good roads at this location. At some points, cars may not drive. If you decide to move independently, then you should choose a cross-country vehicle.
By public transport, tourists go the same way. From all the stations of Yekaterinburg to the village of Katlym there are buses and minibuses.
Geographic characteristics
This aquatic artery takes its name from the Kosvensky stone mountain, known in these areas. The Kosva River itself is the largest in the Perm Territory. Its beginning is by the mountain, and then it passes through the entire edge. Its length is about 283 kilometers. The geographical map of the rivulet resembles a crescent moon and occupies most of Perm land.
The largest settlement on the river is the city of Gubakha. Tourists often come to it to admire the beauties and will stop for a couple of days.
Source, mouth and tributaries
In the upper reaches, a water road runs between the rocky mountains (Middle Urals). Here the river becomes fleeting. The mouth of the Kosva River is located 807 kilometers from Kama. This water artery enters the Kama reservoir.
On the path of the rivulet is the village of Shirokovsiy. He is known for his hydroelectric power station and a large reservoir (Shirokovskoye). Its area is about 41 m 2 . The banks are surrounded on all sides by a mixed forest. On one edge, the reservoir has a rocky slope.
Below the dam, the river slows down. Its width near the city of Gubakh reaches 100 meters, but this is not the limit. There are places in which the Kosva River extends 150 meters wide.
River length
The total length of the channel is 283 km. The basin area is about 6300 km 2 . The number of small and large tributaries is about 290 over the entire length. They make up a total length of 10 kilometers. The river basin consists of lakes of different depths and widths, as well as many small islands and bays.
The height of the source above sea level is 620 meters. The riverbed is pebbled for the most part of the length, without crimp. Here you can see a large number of lakes. The river is accompanied by gently sloping, as well as rocky and steep banks.
In the upper and middle reaches (to the dam of the Shirokovsky reservoir), the water in the river is clean and without pollution.
Hydrological characteristics of water
Water in Kosva freezes in October, ice begins to melt in mid-May. In winter, ice forms on the river. The waterway receives food mainly from rain and snow. The water level in the Kosva River fluctuates several times a year and ranges from 90 to 440 cm.
Spring floods reach up to 7 meters in height. Summer floods occur frequently and almost always form a flood, and winter runoff is low. The water is fresh, clear and clean. It is soft in taste, has no color and odor.
The Kosva River (Perm Territory) is famous for its coal seams and mines. Strongly mineralized (acidic) drains from coal mines fall into the river, starting from this place the water acquires an unnatural rusty color, its quality is greatly deteriorating - it becomes unfit for drinking and even for industrial use. There is also no ichthyofauna in the river sections from the places where the runoff flows and until it is diluted with pure tributaries.
According to an ancient legend, a fiery coal island plunged into a water abyss. That is why many fish began to die, and water did harm. This story is passed down from generation to generation by locals.
Flora and fauna on the river
The river is famous for its nature. On both sides it is surrounded by various trees (mixed forest). Here you can find larch, pine and spruce. Lots of shrubs, herbs and berries. It should be noted that the banks of the river channel are rich in various flora and fauna. Grows on stony slopes and dwarf birch.
The rocky shores smoothly turn into smooth sandy beaches. It is on them that you can often find deer, hares, moose, wolverines and even bears. The Kosva River (Perm Territory) often pleases tourists with beautiful animals and nature.
Throughout the water channel, nature is changing. A little lower you can admire the magnificent pine forests. A little lower stretches a beautiful valley with many small lakes. In shallow water you can find herds of domestic horses and cows.
In total, over 100 species of birds and 30 species of mammals are found at the mouth of the river. Some of them are considered quite rare. Also in the depths of the waters there is a wide variety of fish (pike, perch, burbot, char, grayling, sculpin, taimen, ide, bream and roach).
It is worth noting that on the way of the flow of water from coal mines into the river, the flora and fauna not only decreases, but disappears completely in these places. Water becomes unsuitable for life and drinking. From the heights of the satellites in this place Kosva is visible as an orange thread. Offensive gas, which is formed during the decay of coal and other substances, poisons the air and water in the river.
Features of fishing and river rafting
People stop to enjoy nature and try their hand at a favorite male occupation - fishing. It is from here that the most often start rafting in motor boats. The length of the site for the alloy is about 400 kilometers. This path takes several days. Throughout the many stops, including fishing. Overnight groups of tourists choose their own, on the gentle shores among the rocks there are many places where you can stay. Most alloys end at the Kama reservoir.
The Kosva River, the photo of which is presented in the article, is very attractive for fishermen. A large number of fish in combination with beautiful surroundings - this is what you need for a real vacation. All tourist routes on the waterway are divided into simple and complex. The first are designed for beginners, and the second only for experienced travelers.
In the Perm region on the Kosva River, laws and prohibitions on fishing are in effect. They must be familiarized with before traveling. Alloying cannot be done without an experienced instructor. It is best to contact special companies that organize descent and fishing for groups of people. In this river, you can catch individuals about a meter long. Sailing past the most beautiful places of this land, it is worth enjoying the clean air and unusual nature.
Fishing at the river is possible in the upper and middle reaches (tentatively to the Shirokovsky reservoir). You can fish below, but it is not recommended to eat it. Environmental conditions and water quality (described above) do not allow this.
The rafting most often begins between Ust-Tylay and Ust-Typyl. The river is shallow, so it’s convenient to go in and lay equipment.
Attractions (archaeological finds)
Archaeological evidence suggests that people lived on the banks of the river 10,000 years ago. This is evidenced by cave paintings and household items that were found here in 10 places. Basically, such finds were near the gentle slopes or at the confluence of the tributaries.
Several cave paintings were found on the territory of the mountains. The local slopes are strewn with images that tell about the culture and life of ancient peoples. Known in these places Mount Kosvensky stone is currently popular with tourists. From her comes the energy of calm and tranquility.
Near the village of the same name, the Kosva River crosses an ancient road. Centuries ago, it was the only way to Siberia. It was laid at the beginning of the XVI century.
Conclusion
Many poets and writers, having visited these beautiful places, devote their works to them. The Kosva River is simultaneously open and mysterious. Its clear waters conceal many secrets. The nature around the water mouth is so diverse and changeable that I want to know it all over.
The river is known for its beauty, as well as for fascinating fishing. Its fleeting waters are the livelihood of many species of fish and reptiles.