Горло Барлога, Karst cave in Karachay-Cherkessia, Russia.
Gorlo Barloga is a karst cave in Karachay-Cherkessia with a steep vertical drop of 73 meters at the entrance. Beyond this shaft lie cascading passages and deep shafts descending through the system for nearly 840 meters.
The cave was discovered and first explored in 1994 by speleologists from Rostov-on-Don, Cherkessk, and Donetsk. Their initial expedition reached significant depths and opened the way for ongoing research.
The name references a fantasy character, reflecting how explorers imagined this underground world. Local guides often mention this literary inspiration when discussing the cave with visitors.
Visiting requires specialized gear including wetsuits due to water temperatures around 3 degrees Celsius and challenging underground conditions. Always go with experienced guides who know the system well and follow all safety procedures.
The limestone walls display distinctive blue-gray and black stripes created by mineral deposits over time. These color patterns help geologists understand the age and composition of this deep karst system.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.