Orda Cave, Underwater gypsum cave in Perm Krai, Russia.
Orda Cave is an underwater gypsum karst system beneath the western Ural Mountains with roughly 4.6 kilometers of mapped passages. The system consists primarily of water-filled channels interspersed with mineral deposits and rock formations.
Exploration of the cave began in 1969 when scientists and explorers started systematically investigating the gypsum system. These early expeditions opened the way for further discoveries of new passages and shaped understanding of its geological structure.
The cave appears in local stories featuring the Lady of Orda, a figure from regional folklore believed to dwell in the submerged passages. These tales shape how people today think about and discuss this place.
Access is restricted to experienced divers since the passages are narrow and require specialized equipment, including dry suits. Water temperatures stay cold year-round, and visibility conditions demand good underwater orientation skills.
The gypsum-filtered water provides exceptional visibility reaching about 50 meters, making this cave a world-recognized diving destination. Such clear sight lines are rare among underwater caves and attract divers from many countries.
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