Chistik, Protected lake in Demidov District, Smolensk Oblast, Russia.
Lake Chistik is a water body located within Smolensk Lakeland National Park in central Russia. A forested landscape surrounds the shore, creating a quiet environment within the protected region.
The area surrounding this lake became a national park in 1992 following decades of industrial logging. Protection of the land allowed natural recovery to begin.
The lake area connects to the legacy of Russian explorer Nikolai Przhevalsky, who established a medical station in the nearby settlement during the 19th century.
The nearest visitor hub is the settlement of Przhevalskoe, where you can obtain information about the park and area. Wear sturdy shoes as forest paths vary in condition depending on the season.
The water holds pike, perch, and ruffe while surrounding forests shelter brown bears, wolves, and lynxes. This wildlife presence makes the area a significant refuge for large predators in the western taiga.
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