Attraction

The Kheetey Caves consist of two karst caves — the Wet Cave and the Dry Cave — with a total length of about 190 metres. The Wet Cave, 30–35 metres deep, is covered in ice formations and crystalline stalactites. The Dry Cave is less spectacular: it is essentially a large collapse grotto filled with limestone rubble. Important: the caves are dark and cold even in summer, so bring warm waterproof clothing and a headlamp. If you go with a tour, the required equipment is usually provided by the organisers. Independent descent into the caves can be dangerous. Excursions can be booked through the official tourism agency. The trip takes a full day and costs 3,100 rubles per person. How to get there: the nearest settlement with public transport is the village of Byrka. Six buses run from Chita through Byrka every day; the journey takes about five and a half hours. From Byrka to the caves is another 15 kilometres.