All citizens of Ekaterinburg know about Ganina Yama (and not only), however, this place will be interesting to visit even for the hundredth time. According to the Russian Orthodox Church, in place of the abandoned Iset mine lie the ashes of the executed members of the royal family headed by Emperor Nicholas II. In 2000, a monastery was established on this land. Now there are seven temples in the complex - by the number of killed members of the royal family. There is also a museum of royal belongings, a bell tower and household premises. Ganina Yama is not only a pilgrimage centre, but also a great place for a morning stroll: the smell of pine needles, the singing of birds and a sense of solitude will give you a cheerful and wonderful mood. The hotel is open from 06:00 to 21:00, the museum is open from 10:30 to 16:30. Shawls and skirts for visiting the complex are available at the entrance, men should wear pants and a long-sleeved shirt. You can also have lunch at the monastery, and you can order tours and pilgrimage meals by phone at [the site](https://ganinayama.ru/).
We advise you to leave the car in the village and go to the rock on foot.
Damn Castle is the majestic rocks at the top of the mountain of the same name. The mighty granite ridge attracts rock climbers, geologists and all brave nature lovers. Probably, our ancestors considered this place a sanctuary, because at the foot of the stone ridge, archaeologists found shards of earthenware, copper sheets and pendants-shelves. After the monastery of Ganina Yama it is necessary to take a course to the village of Koptyaki, then drive along the Iset lake to Iset village. You can get by car directly to "Gorodischa", but it is better to leave the transport in the village and walk to the rocks (distance about 3 km). The road itself is a separate adventure, and the reward will be amazing views of the mountains.
The road to Sand Lake is very difficult and not every car can do it, so the most reliable way to get there is to go back from the rocks to the Iset to the parked car and drive to the lake from the south side through the village of Severka on ECAD or on urban roads. The sand lake is perhaps the most picturesque place in the vicinity of Yekaterinburg. It is surrounded by pine forests, huge boulders between trees and mountain peaks on the horizon.
In Pervouralsk we recommend you to visit the country's first "Innovative Cultural Center" - a unique facility in the historical center of the city. In this building, which is itself delightful, you can visit rare expositions, various exhibitions, a high-tech library, symphonic and rock concerts, theatrical performances and art parties. Keep an eye on the posters! Work schedule of the ICC: from 10:00 to 21:00 without breaks and weekends.
Probably after long hikes and excursions you managed to get hungry, rushed to dinner in a cafe. We advise you to pay attention to "Stendhal" - the first art cafe in the city: it will delight with coziness, reasonable prices and quality service.
The day comes to an end and it's time to go on holiday. The most interesting things are yet to come!