About 20 routes are offered to tourists in the Chashniki district

Among the main ones is the historical-geographical and ecological route "Golden Ring of Chashniki Region", which has organically integrated into the system of patriotic work, promotion of a healthy lifestyle, and organization of active and useful recreation for people of different ages and professions.

It is not by chance that within the framework of the republican youth project "One Hundred Ideas for Belarus" it was awarded a special certificate.

The length of the route is over 200 kilometers. It can be covered by car or bicycle, on foot, and now – on horseback. The fascinating journey begins with a visit to the historical and local lore museum and an excursion around Chashniki, then the path leads through the ancient Ivansk land, where archaeologists discovered a unique settlement near the village of Seltzy, and in the Dubki tract, during the times of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the famous Battle of Ulla took place. In the "Sosnyagi" reserve, you can get acquainted with rare plants listed in the Red Book of Belarus, and the life of folk avengers in the partisan camp of the Dubov brigade; in the agro-town of Ivansk, visit the local school museum. Excursions here are conducted by Viktor Gribko, the author of many books on the history of his native region, including a specialized textbook used by all schoolchildren in the district.

Before opening the route, a lot of work had to be done by everyone together on Saturdays to restore the partisan camp in Sosnyagovskaya Pushcha near the village of Vaskovshchina. Now, together with the veterans of the Great Patriotic War, the traditional "Fires of Memory" are held here annually. A cross was erected on the site of the Battle of Ulla and consecrated. In the village of Novosyolovo, on the territory of the former estate of Mr. Selev, a DOSAAF recreation center is being built: a two-story wooden house has already been erected, there will be a bathhouse, campsites, a beach, etc. The total cost of the project is over 6 billion rubles (before redenomination), about 2 billion have already been spent. In Chashniki, DOSAAF is reconstructing a vacant room of the former consumer cooperative office, purchased from the inter-district base; there will be a hotel here. About 400 million rubles have already been invested here – half

project and estimated cost.

– Creating comfortable conditions will attract new tourists, – says the initiator of the route,Chairman of the DOSAAF district organization Viktor Galay. – But even today, it is gratifying that our patriotic and educational project has interested young people. We organize bike rides together with the sports club “Skina”, which are attended not only by athletes but also by everyone who wishes; there is an opportunity to rent bicycles. And this year we have added a horse route: three hours in the saddle – one hour of rest.

All routes offer opportunities for overnight stays and rest stops. Food and firewood are delivered here, lunches are prepared on-site, and if someone does not like campfire cooking, tourists can be offered food delivery from public catering establishments.

In the near future, according to the authors' plan, the "Golden Ring of Chashniki Region" will cover the entire district. It is planned to add the famous White Church and the agro-towns of Chereya and Lukoml to the route.

– There are many places in our land that everyone should know about, – is confident Viktor Nikolaevich. –For example, in 1942, on a height near the village of Vyatero, five soldiers held back the German onslaught for a week. There is a small monument to the heroes in the forest, but access there is currently difficult. I would very much like people, especially young people, to know about their feat, to take care of this sacred place, and then tell their own children about what heroes lived in Chashniki Region. In fact, this is the main goal of our project. And, of course, attracting tourists, the opportunity to earn money and invest it in the further development of the region. Even today, we are ready to welcome everyone who wishes to learn about the glorious history, unique nature, and modern achievements of the region. Detailed information can be found on the websites of the district DOSAAF organization, the BRYM district committee, and the district executive committee.

Elena Telyatko, photos by the author. "Vitebskiye Vesti".