Krubera Cave, Gagra

Plunging into the depths of the Western Caucasus, in the city of Gagra, Georgia, lies Krubera Cave, also known as Voronya Cave, one of the deepest known caves on Earth. This subterranean marvel reaches an astounding depth of over 2,197 meters (7,208 feet), making it the only known cave on the planet that goes deeper than 2,000 meters.

Krubera Cave is not just a natural wonder but also a significant challenge for speleologists and adventurers alike. Discovered in 1960, the cave's exploration has been an ongoing endeavor, with each expedition pushing the boundaries of the known depth. It was in 2004 that Krubera Cave received its official status as the deepest cave, surpassing the previous record-holder, Lamprechtsofen Vogelschacht cave in Austria.

The cave's environment is as inhospitable as it is magnificent. It consists of a complex network of tight passages, sumps, and deep vertical shafts. These features require explorers to have advanced caving skills, as well as diving capabilities for those who venture into the water-filled passages.

Despite the challenges it presents, Krubera Cave attracts cavers from around the world, all drawn by the allure of exploring one of Earth's final frontiers. The cave's ecosystem is also of interest to scientists, as it houses unique species adapted to the dark, isolated environment deep below the surface.

For safety and conservation reasons, Krubera Cave is not open to casual tourists. The extreme conditions and difficulty of navigation reserve its depths for professional cavers and researchers equipped with the necessary experience and gear.