Khvalynsk Hills

Khvalynsk Hills is a hilly region in Saratov Oblast and Penza Oblast, Russia.
A section of the hills is a protected area under the name Khvalynsky National Park, which was established in 1994.

Geography

The Khvalynsk Mountains are a group of smooth hills in the East European Plain, extending on the right bank of the Volga. They are one of the highest of the subranges of the Volga Uplands. They are mostly located in the Saratov Oblast, with a small part in southeastern Penza Oblast. The hill zone is sparsely populated. Villages such as Pikhankino, Novaya Yaksarka, Staraya Yaksarka, Novy Machim, Russkaya Norka, Mordovskaya Norka, Rango Lisma, Vilyayevka, Ivanovka, Yango-Prya, Ust-Murza, Vorobyovka, Azrapino, Naumkino, Dubrovka-on-Uze, Staroye Zakharkino, Staroye Demkino, Ust-Uza, Peschanka, Aleksandro-Bogdanovka, Koldais, Neklyudovo, Karzhimant, Arapino and Neverkino are scattered throughout the hill area, but cities are only located in the periphery.
The highest point of Saratov Oblast, reaching, as well as the highest point of Penza Oblast, reaching above sea level, are located in the Khvalinsk Hills. Both summits are unnamed. There are also white chalk hills among pine forests that are a tourist attraction.