Caucasus: Sofia Rhapsody. Trekking

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In the wooded mountains of the Western Caucasus, a fan of uniquely beautiful gorges stretches away to the snowy ridge of the Main Caucasian Ridge. Crystal streams and rivers flow down from the sky-high peaks and glaciers. Some of them are in no hurry: with the blue eyes of the lakes, they look at the broken world of wild rocks for a long time. Others, impatient, immediately hang in the gorge with ringing waterfalls.

The area is popular with tourists for the ease of routes and the beauty of the gorges. For many tourists, the biography of the "hiker" began precisely on the slopes of the Arkhyz mountains.

Location

Nevinnomyssk

Hiking tours

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Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)

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Tour highlights

A new skill

We will learn how to set up tents, make a fire and cook food in the field

Nizhne-Arkhyz settlement

We will see an archaeological monument of the X—XII centuries, the remains of a large Alan city in the Russian North Caucasus

Soulful evenings

Let's sing songs, admire the stars, swim in the lake

Itinerary

Day 1 - Check-in. Getting to know the history of the Stavropol Territory
Arrival in Nevinnomyssk.
Accommodation at the Kuban Hotel.
Getting to know the guide and the group.
Getting food, group equipment.
Acquaintance with the history of the Stavropol Territory and the city of Nevinnomyssk, an ancient Cossack patrimony.
Day 2 - Transfer to Arkhyz village. Visit to the Nizhne-Arkhyz settlement
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer Nevinnomyssk — Arkhyz.
On the way we visit the ancient Alan settlement — Nizhne-Arkhyzskoye settlement (Arkhyzskoye settlement) — an archaeological monument of the X-XII centuries, the remains of a large Alan city in the Russian North Caucasus.
Exit to the route.
Overnight at the mountain river.
We learn how to set up tents, build a fire and cook food in the field.
Day 3 - Ascent to the Ayulu Pass
Ascent to the high-altitude area to the Semitsvetny Lake.
The water in the lake is of seven different colors, silvered with highlights, playing in the sun.
Lunch on the lake shore.
We're swimming.
Sunbathing.
We admire nature, mountains and ourselves.
We climb the Ayulu pass (1A, 2874).
Overnight in a high-altitude area near the stars. Psysh and Sofia are lying in the palm of our hand, Dukka is bubbling below.
Day 4 - Descent to the valley of the Psysh River
Descent into the valley of the Pshysh river along birch groves, streams flowing down from the slopes and tall pines.
We will definitely go to the waterfall — the left tributary of the Przysz River.
We cross the stream and set up camp in a cozy clearing.
The long-awaited bonfire.
Gatherings, chatter, stories and first impressions.
Day 5 - Ascent to the Karadjash pass
We cross the Przysz River and climb the Karadjas pass.
Overnight at a beautiful lake with green water.
It reflects the snowy peak of Hope.
An attempt to make a bonfire.
We sing songs, admire the stars, swim in the lake.
Day 6 - Karadjash Pass. Sofia Lakes
A little more, a little more and we are at the Karadjash pass or the Black Prince (1A, 3022).
The green slopes of Arkhyz are filled with life.
Tours, chamois and mountain goats run.
Light ripples ripple on the surface of the Crater Lake, and below lies a wonderful Comma lake.
A short walk and we are on the Sofia lakes.
We're swimming.
We are resting.
We're not doing anything.
Half a day.
Day 7 - Sofia Polyana. Radial access to the Sofia waterfalls. Glacier Farm
Descent into the valley of the Sofia River.
We go out to the Sofia glade.
Civilization! Khychiny, ayran and many "cultural" goodies.
We're setting up camp.
We are resting.
Without backpacks, we go light to see the Sofia waterfalls and the glacier farm.
Return to the camp.
Supper.
Campfire gatherings, guitar songs.
Day 8 - Descent to Arkhyz village
We go down the Sofia Valley to the village of Arkhyz.
On the way, we visit the memorial and pay homage to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War.
In the village, accommodation in a hotel (rooms without amenities).
Day 9 - Departure
Breakfast.
Farewell.
Departure.
See you soon!

Difficulty

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health

Accommodation

Hotel

1 night
Tent

6 nights
Guest House

1 night

Comfort

Basic
Basic+

The tour includes accommodation:

in Nevinnomyssk, accommodation in the Kuban hotel (2x, 3-bed rooms with amenities);
in Arkhyz settlement, hotel accommodation (rooms without amenities);
overnight stays in tourist tents.

The cost of the tour depends on the size of the group:

29,000 rubles . per person for a group of 4 people or more;
87,000 rubles per group for a group of 1 to 3 people;

The possible accommodation options in the tour are indicated. The exact location is booked and confirmed 5 days before the tour.

The hotel is the main hotel in Nevinnomyssk, which is located in the heart of the business and cultural life of the city. The hotel has been operating since 1966 and has proven itself to be the best. The atmosphere of the hotel is filled with home warmth and comfort, the professionalism of the staff will create the most comfortable conditions for each guest. To relax and recuperate, guests will be offered to visit the hotel's sauna with a relaxation area. For an additional fee, a 24-hour parking lot is available for hotel guests and residents of the city.

Number of rooms

The hotel has 113 rooms on 5 floors. These are 180 beds, of which 15 are Luxury rooms. The hall and the bedroom are equipped with TV equipment and split systems. Single and 2-bed economy class rooms with all amenities.

Tour conditions

Group

up to 12 tourists

Minimum age

12 years old

Duration

9 days 8 nights

Group meets at

Nevinnomyssk

Included in price

accommodation in a hotel in Nevinnomyssk (rooms with amenities); accommodation in a hotel in Arkhyz (rooms without amenities);
transfer from Nevinnomyssk to Arkhyz village;
excursion to the rock face of Arkhyz;
meals on the route;
group equipment rental;
the services of an instructor-guide;
insurance.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Nevinnomyssk and back;
additional excursions;
transfers outside the program;
environmental charges, etc.;
meals not specified in the tour program;
transfer: airport (railway station) – hotel;
personal equipment rental;
hotel reservations;
organization of recreation on the Black Sea.

It's important to know

a warm jacket or fleece jacket according to the season;
ski cap;
fleece gloves;
waterproof windproof jacket and trousers;
track suit;
sleeping bag;
polyurethane foam mat;
trekking shoes;
shoe covers (flashlights) on your feet;
replacement shoes for ford and camp (sneakers);
backpack 80-100L;
the seat;
trekking poles;
a rain cape for yourself and a backpack;
Sun protection: Panama hat, cream, glasses;
work gloves;
mug, spoon, bowl, knife (KLMN);
thermos or flask for water with a total volume of 1 liter.;
headlamp (spare batteries);
the first-aid kit is individual.

Dates and Prices

The tour dates are not confirmed yet. Please, for clarification

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$290

16 – 24 Jun, 2025 9 days 8 nights

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$290

30 Jun – 8 Jul, 2025 9 days 8 nights

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$290

14 – 22 Jul, 2025 9 days 8 nights

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28 Jul – 5 Aug, 2025 9 days 8 nights

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$290

11 – 19 Aug, 2025 9 days 8 nights

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25 Aug – 2 Sep, 2025 9 days 8 nights

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$290

8 – 16 Sep, 2025 9 days 8 nights

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