The beauty of Arkhyz. Active tour

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An active trekking tour of medium difficulty for tourists under 65 years of age.

Alpine meadows, snow-capped peaks, rushing rivers and stormy waterfalls are plentiful in this region. But the alpine lakes are considered to be the real jewel of Arkhyz.

Our route allows you to explore a number of lakes. The Sofia Glacier, from under which waterfalls descend, will also leave an unforgettable impression.

Location

G. Mineralnye Vody

from

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

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Tour highlights

The Observatory

You will see a scientific research institute and take a photo at the telescope

The edge of lakes

Take a look into the clear waters of the lakes surrounded by mountains

Cultural immersion

Visit the ancient settlement and see the temples

Itinerary

Day 1 - Meeting. Transfer to Arkhyz resort
Your journey begins in Mineralnye Vody.
Attention! If you arrive before the start of the tour or stay after the program, we recommend staying in Pyatigorsk (you can specify more information when booking).
Arrival at the airport / railway station of Mineralnye Vody before 14:00. Gathering a group.
14:15 Group transfer to Arkhyz without a guide, 3.5 hours on the way with technical stops.
Accommodation in hotels of your choice. Dinner on your own.

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Day 2 - Dukka Lakes are the pearls of Karachay-Cherkessia
Duration 5-6 hours. The height difference is 500 meters. Possible replacement for trekking to the Moon Lake.
Breakfast at the hotel. Safety briefing.
09:00 Meeting with the guide at the hotel. Drop-off on off-road vehicles to the beginning of the route.
Dukka Lakes is one of the most famous routes of Arkhyz. We will visit three beautiful and popular lakes of the Malaya Dukka River basin.
Trekking begins with a trip along a gentle pleasant path that leads to the bend of the Malaya Dukka River. Then the trail begins to climb steeper, but soon it smooths out again.
We will stop for a rest by a fast stream that flows surrounded by Alpine colors.
But you shouldn't relax, because the most difficult part is ahead — a steep climb to the lower lake Rybka.
Don't be lazy and go up to the second lake, Arkasarskoye. Despite the fact that there is less than a hundred meters difference between the two lakes, they look completely different: the upper lake is more severe surrounded by mountain peaks.
Lunch (dry ration).
If you still have the strength, you can return by another way, through the third lake, which is called the "Fairy Tale of the Caucasus."
Return to the hotel. Dinner on your own.

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Day 3 - Sofia Gorge. Ak-Aira Waterfall
Duration 5-6 hours. The height difference is 300 meters.
Breakfast at the hotel. Meeting with the guide in the lobby of the hotel, briefing.
An all-terrain vehicle drop into the upper reaches of the Sofia Gorge at an altitude of 2,000 m above sea level. This is the introductory part of the program, because jeeping along the bed of a mountain river is worthy of a separate excursion.
Next, we propose two radial exits, both of approximately the same complexity and duration.
The first part of the route is a visit to the famous Sofia waterfalls, which are already visible from the road. To approach them, we will climb a good path about 300 m.
This group of waterfalls originates in the Sofia Eastern Glacier, which is retreating at a significant rate, exposing smoothed rocks — "sheep's foreheads" and opening up new branches of waterfalls.
Lunch (dry ration).
After lunch, we will visit the Ak-Aira waterfalls, which are less well-known and not visible from the road. There is also a good trail leading up to them, with a similar climb.
The highest waterfall originates on the Sofiyskiy Zapadny Glacier, and the cascade of smaller waterfalls originates on the Solovyov Glacier, which flows down from the top of Nadezhda.
Return to the hotel. Dinner on your own.

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Day 4 - Pastukhova Mountain trekking and observatory visit
The duration is 5-6 hours. The height difference is 700 meters.
Breakfast at the hotel. Meeting with the guide in the lobby of the hotel, briefing.
We will travel part of the route by off-road vehicles along the Bolshoy Zelenchuk River gorge and climb the serpentine to an altitude of 2,070 meters above sea level.
Next, we will have a simple but very specific trekking to Mount Pastukhova.
The 700 m elevation difference, beautiful views and the possibility of climbing in one day are the main advantages of the route, which make it accessible to all physically fit people. It does not require the use of special equipment.
Lunch is dry. the ration.
After lunch, visit the observatory. Russia's largest deep space observatory operates in Arkhyz.
The observatory is a grandiose structure, its main dome is visible for several kilometers from the road to Arkhyz. Our route will pass along a 10 km long mountain serpentine that connects Nizhny Arkhyz with the scientific site on Mount Pastukhova.
The main object of attention is the Large Azimuth Telescope, which is the largest optical telescope in all of Eurasia and the second in the world after the KECK Telescope (USA).
Return to the hotel. Dinner on your own.

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Day 5 - Trekking to the Abishara-Ahubu ridge
The duration is 5-6 hours. The height difference is 800 meters.
Breakfast at the hotel. Meeting with the guide in the lobby of the hotel, briefing.
We take the cable car to a height of 2,400 meters (surcharge from 2,700 rubles) and from here our trekking to the Abishira-Akhuba ridge, which is one of the hallmarks of this amazing area, will begin.
Lunch is dry. the ration.
First, walk along the southern slope of the ridge, which is relatively flat and grassy, through beautiful alpine meadows.
To get to the lakes, we need to cross the ridge from the south through the Fedoseyev Pass to its northern slopes, which are characterized by rocky outcrops, small glaciers and beautiful lakes.
From above, you can see what the ridge looks like from the other side: the view opens 360 degrees.
We will walk about 1.5 km to the nearest lake, Turye, which is about 20 meters deep.
Return to the hotel. Dinner on your own.

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Day 6 - Nizhne-Arkhyz settlement, Zelenchuk temples. Departure
Breakfast at the hotel. Room release before 12:00. We take our things with us. Meeting with the guide.
On the way, you will have an excursion and a walk through the Nizhne-Arkhyz settlement, on the territory of which Christian churches built before the baptism of Russia have been preserved to this day.
You will also have the opportunity to climb to the Face of Christ, a monumental icon painted on a rock in the 10th century.
Lunch.
Group transfer to the airport or Mineralnye Vody railway station for flights departing after 20:00.

Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Tour organizer's comments

The tour is suitable for active tourists who have no contraindications to outdoor activities in the mountains.

Accommodation

Hotel

5 nights

Comfort

Premium

The tour provides accommodation in the village of Arkhyz.

The cost of the tour for 1 person, depending on the accommodation, in rubles, valid from 03/16/2026:

Accommodation in Arkhyz

2-bed accommodation

1-local accommodation

Adult or child for an additional fee. place (from age 12)

Vertical SKI&SPA Resort 4*

Standard room

July, September

70000

99000

65000

Vertical SKI&SPA Resort 4*

Standard room

august

75000

105000

67000

7Peaks Family Resort 4*

Standard

80000

119000

Under the request

When choosing a double room, tell the manager which room is required: with two single beds or one double bed.

Booking superior rooms on request.

Hotel "Vertical SKI and SPA Resort"

A hotel with free Wi-Fi throughout the territory in the village of Arkhyz.

Each room has a wardrobe, and some also have a kitchenette with a microwave. The hotel rooms are equipped with a TV and a hairdryer.

The Barit Restaurant serves European and Caucasian cuisines. The hotel has a spa complex with a phyto-barrel and a hot tub. A children's playground is also available.

The distance from the hotel to Dombay is 42 km.

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Another option

Hotel "7Peaks Family Resort"

The comfortable rooms are equipped with modern furniture and appliances: beds with snow-white linens, desk, upholstered chair, TV, Wi-Fi.

Thanks to the darkened curtains, guests will be able to get a good night's sleep. The bathroom is equipped with necessary plumbing, personal hygiene products, bathrobe, slippers, hairdryer. The balcony offers a wonderful view.

For the organization of snacks, there is a standard set that awaits you: an electric kettle, coffee, tea, bottled water. The hotel has a restaurant with a pleasant interior design, good service and dishes of European and Caucasian cuisine.

A playground is provided for the entertainment of younger guests. Motorists can use the parking lot. You can diversify your leisure time in the spa area, which includes a sauna, a swimming pool, a sauna and massage services.

Sochi Airport is 100.6 km away, and Cherkessk Railway Station is 105 km away.

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Tour conditions

Group

From 6 to 15 tourists

Minimum age

10 years old

Duration

6 days 5 nights

Group meets at

G. Mineralnye Vody

Included in price

group transfers "airport or railway station Mineralnye Vody — Arkhyz" and back;
transportation and sightseeing services along the route;
mountain guide services;
accommodation in hotels of your choice in Romantic village (5 nights with breakfast);
guests of the Vertical SKI SPA Resort can visit the hotel's spa center during opening hours from 09:00 to 13:00;
for guests of the 7Peaks Family Resort, access to the hotel's spa area during opening hours (hammam, two Finnish saunas, outdoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and gym);
meals included in the program (breakfast at the hotel, dry rations, lunch on the last day of the tour);
entrance tickets to sightseeing sites.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Mineralnye Vody and back;
invitation for foreign citizens 1,500 rubles/person.;
accommodation in Pyatigorsk (hotels Mashuk, Intourist, Beshtau) from 5,500 rubles /day, specify when booking;
invitation for foreign citizens – 1,500 rubles/person.;
a cable car in Arkhyz — from 2,700 rubles.;
for guests of the Vertical SKI SPA Resort, a visit to the hotel's spa center after 13:00 is 1000 rubles/hour per person.;
meals not included in the tour program;
additional services in hotels (sauna, sauna, billiards, etc.);
additional excursions;
alcoholic beverages;
personal travel equipment rental;
accident insurance;
horseback riding.

It's important to know

windproof jacket;
trekking trousers;
trekking boots;
thermal underwear;
sweatshirt (fleece);
gloves and a hat for cable car climbing;
backpack (volume up to 30 liters);
rain cover (raincoat) for body and backpack;
sunglasses and cream (SPF50);
individual first aid kit;
polyurethane foam "seat";
thermos;
trekking poles.

You have purchased a travel permit and you know that the mountains are a place of increased danger to the health and life of urban residents trapped in the natural environment.

Weather changes very often in the mountains. There are thunderstorms, strong winds, low and high temperatures, rock and ice collapses, mudflows.

A person is affected by changes in altitude, temperature, increased ultraviolet activity of the sun, and other factors.

It is necessary to protect yourself from sun exposure. Remember that the mountains have high levels of solar radiation. You can get a burn even on a cloudy day. Eyes must be protected with sunglasses with a protection level of at least 3. It is mandatory to apply sunscreen with maximum protection factor to all exposed areas of the body (hands, face, ears) daily before going on the route.
Do not allow overheating or hypothermia. You should be dressed according to the current weather and temperature conditions.
When going out on a route, even on a sunny day, be sure to bring a raincoat with you. The weather in the mountains can change dramatically.
Take care of your feet! Take measures against corns in advance: take only comfortable, worn-out shoes for trekking; stick a patch on all problem areas in advance before going on the route as a preventive measure.
Be careful among the thickets of hogweed (when its leaves get wet from dew, this plant becomes extremely poisonous. You can get a chemical burn, which takes a long time and painfully goes away). You need to have closed clothes, long sleeves, pants, so as not to get burned, it will also save you from sunburn.
Inform the instructor-guide in a timely manner about the deviations of your state of health from normal. Have a personal first-aid kit with you, tailored to your individual needs.
Alcohol consumption is not recommended during the trip, and the use of narcotic and psychotropic substances is prohibited. This can lead to a sharp deterioration in your well-being in the highlands, disruption of the acclimatization process and other adverse consequences. In case of violation of this rule, the responsibility for the consequences lies with the tourist.
Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly. Do not eat meat dishes that have not been heat-treated. If you eat in a restaurant, keep in mind that national cuisine can be spicy, greasy and unsuitable for your stomach. Do not eat mushrooms, berries, or other plants.
With extreme caution, buy alcoholic beverages that are not factory-made (homemade wine) for private individuals, as they may be of poor quality and harmful to health. We ask you to observe moderation in alcohol consumption.
Do not go unaccompanied for walks, picnics, or visits with strangers.

Dates and Prices

$965

12 – 17 Jul 6 days 5 nights

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$1,034

9 – 14 Aug 6 days 5 nights

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$965

13 – 18 Sep 6 days 5 nights

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No need to pay now

Reviews Leave a review

E
Evgeni

about provider

10 Mar, 2026

Overall, everything was fine. The only downside was that there was a bit too much repeated information in the chat, so it was sometimes hard to remember which file contained the information I needed. Otherwise, everything was great
M
Maksim

about provider

28 May, 2025

Great team of guides and well-organized accommodation