Trekking in Arkhyz. Comfort tour

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You will hear the murmur of clear streams, the noise of dense forests, and the scent of alpine meadows. The mountains of Arkhyz are covered with silver-gray snow, and pearl placers of unusual colors can be seen on the slopes of the tracts.

Let's go on an exciting trekking trip to see the Sofia Lakes. You will find an ascent to the ruins of the Alan tower and a hiking route through the Alpine meadows.

Location

Russia, Stavropol Territory, Mineralnye Vody

from

Discount available

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

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Tour highlights

Flying rafting

You will experience an abyss of adrenaline and an indescribable feeling of unity with the team.

Unusual shapes of lakes

Discover reservoirs in the form of strange fish and jade lizards

Fun from the start

A fearless UAZ truck will easily take you to the beginning of the off-road route.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Meeting. Alan settlement
Gathering of the group in Mineralnye Vody at 11:00-11:30:
at the railway station (near the main entrance from the city);
at the airport (near the main entrance).
Transfer by minibus to the village. Arkhyz is about 3-3.5 hours.
On the way, an excursion to the Alan hillfort and the Face of Christ.
The face of Christ, looking down from the cliff at the Northern Temple, will surprise fans of icon painting, because it is the highest icon, as well as the most ancient archetype of Jesus in Russia.
The Alan hillfort is a temple complex that includes religious, residential and household buildings of a people who have long passed away, as well as a unique astronomical circle.
There is a Holy spring in the vicinity of the temple, from the waters of which you can draw a little cheerfulness and health.
The duration of the tour is 2 hours, 3 km on foot.
After visiting the settlement, transfer to the village of Arkhyz and check into the hotel.

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Day 2 - Sofia Waterfalls
Today we are going by reliable mountain transport to the Sofia waterfalls. Their true power can be realized in the warmer months!
We will start from the Glacier farm, where the fearless UAZ truck will easily take us — the off-road journey will last about an hour.
The target is Mount Sofia and the glacier nestled on it. Its height is 3,637 meters, and streams warmed by gentle rays fall from a height of 70 meters.
Glacier farm. During the season, there are cafes, a small souvenir market, and tent cities.
The route is simple, the climb is gradual, the terrain is wonderful: a coniferous forest is rustling around, a frivolous birch tree is whispering about something, and the scent of fir is wafted over.
Closer to the waterfalls, the landscape changes to a more rocky one — in summer there are even remnants of a snowfield. Turn around — the Sofia Valley is clearly visible below!
The active part is 5.5 km, altitude difference is 2000-2300 m, duration is 5-6 hours.

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Day 3 - Small Dukka Lakes
On the third day, trekking on the lakes of the Malaya Dukka River awaits us.
Trekking runs through Alpine meadows, blooming in summer with naive blue forget-me-nots, elegant pink mountaineers, silver-lavender bluebells and shaggy rhododendrons.
Passing this mountain flower bed, we will approach the first lake, the clear water of which is saturated with malachite. A little higher, and the second reservoir appears before the admiring eyes.
The lake is located in a rocky bowl, on the walls of which the snow never melts, and it has a sapphire-turquoise hue.
Beyond the pass with the touching name Angel, a group of lakes awaits us, each of which is associated with a living being.
In the case of multi—colored lakes, the main thing is not to forget trekking poles in order to complete the route with maximum comfort.
The active part is 11.8 km, the altitude difference is 1920-2600 m, the duration is 7-8 hours.

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Day 4 - The cable car. Turye Lake
The all—season Romantic resort is one of the most modern outdoor recreation centers in the Caucasus.
Today we plan to explore the Southern slope and hike along the ridge with the amazing name Abishira-Akhuba.
The cable car will take us higher, then we will walk to the Fedoseyev pass and we will keep on the way to Turi lake. As expected, the lake is beautiful and emerald. And spectacular cliffs surround it.
Important! Turye Lake is freed from ice in late June and early July.
Before that time, or if the Orbita cable car is not working due to weather conditions, the group visits the trekking routes Smirnov Peak and Path of the Romantics, which run on the Southern and Northern slopes of the Romantic cable Car.
Active part (Turye Lake) 9.6 km, 3010-2750-3010 m (Turye Lake), route 7-8 hours.
Active part (Smirnov Peak + Romantics trail) 16.5 km on foot, elevation difference 2350-2480-2350 m (Smirnov peak) and 2250-1650 m (Romantics trail), trekking 7-8 hours.

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Day 5 - Sofia Lakes and Aimatli Lake-Dzhagalykel
Exciting trekking and jeeping, the purpose of the trip is Sofia Lakes and Aimatli-Dzhagalykel.
We'll partially make our way to these wonders of nature by off-road vehicle, and walk the rest of the way.
Reliable hiking boots and poles are required.
We are waiting for a trip to the fabulous land of blue lakes, hidden behind the formidable back of the Irkiz pass.
But first you need to get to the Glacier Farm, located at the foot of the Sofia ridge, and then descend into the valley of the small river Ak-Aira, where the mountains are covered with strings of waterfalls, and juniper and fir exude dizzying aromas.
Travelers have been going to the Sofia lakes since the beginning of July, because only by this time the reservoirs get rid of the ice.
Trekking in summer is undoubtedly amazing, but in autumn it is no less beautiful in these places: the air is thick and fresh, the sky is deep, and the mountains are framed by a rim of golden foliage.
Another surprise is a trip to the beautiful Aimatlyjagalykel.
Active part 13.2 km, elevation difference 2000-2880-1890 m, duration 8-9 hours.
Important! Trekking to the Sofia lakes is carried out from July 5-7, because until that time the lakes are still under the ice. Until July 5, tourists visit Lake Eaglet or Lake of Love.

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Day 6 - Rafting. The Karch Observation deck is for you
Zelenchuk is the main waterway of Arkhyz, its bubbling heart.
An experienced instructor will instruct you and provide you with a wetsuit, helmet and life jacket.
An abyss of adrenaline awaits you, splashes sparkling in the sun, incredible views and an indescribable sense of community with the team.
The duration is about 1.5 hours (briefing + rafting).
The Karch observation deck is for you. We will take a walk around the village of Arkhyz.
Climb one of the rocky ledges to see the ruins of the Alan tower. It is believed that in the 13th-14th centuries there was a tower of Karchi, the legendary ancestor of the Karachai people. Nowadays, part of the walls and the foundation of the tower remain.
We will go out to an excellent viewing platform: the village of Arkhyz, the mountain ranges of Cheget-Chat, Morkh-Syrty and the valley of the Bolshoy Zelenchuk River will open to us from a height.
Time to visit the souvenir market.
The active part is 6.5 km, elevation difference is 1450-1660 m, duration is 3-4 hours.

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Day 7 - Return to Mineralnye Vody
In the morning we leave the hospitable Arkhyz.
Transfer by minibus to Mineralnye Vody.
12:30-13:30 Arrival at the railway station and Mineralnye Vody airport, departure home.

Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Tour organizer's comments

The route involves walking through mountainous (rough) terrain, daily climbing and dropping heights (ascents and descents).

The route passes through forest trails, dirt roads, alpine meadows, large and small stones.

The elevation difference per day is from 400 to 600 m, one day — 880 m. A rise of 400-600 m is approximately equal to a rise of 130-200 floors.

The route runs at an altitude of 1470-2880 m. The route length is 56.5 km.

Accommodation

Hotel

6 nights

Comfort

Basic+

The tour includes accommodation in the village. Arkhyz is at the hotel.

Dates	Placement	The cost of the tour for 1 person in RUB.	If necessary, an additional payment for single occupancy, for the entire rest period
All arrivals	Hotel "Forget-me-not"	69 800	15 000
Check-in from 5 to 11 July	The same hotel, but the building "Mountain forget-me-not"	73 400	17 600

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Tour conditions

Group

From 6 to 18 tourists

Minimum age

8 years old

Duration

7 days 6 nights

Group meets at

Russia, Stavropol Territory, Mineralnye Vody

Included in price

road crossings along the route;
passes along the route by mountain transport (UAZ);
accommodation in the village Arkhyz at the hotel "Forget-me-not", for check-in from July 5 to 11, accommodation in the building "Mountain Forget-me-not" of the same hotel;
2 meals a day:
- ready-made breakfasts (day 2-7) at the hotel according to the complex menu (the menu is not individual);
- lunch (day 2-6) dry ration in the mountains (sausage, cheese, tea, biscuits, chocolate, sweets);
group equipment rental:
- boilers;
- gas burners for tea and lunch in the mountains from June to August;
- group first aid kit;
rafting;
entrance tickets to the Alan settlement;
Romantic Resort cable car tickets;
the services of an instructor-guide.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Mineralnye Vody and back;
nutrition:
- lunch on the first day;
- dinners;
- the cost of meals in a cafe starts from 500 rubles.;
- the hotel "Nezabudka" has a kitchen where you can cook;
if necessary, a surcharge for single occupancy
- 15,000 rubles for the entire rest period,
17,600 rubles for check-in from 5 to 11 July;
insurance is not required.

It's important to know

The list of equipment for tours from June 01 to September 20.

The air temperature in the early morning and late evening is +8...+12C, in the afternoon +18...+25C (sunny day), +12...+16C (cloudy day). In the Caucasus, you can wear trousers and T-shirts. You should not take shorts or T-shirts for a trip.

cap/panama hat;
jacket;
fleece.
T-shirt;
A light long sleeve shirt will protect your hands and neck from burning;
The buff protects the neck from burning, and can be used as a headdress.;
running trousers;
lingerie;
socks;
trekking shoes up to the ankle and above;
flip-flops (for walking in a hotel);
swimsuit;
for girls, optional dress for a photo shoot on the background of mountains;
waterproof clothing or raincoat from the middle of the thigh and below;
The club provides trekking poles for rent if necessary.;
The child's passport/ birth certificate must be original (not a copy);
It is forbidden to use a quadcopter for filming in several gorges along the route that enter the border zone.;
toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, razor);
hairbrush;
sunglasses;
0.5l plastic bottle;
toilet paper (useful during the day on the route);
mug, spoon, plate. In the mountains, tourists drink tea from a mug that comes with a thermos or take a separate mug. The plate is useful to put sliced and small products (vegetables, cheese, olives, etc.) into it during lunch. The mug and plate should be non-breakable.;
wet wipes;
thread, needle;
backpack for walking (volume 20-25 liters). The backpack contains the tourist's personal belongings, as well as public food for lunch, which is provided by the instructor (the weight of the products is 400-600 grams);
the tourist seat;
shoe dryers;
sunscreen, protection factor SPF50 and higher, hygienic lipstick;
individual first aid kit, required: elastic bandage, patch;
cash money;
hat, gloves, it may be cool in the evening and on cloudy days.

The list of equipment for tours from September 21 to November 15.

The air temperature in the early morning and late evening is +1...+7C, in the afternoon +10...+18C (sunny day), +8...+12C (cloudy day).

jacket;
hat, gloves;
We recommend taking 2 fleeces: one for walking on the route (it gets a hiking smell quickly enough), the second is a clean and fresh fleece for walking in the hotel.;
T-shirt;
thermal underwear;
The buff protects the neck from burning, and can be used as a scarf or headdress.;
running trousers (before October 15), insulated running trousers or running trousers + the bottom of thermal underwear after October 15;
underwear and socks;
trekking boots up to the ankle and above;
flip-flops (for walking in a hotel), swimsuit;
for girls optional: dress for a photo shoot on the background of mountains;
waterproof clothing or raincoat from the middle of the thigh and below;
trekking poles;
The child's passport/ birth certificate must be original (not a copy);
camera / video camera and charger;
toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, razor);
comb, sunglasses;
thermos flask (volume 0.75-1 l);
toilet paper (useful during the day, on the route);
mug, spoon, plate. In the mountains, tourists drink tea from a mug that comes with a thermos or take a separate mug. The plate is useful to put sliced and small products (vegetables, cheese, olives, etc.) into it during lunch. The mug and plate should be non-breakable.;
wet wipes;
thread, needle;
backpack for walking (volume 25-35 liters). The backpack contains the tourist's personal belongings (fleece, raincoat, water bottle, etc.), as well as public food for lunch, which is provided by the instructor (the weight of the products is 400-600 grams);
the tourist seat;
shoe dryers;
sunscreen protection factor SPF50 and higher, hygienic lipstick;
cash money;
individual first aid kit. Required: elastic bandage, Band-aid.

Dates and Prices

$952

7 – 13 Jun 7 days 6 nights

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$952

14 – 20 Jun 7 days 6 nights

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21 – 27 Jun 7 days 6 nights

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28 Jun – 4 Jul 7 days 6 nights

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5 – 11 Jul 7 days 6 nights

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12 – 18 Jul 7 days 6 nights

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19 – 25 Jul 7 days 6 nights

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26 Jul – 1 Aug 7 days 6 nights

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2 – 8 Aug 7 days 6 nights

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9 – 15 Aug 7 days 6 nights

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16 – 22 Aug 7 days 6 nights

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23 – 29 Aug 7 days 6 nights

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$857
-10%

30 Aug – 5 Sep 7 days 6 nights

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6 – 12 Sep 7 days 6 nights

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$857
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13 – 19 Sep 7 days 6 nights

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$857
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20 – 26 Sep 7 days 6 nights

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$857
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27 Sep – 3 Oct 7 days 6 nights

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$857
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4 – 10 Oct 7 days 6 nights

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$857
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11 – 17 Oct 7 days 6 nights

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$857
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25 – 31 Oct 7 days 6 nights

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Reviews Leave a review

V
Vera

about tour - Trekking in Arkhyz. Comfort tour

21 Jan, 2026

The trip took place from June 16 to 22. I highly recommend the tour, though it might be hard to go back to everyday sedentary life afterward, especially for active travelers :) The views are absolutely stunning and only reveal themselves once you climb high into the mountains! Our guide, Natasha B., was wonderful. She paid attention to everyone, kept the mood light, and was always there with a supportive shoulder when things got tough :D The group was fantastic, and the atmosphere was positive throughout :) I loved everything! Only amazing memories remain!
E
Eugenia

about tour - Trekking in Arkhyz. Comfort tour

19 Jul, 2025

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Trekking in Arkhyz from 4 PM. This was my first proper hiking experience in the mountains, and it was unforgettable. I'm so grateful that our instructor was Natasha, a truly warm, cheerful, and empathetic person. She knows how to connect with everyone, takes care of each participant, and offers support throughout the journey. She quickly brought the group together, and we all followed her lead without question. Arkhyz is stunning, though at times quite challenging, especially for beginners. My knees started to hurt going downhill, and I realized that in the future, I’ll probably stick to flatter routes with gentle elevation changes. But I’ll always treasure the fact that I experienced Arkhyz with Natasha, that alone is something special and full of fond memories. The Forget-Me-Not Hotel was clean and cozy, with delicious breakfasts. The lunches provided during the hikes were hearty and satisfying. Overall, the tour offered great value for the price.
E
Elena

about tour - Trekking in Arkhyz. Comfort tour

18 Apr, 2025

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A very interesting and well-rounded program. Our guide Konstantin was excellent. The trip was truly enriching, I learned so many new and fascinating things. I came home feeling uplifted! I just wish there had been a bit more free time. A longer tour, maybe 8 to 10 days, with a balance of mountain hikes and rest days would have been ideal. Other than that, everything was great!