A mountain camp in Arkhyz. Sofia Lakes

Let's start with a visit to the Sofia Waterfalls. To get to them, you have to drive through the Sofia Valley, along the Sofia River. We will make such a trip on an off—road vehicle, a local UAZ truck.

The mountain road leads to the Glacier Farm, which is a large tourist clearing where there are always tourist camps.

The further route to the waterfalls will have to be done on foot. At first, the trail goes through a coniferous forest, through small streams and dense birch groves.

The higher you climb, the more the landscape changes: fir forests are left behind, rocky areas appear, and snowfields may lie in places that have not yet melted.

The path to the waterfalls is not difficult, it will be within the power of every person.

One of the symbols of Arkhyz is the beautiful mountain Sofia. And here nature has created the mighty Sofia Glacier. Its sharp icy peaks rest against the sky, from a distance they look like huge fairy-tale creatures in snow caps and with a thick beard.

Magnificent Sofia waterfalls. The height is 70 meters! With an incredible noise, a huge mass of water falls down onto the dark rocks and gives rise to the white, foaming Sofia River.

The active part is 5.5 km, altitude difference is 2000-2300 m, duration is 5-6 hours.

The ecotrope, landscaped by Rushydro, will take us through the fir forest to the Sofia Ridge. After passing through the forest, we will enter our favorite area of alpine meadows, a huge flower meadow.

We climb higher, from where we will see the village of Arkhyz and the nearest mountain ranges. Next, we come to a surprisingly flat plateau, above which stands the spectacular Kara-Jash mountain.

The lakes of the Eaglet gullies are interesting because they are all located in small, stone bowls. The first lake is hidden in a wooded area, surrounded by shady pine trees. The water here is completely transparent, like rock crystal. The second lake has an emerald blue color.

We enjoy the beauty of these mountain reservoirs, swim, relax and have lunch.

The active part is 12.6 km, altitude difference is 1600-2380 m, duration is 6-7 hours.

Today's walk is the highest and longest.

Once again, our favorite photogenic retro car will be there, which will take us from the camp to the Ak-Aira Valley early in the morning.

Gradually, we will climb higher and higher, making rest stops by the river along the way. Small waterfalls roll down from the walls of the gorge, and the purest Ak-Airy river runs nearby.

Ahead is the ascent to the Irkiz pass (2880 m, 1A). The climb is not easy, but just beyond the pass opens a real country of lakes.

Sofia lakes are bright, colorful, decorated with small snowfields and emerald ice floes in early summer. Having chosen the most beautiful lake, we will stop near it for a rest. We'll swim, have lunch, and move on.

Ahead of us is Aimatli-Dzhagalykel. It translates as "a lake with rugged shores". The shores here are really quaint, undulating, and even in the height of summer, small snowfields can always be seen in a shady corner of the reservoir.

The active part is 12.3 km, the elevation difference is 2000-2890-1890 m, the duration of the radiator is 8-9 hours.

We are going to the Gabulu-Chat ridge, closer to Mount Smirnov. This peak is named after the author of the first project of a sports complex in Arkhyz.

The forest trail goes right out of our camp and leads higher and higher through the fir forest. There is a pleasant fragrance in the air, and soft pine needles underfoot.

Climbing higher on the ridge, we will find ourselves on the observation deck. We will have a stunning view of the valleys of the rivers Arkhyz, Psysh, Sofia. We will see the huge Sofia range, Mount Sofia and the highest point of these places — the plump Pshish 3790 m.

The active part is 8.6 km, the height difference is 1580-2200 m, the duration is 6-7 hours.

We continue the tour with a walk to the three high-altitude Dukka lakes. The path lies along the Malaya Dukka River, which makes many ornate turns and winds through the valley, showing us its playful disposition.

In July, rhododendrons, pink mountain roses, purple bluebells, geraniums and pale blue forget-me-nots bloom here. In August, berries appear along the route — ripe blueberries and lingonberries.

After only a couple of hours, the first dark green lake will appear in front of us. Climbing a little up the stone moraine, another huge rock circus opens with a beautiful, emerald-blue lake!

Almost all summer there is snow on the slopes of the circus, which sparkles in the sun and is reflected by snow-white icebergs in the calm surface of the lake.

We will choose the most beautiful place on the shore, make a stop and have lunch.

Ahead of us is a group of small ponds and one large dark emerald lake. Near the lake, we take incredible photos, relax and set off on our way back. Going down to the car, we drive to our camp.

The active part is 11.8 km, elevation difference is 1920-2600 m, duration is 7-8 hours.

We have breakfast in the morning and assemble our tent camp. Transfer by minibus.

12:30-13:30 Arrival at the railway station and Mineralnye Vody Airport. Departure home.