A mountain camp in Arkhyz. Sofia Lakes

Hiking in Arkhyz will begin with a visit to the Sofia waterfalls.

To get to the waterfalls, you have to drive through the Sofia Valley, along the Sofia River. 

We will make such a trip through the mountainous Arkhyz in an off–road vehicle - a local UAZ. 

The mountain road will lead to the Glacier Farm – this 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 remain behind, rocky areas appear, in places there may be snowfields 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. Its height is 3637 m. 

And here nature has created the mighty Sofia Glacier. Its sharp, icy peaks rest against the sky, from afar they look like huge fairy-tale creatures in snow caps and with a thick beard.

In the warmer months, the glacier melts, and magnificent Sofia waterfalls. 

The height of the waterfalls 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.

Active part: 5.5 km, altitude difference 2000-2300 m, duration of the hike 5-6 hours.

Hiking routes in Arkhyz cannot be imagined without visiting the Orlenok lakes.

The local mountain ranges are famous for their colorful reservoirs. Today we will see several reservoirs located on the Sofia ridge.

The eco-trail, landscaped by Rushydro, will take us through the fir forest to the Sofia ridge. 

After passing through the forest, we will go out to our favorite area of alpine meadows, to a huge flower meadow. 

We rise higher. From here we will see the village of Arkhyz and the nearest mountain ranges. 

Next, we go out onto a huge, surprisingly flat plateau, above which rises the spectacular Kara-Jash mountain. The name of the mountain translates as "Black Prince", tourists with backpacks often climb past it to the Orlyonok pass.

The lakes of the Orlyonok gulch are interesting because they are all located in small, stone bowls. 

The first lake is hidden in a forest area, surrounded by shady pines. It is very comfortably located surrounded by granite stones. The water here is completely transparent, like a rhinestone. 

The second lake has an emerald blue color. We enjoy the beauty of these mountain reservoirs, swim, arrange a rest and lunch.

Active part: 12.6 km, altitude difference 1600-2380 m, duration of the hike 6-7 hours.

It is this tour that our tourists are always looking forward to. Because The Sofia Lakes are the calling card of Arkhyz.

Today's walk is the highest and longest. 

There will be our favorite photogenic retro car again, which will take us to the Ak-Aira valley early in the morning from the camp. Gradually we will climb higher and higher, making rest stops by the river along the way.

Fir forests will be replaced by Alpine meadows, followed by whole glades of rhododendrons and juniper. Small waterfalls roll down from the walls of the gorge, and the purest river Ak-Aira runs nearby.

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

Sofia lakes are bright, colorful, decorated with small snowfields and emerald ice floes in early summer. 

In one reservoir, the water has an unusually blue color, in another it is turquoise, and the third is a lake with water the color of steel.

Having chosen the most beautiful Sofia lake, we will stop near it for a rest. 

We'll swim, have lunch and move on. 

Ahead of us is another attraction of Arkhyz – Aimatly-jagaly-kel. 

Being translated Aimatli-Jagali-kel as "a lake with rugged shores". 

The shores here are really bizarre, wavy, and even in the height of summer, small snowfields can always be seen in a shady corner of the reservoir.

Active part: 12.3 km, altitude difference 2000-2890-1890 m, the duration of the radiator is 8-9 hours.

Our tour continues, on this day we are going on a trip along Arkhyz to Mount Smirnova. 

This peak is named after the author of the first project of the sports complex in Arkhyz.

The forest path goes straight out of our camp and leads higher and higher through the fir forest. There are huge pines, firs and firs all around. There is a pleasant aroma in the air, and soft pine needles underfoot.

Mount Smirnova is one of the best viewing platforms on the Gabulu-Chat plateau. 

Going out to the Bald Meadow, we will have a stunning view of the valleys of the Arkhyz, Psysh, Sofia rivers. 

We will see the huge Sofia ridge, Mount Sofia and the highest point of these places – plump Pshish (3790 m).

Active part: 8.6 km, altitude difference of 1580-2200 m, route duration 6-7 hours.

The tour of Arkhyz continues with a walk to the three high mountainsThe Dukka Lakes. 

The path lies along the Malaya Dukka River, which makes many ornate turns and meanders through the valley, showing tourists its playful disposition.

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

After just 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 halt and have lunch.

Ahead of us is a group of small reservoirs and one large, dark emerald lake. 

From above, it looks like a giant green lizard.

We take incredible photos near the lake, relax and set off on our way back. 

After going down to the car, we go to our camp in Arkhyz.

Active part: 11.8 km, altitude difference of 1920-2600 m, duration of the hike 7-8 hours.

In the morning we have breakfast and assemble our tent camp.

The hike through Arkhyz without backpacks is completed, we are going on the way back.

Transfer by minibus to Mineralnye Vody.

12:30-13:30 arrival at the railway station and the airport of Mineralnye Vody, departure home.

Depending on the weather conditions, the physical condition of the participants and other factors, the route of the hike may be changed.