Sofia lakes in Arkhyz. Walking tour

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"Arkhyz. Sofia Lakes is one of the most spectacular, vibrant and accessible routes in the North Caucasus for an untrained tourist.

In just 4 days, we will visit a fabulous country surrounded by snow-capped peaks, admire the panorama of the Main Caucasian Range, and swim in the purest blue-green mountain lakes.

Location

Stavropol territory, Mineralnye Vody

Hiking & Trekking Tours

Contact the tour coordinator

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

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Tour highlights

Overnight at Sofia Lakes

Enjoy the atmosphere of the starry sky and the ringing silence by the fabulous lake

The freshness of waterfalls

We will see how the white streams of waterfalls fall from the enormous height at which the glacier of Mount Sofia is located.

Campfire gatherings

The best rest after a busy day is relaxing around a campfire with like—minded people.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival. Transfer to Arkhyz, Taulu orphanage
08:00 Meeting at the airport of Mineralnye Vody and the railway station of Mineralnye Vody at 08:30.
Transfer to Arkhyz, to the Taulu shelter.
Lunch-snack (prepared by the instructor).
Transfer by UAZ car to the "Ice Farm".
Dinner (prepared by the instructor).
Overnight in tents.

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Day 2 - Sofia Waterfalls and Sofia Saddle Pass Walk
Breakfast (prepared by the instructor).
A walk (without backpacks) to the Sofia waterfalls and the Sofia Saddle pass.
Lunch-snack (prepared by the instructor).
Dinner (prepared by the instructor).
Overnight in tents.

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Day 3 - Ascent to the Irkiz pass
Breakfast (prepared by the instructor).
Ascent to the Irkiz pass (Green, 2900, 1A ks).
We admire the Ak–Kaira waterfall and the beautiful Sofia Mountain.
Overnight at Sofia Lakes (10 km).
Lunch-snack (prepared by the instructor).
Dinner (prepared by the instructor).
Overnight in tents.

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Day 4 - Sofia River Valley. Departure
Breakfast (prepared by the instructor).
Descent towards the Sofia River.
Rest by the mountain lake.
Lunch-snack (prepared by the instructor).
Exit to the Sofia River valley.
Transfer by UAZ car to Taula.
Transfer to Mineralnye Vody railway station.
Approximate arrival time: 17:30.
Transfer to the airport of Mineralnye Vody.
Approximate time of arrival: 18:00.

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Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Accommodation

Tent

3 nights

Comfort

Basic

The tour includes accommodation in tents.

The cost of the tour for 1 person is 35,000 rubles.

You can rent or rent your own tent.

Tour conditions

Group

up to 15 tourists

Minimum age

16 years old

Duration

4 days 3 nights

Group meets at

Stavropol territory, Mineralnye Vody

Included in price

bus Mineralnye Vody — Arkhyz settlement — Mineralnye Vody;
pickup by UAZ car to the "Ice farm" and departure back;
3 meals a day on the active part of the route;
equipment rental (tents, fire and gas equipment, insurance in the mountains);
instructor service on the route.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Mineralnye Vody and back;
rent of a backpack, sleeping bag, trekking poles, equipment for rent;
meals not included in the tour program;
delivery of equipment and groceries to the gathering place of the group (for nonresident tourists).

It's important to know

a backpack of 70-90 liters; a tourist backpack with wide waist coverage and a rigid back. Tactical backpacks with a thin waist band, a padded back and a smaller volume will create inconvenience and increase fatigue. Backpacks without waist coverage are not suitable;
waterproof backpack cover; if there is a cover, and if there is no cover, all items in the backpack are packed in waterproof bags (trash, store bags, etc.), special attention is paid to a sleeping bag, warm clothes;
tourist mat;
sleeping bag in a compression bag; comfort temperature +5 or lower (the first half of the nights are alpine);
trekking boots (well worn, not uncomfortable);
hiking shoe covers (protecting feet from dirt and dew) optional;
replacement shoes (sneakers, sandals), replacement shoes, in addition to moving around the camp, must have a running function (flip-flops will not work). Special attention to those who have new shoes;
waterproof jacket;
(windbreaker) and raincoat (you can use plain plastic, but if very thin, then 2 pieces);
running trousers; special hiking or sports type (synthetic, quick-drying). For example, pure cotton jeans are not suitable, but leggings, leggings, sweatpants are possible.;
a running top for the mountains is preferably with a long sleeve (light shirt or T-shirt with long sleeves), in the forest it is possible with a short one. Synthetic quick-drying is better, or mixed fabrics.;
fleece jacket (polara);
a warm vest or down jacket; a light warm thing for evenings at +5 +10, it is possible on a sintepon, etc.
fleece hat (just not heavy);
thermal underwear;
fleece gloves;
light shorts or trousers for the second half of the hike, where it will be hot;
hat or baseball cap; any headdress is required;
3 pairs of socks; not understated, no footprints! Running socks are either special for hiking or regular thick or terry.
2-3 sets of linen (comfortable);
swimsuit/swimming trunks;
personal hygiene items in bottles designed for multiple applications;
KLMN (mug, spoon, bowl, knife); (not ceramic, not glass), (not a flat plate), usually plastic or metal bowls and mugs;
sunglasses (protection factor 2-3);
sun cream (30-50 units);
individual first—aid kit — your own medicines in case of exacerbation of your chronic diseases, who has new shoes - patches. Vitamin C;
a headlamp with a set of spare batteries;
trekking poles;
a plastic bottle for 1-1.5 liters of water. You can use the usual mineral water. At the beginning of the route, everyone should have a bottle already filled with water.;

The daytime temperature in the mountains is about +15 (cloudy), +20 or more on a sunny day. The nights are cold. In the forest area, as you approach the sea, it can be hot.

Dates and Prices

$483

14 – 17 Aug 4 days 3 nights

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