Big Country Travel: Trips to Russia, Adventure Tours & Vacation Packages

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The mountain and climatic resort of Arkhyz is on a first-class trip to Karachay-Cherkessia!

In one tour, we will hike up Mount Sofia to the Sofia Waterfalls and the Seven-Colored Lake, go to the Dukka Lakes, the rocks and Lake Orlyonok.

And we will also go rafting on a mountain river and take a horse ride through the most beautiful places of Arkhyz!

Location

Mineral Waters

from

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

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Tour highlights

A break from the hustle and bustle of the city

We will visit the beautiful all-season mountain and climatic resort of Arkhyz

Horse riding

We will take a horse ride in the vicinity of Arkhyz

Active leisure

We will walk through picturesque canyons, climb to high-altitude waterfalls and lakes

Rafting on a mountain river

Rafting on the Bolshoy Zelenchuk River awaits us, which will give unforgettable emotions and a frenzied release of adrenaline into the blood

Inspiration of the Caucasus

We will get a charge of vivacity, health, youth for the whole year ahead

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival. Transfer to Arkhyz
Your adventure will begin with your arrival in Mineralnye Vody.
Upon arrival, you will be met by a professional driver who will take you to the village. Arkhyz.
If you make it to the transfer at 12:00, then you will arrive in the village of Arkhyz in the late afternoon.
After checking into the hotel and having dinner, you will have time to stroll around the village, taste local dishes and buy souvenirs at the market.
On the transfer at 18:00, your planned arrival in the village will be late in the evening.
A delicious dinner and a cozy room will be waiting for you.
Meeting information: 12:00 and 18:00 gathering of the group at the railway station in Mineralnye Vody and at the airport in Mineralnye Vody (travel time 3.5-4 hours).

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Day 2 - Sofia waterfalls. Sofia Valley
After a hearty breakfast, we set off on the route at 10:00.
Today will give you the beauty and grandeur of one of the main attractions of Arkhyz – the Sofia River Valley.
First, you will have a car tour to Sofiyskaya Polyana, and from there you will embark on a simple trekking trip to the waterfalls.
The grand cascading waterfalls originate from the Sofia Glacier.
The peak of their high water comes in July-August during the total melting of snow in the mountains.
By noon, you will have a picnic lunch surrounded by mountain scenery.
Having refreshed ourselves and gained strength, we will continue our walk, and in the evening we will return to the hotel.
A delicious and satisfying dinner in the company of like—minded people and a long-awaited rest is the best way to end the day.
Timing of the day:
10:00 departure on the route;
13:00 picnic stop;
17:00 return to the hotel.
Accommodation: Arkhyz/Romantic.
Meals: breakfast and dinner at the hotel, picnic on the route.
Height difference: 200 m.
Walking distance: 5 km.
Car part of the route: 18 km.
Difficulty level: medium.

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Day 3 - The Bolshaya Dukka River. Seven-colored Lake
Today you will have a hike to the amazing beauty of the Seven-colored alpine lake.
The exit from the hotel to the route is around 9:30.
The route runs along the valley of the Bolshaya Dukka River.
Along the way, you can enjoy amazing views of the surrounding area and a variety of flora.
The seven-colored lake will meet you at an altitude of 2,420 m.
The reward for hard work will be a picnic on the lake and photos with the best views.
In the evening, you will have dinner in a warm atmosphere.
Timing of the day:
9:30 exit to the route;
14:00 picnic stop;
18:30 return to the hotel.
Accommodation: Arkhyz/Romantic.
Meals: breakfast and dinner at the hotel, picnic on the route.
Height difference: 450 m.
Walking distance: 14.3 km.
Car part of the route: 5 km.
Difficulty level: medium.

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Day 4 - Sofia Lakes (from July), until July — Lake Orlenok or Lake Belkau
Today we will dedicate a trip to the real pearl of Arkhyz — the Sofia lakes.
Three glacial lakes are located at an altitude of 2,830 m.
The route originates from the Sofia Valley, which can be reached by off-road vehicle.
Then the path continues towards the Glacier Farm, after which you need to turn right and cross the bridge over the Ak-Aira river.
After such a busy day, we return to the hotel and gain strength.
Trekking to the Sofia Lakes is carried out from July to October, due to the fact that the lakes are covered with ice until then.
Until July, we offer you an alternative route — Lake Eaglet or Lake Belkau, depending on weather conditions.
Timing of the day:
8:00 departure on the route;
13:00 picnic stop;
18:00 return to the hotel.
Accommodation: Arkhyz/Romantic.
Meals: breakfast and dinner at the hotel, picnic on the route.
Height difference: 850 m.
Walking distance: 14 km.
Difficulty level: medium.

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Day 5 - The Malaya Dukka River. Dukka Lakes
Today you will get acquainted with the unique duet of the Dukka lakes.
First we will get to the beginning of the route, and then we will go trekking to the valley of Malaya Dukka, from where we will climb to the lakes at an altitude of 2300-2500 m.
Sunny aquamarine, sky blue, moon blue — this is how the colors of the water change when climbing the isthmus, from which two mirrored bowls are visible at once.
The path of hiking in Arkhyz lies first along the bank of an almost flat river where trout swim, then it is replaced by a stormy river with mini waterfalls.
Below them are the baths, which are a real natural gift.
You will admire the thickets of blooming rhododendrons, the glades of crocuses, and the lake landscapes and, of course, bathing in their purest water will take you back in time to the beginning of the creation of the Earth!
Timing of the day:
09:30 exit to the route;
13:00 picnic stop;
17:00 return to the hotel.
Accommodation: Arkhyz/Romantic.
Meals: breakfast and dinner at the hotel, picnic on the route.
Height difference: 400 m.
Walking distance: 10 km.
Car part of the route: 6 km.
Difficulty level: medium.

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Day 6 - To the Bottomless Lake
After a delicious breakfast, we set off to conquer the mysterious, but so beautiful Bottomless Lake.
After driving to Kosh, we will make a short climb along the ridge of the mountain.
The ridge offers a wonderful view of the village of Romantik and the upper reaches of the Malaya Dukka River.
And then you will discover an incredibly blue lake.
The blue of the lake merges with the blue of the sky and it is difficult to see the bottom in the depths.
Timing of the day:
10:00 departure on the route;
14:00 picnic stop;
17:00 return to the hotel.
Accommodation: Arkhyz/Romantic.
Meals: breakfast and dinner at the hotel, picnic on the route.
Height difference: 360 m.
Walking distance: 11 km.
Car part of the route: 6 km.
Difficulty level: medium.

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Day 7 - Rafting (2 hours) and horseback riding (2 hours)
The final day of our tour will be dedicated to the most popular activities of Arkhyz.

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Day 8 - Departure
Group transfer at 12:00 (estimated arrival time at 16:00) and at 16:00 (estimated arrival time at 20:00).
Meals: breakfast.
Height difference: 900 m.
Automobile part of the route: 221 km.

Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Tour organizer's comments

Advanced, you need good physical fitness and endurance.

Accommodation

Hotel

7 nights

Comfort

Upscale

The tour provides accommodation in a hotel in 2-, 3-bed rooms with all amenities in the village of Arkhyz.

The cost of the tour for 1 person, depending on the accommodation and date, RUB.:

Period	Cost
17.05 to 31.05	70 000
07.06 to 18.10	95 000

The surcharge for single occupancy is 17,500 rubles/ the entire tour period.

The possible placement options are listed below. It can be replaced with similar ones.

"Romantic"

The Romantic Hotel complex is located in the Arkhyz Valley (altitude 1,650 m above sea level), near the Main Caucasian Ridge. It combines two comfortable buildings on the territory of the all-season mountain resort "Arkhyz". Each room has a TV, a refrigerator, a bathroom with a shower cabin, a walk-in shower, a hairdryer, a set of towels and a set of cosmetics, free WI-FI.

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Another option

"The Crown"

The Korona Country Hotel is located in the village of Arkhyz. Free Wi-Fi, parking, and ski storage are at guests' disposal.

Rooms of various categories are available for accommodation. Each room has comfortable beds, a wardrobe, a kettle, a TV with digital TV, a bathroom with a shower. The windows offer stunning views of the mountains and the surrounding nature.

The hotel serves a continental breakfast, lunch and dinner can be ordered from the menu.

The nearest airport is in Mineralnye Vody (162 km).

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Another option

"Mountain Rose"

Gornaya Rosa Hotel is located in the village of Arkhyz, a short drive from the Molochnaya Doroga Ski Lift. Car parking, internet access, airport shuttle (additional charge), terrace, shared lounge, luggage storage, laundry, sauna, garden, board games, tour desk are at guests' disposal. The reception is open 24 hours a day.

The apartments include everything for a comfortable stay: a soft bed, bed linen, towels, a socket by the bed, a wardrobe, a dressing room, a plasma TV, a seating area, a private toilet and a bathtub equipped with personal hygiene products. The rooms are cleaned daily.

Breakfast is served every morning. On the territory of the hotel there is a bar with soft drinks and a restaurant serving European cuisine, it is possible to order dietary dishes.

An array of activities can be enjoyed on site or in the surroundings, including horse riding, skiing, cycling and fishing. Sochi International Airport is 109 km away, and the bus station is 600 meters away.

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Another option

«Allure»

The family-run tourist hotel "Allure Lodge" is located on the banks of the Arkhyz River at the foot of the picturesque mountains of the Greater Caucasus.

In a well-maintained protected area there are 37 houses and cottages of various comfort levels, with a capacity of two to six guests, 7 rooms of the four-star category. Private parking is available.

Guests can taste authentic cuisine at the Moonlight Restaurant, as well as relax in the gazebos with a barbecue area.

Among the activities there is a heated swimming pool, a playground and a room, a mini-football field, a volleyball court. Guests can rent ski equipment, go to the Russian sauna and plunge into the font. And also catch trout in the local pond. Mineralnye Vody Airport is 170.1 km away, and Cherkessk Train Station is 105 km away. A cable car and a ski run are within walking distance.

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Tour conditions

Group

From 1 to 12 tourists

Minimum age

6 years old

Duration

8 days 7 nights

Group meets at

Mineral Waters

Included in price

transfer Mineralnye Vody — Arkhyz — Mineralnye Vody;
accommodation in hotels in 2-, 3-bed rooms with all amenities;
meals according to the program: breakfasts and dinners, picnics on the routes;
guide services;
transportation services on the route;
environmental fees of nature reserves;
entrance tickets to cultural and recreation facilities according to the tour program.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Mineralnye Vody and back;
private transfer;
meals not specified in the program;
excursions not included in the tour program;
entrance tickets to cultural and recreation facilities outside the tour program;
single occupancy — 17,500 rubles / the entire period of the tour.

It's important to know

swimwear and outfits for photo shoots;
personal first aid kit and insect repellent (if necessary);
waterproof windproof jacket and trousers;
a raincoat (preferably not a disposable one) or a membrane jacket;
Sunglasses and cream: the sun is very active in the mountains;
track suit;
trekking boots with tread, or sneakers like "Salomon Speed Cross" (sneakers for running without tread are categorically not suitable). Shoes must be worn out, not new;
trekking poles (if you don't have them, you can take ski poles);
a backpack and a "seat".

Dates and Prices

from
$866

17 – 24 May 8 days 7 nights

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$866

24 – 31 May 8 days 7 nights

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$1,175

31 May – 7 Jun 8 days 7 nights

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$1,175

7 – 14 Jun 8 days 7 nights

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14 – 21 Jun 8 days 7 nights

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$1,175

21 – 28 Jun 8 days 7 nights

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$1,175

28 Jun – 5 Jul 8 days 7 nights

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$1,175

5 – 12 Jul 8 days 7 nights

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$1,175

12 – 19 Jul 8 days 7 nights

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$1,175

19 – 26 Jul 8 days 7 nights

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26 Jul – 2 Aug 8 days 7 nights

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2 – 9 Aug 8 days 7 nights

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9 – 16 Aug 8 days 7 nights

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16 – 23 Aug 8 days 7 nights

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23 – 30 Aug 8 days 7 nights

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30 Aug – 6 Sep 8 days 7 nights

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6 – 13 Sep 8 days 7 nights

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13 – 20 Sep 8 days 7 nights

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20 – 27 Sep 8 days 7 nights

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27 Sep – 4 Oct 8 days 7 nights

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4 – 11 Oct 8 days 7 nights

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11 – 18 Oct 8 days 7 nights

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18 – 25 Oct 8 days 7 nights

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Reviews

I
Irina

1 Mar, 2025

An Unforgettable Adventure in Archych. Fantastic routes, a well-planned itinerary, and an excellent guide, Murat (special thanks for the coffee in the mountains!). A word of caution: this tour is extremely challenging. The climbs are steep, requiring both strength and endurance. Be sure to assess your fitness level realistically. Proper trekking shoes and hiking poles are absolutely ESSENTIAL! The most demanding route is the trek to the Sofiyskiye Lakes—an almost vertical ascent, followed by an equally steep descent on the other side of the mountain. But the stunning turquoise waters make every step worth it. This is no leisurely walk, it’s a true athletic challenge!

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AK
Alexandra Kroitoru

about provider

14 Apr, 2025

Everything was perfect

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I
Irina

about provider

3 Apr, 2025

The local managers carried out the entire program of our "Resort Romance" tour flawlessly. During the trip, we had a wonderful opportunity to escape the noise of the city and the hustle of metropolitan life. Every day, we were surrounded by stunning landscapes: mountains, rivers, fields, and gardens. Everywhere we looked, animals were peacefully grazing: cows, horses, sheep. Taking in these views felt truly relaxing... Bringing a deep sense of harmony with nature. Our group was small and flexible, just 10 people (ages 45-50+), traveling in a comfortable bus. Our guide, Eduard, made the experience even more enjoyable. What we appreciated most was that he let us set our own walking pace, never rushing us or imposing a fixed rhythm. He also gave us plenty of free time to explore the sights or shop for souvenirs: a rare and valuable quality in a guide. We were all incredibly grateful for that. Eduard shared many fascinating stories about the region and its history, always answering our countless questions with patience and enthusiasm. We loved everything about this trip.

Charming Arkhyz. Hiking tour

Location

Tour highlights

Itinerary

Accommodation

Tour conditions

Included in price

Paid extra

It's important to know

Dates and Prices

Reviews

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