Sofia Lakes - 3 days/2 nights

Three beautiful, rare beauty lakes are located at an altitude of 2830 meters above sea level among rocks and snowballs at the foot of the peak of Mingi-Kol-Bashi, which is often visited by novice climbers.

View of the lakes from the mountain Köl-Bashi ("pivot peak")

They look like huge gems - all of different colors. The largest of them is azure blue. Its diameter is 300 meters, depth is 17 meters. The second lake is much smaller - the color of pure sky blue, and the third, like polished black marble. To see this beauty, you need to overcome the pass Irkiz 1A category of difficulty. All three lakes are immediately visible from the pass. It's a good point of view.

The route itself is very picturesque from the beginning. In addition, along the way we will see several beautiful waterfalls of Ak-Aira.

Another option: you can take tents and go to the Sofia gorge with overnight stays, thus visiting not only the Sofia lakes, but also the Sofia waterfalls, the Sofia saddle pass (2556 m).

Mount Sofia is a symbol of Arkhyz, the second highest mountain is 3637m. You can see it from the lakes.

If you spend the night right at the Sophia lakes, you can go from there to other radials. For example, through the passes of Köl-Aush and Kara-Jash, overcoming snow and rocks, go 8 km from the bivak to the beautiful Crater Lake at an altitude of 2838 meters above sea level, against the background of the highest point of Arkhyz - Mount Pshish (3790 m). The lake rests in a deep-walled caravan, similar to a volcano crater. Above it is the summit of Köl Başi.

Crater Lake - 2838 meters above sea level

On the way there we will also see Lake Upper Comma between the peaks of 60 years of KCAO and Pestera. From the lakes to it 5 km.

Moreover, the route can be looped - go down a completely different way - along the gorge of Kashkha-Echka-Chat to the lake Oimatly-Jagali-Kol (2400 m). In this way, visit 6 lakes! Kashha-Echka means "sulphur." This is a gorge of chamois, if you are lucky, we will see them on the rocks when descending.

Oimatly-Jagali-Kol translated from Karachay means "lake with rugged shores". With this name associated with the legend that you will hear on the hike. In hot weather, the water in shallow water warms up well, you can swim.

Undoubtedly, the Sofia Gorge is worth a visit. Keep in mind that there is no mobile connection in the gorge. Evaluate your strength, state of health and level of preparation for making the right decision.

If you decide to hike with overnight stays, keep in mind that in the mountains, especially at this altitude, it is cold. Bring a thin down jacket with you. And of course, no one is immune from the rain - waterproof and not blown clothes are mandatory.

Sofia lakes are the main attraction of Arkhyz. The route is available from July to October, the rest of the time the lakes are covered with snow and approaches are difficult to access. I will immediately say that this route is suitable for strong, hardy, trained walkers. If you are not used to walking, choose an easier route.

The start begins at the end of the Sofia Valley in the area of the Glacier Farm. We will drive 10 km to the UAZ - this is an hour off-road. The cost of 5500 rubles is paid separately. The route is suitable for trained tourists.

Take a look at this beautiful video prepared by professionals: