Megatur in Arkhyz. 10 days of trekking with the hotel

Our trip takes place in Arkhyz, one of the brightest corners of the Western Caucasus.
These places, along with Dombai, boast their stunning coniferous forests, full waterfalls and emerald lakes.
During the tour, we will walk through the alpine meadows, see waterfalls 70 meters high, and also visit 10 (Ten!!!) mountain lakes. Lakes are the main treasure of Arkhyz. Mountain lakes here are multicolored: blue, azure, dark blue ... Every picture on the lakes is like the cover of a photo magazine!
Our program provides trekking in the mountains, as well as active rest in the form of rafting and horse riding.

Travel area: Western Caucasus, Karachay-Cherkessia, Arkhyz.
Type of rest: hotel accommodation, walks light
Cost: 34,700 rubles.

Travel dates for 2020 (10 days):
July 19-28
August 16-25

To pass along the tourist routes of this region, citizens of foreign countries (Ukraine, Belarus) need a pass to the border zone, which is issued within 30 working days (43 calendar days). After submitting an application for participation in the trek, we ask each tourist from a foreign country for a copy of the passport for registration of the pass.
For citizens of the Russian Federation, registration of a pass is not required, while driving along the route it is enough to have the original passport.

The route thread: Mineralnye Vody - Alanskoe settlement, Face of Christ - Sofia waterfalls - Cascade of lakes on the Malaya Dukka river - Baritovy waterfall - Sofia lakes - Rafting on the Big Zelenchuk river - Horse riding - Seven-colored lake - Lake of Love - Chigardala Falls - Observation deck of Karcha-Tebe - Mineralnye Waters.

Day 1

11:00-11:30 (Moscow time) - group gathering at the railway station of Mineralnye Vody (near the main entrance from the city) and at the airport of Mineralnye Vody (near the main entrance).
Transfer by minibus to pos. Arkhyz (about 3-3.5 hours).

On the way, an excursion to the Alan settlement, the Face of Christ.
Our acquaintance with the Caucasus will begin with a tour of the Alan settlement.
Scientists believe that Arkhyz was the capital of the ancient state of Alanya. We will walk through the ancient streets of this city, see the ancient Solar calendar, a stone warrior and admire three monumental temples. This is one of the oldest Christian churches in Russia, which have survived from the tenth century to the present day.
Another amazing attraction is located near the temples, on the slope of the Matsešta ridge. Local residents in 1999 discovered in this place painted on the rock Face of Christ, which dates back to the IX century. The size of the cave drawing is 120x80 cm. It is written in five mineral paints rubbed on egg white. Visitors are always amazed by the artist’s skill, who managed to paint an image so harmoniously on an uneven rock surface.
Clothing and shoes for walking on the first day: T-shirt, flisk, pants, shoes for walking (we will walk on asphalt and on a flat, unpaved road). With him in the backpack: cap, raincoat, camera, subpopnik, drinking water.
Duration of the tour: 2 hours.

17:00-18:00 - settlement in the hotel, sightseeing tour of the village of Arkhyz.

Day 2

Sofia Falls.
High in the mountains of Arkhyz there is a very picturesque place - Glacier Farm. This is a huge tourist glade, surrounded by mountains on all sides. It is from here that the ascent to Sofia waterfalls begins.
Along the tourist trail in late June - early July, white rhododendrons bloom, in August and September, ripe raspberries, blueberries and lingonberries can be found here.
The trail leads to the very foot of the waterfall – where splashes fly from all sides and colorful rainbows sparkle. Sofia waterfalls are the highest in these places, their height reaches 70 meters!
The active part of the route: 5.5 km, the height difference of 2000-2300 m, the duration of the route is 5-6 hours.

Day 3

Cascade of lakes on the Malaya Dukka River.
The route to Dukkin Lakes is very loved by our tourists for its picturesqueness!
The path begins along the Malaya Dukka River, which playfully winds through the valley and allows us to take beautiful photos. After 1.5-2 hours we arrive at the first emerald lake. In early July, rhododendrons and yellow nines bloom here. They are reflected in the water and add their colors to the palette of the lake.
We go up to the second lake. It is very interesting to climb the lintel and stop in the place where both lakes are visible. You can compare their color, their size. And be sure to take a great panoramic shot of two lakes in one frame!
Ahead we have another, the largest lake, similar in shape to a huge lizard. Above it rises a mountain in the form of a triangle, which seems to look into the lake and admire its beauty.
Active part of the route: 11.8 km, height difference 1920-2600 m, route duration 7-8 hours.

Day 4

Barite Falls.
The path to the waterfall leaves the village of Arkhyz and quickly rises along the Baritova beam. The path goes along the riverbed and flowering alpine meadows. Then the trail quickly leads us to the forest, and the next section of the path will pass under the crowns of centuries-old fir. The forest is always pleasantly cool, the sun's rays penetrate through the trees, which illuminate ferns and green moss. Mushrooms hide on the hills, and at the end of summer raspberries and currants keep up here.
After leaving the forest, the path goes to the river. A little lift and we're on target! Right in front of us Barite waterfall with a height of 30 meters. But that's not all! We will go a little further to get to one of the best observation decks of Arkhyz. From here we will admire the Big Zelenchuk river, mountain ranges, see the symbol of Arkhyz - Mount Sofia, and in clear weather from here the highest point of these places - Mount Pshish (3790 m) is visible.
The active part of the route: 5.8 km, the height difference of 1470-2030 m, the duration of the route is 5-6 hours.

Day 5

Sophia lakes.
Today is one of the most anticipated days of the route! Let's go to the Sofia Lakes.
Many of you have seen these lakes in the photographs, and you've wondered, do these lakes really have this incredible color? After all, here mixed green, blue, emerald and azure colors. On a sunny day, the lakes are incredibly shiny, shimmer and please the eye of tourists.
The way to the lakes is not easy - we are waiting for the climb up, up and a little more up, to the Irkiz pass. But as soon as we enter the pass, immediately the country of Sofia Lakes will open before us!
On the shore of one of the lakes we will rest, have lunch and go on. Ahead we have a descent down and spectacular Lake Aimatly. On its shore, we will also sit, admire, and everyone can swim.
The active part of the route: 12.3 km, the elevation difference 2000-2890-1890 m, the duration of the route 8-9 hours.

Day 6

Rafting on the Big Zelenchuk River.
On this day in our plans rafting - rafting on the river. We will raft along the emerald river Big Zelenchuk - the largest water artery of Arkhyz.
An experienced instructor will conduct a safety briefing, together with him we will train on land, how to row and control the raft correctly. Then we put on special shoes, wetsuits, life jackets - and go!
Training and experience are not required for rafting. In the reliable hands of the instructor, all beginners cope perfectly with raft management. A sea of pleasure and adrenaline will be provided to everyone.
Clothing for rafting: swimsuit or shorts + T-shirt. On rafting, they issue a wetsuit, special socks, shoes, a life jacket and a helmet. Wetsuit is put on top of a swimsuit or shorts with a T-shirt.
Active part of the route: route length 7 km, duration 1.5 hours (instruction + alloy).

Horse ride.
Horse riding is not only a pleasure to ride, but also beautiful photos with horses against the background of the mountains!
Our horses are calm, and an experienced instructor will teach you how to steer and hold on to the saddle. Such walks always give positive emotions to both children and adults.
Duration: 1.5 hours (instruction + skating).

Day 7

The seven-colored lake.
In our tour we show you the most beautiful lakes and waterfalls! One of these lakes is the Seven Color Lake.
The way to the lake goes through the valley of the Great Ducca River. The path is comfortable, the climb is very smooth and only at the very end of the way you will find a steeper climb. Immediately after climbing, a huge lake opens! It is not for nothing called the Seven-colored, because the surface of the lake shimmers with such bright colors: emerald, blue, purple. On both sides, the reservoir is surrounded by mountains, which are majestically reflected in the calm surface of the lake.
The active part of the route: 13.2 km, the height difference of 1920-2450 m, the duration of the route is 7-8 hours.

Day 8

Lake of Love.
The route to the Lake of Love begins with a pleasant walk through the coniferous forest. The first three kilometers we will pass on a flat road, after which a long climb through the fir and birch forest begins. We go higher, here the trees give way to meadows and soon the trail leads to the pass Arkhyz saddle. From the pass there is a magnificent view of the village of Arkhyz and mountain ranges.
From here, about half an hour walk - and the trail will lead to the lake, which is at an altitude of 2350 m. The shape of the lake is a huge heart, for which tourists call it the Lake of Love! Crystal, blue-green water symbolizes the purity and depth of this great feeling.
The active part of the passage along the route: 18.2 km, the height difference of 1470-2350 m, the duration of the route is 9-10 hours.

Day 9

Chigardala Falls.
Chigardala Gorge is one of the easiest walks on our tour. Do not be confused by the mileage of 18 km, because almost the entire route we will go along a flat, forest path. But to get to the waterfall itself, at the end of the route you will have to climb up 15-20 minutes.
Chigardala Falls is located in the fir forest, where there is always coolness and light gloom. At noon, the sun almost completely illuminates the waterfall, causing it to sparkle!
Not far from the waterfall is an excellent observation deck. In this place, the trees seem to part, and a beautiful view of the valley of the Kyzgych River and the tops of the Main Caucasian Range opens.
The active part of the route: 17.9 km, the height difference of 1465-1730 m, the duration of the route is 7-7.5 hours.

Day 10

Karcha-Tebe observation deck.
We will end our trip to Arkhyz with an easy and picturesque walk to the observation deck. Not far from our hotel is a rocky ledge, overgrown with pine forest. In the XIII - XIV centuries. it was here that the tower of Karchi was located - the legendary ancestor of the Karachai people. Now only a meter-high wall remains from the tower.
But the most important thing is why we go to this place – these are great views! At the top of the rock, the pine forest parted - and we have a view of the valley of the Bolshaya Zelenchuk and Kyzgych river, the Morkh-Syrty ridge. During the holiday, we have already visited all these places. At the top of the cliff we will drink tea and consider the routes traveled.
The active part of the passage along the route: 8.4 km, the height difference of 1470-1640 m, the duration of the route is 3-4 hours.

14:30 – transfer by minibus to Mineralnye Vody.
17:30-18:00 – 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 can be changed.

• Travel by minibus along the route
• Accommodation in pos. Arkhyz at the "Nezazaforgetka" hotel.
• The kitchen, as well as the cozy hall, are places where we always gather for evening games and gatherings.
• In the courtyard of the hotel there is its own parking for cars.
• Food:
• Breakfast in a cafe (day 2-10), lunch - dry rations in the mountains during radial routes (day 2-10).
• Rental of group equipment: boilers, gas burners (for making tea for lunch in the mountains), group first aid kit.
• Environmental fees in the Teberda State Natural Biosphere Reserve.
• Travel along the route on mountain transport (UAZ).
• rafting
• Horse ride
• Conductor-instructor services

The price does not include:

• Transportation costs to the beginning of the route and back (Mineralnye Vody).
• Meals: dinner. The cost of dinner in a cafe: 250-350 rubles.
• Insurance (optional)
• Supplement for single accommodation in the hotel room - 6000 rubles. for the entire period of rest.