Megatur Arkhyz + Dombay. 10 Days of Trekking

Dombay and Arkhyz are the most picturesque corners of the Western Caucasus. We brought them together in one tour to enjoy the beauty of these places!
Dombai conquers tourists at first sight with its glaciers, snow peaks, walks through fir forests and cable car rides. Arkhyz, in turn, immediately captivates the hearts of travelers with incredible mountain lakes and waterfalls 70 meters high. Also, Arkhyz adds a drop of pleasant adrenaline to our tour with the help of rafting and horse riding.
In July, the trip will be decorated with flowering alpine meadows, in August and September the Caucasus will be pampered with ripe berries of raspberries, blueberries, lingonberries. In October, it is time for a delightful golden autumn.

During the tour, accommodation is organized in a cozy hotel, daily walks are made lightly, without backpacks. The tour is recommended for beginner tourists.

Travel area: Russia, Karachay-Cherkessia, pos. Dombai, pos.
Type of rest: accommodation in a hotel, walking around the gorges lightly.
Cost: 36,800 rubles.

Travel dates for 2020 (10 days):

• 30 August-08 September
• 04-13 October

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.

 

Route thread: Mineral Waters • Shoanin temple, Lake Tumanly-Kel, pos. Dombay • Dombay-Ulgen gorge, Ptysh waterfalls • Alibek gorge, Alibek waterfall, Turye lake • cable car to the horizon of the city of Mussa-Achitar • Baduk lakes • Alansk settlement, Face of Christ, pos. Arkhyz • cascade of lakes on the Malaya Dukka river • Sofia lakes • Sofia waterfalls • Rafting, horse riding • 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. Dombai (travel time 4-4.5 hours). On the way - an excursion to the Shoanin temple and the lake Tumanly-Kel.

Shoanin temple.
In the vicinity of the village of Costa Khetagurova, on the spur of Mount Shoana, the Shoanin temple is located. It was built in the heyday of the Alan state and dates back to the X century.
Along with the temples of the Lower Arkhyz settlement, the Shoanin temple is one of the five most ancient temples in Russia. The construction was carried out by Byzantine architects for Christian Alans. On the walls of the temples there are remains of ancient decorative paintings. From the hill on which the temple is located, there is a magnificent view of the surrounding area!

The next interesting object on our way is Gonachhir Gorge and Tumanly-Kel Lake.
There is a beautiful, asphalted road to the lake. Tumanly-Kel or Trout Lake is located at an altitude of 1880 m. This is one of the warmest lakes of the Teberdinsky Reserve, the water temperature in summer is +18. +20C.
The reservoir is quite large, its length is 275 m! The water in the lake, depending on the lighting, changes its color from celestial blue to emerald. To take beautiful pictures, we will rise a little above the lake and in all its glory we will see the snowy peaks of the Chotcha mountain range.

Clothing and shoes for the tour on the first day: cap, T-shirt, trousers, sandals or light trekking shoes. With him in the backpack: raincoat, swimsuit, towel, camera, drinking water. There will be an opportunity to swim in the lake, the water temperature is +15. +18C.
Active part of the route: 1.6 km, sightseeing objects are at an altitude of 1030 m (Shoanin temple) and 1880 m (Tumanly-Kel).

15:00-16:00 - Arrival in Dombay, settlement in the hotel "Dombay Ice Cherry".
Sightseeing tour of the village of Dombay.

Day 2

Gorge Dombai-Ulgen, Ptysh waterfalls.
The first part of the way to the gorge is an unremarkable mountain road. Do not waste time to walk on it, take UAZik and go to the heart of the mountains, Dombai-Ulgen gorge!
It is here that the highest point of the Western Caucasus is located - Dombai-Ulgen mountain (4047 m).
If until now you have seen alpine meadows only in pictures and on TV - get ready - today you will get to a real alpine paradise!! First we will walk past the cozy birch groves, after which we will get into the realm of huge flowers that bloom amazingly in July! If you stand still for just a minute, you’ll lose sight of your group – the grass and flowers are so tall.
Climbing the nearest bump, involuntarily ash! In this place, the gorge expands, as if it opens its arms. Before us is a sea of alpine meadows, mountain peaks, and at the end of the gorge, the unsurpassed Ptysh glacier shines in the sun. At first glance, it conquers tourists with its ideal, curved shape.
But that's not all! Ahead we have Ptysh waterfalls with colorful rainbows.
It is immediately clear that nature created this gorge with special love. A walk through these places is one of the most spectacular in Dombai!
The active part of the route is 7.2 km, the height difference of 1950-2360 m, the duration of the route is 6-7 hours.

Day 3

Alibek Gorge, Alibek Falls, Turje Lake.
All the most interesting is in the depths of the Alibek gorge! Therefore, we take mountain transport and drive on it the first 5 km of the road, which are unremarkable.
Then the trail will lead us to the enclosure with deer and lead to a huge flower clearing. In July on the local alpine meadows a real riot of colors: blue, purple, bright pink and yellow flowers will conquer you at first sight. And now add to this picture the snow-white glacier Alibek, which flaunts in the background. It is easy to see why this place is so popular with tourists!
The next interesting object on our way is the Alibek waterfall. A huge, incredibly powerful stream of water falls from a height of 25 meters! Getting closer to the waterfall, we will take great pictures.
Then we go to the observation deck, from where we will see the horizons of Moussa-Achitar, Mount Semenov-Bashi. Then we head to the glacier Alibek, come close and feel its icy breath!
By lunch, we will arrive at the end point of our route – the emerald Turye Lake. In July, ice floes are still floating here and rhododendrons are blooming. We will have lunch near the lake and go back.
The active part of the route: 6.4 km, the height difference of 1850-2190 m, the duration of the route is 6-7 hours.

Day 4

Cable car on the horizon of Moussa Achitar.
What kind of trip to Dombai can do without climbing the slope of Mount Moussa Achitar?
Cable cars very quickly lift tourists up to an altitude of 3012 m! From here you can see a beautiful panorama of the Main Caucasian Range, in clear weather you can see Elbrus and three Dombay gorges.
At different levels of the mountain, several panoramic platforms are equipped, as well as many cafes with national cuisine, where you can enjoy dining in the fresh air.
To the delight of tourists, there are many souvenirs sold here, there is an opportunity to take pictures with a bear, a yak and even a camel. Also on the mountain is another attraction - the alien hotel "Tarelet".
Duration of the tour: 5-6 hours.

Day 5

Baduk Lakes.
The Baduk River Gorge is like an illustration of a fairy tale! You can only dream about walking through such a coniferous forest. The path runs past tall fir, fir and fern thickets.
After 40 minutes, the trail leads to the confluence of two full-flowing rivers - Hadjibey and Baduk. White, foaming water runs with noise down the gorge. In this place, on the big bridge over the river, there are always great group photos.
Keep moving! The fir forest will be replaced by beautiful birch trees and soon the trail will lead us to the first lake. The highlight of Baduk Lakes is that they are all in the forest zone. Deciduous trees grow at the very edge of the water and give a special picturesque lakes.
Do you know what color the water is? In sunny weather Baduk lakes shimmer with a real, emerald color! The water here is incredibly clear and tempting to swim :)
The active part of the passage along the route: 7.7 km, the height difference of 1400-1980 m, the duration of the route is 5-6 hours.

Day 6

Eviction from the hotel, moving to the pos. Arkhyz (travel time 3 hours).

On the way, an excursion to the Alan settlement, the Face of Christ.
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.
Duration of the excursion: 1.5-2 hours.

16:00-17:00 - settlement in the hotel, sightseeing tour of the village of Arkhyz.

Day 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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).

15:00 – transfer by minibus to Mineralnye Vody.
18:00-18:30 – 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 can be changed.

 

• Accommodation in pos. Dombai at the Dombai Ice Cherry Hotel
• Accommodation in pos. Arkhyz at the "Nezazaforgetka" hotel.
• Meals: breakfast in a cafe (day 2-10), lunch - dry rations in the mountains during walks (day 2-10).
• Travel by minibus along the route
• Travel to the gorges by mountain transport (UAZ)
• Registration of a pass to the border zone Dombay
• Environmental fees in the Teberda State Natural Biosphere Reserve
• Excursion to the Alan settlement
• Cable car tickets
• rafting
• Horse ride
• Rental of group equipment: boilers, gas burners (for making tea for lunch in the mountains), group first aid kit.
• 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.
• Supplement for single accommodation in the hotel room - 6000 rubles. for the entire period of rest.
• Insurance (optional)