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Krasnaya Polyana. Tourist routes

On the territory of Krasnaya Polyana and its surroundings there are many hiking routes, from one-day hikes to serious 3-5 day hikes. Everyone can choose the most suitable option for themselves. You can go on simple hikes either without an instructor or with one.

Here is a map of summer routes that will be most convenient for those who are new to the Krasnaya Polyana mountains and want to get acquainted with the area. However, for professional travelers, topographic maps are more suitable.

Map compiled by the RiderHelp team

List of tourist routes in Krasnaya Polyana. Each of them is discussed in more detail below.

Achishkho Ridge – 3-4 hours
Keiva Falls - 3-4 hours
Efremov's horizons - 2-3 hours
Cornice r. Bzerpi - 1-2 days
Mountain Stone Pillar on Rosa Khutor - 2-3 hours
Polikarya Waterfall (Pants) - 2-4 hours
Health path to Rosa Khutor - from 15 minutes to 2 hours
Achipsinskaya fortress - 2-3 hours
Kharginsky forest and waterfall at Rosa Khutor - 5-6 hours
Camp Kholodny and Semiozerye - 2-3 days
Mount Achishkho and Lake Khmelevskogo - 1-3 days
Lake Kardyvach – 2-4 days

If you are a novice traveler or simply do not want to spend several days on a hike, then day hikes, or “weekend hikes,” are perfect for you!

mountain peaks, waterfalls and incredible views will help you rejuvenate and recharge your batteries. Such routes are suitable for family hikes with children and for unprepared tourists. The only requirement for such a walk is the presence of special shoes and clothing for trekking.

Achishkho Ridge

The route begins in the village of Krasnaya Polyana. Unique nature mountain range Achishkho with its alpine meadows and lakes will not leave you indifferent. For a novice tourist, this is an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with practically all the main high-altitude natural and climatic zones of the mountainous Black Sea region. You will need to go up to the starting point of the route by car. You can start the walk from the Khmelevskoye lakes, then go through the horizon 1822. Along the ridge you can walk to Lake Zerkalny, where you will have the opportunity to stretch out and bask in the sun, at an altitude of 1900 m above sea level. Then we go down through the Round Glade, Sosnovaya Rock, and back to Krasnaya Polyana. During the hike you will be able to see the famous rock outcroppings of Wolf's Teeth, the ruins of Atsanguar, and stand on the top of Mount Skalistaya!

At the top you can fully admire the Peaks of the Main Caucasus Range, the Gagrinsky Range (Republic of Abkhazia) and the Aibginsky Range, as well as the Sugar Pseashkho Peak and views of the Black Sea.

This is a completely safe route for all ages, with connections everywhere. Most best route in the Krasnaya Polyana area for family hikes.

Equipment:

Keiva Falls

Keivu Waterfall is located within walking distance from the village of Krasnaya Polyana. The route is suitable for most nature lovers. And it starts from the recreation center of the Krasnaya Polyana municipal district. The asphalt road begins with a smooth ascent and turns into a forest one. Beginning tourists will not be able to get lost, since there is only one path to the waterfall and does not branch anywhere. During the ascent, panoramic views of Krasnaya Polyana open up. This waterfall is also known for the fact that it does not dry out at any time of the year. The road from the camp site itself will take about an hour, and the elevation gain will not exceed two hundred meters. Right there, at the waterfall or going down below, you can take a break with tea or coffee and begin your descent to Krasnaya Polyana along the path, where you will also be accompanied by beautiful views to the mountains.

Equipment: with sportswear and weather-appropriate shoes, storm jacket, backpack, snack, water.

Price: free of charge, but you need to get to the Ministry of Defense camp site and take your passport with you if you go not along the bypass path, but from the camp site. If you want to go with a guide, then Krasnopolyansky Mountain Club and Adventure Workshop lead here.

Efremov's horizons

Efremov’s Outlook - The name “Efremov’s Outlook” was given to Mount Nun in honor of Yuri Konstantinovich Efremov, geographer, poet, writer, honorary member of the Russian Geographical Society. The horizon itself was discovered by surveyors, but it was Efremov who discovered it for people. The route runs along a dirt road within the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve. Mount Monashka (height 758m) is located 2 km southwest of the center of Krasnaya Polyana and 750m from the right bank of the Mzymta River. It’s easy to get there, across the road “to Medoveevka” and the valley of the Beshenka river. It is from Mount Monashka that a magnificent view of Krasnaya Polyana, its surroundings and the Pseashkho massif opens up.

Price: 300 rub. for a pass to the reserve and optional guide services.

Mount Tabunaya and Bzerpinsky cornice

The route passes through the territory of the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve, and therefore, before entering the route, you must stop by the Aviary complex (3 km from the center of Krasnaya Polyana) and get a one-time pass. Mount Tabunaya (2351 m above sea level) is one of the peaks of the Bzerpi massif, located 15 kilometers from the village of Krasnaya Polyana.

The beginning of the route is the Gazprom cable car station Pikhtovaya Polyana (1700 m above sea level). further through the Bear Gate pass, and the Bzerpi cornice (2100 m above sea level), where you can rest a little and go to the top of Mount Tabunnaya.

A route for one-day walks for all people with average physical fitness. An opportunity to look at Krasnaya Polyana through the eyes of pioneers from the passes, which, like a magnet, attract the eyes of everyone who comes to Krasnaya Polyana.

Equipment: o clothes for the weather, storm jacket, small backpack, closed shoes with thick tread, glasses, hat, sunscreen, snack, water.

Price: 300 rub. per day - pass to the reserve.

Guide services: usually from 2000 rubles. per person
Experienced tourists can go on their own, as the trail is equipped and not difficult.

Stone Pillar

Great hiking for the whole family. Point of the Aibga mountain range, located between the Mzymta and Psou rivers. The peak naturally separates the eastern and western slopes of the ridge.

The route starts from the upper station of the Rosa Khutor cable car, Rosa Peak. The lift will take you to Rosa Peak, which offers an excellent view of the Caucasus Mountains. This is also where the trail to the Kamenny Pillar peak begins. You can make your way easier and get just to the bottom station of the Crocus chairlift, where you will go to the highest point of the route - the peak of the Stone Pillar (2509 m above sea level), however, you will still have to descend on your own.

Equipment: o clothes for the weather, storm jacket, small backpack, closed shoes with thick tread, glasses, hat, sunscreen, snack, water.

Price: 1300 rub. for the lift; If desired, you can take a tour guide.

Polikarya Waterfall

Polikarya Waterfall (also known as “Pants”) is one of the highest and most picturesque waterfalls in Sochi, about 70 meters high. At the same time, it is in relatively easy accessibility for tourists. A year ago, in June 2016, this excursion route became available to mass tourists. Thanks to the launch of the resort's cable cars in the Eastern Sector, the route to the finish point has become as easy as possible. The journey to the waterfall now takes no more than 30 minutes. And, despite the fact that on May 20 the Main Cable Car was closed for routine maintenance, a free shuttle runs to the Upper Town, at an altitude of 960 meters. From there, guests transfer to the gondola cabins of the road "K-10", then to the chairlifts - "K-12" and "K-13" and get to the starting point of the walking route to the waterfall. However, for guests who like long walking routes, there is always the opportunity to walk to the waterfall from 960 meters above sea level (the path takes about 2 hours one way).

The height of the waterfall is about 70 meters, it is located between 1450 and 1600 meters above sea level vertically. However, now the name of this waterfall is more often found as “Polikarya”, and Krasnopolyans call it “Pants”. He received this nickname because of two identical trouser-leg streams, which seethe most strongly in late spring - early summer, during the period of active snow melting.

Rosa Khutor Health Path

The ecological route “Path of Health” runs along the picturesque slope of Mount Psekhako and is located in the Rosa Khutor resort. The “Health Path” begins at Rosa Beach. The length of the trail is more than 3300 meters with a height difference from 580 to 732 meters above sea level. The route is equipped for tourists and has signs. You have to cross 13 mountain streams, and there are two waterfalls nearby. Along the entire route there are 25 places for rest, 3 observation platforms, and one plunge pool.

Price: for free.

Achipsinskaya fortress

A classic, but at the same time uncomplicated route, the beginning of which is located right in the village, at the fork near Gazprom. You can go there on your own, or with a guide to make it more interesting. The climb to the ruins of the ancient Byzantine fortress of the 9th century takes no more than half an hour, and then you can walk through the picturesque forest and go down to the beginning of the village of Esto-Sadok.

Price: free or 2000 rub. as part of an organized group with Adventure Workshop guides.

Kharginsky forest and waterfall at Rosa Khutor

This is a new hiking route to Rosa Khutor, which starts from Rosa Plateau, passes through the resort trails, then continues along a forest road and leads to a small picturesque waterfall and forest lake. During the route, the guides will tell you about Olympic venues the resort and its history, and in the forest area they will introduce guests to local endemic plants.

Since the route passes through the border zone, you can only go there with resort guides by appointment.

Price: 500 rub. per person. But don’t forget that you still need to climb Rosa Plateau or buy a special “cable car + hike” tariff for 1000 rubles.

Camp Kholodny and Semiozerye

Uncomplicated and popular route a trip with 1 or more overnight stays. First, take the Gazprom cable car to an altitude of 1660 m, then walk along an equipped trail to an altitude of 2300 m. Beautiful views of Krasnaya Polyana and the mountain peaks surrounding you.

Price: 300 rub. per day - pass to the reserve. Can be purchased at the aviary complex.
Transfer: cable car GTZ Gazprom, 800 rub. (to Pikhtovaya Polyana 1660 m)
Experienced tourists can go on their own, but with a guide it will be obviously easier and more interesting if you are here for the first time.

Mount Achishkho and Lake Khmelevskogo

The most famous and popular route in Krasnaya Polyana. This is where many now experienced tourists started. Relatively easy road, beautiful views from many observation platforms and swimming in a mountain stream. And also the opportunity to drive up to mountain path by car. This hike is suitable for those who want to discover mountain hiking. The route is also good because you can go there either with or without an overnight stay, depending on your time and wishes.

Price: 300 rub. per day - pass to the reserve. You can buy it in Polyana at the aviary complex.
Transfer: 5000 rub. for a UAZ for 5-7 people. to the Khmelevskoye lakes (one way). Or walk.
Guide services: usually 7-8 thousand rubles. per group per day or cost per person per day/per hike.

Lake Kardyvach

The pearl of Krasnopolyansk routes, mountain lake Kardyvach has attracted tourists and photographers for decades. You need to plan your trip to Kardyvach in advance, since to visit you need to get a border pass, which takes about a month.

Krasnaya Polyana is one of the most popular centers of mountain tourism in the former republics of the USSR. It is located on the border with the large Caucasian nature reserve. This is where most of the hiking routes in the surrounding mountains originate. Hiking can be completely different. For inexperienced tourists, a hike with one or two overnight stays is offered. For the more experienced, a whole week of relaxation in the mountains. Further in the article you can study the list of routes and a detailed list of everything you will need on the hike.

TOP popular routes:

Let's look at the most popular tourist routes in Sochi. For easier reference, we will arrange the routes in order from shortest to longest. At the same time, we also took into account the travel time from the center of Sochi to the destination and back. For example, from the city of Adler to Krasnaya Polyana can be reached in 40 minutes. A regular Sochi bus will take you an hour and a half.

Yew-boxwood grove

This is the shortest walking route in Krasnaya Polyana. Walking along the paths in the ancient forest is possible in three ways. Two of them return to the starting point and one is straight. The first circular route is the shortest. The walk here will take no more than an hour. The second is longer, up to 4 hours. The direct route begins at the “devil’s gate” and ends at the entrance to the forest. There is an excellent view of the gorge made by the Khosta River.

Yew-boxwood

The routes are accessible to people of any level and do not require hiking equipment.

stone pillar

This is the most famous and at the same time accessible mountain hike in Krasnaya Polyana. From the top of the mountain at a level of 2509 meters you can observe beautiful mountain landscapes. The climb is not difficult and does not require any equipment. After all, from the local cable car there is a wonderful trail with direction signs. The journey will generally take between two and three hours. Traveling on your own along the route is quite popular among tourists. But you can always order the services of a guide. The easiest way is to book trekking in Rosa Khutor.

Important! IN winter time Due to the danger to human lives, these hikes in Krasnaya Polyana are closed.

Agur waterfalls

Three beautiful waterfalls flowing into the canyon of the Agur River are most beautiful in autumn and spring. The waterfalls are most visited by tourists in the month of October. At this time, mountain streams gain the greatest strength. This trekking in Krasnaya Polyana can be continued with a climb to Mount Akhun.

You can also spend the night under the stars in a tent. The journey through the beautiful river gorge takes about 2-4 hours. If you want to take a minimal program, then from the beginning of the park you will walk along three waterfalls and return back. This hike will take a maximum of 1.5 hours. And if you want to enjoy the scenery to your heart's content, then calmly examine all the waterfalls and go up to Eagle Rocks. There is a small cafe with benches and gazebos for relaxation.

Sochi. Agur waterfalls

In summer it is quite hot here, but it is better to wear an extra jacket and comfortable sneakers. The journey from Sochi and back will take 3 hours.

Alpine meadows

Another excellent mountain route accessible to everyone. There is a well-equipped trail and a relatively small climb. There are several gazebos along the route. And there is a beautiful view of the nearby mountains. Therefore, everyone will like this trip.

The ascent and descent itself will take no more than three hours.

Important! It is worth remembering that even in summer the weather in the mountains is not always favorable. Therefore, a warm sweater and waterproof jackets will not be superfluous.

Vorontsov caves

This is the most large complex caves in the vicinity of Krasnaya Polyana. There are two routes available for tourists here. The first simple one is accessible to everyone. You will be able to admire the underground beauties and quickly return home. The second one is for those who like it mountain tour change It should be ordered from a guide who will take you into narrow manholes, water siphons, and various rock labyrinths. Of course, it is quite cool here and the temperature can drop below +10. Therefore, warm clothing is required. Many taxi cars can take you to the caves from the village of Vorontsovka in 20 minutes.

Vorontsov caves

Svanidze waterfalls

They are very small but at the same time beautiful waterfalls. The path to the waterfalls constantly winds, sometimes across the Sanidze River, sometimes close to the cliffs. The round trip to Sochi will take about four hours. An excursion to these places will be especially interesting in the summer.

Most popular overnight trips

Bzerpinsky cornice

Excellent mountain tour with beautiful scenery. The journey to the top of Mount Tabunaya can take only a few hours by cable car. In the beautiful alpine meadows you can stay overnight in a tent. The views of the Krasnaya Polyana gorge and endless forests are simply stunning. There is also a specially equipped club for tourists. It has several houses. If you do not have hiking equipment with you, you can rent tents, sleeping bags and everything you need. Therefore, these tourist routes in Sochi are in great demand.

Since the territory is located in a protected area, you need a pass to travel. You can simply pick it up at the Aviary complex in Rosa Khutor. There may be difficulties with drinking water. On the entire route it is only on the cornice itself. Therefore, take it with you in advance.

The journey can take around seven to nine hours if you travel at a fast pace. And if you stop with rest and rest, the hike can be extended over several days. If you order the services of a guide, the cost of the trip will cost 1200-2500 rubles.*

Lake Kardyvach

Consider the following walking routes, Krasnaya Polyana, which are very popular. The beginning of the path is at the Engelman Glades. It takes a long time to get there on foot. It is best to get here by SUV in about 2 hours. Kardyvach is especially beautiful in autumn. From the beginning of the path to the lake it is 18 km along a good forest path. No particular difficulties are expected for the trip. Therefore, you should take regular comfortable clothes and sneakers. You can walk the entire route in about a day. If you are a little late leaving, you can spend the night in the middle of the road in tents in a small clearing. If this is not enough for you. Then further from Kardyvach you can head to other high-mountain lakes. So the journey will last for several days.

Lake Kardyvach

Malaya Laba and Aishkho pass

An excellent tourist route running through mountain ranges to the Black Sea. There are comparatively fewer tourists here than on other Krasnaya Polyana routes. But there are no technically difficult sections to pass through. There are signs, designated parking areas for hikers, and a well-marked trail.

At the Aikhsha pass there is the most high part route. From here you have a beautiful view of the Caucasian peaks. Peculiarity of this tour is that the length of the route is from 50 to 70 km. On average, the walk can take four to six days. Therefore, you should be well prepared for your trip:

provisions;
clean water;
first aid kit;
comfortable hiking clothes and boots;
change of clothes (depending on the weather);
tent, sleeping bag, burner, etc.

Why Krasnaya Polyana

Let's sort it out reasons why many tourists choose Krasnaya Polyana hikes:

One of the disadvantages is the low height of the local mountains. There are also no large cliffs. Because of what this region of little interest to climbers. And the absence of serious glaciers is of little use for winter sports. Also, minor difficulties arise due to the fact that Krasnaya Polyana is partially located in a protected area. Because of this, special permits are required for hiking.

You should choose the route you like based on the required conditions for your vacation, select equipment and go to the unexplored region of the Caucasus Mountains.

*Prices are current as of September 2018.

Route

Winter is in full swing, and your legs are asking for a hike. Unfortunately, this time of year is not very suitable for long routes, and not only because the route takes longer due to deep snow. In winter, tourists in the mountains face mortal danger - avalanches. On some trails, avalanche-prone areas can be avoided, but not everywhere.

But there are also undoubted advantages: winter changes the landscape so much that a hike in summer and a hike in winter along the same route are two different hikes. You simply won’t recognize places you’ve known well since childhood in winter! But the main thing is that only in winter can the sky in the mountains be so blue, and the air so transparent and clean.

Krasnaya Polyana

My favorite Krasnaya Polyana. I remember it as a small village surrounded by majestic ridges, which could be reached from Sochi by helicopter or along a narrow serpentine along the stormy Mzymta. Now this is one of the most fashionable and elegant ski resorts in the world (it is also considered expensive, but I would argue with this statement).

The founding date of the village on the stele located at the entrance to Krasnaya Polyana is 1869, but in fact there has been a large village of mountain tribes here since time immemorial.

The village itself and its surroundings have repeatedly played an important role in history. On May 21, 1864, the Caucasian War ended here. And in 1942, at the Pseashkho and Aishkho passes, our troops stopped the German mountain division “Edelweiss” in the battle for the Caucasus.

The mountains here attract not only skiers and snowboarders. There are stunningly beautiful places here - lakes, alpine meadows, rocks, glaciers and everything that is dear to the heart of a tourist. Eat simple routes, which are well suited for beginners and families with children. Many peaks are accessible for climbing without special mountaineering training.

How to get there

Our journey starts from the Laura-Gazprom cable car, which is located 5 km from the village.

Getting to Laura is not difficult: buses from Sochi and Adler run from 6 am to 9 pm approximately every 30 minutes (about 250 rubles from Sochi), the stop is located directly at the ski lift. Travel time is more than 2 hours. It is better to leave on one of the first buses, because upon arrival you will have to go to the reserve office to get a pass. This will take about another hour.

The reserve office is located in the open-air complex (easy to find by following the signs), open from 9 am, and from Laura to it you need to walk along the river (on the opposite side of the Grand Hotel Polyana) for about 20 minutes.

The cost of the pass is 300 rubles per person per day.

The trail is periodically closed during the winter, so it's best to call the reserve to find out what rules are currently in effect.

The easiest way is to come by car, go to the reserve, and leave it in the parking lot near the ski lift for the duration of the hike (500 rubles per day).

If you travel by train, it costs more (from Sochi about 450 rubles). From the station to the cable car you will have to walk for about 20 minutes. The first train arrives at 8.47, and this is later than necessary, because you still need to go to the reserve office to get passes. If you buy passes in advance, you can immediately go to a new one cable car 3S and go up to Pikhtovaya Polyana.

To climb you need to buy an excursion ticket. Price 1100 rubles (more expensive on weekends and holidays). The cable car runs from 9.00.

So, one early morning we went to Krasnaya Polyana for snow and beautiful scenery. We had to go to the top of Mount Tabunnaya (2351 m) in the area of the Pseashkho massif.

When we went to Tabunnaya in winter for the last time, the new cable car from Alpiki-Service did not yet exist, and we had to climb from the Psekhako plateau (1450 m). Now the lift to Pikhtovaya Polyana saves a lot of time and effort. And during our very first hike, the trails were just starting to be built, and we climbed on foot from the river, from the very bottom, gaining a total of almost 1800 m in altitude per day.

From the Psekhako plateau we went down along the rope tow, then went up to the construction site of the biathlon complex. The road the construction equipment was driving along was a mess of snow and mud, so we strapped on our snowshoes and dived into the forest.

We reached Pikhtovaya Polyana (1600 m) quite quickly. The weather was excellent - bright sun and calm. From the place where the upper cable car station is now located, the trailhead is just a stone's throw away. However, in winter the trail is a big word, because everything is covered with snow a couple of meters thick. But it’s not at all difficult to guess, since the path goes along an obvious spur, and if you just go up all the time, you’ll come out exactly where you need to go.

We climbed through a beautiful fir forest to the Bear Gate (1890 m), where the territory of the Caucasian Nature Reserve begins. The forest is already over, and you can enjoy the mountain scenery without interference. They usually arrange a short rest here - there is a table and benches. But this is in the summer. And now only the tips of the dwarf birch trees are visible, which grow in the area between the fir forest and the alpine.

From here the trail turns left and traverses along the slope of Tabunnaya to the Bzerpa cornice - one of most beautiful places in the reserve. In the summer, alpine flowers bloom there, and now there are avalanches. Therefore, after taking a rest, we begin to climb the narrow ridge straight into the forehead. The ridge becomes steeper and steeper, and we walk the last meters taking off our snowshoes.

Having climbed up, we find a suitable place, dig places for tents and set up camp. As a reward for an active day, we get an amazing purple sunset.

The next morning, after having breakfast with delicious porridge (and everything is delicious in the mountains), we run lightly to the top of Tabunnaya. Visibility – 360 degrees. Incredible panorama. The four peaks of Aibga, Turya Mountains and the beautiful Agepsta on one side, on the other - the majestic Chugush, Vorobyov Peak, in front are the sharp peaks of Pseasheh, below is the beautiful valley of the Pseashkho Pass, behind are the low mountain ranges that separate Krasnaya Polyana from the coast. The peaks of the Abkhazian mountains can be seen in the distance.

We packed up camp and set out for way back. We walked for a while, but then, when the slope became gentler, we gave up, sat down on our heels and slid down to the benches in no time. Descending through the forest was more difficult - every now and then we fell into the loose snow even on snowshoes, but we still reached Pikhtovaya Polyana quickly. A little more and we are on Psekhako.

The lift that takes you to Pikhtovaya Polyana is open until 16.30, and it is better not to be late for it. If suddenly this does happen, there is no big problem - you can walk to the cable car on Psekhako, where the slopes for evening skiing are located, so the lift is open until 23.00.

Equipment

Of course, the basic tourist kit is a backpack, a tent, a flashlight, a sleeping bag (necessarily warm, it can be down to -20°C at the top), KLMN (mug-spoon-bowl-knife), mat-mat, winter clothes (preferably water- and windproof ), good warm trekking boots.

It is advisable to have two sets of thermal underwear: a thin one for moving (it’s very hot in the sun, and you have to take off your jacket every now and then), a thick one for spending the night. Shoe covers are convenient (we call them “flashlights”) - these are things that are worn over trousers and cover the leg from foot to knee, used to prevent snow from getting into boots and under trousers.

Required: snowshoes or ski tours, sunglasses with the maximum degree of protection (snow in the sun, even without it, is really blinding), sunscreen with the highest factor (you can burn to blisters - the sun is already bright at altitude, plus reflection from the snow ), snow shovel, burner and gas.

It’s better to take a supply of food and gas - if the weather suddenly worsens, the descent from Tabunnaya to Medvezhya Gate in poor visibility becomes dangerous, you may have to wait it out.

Since the hike is only for two days, take a bottle of red wine and spices with you: mulled wine at the summit is the best mulled wine!

Winter in the mountains is wonderful, and I sincerely wish everyone to enjoy it to the fullest, but always remember to be safe.

We spent one day in Krasnaya Polyana. Just a day. Although we stayed there overnight, the next morning the journey continued, and we left for Adygea. Initially, we were allotted a day to Krasnaya Polyana because we couldn’t imagine what we could do here for longer. Tourists and travelers travel from Sochi to Krasnaya Polyana mostly in one day (with excursions or on their own), and for many this is enough. We didn't have enough. I hope that my article will answer at least some of your questions about Krasnaya Polyana - what to do and what to see, where to stay, where to eat inexpensively and, of course, how many days to go.
I’ll start with what we ourselves screwed up on - how many days. For a sightseeing acquaintance, a daylight is enough for a road traveler, for a deeper one - at least three. A vacation in Krasnaya Polyana involves, in my opinion, at least five days. The more, the better. One thing I can say for sure is that it’s worth going here! Firstly, it is incredibly beautiful here - mountains, mountain rivers, waterfalls, snow in summer, blooming rhododendrons, intoxicating air. Secondly, it’s interesting here - there’s something to see, to plunge into the atmosphere of a ski resort, to see the Olympic fashionable Rosa Khutor and Gorki Gorod, and even to explore new, much less known natural places and attractions.

That day we went out until we dropped. By evening, Sophie had already climbed onto her father’s neck, or rather shoulders, because she could not walk from fatigue. I don’t even remember how I moved. But, knowing myself, I can assume that I relied only on the inspiration and delight that the Caucasus mountains and the healing aura of these places breathed into us.

Krasnaya Polyana (district), in addition to Krasnaya Polyana itself, includes several settlements- the village of Esto-Sadok (including the ski resorts Rosa Khutor, Gorki Gorod, Gazprom), the villages of Medoveevka, Kepsha and Chvizhepse. I told you a little about Chvizheps (Bear Corner) in an article about. So the uniqueness of these places (Sochi national park!) you imagine.

Krasnaya Polyana - part Greater Sochi, its mountainous part. This is a mountain climatic resort, a place where everything heals - air, climate, sun.

Krasnaya Polyana is interesting not only for those who are interested in alpine skiing. This is an attractive place for tourists, travelers, and vacationers. Moreover, it is attractive all year round. And what a blessing here for romantics, lovers beautiful scenery, photographers and amateur photographers! Amazing place! Expensive enough for a holiday ski resort, but a completely accessible place to visit, where even in the absence of serious cash you can have an unforgettable time. I mean like a sightseeing tour tourist trip, so independent travel for a few days. Independent, of course, comes first.
Krasnaya Polyana made an indelible impression on us. With pleasure and curiosity we saw Esta-Sadok, Gorki Gorod, walked along the embankment of the Mzymta River in Rosa Dolina and the Cultural and Ethnographic Center “My Russia”. Beautiful, aesthetically pleasing, well-groomed, unusual.

But the main entertainment in Krasnaya Polyana is the cable cars and ski lifts. What shocked us most of all, of course, were the mountains and landscapes that can be seen “at arm’s length.” Even now I can’t calmly look at the photographs taken at the Mountain Carousel. I will make separate posts about the mountains and, possibly, the “My Russia” center. I can’t “bury” a huge number of cool photos. :)

Now closer to the point. To the report. If we arrange all the events of that day chronologically, then everything happened like this:

Road from Sochi to Krasnaya Polyana,
check-in at the hotel "Paradise House",
Gorki City, ascent to the mountains on the "Mountain Carousel" lift,
walk around Rosa Khutor,
center "My Russia"
dinner at "Pelmennaya" in the "Siberia" pavilion,
return for the night to the hotel "Paradise House".

Road from Sochi to Krasnaya Polyana

A completely unburdensome, high-quality, very picturesque road leads us from the sea to the mountains.

The day turned out to be hot. In the sun +34+35 °C, which notifies electronic scoreboard over the highway.

Tunnels, bridges, interchanges - everything is modern, interesting, cool.

In parallel with us, an electric train is rapidly rushing to Krasnaya Polyana.

You turn your head in all directions. Everything is great and beautiful!

Stella installed on historical place, where a peace treaty was signed, ending the Caucasian War.

The inscription on the pyramid stone: “Here on May 21, 1864, the long-term Caucasian War ended with a parade of Russian troops. 1878 - the founding of the village of Krasnaya Polyana, 1897 - 1899 - the construction of the Adler - Krasnaya Polyana road...”. And so on - the main milestones in the development of the village.

On one of the edges are lines from a poem by M.Yu. Lermontov "Caucasus". How consonant they are with my soul:

"Though I was destined at the dawn of my days,
O southern mountains, they are torn from you,
To remember them forever, you have to be there once:
Like the sweet song of my homeland,
I love the Caucasus..."

Having looked around at the surroundings from the platform near the stele, we drove on.

Krasnaya Polyana... The A148 highway passes through the entire village - Street of Defenders of the Caucasus. On both sides of it there are numerous hotels, as well as shops, gas stations, etc. It is quite convenient, when coming to Krasnaya Polyana, to stay here, in the village itself. Yes, you have to drive to the sights, this place is only suitable for an overnight stay, but, firstly, it’s not far to go, and, secondly, accommodation here is much cheaper than in Esto-Sadok and its mountain resorts.

Hotel "Paradise House"

The street where the hotel is located, the hotel gate.

The hotel building is in the form of a chalet.

Our bungalow is on the far right on the first floor.

View from the window.

On the threshold of the room.

We checked into the hotel and immediately left it - we went to see Krasnaya Polyana.

Past the Rosneft gas station,

past cafes and hotels,

marveling at the beauty of the wooded mountains, various strange structures

and cable car cabins flying above the cars

we reached Gorki Gorod.

Gorki Gorod, "Mountain Carousel"

The Gorki City resort is located in the village of Esto-Sadok. It is the first one on the way from the village of Krasnaya Polyana to the Rosa Khutor resort. We decided to start watching Krasnaya Polyana from here.

We enter the territory and go to the underground parking.

Parking cost: the first hour is free, the second and subsequent hours are 50 rubles per hour.

Entrance to the parking lot.

We parked and went to the ticket office of the Mountain Carousel. The huge, incomprehensible price list is confusing. So we just asked at the ticket office how much it costs to ride the cable car. If I'm not confused, we pay 1,100 rubles each. per person for climbing to a height of 2,375 (the Black Pyramid peak is the most high point descent). We thought it would be more expensive. Sonya rode for free.

Operating hours of the cable cars at the Gorki Gorod resort in the summer.

Let's go for landing. Since I’m thinking of making a separate post about Gorki Gorod and in particular about cable car riding, here in the report I’ll show everything very briefly.
"Mountain Carousel" is part of the "Gorki Gorod" resort, which is located at different levels: at heights of 540 m - "Lower City", 960 m - "Upper City", 1,500 m and 2,200 m - cable cars . 2375 m - "Black Pyramid" peak. The "Lower" and "Upper" levels are connected by a road and a cable car. There is serious infrastructure there, hotels, restaurants, cafes...

To climb to a height of 2,375 meters, we had to ride five sections of the cable car. Three are in booths, two are in chairs.
First section. We sit down in the Lower Town - mark 540 m. We ride in a cabin. Visibility due to the thick scratched glass is not very good. And we noticed that all the booths are different. There are also ones with good glass, there is an excellent view.

First transplant - to Upper Town, at an altitude of 960 meters.

Complete delight! The soul freezes from the surrounding views.

We arrive at an altitude of 1,460 m..

The final push is very powerful and the most picturesque

to the Black Pyramid peak.

It seems that you can touch the mountains, snow and flowers with your hand - they are so close.

We are at an altitude of 2,375.

And no matter which edge of the mountain you approach, magnificent views open up. You can look at the mountains forever.

And then... the rain began to pour.

Not only did we forget the prepared package with warm sweaters in the car, but without warm clothes it is very cold at such an altitude. It’s not for nothing that the snow doesn’t melt here even when it’s hot below. So the freezing rain covered us. Everyone was urgently forced to board the cable car. We were riding in a closed cabin, and the rain was lashing our bare legs. It was something...

and admire the crazy beauty of the mountains and the Rhododendron Valley.

I tried to absorb all this beauty with every cell, remember, enjoy. The cable car worker showed us mountain goats and goats walking in the mountains and told us stories about them.

Well, then the test of beauty and cold ended, and we moved on...

We walked around Gorki Gorod for a bit. The architecture is, of course, unique. But it’s interesting to see, interesting... The atmosphere of the resort is relaxing. I want to have fun, sit in a street cafe under an umbrella, not rush anywhere... But for this you need to come here to relax for several days.

And we went to Rosa Khutor. We spent quite a lot of time at the Mountain Carousel. We had to hurry.

Rosa Khutor

We arrived in Rosa Khutor at half past six.

We didn’t bother with parking -

They parked the car along the road - like everyone else.

We came out to the embankment approximately in its middle. The mountain river is noisy... :) Beautiful!

Rosa Dolina is a cozy corner in the style of alpine villages. Europe, Christmas trees! The eye is happy. :)

Rose of the Valley diagram.

Town Hall building. In front of her - central square resort.

Alley of Olympic Stars.

McDonald's, ticket office for the Rosa Khutor cable car - the most popular cable car in Krasnaya Polyana. We flew with her. Two cable cars in one day is too much. But we visited McDuck. The most economical option for a snack in Rosa Khutor, again, a free toilet.

On the square we found the Usadba Jazz festival. How I wanted to relax, sit back in a sun lounger, listen to music and take my time...

That's why you need to come to Krasnaya Polyana for longer.

The walk was pleasant, but we didn't know "where to run." I wanted to be able to go everywhere and see everything.

What I saw most was the landscapes; I liked the beach area and the pretty bodies of water.

Tourists are transported to Rosa Khutor in trains. The huge parking lot was jam-packed with buses of all kinds.

We walk along the Panorama embankment towards the waterfall.

You turn around and... ah! Beauty!

Lake Kardyvach

The route to Lake Kardyvach begins from Krasnaya Polyana. It goes along the right bank of the Mzymta through the village of Esto-Sadok, along the Achipse and Laura rivers, to the Psekhako ridge, to the Pseashkho pass (16 km northeast of Krasnaya Polyana), among alpine meadows covered with a green carpet of soft, lush grasses, past miniature Lake Tourist to the Pseashkho massif and Mount Perevalnaya (2634 m). During the Great Patriotic War, at the end of 1942, the pass was heroically defended by Soviet troops. In the Kholodny camp, to the north of it, a monument to the defenders of the pass was later erected. The descent from the mountain passes over the abyss, through the Medvezhi Vorota tract.

The Pseashkho mountain range includes Northern Pseashkho (3257 m), Southern Pseashkho (3251 m), Sugar Pseashkho, also known as Sugar Loaf (3187 m), Kozhevnikov Peak (3072 m), 10 glaciers, total area which is approximately 5 km2. The largest of them, Pseashkho, reaches a length of 3.1 km and is considered one of the largest in the Caucasus. Two glaciers on the southern slopes of the massif are clearly visible from the Black Sea coast. They lie at an altitude of 2910-3140 m.

Higher up, after turning to the Aishkho pass at the Pslukh cordon, the border of the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve passes. Seven kilometers from it is the Aishkho pass (Aishkha, 2401 m, open from May to October). From here you can already see the territory of Abkhazia and the incomparable beauty of the panorama of the snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus - the Turi Mountains, the Gagra Range, Mount Agepsta, with glaciers and snowfields, Mount Achishkho and the peaks of Aishkha.

Mount Agepsta (3256 m) is located on the border Krasnodar region and Abkhazia. It is located in the middle part of the ridge, the western territory of which is called the Aibga ridge, the middle - the Tury Mountains, and the eastern - the Atsetuka ridge. From the north, the peak looks stern and majestic. The rivers Psou, Gega, and tributaries of the Mzymta originate from its southern slopes. Near the Chukhovaya peak, a tiny mountain lake fascinates with its exceptional purity and transparency.

The Aigba mountain range is located east of the village of Krasnaya Polyana. Its peaks are clearly visible from there. The southern, gentle slopes of the ridge are covered with grass and flowers, while the northern ones are rocky, with glaciers and snowfields. Black Pyramid Peak (2540 m) is extremely difficult to climb. Climbers train on it. Along northern slopes, among the pines and firs there are ski slopes.

The descent from the Aishkho pass again leads to the Mzymta River, on the right bank of which, surrounded by a luxurious coniferous forest on the territory of the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve, lies Engelmanova Polyana (22 km northeast of Krasnaya Polyana). The village at an altitude of 1450 m is named after the land surveyor Engelman, who before the revolution rented the area for grazing livestock. Near Engelmanova Polyana flows the “Narzan River” with 120 mineral springs.

Past them, along the banks of the Mzymta, past the Emerald Waterfall, the flows of which, surrounded by dense forests, acquire a bright, rich green color and a sparkle similar to emerald, lies the path to the high-mountainous (1838 m) Lake Kardyvach (44 km northeast of Krasnaya Polyana ). Mountain peaks surround the lake from the west, north and east. It seems that it is in a mountain bowl. The sky, reflected in the water, gives it a bluish-green tint.

Lake Kardyvach (1850 m above sea level) resembles an ellipse, 500 m long, 300 m wide. Area 15 hectares, depth up to 23 m. This is the most large lake in the mountainous part of the Krasnodar region.

The water in it is clean and transparent. Its temperature in summer does not rise above 12° C. The lake is fed by river, ground and atmospheric waters. On its shore there are meadows, with islands of birch groves and tall fir trees. The surroundings of the lake are extremely picturesque. There is no fish in it. Attempts to dilute her artificially were unsuccessful. Nature created this paradise for contemplation and for peace.

There are other lakes nearby: Sineokoe, Utaenoye, Sineglazoye, Atsetukskoye and very close, just five kilometers away - Verkhniy (Maly) Kardyvach. Its area is 2 hectares, depth - 8 m, water temperature - 11°C. The water in this lake has an amazing cobalt blue hue. A chaotic pile of stones, sharp peaks, and cliffs surround the lake. There is almost no vegetation around, but you can contemplate for a long time the landscape of stones, which is not so typical for Russia and even the Caucasus.

A permit from the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve Office is required to visit.

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