Home » Estonia » Winter hike in the mountains of Krasnaya Polyana. Where to go for a walk in Krasnaya Polyana: one-day hiking routes Hiking routes Krasnaya Polyana

Winter hike in the mountains of Krasnaya Polyana. Where to go for a walk in Krasnaya Polyana: one-day hiking routes Hiking routes Krasnaya Polyana

The Health Path (Rosa Khutor) is three walking routes through the forest on the slopes of Mount Psekhako. Each of them has varying degrees of difficulty. What’s good is that you don’t need to get here – the trail starts right from the resort itself. The simplest route can be done by anyone – even a child can do it. But only the most courageous can overcome the most difficult one – it’s about a two-hour journey through the forest.

Let us immediately note that in Greater Sochi Recently, various health paths and health paths have become fashionable. Therefore, if you wanted to read about the health path, which is located near Sochi, then you can do it.

The entire lower slope of Mount Psekhako, along which the Rosa Khutor health path goes, is dotted with trees. In essence, this is a magnificent southern forest, through which there is a trail stylized to resemble these almost wild places. In the warm season, the trees are covered with moss, turning the forest plush and completely green, like a fairy tale. It is worth considering that with any route you will have to go up, and if you don’t like it at all, then long routes are unlikely to suit you.

The local health trail is one of best places for a summer walk.

Routes

There are only 3 routes, each of which starts between the beach and the hotel. They also end in one place - a little upstream of the river from the entrance.

The easiest route is only 310 meters and can be completed in 10-15 minutes. If you take your time and take pictures everywhere you can, then walking this third of a kilometer can take about half an hour. It's unlikely to do more. Interesting places here is the minimum

The middle ring is 1630 meters and if you follow it, the journey will take you about an hour and a half. There will be two springs with drinking water, an observation deck, a waterfall and one yoga area. And only here there is a small lake where you can swim. The water is really very cold. On the diagram it is marked as a font.

The Big Ring is 1970 meters. The most difficult and long way. It will take at least two hours. There will be no font here, but there will be a glade of Strength and another area for yoga.

Want more? No one is stopping you from combining all the routes into one mega-route and visiting everything.

Where is it and how to get there

The mountain health trail is located on the territory of the steepest mountain resort Rosa Khutor. It starts from the lake beach, which can be considered the starting point.

But to go for a walk along the health path, you first need to somehow get to the mountain resort itself. There are four ways to get to Rosa Khutor:

You can drive there yourself in your own car. First you need to get to Adler airport, and then just drive straight along the A148 highway. The road is quite long - 40 kilometers from the airport, and more than 70 from the center of Sochi. But the road here is new and driving along it is a pleasure. In general, this is the most convenient way and it’s good for everyone, except that the driver will have to drive a lot and not drink alcohol. If you go on a trip alone or together, then in terms of gasoline it will be more expensive than an electric train and, even more so, a bus.
You can get there by high-speed train Lastochka. If you travel from Sochi, this is definitely the fastest way and at the same time quite comfortable. Electric trains are not overcrowded unless something extraordinary happens in the city, so the ride will be quite comfortable. The downside is that it’s more expensive than taking a bus and you have to adjust to the schedule, which isn’t always pleasant.
Another way to get to Rosa Khutor is, of course, by bus. Here best price, there is no strict connection to the schedule and place of start. For example, you can come from Sochi (105, 105C), from Khosta and Kudepsta and a bunch of stops along the way (105), and from Adler from the shopping center " New Century"(135). Naturally, you can get on at any stop on the A148 highway. Separately, it should be noted that in order to be guaranteed to get seats, you need to go from the initial stop (Sochi bus station or the Novy Vek shopping center in Adler).
Theoretically, you can come to Rosa Khutor as part of an organized excursion. But there are no excursions from Sochi or Adler to the health path, so this option is not suitable for us in any case.
If you come by train, you will need to go upstream through the entire winter resort town to Mzymta Square. The journey will take about 15-20 minutes and along the way there will be many shops where you can buy something. You can recognize Mzymta Square by the McDonald's located here. Next, cross the bridge and turn right. In a couple of minutes you will reach the next bridge. You need to turn left here, walk along the path for another minute, and then the path itself begins. You can focus on the Rosa Khutor lake beach located next to the trail.
If you come by bus, it will stop right near Mzymta Square. What to do next is described above. Where to go for those who arrived by car themselves depends on where they managed to park it. In any case, focus on the square and McDonald's.

I have been on your path. Somehow weak. Is there something more complicated?

There will always be something more difficult.

There is a waterfall nearby, the road to which is completely untrodden. This route was once popular among tourists who loved active recreation, but now everyone goes along better routes.

You can also go to the waterfall in the Gorki Gorod resort. But not from the lift at an altitude of 960 meters, but from the very bottom. Then the path in one direction will be about 10 kilometers.

An even more difficult hike to. If you don’t care about him either, then you are enlightened and can do anything at all.

Is it worth going? (and a little about reviews)

Do you doubt whether this place is worth your attention? To be honest, I don’t know, because, unfortunately, I don’t know you. Therefore, if you like beautiful natural places and active walks, if you love forests and mountains, then it’s worth it. Numerous reviews that can be found on the Internet are extremely monotonous - they say that the place is really cool. But if in your understanding best vacation If this is lying on the sofa or, in extreme cases, on the beach, then despite all the reviews, you are unlikely to like it here.

A few points

Admission is free
Take food and water with you. There is nowhere to buy it here
This is a wonderful place. And it will be just as beautiful if you don't throw trash here. Respect beauty, nature and your country
A camera is a must on this hike. In addition to the beautiful forest, there are sometimes very cool views here.
An interesting figure: there are a total of 919 steps on all routes. This is really a lot. For girls, walking on it is a guarantee of a very beautiful butt. That’s why this is a path to health in general.
You should not walk along the trail in the rain and, especially, in the snow. The road can be very slippery and unsafe.
If you like active recreation and are not here in winter time, then be sure to visit the trail. This is an amazing place. A few meters from the most perfect mountain resort in Russia, beautiful and almost wild places begin.

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For our parents, children and grandmothers, Sochi has always been popular destination July-August beach holiday. For my peers, Sochi and Krasnaya Polyana are the places where the Winter Olympics took place in 2014. For me, this is, first of all, the crazy beauty of nature and mountains. So beautiful that a few years ago my wife and I left Moscow and now live in Sochi. In the five years since moving, I have already made more than 70 hikes in the Caucasus and decided that I have the moral right to make something like a “Guide” to this fantastic region for any tourist and outdoor enthusiast! On this large page (please be careful and patient), I have collected all the basic information for planning and organizing independent hike in the outskirts of Sochi and Krasnaya Polyana.

Let me start with what attracted us personally to this place so much that we moved here to live?

Why Sochi and Krasnaya Polyana?

Mild climate and super ecology. Despite the fact that in the winter months there are often prolonged rains on the coast, and snowfalls in the mountains, the climate here is, of course, much more comfortable for life than in my native Siberia, or in the Urals, or even in central Russia. There is no need to talk about the environment. There are no large industrial enterprises in Sochi, and daily morning sea and evening mountain breezes clean the city's air from exhaust gases.
Long hiking season. The climate of these places allows you to go to the mountains for six months - from June to November!! And if you pay attention not only to the mountains, but also to the coast with its numerous waterfalls and gorges, then the hiking season becomes year-round!
Huge opportunities for multi-sport. Those who love sports and mountains can find entertainment for every taste: classic hiking and mountain hiking, mountain biking, via feratta routes, rafting, canyoning and even bungee jumping!
Excellent infrastructure. New railway from the airport and railway station in Adler or Sochi it will take you to Krasnaya Polyana in an hour, and there are excellent trails and even the presence of mountain shelters and tent camps allow you to walk in the mountains in comfort, even with small children, and at the same time enjoy the beauty of nature. A plane from Moscow is also inexpensive compared to flights abroad (just buy in advance!).
Safety. May the tolerants and cosmopolitans forgive me, Sochi and its surroundings are fundamentally different from other regions of the Caucasus. You can be sure that you will not have any hassles with the locals. The village of Krasnaya Polyana is historically populated by ethnic Greeks and Estonians, and Sochi by Armenians, who are known to profess Christianity, not Islam. The share of the Russian population here, in my opinion, is even greater in Moscow.

Cons? From the point of view of “sports” tourism and mountaineering, the only disadvantage of the Krasnaya Polyana mountains is their low height. There are practically no serious glaciers or extended vertical walls here. Also, many are bothered by the fact that most of the Krasnaya Polyana mountains are located on the territory of the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve, which imposes certain difficulties with organizing hikes (more about them below), but in my opinion, the presence of the reserve is not a minus, but a plus. It's scary to imagine what would happen to these the most beautiful mountains, if they were not protected by law! As for the disadvantages of the city of Sochi in terms of a place to live, I personally want more direct flights not only to Moscow, but also abroad. And a couple or three embassies of European countries. Nothing more is needed! But back to hiking, this is an outdoor guide after all!

5 Day Hiking Ideas All Year Round

Everyone who comes to Sochi for just a few days wants to see all the most interesting things. But how to do this? After all, only the length of Sochi along coastline The Black Sea is more than 100 kilometers long!! (by the way, one of the longest cities in the world), and if we add to this the gorge of the Mzymta River, in the upper reaches of which the village of Krasnaya Polyana is located with new, ski resorts“Rosa Khutor”, “Mountain Carousel” and “Gazprom-Laura”... And if we add neighboring “friendly” Abkhazia to this.. How to manage everything?

To begin with, I will share a list of the TOP 5 easy and one-day routes that are available all year round - both winter and summer.

(1)

A walk through the relict forest along a beautiful equipped trail. Both routes are accessible to absolutely everyone, regardless of skill level. It is enough to wear sports shoes. Must have to get acquainted with the nature of the "seaside" climate zone"On hot summer days you can even swim in the canyon of the Khosta River!!

How to get there: 15 minutes from the Sputnik bus stop in Khosta.

Two circular routes - "Small Ring" (the walk will take approximately 1 hour) and "Big Ring" (from 2 to 4 hours).

(2)

Zmeykovsky waterfalls are unique in that even in the hottest summer months there is enough water in the Dikarka River for you to admire their extraordinary five (!), albeit small, waterfalls that are not alike. Those who like to eat delicious food in nature will love the cozy restaurant near the lower waterfall.

How to get there: 10 minutes walk from the minibus or bus stop No. 120.

A walk through all five waterfalls and back will take from one and a half to three hours.

(3)

Walking towards the Orekhovsky waterfall is my favorite hiking option when you want to get some fresh air and take a break from the city. The route is not difficult - ordinary sneakers are enough equipment and is short - a walk to the waterfall and back can take a couple of hours! In addition, Orekhovsky waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls in Sochi.

From the center of Sochi and back - from 3 to 5 hours.

How to get there: by taxi or half an hour on foot from the city bus terminus.

(4)

A cascade of three waterfalls in the picturesque canyon of the Agura River is one of the most popular places of pilgrimage for summer tourists, but these waterfalls are most beautiful in autumn and spring, when there is more water and fewer tourists!

How to get there: 20 minutes walk from the Sputnik stop (any minibus in the direction Sochi - Adler)

Walk to the first big waterfall and back will take about 1.5 hours, if you go further with a climb to the Prometheus rocks for at least 2.5 - 3 hours.

(5)

By some miracle, not included in all sorts of tourist guides in Sochi, the waterfalls on the Svanidze stream are not at all large, but amazing. The path to the upper waterfall constantly winds from one bank of the Svanidze stream to the other, in places dangerously approaching the cliff. If you leave early, you can manage to get further, to the Azhek waterfalls!

Start of the route: final stop of bus #102.

From the final stop to the waterfalls and back - 4 hours.

ONE-DAY HIKES IN THE MOUNTAINS OF KRASNAYA POLYANA

The mountain hiking season in the vicinity of Krasnaya Polyana begins no earlier than mid-June, when, after the snow melts in the mountains, the reserve opens routes. Best time for hiking - July-August, the period of the most stable and warm weather. Once the snow cover settles, the routes are closed again. This usually happens in mid-October.

(1)

Climbing to the top of the Stone Pillar is the most accessible mountain walk in the vicinity of Krasnaya Polyana. From the top a majestic all-round panorama of the Western Caucasus mountains opens up, and if you're lucky, you can even see the Black Sea. Absolutely anyone can climb the Stone Pillar, since from the cable car station to the top there is an excellent path (in fact, a dirt road), marked with signs. It's impossible to get lost.

Start of the route: the upper station of the Rosa Khutor cable car.

The walk from the upper cable car station takes about 1.5 to 3 hours.

(2)

Thanks to a specially equipped trail and a relatively small height difference for mountains, today this is perhaps the only alternative to the route to the top of the “Stone Pillar” among the simple walking routes in the Krasnaya Polyana mountains available to everyone.

How to get there: on cable car"Mountain Carousel" from Estosadok (Krasnaya Polyana).

Timing: the hike itself takes from one and a half to three hours, plus another half hour for the ascent and descent on the cable car.

(3) Khmelevskie lakes - Achipsinskie waterfalls

A walk from the Khmelevskie Lakes to the Achipsinskiye Waterfalls is an excellent option for a full-day mountain walk. To gain time and save energy, you can go up to the Khmelevskie Lakes in jeeps (from 4,000 rubles per car, you can arrange a pick-up right at the Rosa Khutor station square).

Timing: from the end of the road to the nearby lakes and back - an hour and a half, to Lake Mirror and back - 4 hours, to the Achipsinsky waterfalls - at least 5-6 hours there and back.

(4) Bzerpinsky cornice

Hiking the Bzerpisky Cornice is my favorite weekend mountain hike. I even wrote a small guide! You can climb to a height of 1600 meters by cable car, and in just two hours (of constant uphill climbing) you can find yourself in the area of alpine meadows. Views of the surrounding peaks, blooming rhododendron and the Krasnaya Polyana gorge are guaranteed right under your feet!

How to get there: Pikhtovaya Polyana station of the Laura-Gazprom cable car to Rosa Khutor (Krasnaya Polyana)

From the upper station of the cable car and back - from 6 to 9 hours at a sports pace.

(5) Mount Achishkho

Achishkho is one of my favorite peaks in Krasnaya Polyana. I am also writing a hotel guide for this mountain. Panorama opens from the top Black Sea coast and a view of the Greater Caucasus.

To go to the top and back in one day requires either excellent physical training (a climb of almost 2000 vertical meters, and then the same amount of descent is not a task for the weak in body) or expensive, from 5,000 rubles per car to get to the Khmelevsky Lakes!

MULTI-DAY MOUNTAIN HIKES

Multi-day hiking trips with an overnight stay in a tent - an eternal classic. Only in this format can you truly take a break from the pressure of modern civilization and chat with friends live while sitting around the evening fire, and not through instant messengers and social networks, because there is practically no connection on such routes :)

If you are not ready to plan your own route, are not sure that you can correctly determine the path, or simply do not have your own tourist equipment, in the mountains of Krasnaya Polyana there is a unique opportunity for our country - to spend the night in the mountains in pre-installed tents of the Krasnaya Polyana Mountain Club or go with kids on unique trips combined with teaching tourism skills! And if you want, you can rent equipment from them and go on your own.

The hikes are listed in ascending order of duration and difficulty, starting with the easiest.

(1) Bzerpinsky cornice - Kholodny camp

If you are just dreaming of starting hiking and in the mountains in particular, a hike to the Bzerpinsky cornice is the best option for you. The equipped trail, the availability of rest areas, and the availability of cellular communications make this route as safe as possible for such an experience. And the views all around will make you rock. Just dress warmly, it’s cold in the mountains at night!

Start of the route: upper station of the Gazprom cable car

Duration: from 2 to 4 days.

(2)

Super popular place. Especially in the fall, when all the local photographers flock here. If you want to see something else besides the lake (climb the neighboring peaks) - plan for more days!

Start of the route: the village of Rosa Khutor or Engelmanov Polyany

The lake is located both on the territory of the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve and in the border zone. So you will have to arrange for passes in advance.

Duration: from 4 to 8 days.

(5) Abkhazia

Lately, Abkhazia has been my favorite region for multi-day hikes. At the height of summer, when the surroundings of Krasnaya Polyana are full of tourists, there is absolute silence here, no hassles with passes or border guards. Maximum scope for creativity in building multi-day routes!

Start of the route: Lake Ritsa or Gegsky waterfall

Duration: from 3 to 7 days.

IMPORTANT! Since 2/3 of the mountains surrounding Krasnaya Polyana and Sochi are located on the territory of the Caucasus State Biosphere Reserve and in close proximity to the state border with Abkhazia, for most multi-day hikes you will need to obtain two passes - from the reserve (done on the spot) and from the border guards ( documents must be submitted at least one month in advance). In addition, you need to understand that you can only walk in the reserve along permitted routes (this is important!) and not at any time of the year (at the beginning of summer and autumn, the reserve is closed “for registration”. Scientists observe the animals and count them. All routes , listed above are included in the list of permitted routes. More information about passes below.

Map of outdoor attractions in Sochi and Krasnaya Polyana

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.

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 Tabunaya.

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 clothing 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 easy.

Stone Pillar

A great hiking trip 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 clothing 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 Ropeway was closed for routine maintenance, until Upper Town, to an altitude of 960 meters, a free shuttle runs. 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 journey 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 to 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 accessible and civilized places in Russia for real mountain hiking. Moreover, you don’t have to go mountaineering: you can choose a simple, but very picturesque route that can be easily conquered in a weekend. On fine days the weather is comfortable. Getting there is very convenient. And at the resorts of Krasnaya Polyana you can buy everything you need, as well as choose a guide and issue the necessary permits to the reserve and border areas.

"To Lake Kardyvach"
The route is for two to four days.
Route start: Engelmanov Polyany, where you can get there by SUV. The road from Krasnaya Polyana is 20 kilometers, travel time is about two hours.
Distance: from 18 kilometers per day.
Climb: 600−2500 meters.
When to go: from July to September; in June there is still snow here.
Important: Lake Kardyvach is located not only in the reserve (you need to pay an entrance fee), but also in the border area (you need to issue a pass, which may take several days).
Lake Kardyvach - most beautiful place in the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve, located in the mountains above Krasnaya Polyana at an altitude of 1838 meters and surrounded by fir and birch forests, alpine meadows, springs and waterfalls. For most of the year, Kardyvach is hidden under ice and snow and does not warm up above +12 degrees, but in the summer it changes its color several times from green to blue.
The length of the route from the Engelman Glades along the Mzymta is 18 kilometers in one direction along a comfortable, well-trodden and marked forest path. Wow places for radial walks are lakes Sineokoe (distance - three and a half kilometers) and Upper Kardyvach (four kilometers). There are reserve cordons nearby for overnight stays and there is no need to carry water with you, but you will still need sleeping bags, foam and food. You can go on a hike on your own, but the reserve is more happy with organized groups with guides.
“From Chernorechye to Krasnaya Polyana: a hike through the mountains to the Black Sea”
Itinerary for five days.
Distance: 55 kilometers.
Route start: Chernorechye cordon, which can be reached by car.
When to go: from June to October.
Important: Permits will be required to visit the reserve. A pass to the border area is not needed, but you must have a Russian passport with you.
Legendary route No. 8 of the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve through the Main Caucasus Range and its two passes - the Small Balkans and Aishkho. Most of the route runs along the valley of the Malaya Laba River. There are no mobile communications or organized camps here, but there are cordons for overnight stays. You will have to carry camping equipment and provisions with you. Along the route there are not only amazing natural beauties, but also monuments to soldiers of the Great Patriotic War. The route is linear, and once you start it, you have to finish it.
Day one is a hike from the Chernorechye cordon to the 3rd Company cordon through beech and fir forests.
Day two— crossing the Small Balkans pass along picturesque cliffs to the Umpyr cordon.
Day three— the path to the “30th kilometer” cordon through the southern forest with a large number of rivers, many of which will have to be forded.
Day four— hike to the Chistaya River with a view of the mountain and the Tsakhvoa glacier with a height of 3345 meters.
Day five- through the Aishkho pass (2401 meters - this is the most high point the entire route).
"To the Clean River"
Itinerary for three days.
Distance: up to 16 kilometers per day, total length - 40 kilometers.
Route start: the end of the asphalt road to Rosa Khutor, from where it is seven kilometers by SUV through the Paslukh cordon to an altitude of 1800 meters.
Important: It is mandatory to have a Russian passport.
When to go: from July to October.
Part of the previous route from Krasnaya Polyana to the Chistaya River through the Aishkho Pass and back is a popular option for a memorable three-day hike.
Day one— crossing the tall Aishkho is not easy, but it is accessible to healthy and relatively athletic people. Spending the night in tents is most successful at the confluence of the Malaya Laba and Chistaya rivers.
Day two— radial walks to waterfalls and viewing platforms.
Day three- the way back.
"To Mount Achishkho"
Itinerary for two days.
Distance: 12−15 kilometers.
Height difference: about 400 meters.
Route start: at the “Heliport” stop in the village of Krasnaya Polyana.
When to go: from mid-May to October.
Important: A pass to the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve is required.
There are two ways to Mount Achishkho - through the Khmelevsky Lakes or through the Beshenka River and the weather station on Kruglaya Polyana. As a rule, tourists cover this route in one day without making any trekking. However, it’s still worth spending the night at the Achipsinsky waterfalls or Lake Mirror.

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 see 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, 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 enjoy 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 special 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

Great 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.

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