If you are in Sochi, you will spend the first few days, no doubt, on the beach. However, there are so many beautiful places here that it would be a real crime to refuse fascinating excursions. One of the most interesting sights of these places is the Agur Gorge. The Caucasus Mountains are a whole world of formidable peaks and fast rivers, lakes and amazing landscapes. But these places are famous not only for high mountains. As a result of the breakthrough of the Argun River, the unique Argun Gorge was formed. It is famous not only for its natural beauties, but also for its ancient architectural structures, ranging from tower fortifications to military monuments.
How to get there
It is because of the location that these places have become so popular among tourists. The Agur Gorge is located almost inside Sochi, between Matsesta and Khosta. It can be reached by car and city buses. Even if you are here for the first time, the road will not be too difficult for you. From the Central District of Sochi, you can take routes No. 122 and No. 2. From the Adlerovsky District goes No.125 and No. 105. This will take you to the Sputnik stop.
Now we have to take a little walk. But this is nothing, because the real pearl of these places, the Agur Gorge, is waiting for you ahead. Cross the bridge to the left, now along the road upstream to the restaurant "Kavkazsky aul". A hundred meters remain and ahead is a path cut through the rocks. Tour routes start here.
Agur waterfalls and Mount Akhun
If you have never been here before, we recommend starting with this route. There are places on earth where you want to return again and again. This is just one of them. Walking along the path along Agur, past the famous waterfalls, you get real pleasure. Here myths and legends come to life. Right from the gorge, the path rises to the Eagle Rocks, where people received fire from Prometheus, for which the hero was later chained as a punishment.
Individual training
The view from here to the Agur waterfalls and Mount Akhun is simply fantastic, but it is almost impossible to put it into words. And here it is amazing at any time of the year. Shady trees and rich colors delight in summer, rare winter primroses surprise closer to spring, and in autumn everything burns with unearthly golden hues. From here the group descends to the Matsesta springs. The route is not difficult, it is suitable for all people with less physical fitness. The well-maintained trail is a leisurely hike that takes 4-6 hours.
Trip along the river
Actually, you can choose any route. One way or another, but youyou will still see the main sights and explore the entire Agur Gorge in Sochi. However, each of them is accompanied by a unique guide story and showing the most amazing and hidden places. Therefore, tourists often decide to visit all available excursions.
This is a trekking for 6 km among the Caulhild Forest along a picturesque gorge. Together with the group you will see three cascades of magnificent waterfalls and the panorama of the Main Caucasian Range. The observation deck of the Eagle Rocks will give an unforgettable experience. If you have always dreamed of trying yourself in mountain climbing, then here you will have such an opportunity. Those who wish will make the ascent together with a guide. With luck, the group may catch red deer in the natural camps.
On the eve of the first waterfall
Local attractions open to tourists one by one. Nothing can be done until you have reached the observation deck, where an exciting panorama will spread, the view will be limited by the Agur Gorge. The damn font is a mysterious and very beautiful place. It is located just before the first waterfall.
Tourists should be warned right away. Here, at every step, you want to turn a little to the side, take pictures here and there, go down to the river or climb onto the rocks. Do not do this without the permission of the instructor. Where it is provided, the excursion trail itself will turn where it is needed. So, the Devil's font is a picturesque stone bath, in which you can see the entrance to the cave. It has no less loud name Devil's Hole. Actuallyin fact, there is very beautiful nature and a peaceful atmosphere, nothing formidable that would justify these names.
Zmeykovskiye waterfalls
The four-hour route, which takes only an hour and a half, will allow you to see a lot of interesting things. If you love the sound of falling water and diamond splashes, this is exactly what the doctor ordered. The Agur Gorge in Sochi is the best place on earth, but its surroundings are no less wonderful. During this excursion, the group will make a short ascent along a mountain river, where you can see the most beautiful forms of karst in the Zmeyka rustic, admire five waterfalls and waterfalls. At the end of the tour, in the cafe, which is located at the last waterfall, you can enjoy barbecue, and then visit the tea plantation.
Three Gorges
If you can't wait to see everything in one day, this exclusive tour is perfect. The Agur Gorge is far from the only attraction of these places. In one day you will be able to visit not one, but three of the most famous gorges in Central Russia at once. Each of them has its own attractions. In the gorge of the Khosta River, tourists inspect the village and listen to the fascinating stories of the guide. The main attraction is the Orthodox church, where the shoes of the legendary St. Spyridon are kept.
Passing into the Agur Gorge, tourists will follow the old Circassian path to the Devil's Font. Everything will please here. Exceptionally beautiful nature, picturesque karst forms, waterfalls andcaves. And bright photos will remind you of the moments experienced for a long time to come. In the gorge of the Matsesta River, an ancient balneological center with a hydrogen sulfide source will be visited, where people have been treated since time immemorial.
Mount Akhun with a visit to the gorge
A narrow serpentine leads straight from the Black Sea coast to the top of the mountain. This is an 11 km long highway that winds like a snake. For impressionable natures, this is one of the best tours. The road runs through the picturesque slopes, which are overgrown with centuries-old beeches and oaks, ash and yew. During the program, tourists have time to visit the Agur Gorge. The reviews highlight not only the breathtaking scenery, but also the professional work of the guide, who each time gives out a huge amount of information about these places, but does it a little differently. Some tourists note that even the second time they were as interested as the first. All three waterfalls are waiting for you. The first is 30 meters high, with two cascades of water falling at an angle to each other. The second multi-jet is a charming sight, like a wall of water. Height 21 meters. The third is slightly larger, 23 meters high.
Only mountains can be better than mountains
The four-hour route to Mount Big Akhun is the leader in tourist visits. This peak is considered one of the most famous sights of Sochi. This is the highest mountain in the coastal part of the city, the peak of which reaches 663 meters. In good weather, it opens from hererare in beauty and distance view within a radius of 40 km. A better panorama cannot be found for an overview of Sochi.
From here you can see the mountains, the sea and almost the entire city. In 1936, to improve visibility, local architects built a 30-meter tower. On the way, you can see the legendary Eagle Rocks, and going down, you can visit a shady gorge that abounds in tropical plants.
Tour price
You can call any local travel agency in advance. Choose one of the proposed routes, time and the most suitable option for you. There may be several:
- The tour operator collects a group of up to 60 people. In this case, payment is made in the amount of 600 rubles per person. There is no division into children and adults in this case.
- In my car. In this case, the group size can be up to 30 people. The price of the services of a guide will be 2500 rubles. The price may increase if the company exceeds the declared quantity.
- Individual trip for two. Price - 6500 rubles.
- There are programs for four and six. In order to book a ticket, you will need to make an advance payment, 20% of the cost.
Instead of a conclusion
It is impossible to visit Sochi and miss the opportunity to see the Agur Gorge. The description will be incomplete if you do not add that this is a real tropical paradise, where plants bloom almost all year round. You can see the gorge under the snow, but this phenomenon is extremely rare. Sometimes just a few days a yearto catch the temperature drop so much that fluffy snow lies on the tender branches. In February, primroses are already beginning to peek out, and soon the new warm season will begin.
Tours take place in all weathers, however, when it rains, you must ensure that your shoes are suitable. No shoes or flip flops if you want to get to the place with whole feet and good mood. Gym shoes, sneakers, and in heavy mud and rubber boots. On the official website of tour operators you will find complete information about when and where the group gathers. Usually the bus passes through the city and collects tourists at the specified points. Don't forget to take a good camera with you. Fantastic views must be captured and placed in the home album.
