Sofia waterfalls are the most popular and picturesque attraction of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic. They are located in the valley, not far from the village. Arkhyz (Western Caucasus). Arkhyz, in addition to the settlement, is also called the mountainous region, which is located on the northern border with the Main Caucasian Range. Scientists consider this object unique in structure and appearance, which adds to its special significance.
At a Glance
The source of the mountain river Sofia is the Sofia waterfalls, which are 3,700 meters high. They are the second largest in Arkhyz, located between the Kizgych and Psysh valleys. The top of the mountain is covered with glaciers that feed the waterfalls. Several streams of cold water break down from a height, uniting with each other into a single stream and forming a mountain river. Water falls at high speed, creating a noise that can be heard throughout the area. The Sofia River flows to the valley of the river. Psysh, and then carries its waters to the source of the river. Big Zelenchuk - the main water artery of the mountainous Arkhyz. Therefore, the Sofia waterfalls (how to get there, we will consider later) are important and play a huge role.
Climate
The climate of the region is similar to the climate of Dombai and Teberda, however, due to the high ridges that protect the region from the winds, it is milder and more favorable here. Winter is mild, with little snow, average temperature is -5°-6°С. Summers are warm, saturated with cool mountain air. The average July temperature is +15°С. The valley at the foot of the mountain, due to its convenient location from east to west, is illuminated by the sun longer than other mountainous regions. The Sofia glacier attracts quite a lot of tourists who, sparing no effort, conquer these peaks.
During the period of the greatest melting of glaciers (from July to August), the Sofia waterfalls become as powerful as possible. In winter, they freeze, turning into a stream of ice icicles.
How to get there?
Sofia waterfalls and the village. Arkhyz is a kind of place of "pilgrimage" for many tourists, the center of mountaineering and mountain tourism in Karachay-Cherkessia. Every year, thousands of travelers come to these places who want to visit a picturesque place. Many tour companies conduct tours here. Most of the visitors are climbers, others are interested in unusual natural treasures and want to see the Sofia Glacier with their own eyes.
To make your way to the waterfalls, you need to leave Pyatigorsk in a western direction, along the Cherkesskoe highway. Having reached the administrative capital of the republic (Cherkessk), you need toturn towards the city of Khabez, and from there drive to the village of Zelenchukskaya. This is where the fir forests begin. A 17 km long country road leads from the Arkhyz village to the foot of the city of Sofia. The Glacier Farm is located in the river valley, from where the route to the mountains begins.
There are several ways to get to the waterfalls themselves. In summer, under good weather conditions, you can reach them by SUV. The road runs along the river, several times you have to cross the ford, sometimes sections of the road are poorly visible. Another travel option is horseback riding. In Arkhyz village and Taulu glade, it is possible to rent horses and book an excursion to the waterfalls with a huntsman.
Hiking
Perhaps the most popular climbing option used by tourists to see the Sofia Falls is a walking tour. The route starts at the Taulu glade, near the bridge over the river. Psysh. The trail runs along the river, among picturesque places, fir and pine forests, birch groves and meadows with tall grass.
Fir forest is a unique area of Arkhyz. Typical for this region, Kizgych fir can reach 60 m in height, and trunk girth - 1.5 m. Some trees are 700 years old. Also, on the way to the waterfall, relic species of vegetation can be found: Caucasian plane trees, yew, pine, etc. Above, a section of low-growing birches begins, and closer to the waterfalls, groves give way to subalpine meadows that have grown to the very border with the glacier.
On the way you can meet representatives of the faunaof this region: wolf, fox, lynx, wild boar, tour, bear and Caucasian deer. All wild animals live far in the thickets of the forest and rarely approach the hiking trails leading to such an object as the Sofia Falls. About 150 species of birds live in Arkhyz and its forests, the most popular are the keklik, black grouse, snowcock. Also in the forest you can meet the largest representatives of the feathered family: griffon vulture, brown vulture, vulture and lamb.
Features of the route
The total length of the route is about 11 km, the ascent is 800 m. As a rule, this distance can be overcome in 2 hours. Coming closer to such a natural attraction as the Sofia waterfalls in Arkhyz, you can see that the trail passes next to the bed of the water stream. And in order to get to the first and largest rift, you need to cross the river. The water falling from the top is very cold, even in the hottest time of the year it does not warm up. To see other waterfalls, you need to overcome a rocky area. It is undesirable to go along these trails on your own, it is better to use the services of professionals. This will help keep the risk of an accident to a minimum.
At the beginning of the route to the waterfalls on the bridge there are souvenir shops, and next to it are tents with traditional Circassian dishes.
In closing
Arkhyz and its mountain peaks, including the city of Sofia, from which the Sofia waterfalls fall, were once places of pilgrimage. Beforeon this territory was the Alanian kingdom, which is known for spreading Christianity throughout the territory of the Old Caucasus. There are three Christian churches built in the 10th century near the Sofia waterfalls and the surrounding area.
