The unique river Shakhe flows through the territory of the Russian Federation. The photo of the waterway displays the beauty of the local surroundings and landscapes. The channel passes through the territory of the Krasnodar Territory. The river is the second largest water artery in the city of Sochi. Other settlements are also located on it, such as Big and Small Kichmay, Solokhaul, Babuk-Aul. The water flow belongs to the Black Sea basin. The Shahe River (Sochi) has been popular in the tourism sector since the times of the Soviet Union, as the All-Union route No. 30 passed here. Also in the valley is a local attraction - 33 waterfalls. The mountain gorge is located on one of the tributaries - the Dzhegosh stream. This place is located north of the village of Bolshoy Kichmay.
Hydronym
The exact origin of the hydronym cannot be established. There are several unofficial versions. Scientists suggest that when creating the word, Adyghe stems were used, which end in -he.
A plausible version could be a translation from the Circassian language. On it, "chalet" means "fast as a doe." This is quite understandable, since the mountain-type river has a very fast current, its waters descend from a great height with a noisyflow. Therefore, "fast as a deer" perfectly reflects her character.
According to another version, the hydronym was associated with the Turkic language. In this dialect, "shahe" means "river of kings." After all, it has been known since ancient times. In ancient times, two tribes lived in this territory: the Zikhs and the Sanigs. And the river bed acted as a border between these peoples.
Characteristic
The Shahe River is 65 km long. The source is located on the slopes of a mountain called Bolshaya Chura. Its height is a little less than 2000 m. The river carries its waters to the Black Sea. The mouth is located near the village of Golovinka. Pool area - 562 sq. km. In the Sochi region, the Shakh is second only to the Mzymta River. The water artery has several large tributaries: the right - Azu, Kichmay, Maly Bznych and others, the left - Bely, Bzogu, Bzych (the largest, length - 25 km). The highest point of the basin is located at an altitude of over 2,200 m (mountain Bolshaya Chura).
The Shahe River has a fast current. It is fully consistent with mountain-type water flows. In the lower reaches it forms a floodplain, the width of which is about 600 m. In the upper reaches there is a steep slope, but towards the middle it decreases somewhat.
The highest level of the river falls at the end of autumn and the beginning of winter. At this time, the water can rise by more than 4 m. The water regime is unstable. The watercourse is fed by groundwater and atmospheric precipitation. During the low water period, the Shakhe is replenished from springs and groundwater. Floods are seasonal, caused mainly by heavy rains and snowmelt. During this period the riverbecomes a stormy powerful stream.
Neighbourhood
The Shahe River flows through the mountains, so the coastline is abundantly strewn with stones. There is little vegetation on the coast, mostly shrubs, and in some areas it is completely absent. But the hills are covered with dense greenery.
This area is kind of unique. It is next to the river that there are tea plantations and orchards. It is not for nothing that this region is famous throughout Russia as the birthplace of tea. In order to appreciate the charms of these places, it is worth taking a walk. The air is saturated with freshness, and the vegetation that is here adds many unique flavors.
Fishing and recreation
The depths in the river are small, so it is not used for the usual beach holiday, except for places near the mouth. However, this does not prevent fishermen from coming here for a good catch. The Shahe River is rich in such representatives of the underwater world as gudgeon, roach, chub, pike, and closer to the sea you can catch mullet or trout. Fishermen most often use a fly rod or float tackle. Those who come here for pike are caught with wobblers.
There are many hanging bridges for excursions and just walking across the river. Thanks to them, you can cross the narrow bed of a mountain stream, as well as admire the local scenery.
