For most people, the word "Arkhyz" is associated exclusively with medicinal mineral water. Indeed, one of the most delicious sodas is called this name. But in addition to the considered name, the word has at least three more meanings. In the article, we will consider Arkhyz in a more multifaceted way: both as a unique natural place, and as a mountain lake, and as a popular ski resort. Well, let's not forget to tell you about the unique chemical composition of the mineral water beloved by many.
Pearl of the Western Caucasus
Arkhyz… Where is it? Are you also interested?
Arkhyz (where it is, read on) is primarily a geographical area located in the mountains of the Western Caucasus. It is located on the territory of Russia in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic. Arkhyz is distinguished by its unique nature and comfortable climate. Locals do not know what serious temperature fluctuations are. The weather pleases year after yearpeople in mild winters and warm summers, when you do not need to escape from the heat under the air conditioner or, conversely, wear a warm sweater during the next anticyclone (many regions of Russia are famous for their extremely unpredictable weather, but not Arkhyz).
Unique nature
The hilly landscape is fascinating: the ridges of majestic mountains go far into the sky, the tops of which are often covered with snow. Below you can see the green-blue, pure as the tears of a baby, the waters of mighty rivers.
An inquisitive traveler will certainly visit a glacier or a mountain lake. Arkhyz is very rich in the latter - scientists count about 300 natural reservoirs. Mountain rivers and lakes are framed by the purest forests. Majestic firs, beeches and spruces make the landscape harmonious, and the air good for the lungs. Some trees are two hundred years old.
Of course, excellent mushrooms grow in such forests. Already at the end of April, an experienced mushroom picker will be able to collect a small basket of these gifts of the forest. The assortment will consist of ugly-looking morels (but very tasty and he althy, by the way), cute mushrooms and young mushrooms.
Inhabitants of Arkhyz
Animals, sometimes very rare, live on such a naturally rich territory. Typical inhabitants of mountain forests are:
- tours;
- Caucasian deer;
- bison;
- wild boars;
- roe deer.
One of the most beautiful animals of Arkhyz is a high mountain tour. His appearance is distinguished by nobility and sophistication. Males never fertilize femalesspring, summer or autumn. At this time they are in separate territories. Only in winter, these animals retire to reproduce the same beautiful and intelligent turkeys.
A traveler needs to be very careful in late spring and early summer: it is at this time that the reptiles of Arkhyz - vipers and copperheads - are especially active. Therefore, shoes must be closed. Well, the most important safety rule is to look under your feet and not rush anywhere.
Natural red fish
Trout lives in rivers and lakes. On Arkhyz, it is not specially grown: it itself is born in reservoirs. You can see it on a clear day, when the sun's rays shine through the water surface well.
This unique fish is still better to admire than to try to catch it. Only with respect for nature will it be preserved in its original form.
In the next chapter, read where the city of Arkhyz is located.
Small city in the mountains
You can find the answer to the question of what a mountain settlement looks like by reading our article below. So where is the city of Arkhyz?
City is too strong a word for a town with a population of 400 people. Arkhyz (where the geographical feature is located, you already know) is a small village located in the very center of the mountains of the Western Caucasus. It is the administrative center of the Arkhyz rural settlement and has a rather interesting history.
Archaeological excavations on the territory of Arkhyz date back to the 2nd millennium BC. The settlement was part of the Great Silk Road. Induring the heyday of the Alanian state Arkhyz was the center of early Christianity. Three Christian churches have been preserved on the territory of the settlement. They were built by masters of the Byzantine school around the 10th century AD.
Now you know what the city of Arkhyz looks like and where it is.
Tourism
Arkhyz today is a major transit point for lovers of mountains, exciting hikes and the starry sky (in the Caucasus, when the weather is clear, it is charming).
You can travel here on horseback, by boat (on mountain rivers) and just on foot. In addition to exciting adventures, everyone can simply enjoy the most beautiful nature and improve their he alth with healing water straight from the source.
Many tourists are wondering where to relax in Arkhyz. It all depends on what kind of vacation a person likes. After all, someone relaxes only by experiencing thrills, while someone, on the contrary, gets tired of them.
The last ones need ordinary peace, lack of city noise and contemplation of nature… Should an introvert go to the city of Arkhyz? Where to stay there? Things to do? Definitely worth the trip! Such people can be advised to rent a small house on the outskirts of Arkhyz. It is difficult to imagine how happy an introvert will be, having the opportunity to walk, listen to music and enjoy the unique nature of nature.
For a creative person, this option of relaxation is ideal, as it contributes to inspiration. ATunder normal conditions, this is a rarity, because all around the noise, daily activities and other obstacles.
The thrill-seeker won't be disappointed either. For him, there are many options for spending leisure time on Arkhyz. For example, skiing, hiking and stargazing. Traveling to the mountains is a rather unsafe activity, so it is better to first draw up a hiking route, purchase special equipment, and only then make your dream come true. It is advisable to stop for a h alt in your tents and eat your own food (this is the safest option for he alth).
Night sky over Arkhyz
Starry, bewitching and bottomless - these are the epithets that most clearly characterize him. Contemplating the clear sky, a person approaches something sublime, eternal and beautiful. This can be seen in an example from the literature.
In Paulo Coelho's book "Adultery" the main character suffers from chronic depression (or sub-depression in a scientific way) and is looking for ways to get out of it. Fate brings her to a wise Cuban shaman, who advises her to heal in a rather original way - by watching the night sky. The Cuban advises her to literally "get drunk on him" - this means to penetrate, feel and experience new emotions.
In the finale, the main character is cured of her mental illness, but in a different way - she decides to jump with a parachute. Therefore, the shaman's method is rather controversial, although it definitely gives rise to new emotions.
Also on the territory of Arkhyz is the largestEurope observatory. For a small amount, you can go inside it and see the most powerful computer telescope.
The chemical composition of everyone's favorite soda
The source of useful water is located at an altitude of 1507 meters above sea level.
Different in purity, pleasant taste and useful properties. Water is carbonated and non-carbonated. The first one is the most interesting. It is Arkhyz mineral water (where the source is located, it has already been said) that is rich in iodine, which is scarce in central Russia, and fluorine. It is also perfectly absorbed by the body, since its molecular composition is similar to the liquid contained in the cells.
Sold in most Russian stores: cheaper and tastier than any imported soda. And the very fact of supporting the domestic manufacturer pleases.
Lake Arkhyz: where is it?
Next we will talk about Lake Arkhyz (where it is and why it is remarkable). It is a natural reservoir, the history of which is shrouded in mystery. Located high in the mountains: on the slope of the Morg-Syrty ridge, at an altitude of 2.5 km above sea level.
Other names for the lake are Nameless or Frozen. It is a small natural reservoir in the shape of a heart. The purest mountain streams filled this mountain hollow, forming a lake of love. The water in the lake is clear, rich in substances useful for the skin and quite cool (in summer its temperature ranges from +16 to +18 degrees).
According to legend, you need to throw a coin into it so that sincere love never leaves your heart. Some people dare to swim in it, but this is not for everybody.
A person who first came to Arkhyz may have different sensations: someone comes into indescribable delight from the mountains and, like a child, admires the crimson sunrises, and someone contemplates this majestic nature and indulges in thoughts about frailty human life. Everyone has their own, personal, associations, but one thing can be said with certainty: this land leaves no one indifferent.
