Abkhazia is a country with unique picturesque nature, which every year attracts many tourists from all over the former CIS countries. Lovers of natural attractions are attracted by majestic mountains, beautiful lakes, high waterfalls and dark halls of caves.
Mount Mamzyshkha is one of the bright peaks that attract tourists with its beauty. Many travel agencies and tour desks offer jeep trips to the top of the famous mountain. Hiking enthusiasts calmly climb up on their own, it takes only a few hours. In this article, we will take a closer look at this place, figure out how it is more convenient to get there, what interesting things you can see and whether it is worth spending your time on such a trip.
Description of the area
Mount Mamzyshkha has a relatively small height - 1873 meters above sea level. Its surface is almost completely covered with greenforest area. However, at the very top, from a constant wind, a bare blown place was formed, which is a rocky massif with high grassy meadows, on which herds of goats graze led by shepherds and dogs.
There are two observation platforms on the mountain, which offer an unforgettable view of Gagra and Pitsunda. And in the darkness of evening twilight, you can even see the lights of distant Sochi. It is informative to see how two water elements meet below - the Bzyb River flows into the dark waters of the Black Sea. In the distance you can see Cape Sukhumi, covered with subtropical plants, and Mount Arabica with a melting glacier and many beautiful karst caves.
In winter, the mountain is covered with snow most of the year, which thaws only towards the end of spring. The best time to conquer this peak is the middle of summer. Although some respond positively to trips at other times of the year. What makes the trip to Mount Mamzyshkhu convenient is that more than 30 km of ascent is occupied by a well-maintained asph alt road.
History of road construction
The road to Mount Mamzyshkha in Abkhazia is of strategic importance. It links this small country with neighboring powers. Here is the way to Russia. In 1904, it was decided to build a phaeton road to the top of the mountain, which was designed by Joseph Malakievich Maruashvili. But only during the Soviet era this winding serpentine was covered with asph alt.
At the top it was planned to build a ski resort with hotel complexes and a cable carexpensive. The idea was good, since 8 months of the year there is snow on the gentle slopes. This is the most convenient place for planning ski slopes. But the ambitious plans never came to fruition. Only two viewing platforms were built.
Places to review
On the way to the top of the mountain there are two equipped sites for sightseeing. The first is located at the very beginning of the way up, in the place where residential buildings end. This place is the most comfortable. A large concrete balcony with railings and a ladder was built over the abyss. Nearby is a cozy cafe where you can sit and relax, have a bite to eat and drink aromatic tea.
Another observation deck is much higher, in the middle of the next turn of the serpentine. On the map, this place is marked as Dzihcha. This place is less developed. There are no houses nearby. People hang colorful shreds on metal fences and surrounding bushes for good luck, while making a cherished wish.
Local travel agencies often organize minibus trips to the observation decks from nearby cities and, of course, from Gagra. Many travelers post photos from the viewpoints of Mount Mamzyshkha with views of the surrounding beauties taken at such viewing points.
After five kilometers after the second stop, the civilized road ends. Further, travelers are waiting for a pedestrian climb along the dirt road. However, you can book a jeep tour that will take even a lazy traveler to the very top.
Excursions to the mountain onhorses
There are several types of climbs to the stunning peak of Abkhazia. These are hiking trips, bike rides that can be rented in Gagra. The summit cyclists claim that the climb is gentle and acceptable, but the weather must be dry, as it will not be possible to drive on a wet clay road.
Offer in front of Mount Mamzyshkha excursions on horseback several equestrian clubs located at its foot. The only thing they can advise a beginner before climbing the mountains is to ride a horse a couple of times on flat terrain. If you have already used this method of transportation more than once, then you can safely conquer this height.
Horse riding is one of the most pleasant entertainments in Abkhazia. Horseback riding gives a storm of positive emotions from communicating with these majestic animals, relieves stress, and allows you to get in close contact with the surrounding nature. This is the most environmentally friendly transport in the mountains, which makes you feel like a piece of nature.
Easy lift
There is no easier and easier way to conquer Mount Mamzyshkhi, how to get to the top in SUVs and jeeps. The cost of such a trip is from 1500 rubles per person. But the pleasure will be unforgettable. Many locals earn extra money in this way, delivering tourists to the mountain. Also, travel agencies of neighboring cities offer jeeping services.
Such machines calmly conquer dirt roads in any weather, so that the conquest of the summit will not take away from the travelerlast strength. You can see stunning views and take a photo for memory at any moment by asking a helpful driver. On the way to the top, he will also let you in on local legends, tell you a lot of interesting things, recall funny cases from his practice and advise what other beauties of Abkhazia you can see nearby.
Top Entertainment
Recently, from the top of Mount Mamzyshkhi, you can make a dizzying paragliding flight. In the city of Gagra there is a paragliding club called "Pelikan" with experienced and professional instructors who supervise such extreme flights, coordinate and provide meteorological support.
The sport of paragliding is very suitable for beginners who want to see natural beauty from a bird's eye view. After all, this type of recreation is considered the safest. The smoothness of the glider allows you to rise right up to the clouds, make a circle over sharp rocky peaks, fly around the alpine meadows of the valleys, view the glacier and the water surface of the lakes.
On Mount Mamzyshhe you can also fly on a double paraglider with an instructor. Beginners usually choose this type of flight. An experienced master takes over the management, and the traveler only enjoys the picturesque view.
Beauty is nearby
Mount Mamzyshkha continues to the ridge of the same name, which descends to the most beautiful and very unusual Blue Lake. This is one of the bright natural beauties of Abkhazia, where many tourists are taken every day. SometimesYou have to wait for a free space to take a photo. The water in the lake is really blue. This is due to the special lighting and depth of the reservoir. However, the lake has one strange feature - it is completely dead. Not a single living being lives in it. Its depth is 76 meters, the water is just ice cold - 9 degrees. The lake does not freeze in winter.
Nearby is Mount Arabica, in the crevices of which karst caves are hidden. Of these, the most famous is Krubera Voronya, which is considered the deepest in the world.
Tourists living near Mount Mamzyshkhi, tour agencies will offer a trip to the famous Gegsky waterfall based on the feature film "Sherlock Holmes". The scene of Sherlock's duel with the insidious Professor Moriarty was filmed there. This beautiful place attracts thousands of tourists every year from all nearby cities.
Mount Mamzyshkha in Abkhazia: how to get there?
Five kilometers from the central part of the city of Gagra, you need to drive along Cherkesskaya Street. There is a sign on Nartaa Avenue showing the direction to the mountain road.
The path runs along a flat track along the village of Alpiyskiy. It is impossible to make a mistake, as the road is straight, without turns. Numerous minibuses and tourist jeeps also bring up to the mountain.
