The famous Sofia Lakes are located in the valley of the Sofia River. There are recesses in the form of bowls that are filled with water. The lakes are located at an altitude of 2830 meters above sea level. The nearest settlement is the village of Arkhyz, which is the starting point when going to the reservoirs.
Lake Group
Sofia lakes consist of three large and several small reservoirs. If we disassemble them by features, then the Big One can be called the deepest. In some places, the bottom moves away from the water surface by about 17 m, and its diameter is about 300 m. The title of the highest was given to Severny Lake. The connection between these two reservoirs is provided by the Kashkha-Echkichat river. The third lake of the described system is called Lower.
A bit about flora and fauna
Sofia lakes are surrounded by rich flora and fauna, it is not for nothing that the Caucasus is called one of the most beautiful places in Russia. For the most part, here you can see fir plantations, Caucasian pines and many other coniferous trees. In addition, a large number of wild animals live in the area - this is a signvirgin nature.
Water color
It is interesting that the colors of the three large lakes from the Sofia group are completely different. The largest one is azure, the next one looks sky blue, and the last one looks completely black. And before you get closer to this miracle of nature, from the height of the massif you can admire all three lakes at once. This is an unforgettable experience that will forever remain in the memory of the tourist.
Freeze up
In general, the Sofia lakes are considered glacial. This is reflected in their water temperature, which fluctuates around zero degrees. Paradise place for amateur walruses. It is best to go to these places around the end of July, since it is during this period that the ice melts from the reservoirs. It will even be possible to see individual ice blocks that have not yet melted. They look like small winter islands in the middle of summer. It is amazing that local plants and herbs bloom around, which are not affected by the frosty freshness of the lakes.
How to get there yourself?
So, Sophia Lakes (Arkhyz) became quite famous. How to get to this unique place? It is worth noting that part of the way to such a beautiful area can be driven by car, but then you have to walk. The more daring and resilient choose to hike from start to finish.
So, the village of Arkhyz should be considered the beginning of the journey. From it you need to go straight through the pass, where the valleys of the Sofia and Psysh rivers separate. At the same time, in the process of lifting to the reservoirs themselves, you canfeel the elevation changes of about 1 km. Therefore, to some extent, the Sofia Lakes pose a danger to tourists. Excursions are developed, as a rule, by guides and other specialists in the area. But it is undesirable to overcome such a path on your own. On the way to the place, the unusual Ullu-Chuchkhur waterfall flows, which looks just great against the backdrop of local nature. Especially when you consider that it flows directly from the Sofia River. It can be seen walking along the sheep paths. The path to the lakes cannot be called very easy, as the road constantly goes up, and in some places it looks more like a vertical path.
Travel through tour operators
Sofia Lakes (Arkhyz) can be seen, getting both on your own and using the services of tour operators. Perhaps the second option will cost a little more, but there is a chance to see the sights of the region not only of natural origin. For example, along the road there is a monument of the Patriotic War in the form of a bayonet pointing to the sky, and next to it there is a metal layer with a map of military operations, and all this is fenced with stones that symbolize the Caucasus Mountains, which are not subject to the German invaders.
To the left of this memorial there is a coniferous forest with the same firs, spruces and pines, which are so rich in the Caucasus. Further following passes through an area where, moving along the path, you can see the Ice Farm. It is considered the last of those that are in the gorge. And it is called glacial because of the Sofia glacier, which is locatednearby, which you can easily see without even straining.
After the coniferous forest, there is another beautiful view worth enjoying. These are alpine meadows with many native herbs and plants. Where all this herbs ends, rocky embankments and rocky faults begin. In summer, you can see the remains of snow that has not yet melted here, but at the same time there is no feeling of cold.
Another obstacle, or maybe a feature on the way to such a beautiful place as Sofia Lakes (see the photo of reservoirs in the article), are two spiers through which you need to go. This is a rather rocky path, like, in principle, the entire previous one, so it’s better to stock up on special shoes so that you don’t get back barefoot later. And after all this, the very last ascent to the gorge with the desired goal is ahead. The road itself is quite difficult, but the effort spent will be fully paid off as soon as magnificent views of the lakes appear on the horizon.
Tourists are usually shown two or three reservoirs, but if you go on your own, you can see much more, though it will also take a lot of time. So, if you look at everything, then you just need to stock up on a tent and all the tourist accessories for spending the night, because you simply cannot do without it. Good luck on the campaign and great emotions!
