When it comes to life in the mountains, lonely mountain huts and hermits who decide to leave civilization immediately appear. However, sometimes it is the mountains that become the location of popular mass objects. It is to these that one can safely attribute the year-round, which became widely known thanks to the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

Many people know that here you can go skiing or snowboarding in the winter. The resort is kind of like a ski resort. In fact, Rosa Khutor is an all-season resort. And what to do here in the summer, you ask? Many people really do not understand why go to the mountains in the summer and what to do here. Therefore, in my article today, I will tell you about how interesting your vacation in the summer in the mountains can be.

Summer routes in Rosa Khutor resort

Hiking routes

For most tourists visiting the mountains, even ordinary hiking trails can become very a good remedy to relieve stress and replace boring workouts in the gym. Although to some they seem to be something so unpretentious that they do not even bother to walk along the walking route. But I decided to check for myself - how interesting (not interesting) and difficult (or easy) it is.

At the end of the Rosa Khutor resort, behind the lake and the beach, there is a point where 3 of the easiest hiking trails start - or trails of health . They are marked on the map, and the time of passing each is indicated (by the way, in the forest of signs - how many have been passed and arrows where which route - I didn’t see something, so I was guided by time).

I decided to go for the longest one. It was not easy to go upstairs, but it all depends on the pace of walking. And every 100-200 meters there are cozy benches where you can sit down and relax. On one of them - by the waterfall - I probably spent 20 minutes: before that it was good to sit, listen to the sound of the waterfall and the birds singing. This place has some amazing energy, because I felt such an incredible surge of strength that I just ran uphill further.

But really, there is no need to rush. Around - a beautiful forest, streams and waterfalls, bizarre stone blocks. overgrown with moss. In general, visiting a fairy tale. These are the photos I took during the walk:

Rosa Khutor in summer: health path.

Rosa Khutor in summer: visiting a fairy tale!

I spent 40-50 minutes on a walk, and received a charge of vivacity for the day ahead!

For those to whom such a walk will seem like a “kindergarten”, there are more difficult high-mountain routes, walking along which you can plunge into the atmosphere of untouched mountain nature, admire rhododendron flowers blooming on ledges of rocks, alpine meadows and mountain gorges where even in hot summers there is snow. For those who climb to the top of Rosa Peak by cable car, the Panorama walking route (along the Aibgi ridge) is available, which makes it possible to climb the highest observation point of Sochi accessible by lift - the top of Kamenny Pillar. But on such routes you need to go with a guide. Call these guys and they will bring you together or organize other activities +79384600693.

Cycling routes

You can also spend time productively in the Rosa Khutor resort on a bicycle. There are excellent bicycles for rent, and every 10th cabin on the lift is specially equipped for lifting bicycles. If you are afraid to ride a two-wheeled friend in the mountains, then drive on an asphalt road - for example, to cordon Psluh . This beautiful place belongs to the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve. Mountain streams, narzan springs, a forest rich in rare plants and flowers - that's what awaits you on this trip. Just do not forget to take your passport with you - you find yourself in the border zone, and there you will have to check your documents ...

Horse rides

Horseback riding is a very popular sport. active rest, which provides an opportunity to see the most picturesque places in the mountains, which cannot be reached by car, but it is also not easy to reach on foot. In addition, communicating with horses, a person is charged with good energy. In medicine, there is even such a direction - hippotherapy. Yes, and just ride a horse - this is such a rarity for us city dwellers.

So this entertainment is also at the Rosa Khutor resort. The resort offers 12 horses. You can simply ride a horse in a circle, or take it for an hour-long ride. And if there is a desire to make a day trip on horseback, then this can also be realized. Such applications happen, and groups with an instructor go on horseback along an individual route.

Rafting

Rafting on a mountain river is always a challenge. Calling the natural elements and yourself, first of all. And the name of the river is Mzymta, which flows through the entire resort of Rosa Khutor, and does not at all promise an easy walk: from the Circassian languages Mzymta can be translated as a "mad" river ... But for those who are not afraid, rafting along the Mzymta will give a sea of ​​​​emotions and a large portion of adrenaline. Accompanied by experienced instructors, you will raft on catamarans to the accompaniment of the sound of water and cool spray. You will get too tired, however, you will not have time either - the route is not too long.

Rosa Khutor in summer: rafting on the mountain river Mzymta - good fun for outdoor enthusiasts!

Yoga

The yoga and massage center YOGA_METHOD was created by professional specialists of the Moscow project of the same name especially for those who are imbued with this ideology and do not want to part with their favorite yoga mat even on vacation. After all, yoga is concentration and vigor in the morning, warming up the muscles, which is important for safe skiing, a toned and slender figure. Classes in the center are suitable for both beginners and those who attend yoga regularly. Classical massage sessions in a cozy massage room will help to restore strength after a busy day at the resort.

Beach complex Rosa Beach

With the same package, hotel guests can use all the amenities of the Rosa Beach beach area in the Rosa Khutor resort for free, which is a lake filled with water from a mountain river, with sun loungers, a children's pool and a food area around. However, the entrance to everyone else will also be free, but for renting a sunbed and an umbrella you will have to pay 500 rubles per day, or 250 rubles after 16-00.

From June 12, on Saturdays, this zone will host beach parties with the participation of daring DJs. So no one will be bored!

Equipped beach in Imeretinka

But still, when the sea is only 50 km away, then, of course, you want to swim in the sea waves. Rosa Khutor Resort will provide this opportunity to everyone from June 15th. It is from this day that free shuttles will travel from the resort to its own equipped beach in Imeretinskaya Bay. The beach is pebbly, with sunbeds and umbrellas, with a bar (non-alcoholic drinks only). And the sea in Imeretinka is the cleanest along the entire Sochi coast.

To get to the beach, you can also take the Lastochka to the Olympic Park railway station, from where free shuttles will also pick you up. But if for guests of Rosa Khutor hotels the use of the beach is free (with bracelets on their hands), then everyone else can use it only by paying 300-500 rubles (depending on the duration of use).

panda park

Rope parks are in everyone major city, at many resorts, and passing such obstacles has long been a popular recreation. But Panda Park in Rosa Khutor is the first rope park in Russia, the obstacles of which are located at the height of a nine-story building - about 23 meters above ground level. So you can tickle your nerves not weak! But the safety of tourists is above all, and all the equipment along the route reliably fixes you from falls. So feel free to try your hand.

The park itself is located in the mountains at an altitude of 1350 meters above sea level, which gives guests an exclusive opportunity to enjoy magnificent views of the Caucasus Mountains while walking the routes. There are three trails available in the park. Such entertainment is especially good for team building, according to park workers.

CEC "My Russia"

Cultural and ethnographic center "MY RUSSIA"

If you walk to the cultural and ethnographic center "My Russia", then combine the contemplation of interesting architecture with light fitness (the center is located at the very end of the resort, if you go up highway, 10-15 minutes, and occupies a plot of 11 hectares).

The center was opened on the eve of the 2014 Winter Olympics in order to show the guests of the Olympics the diversity of our vast Russia in miniature. For this, 11 different buildings were built in the national architectural traditions of cities and regions of Russia: the Caucasus, Suzdal, Central Russia, Krasnodar region, Moscow, Russian North, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Ural, Siberia, Buryatia. The buildings housed mini-hotels, shops, cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops with folk crafts.

So, as the song says, “Drag a friend to the mountains - take a chance!” Well, seriously - no risk - your friends will be satisfied with this vacation. And bright “selfies” will fly to all ends of the ubiquitous instagram ...

See you at the resort!

We spent one day in Krasnaya Polyana. Just a day. Although we stayed there overnight, the next morning the journey continued, and we left for Adygea. Initially, they took a day to Krasnaya Polyana, because they had no idea what could be done here longer. Tourists and travelers travel from Sochi to Krasnaya Polyana mainly in one day (with excursions or on their own), and for many this is enough. We didn't have enough. I hope that my article will answer at least some of your questions about Krasnaya Polyana - what to do and what to see, where to stay, where to eat cheaply and, of course, how many days to go.
I'll start with what they themselves failed at - how many days. For an overview acquaintance, a car traveler will have enough daylight hours, for a deeper one - at least three. Rest in Krasnaya Polyana involves, in my opinion, at least five days. The bigger, the better. One thing is for sure - it's worth the trip! Firstly, it is incredibly beautiful here - mountains, mountain rivers, waterfalls, snow in summer, flowering rhododendrons, intoxicating air. Secondly, it is interesting here - there is something to see, plunge into the atmosphere of a ski resort, see the Olympic fashionable Rosa Khutor and Gorki Gorod, or even explore new, much less well-known natural places and attractions.

On that day, we left until we dropped. By evening, Sophie had already climbed onto her father's neck, or rather, her shoulders, because she could not walk from fatigue. I don't remember how I moved. But, knowing myself, I can assume that I kept only on the inspiration and delight that the mountains of the Caucasus and the healing aura of these places breathed into us.

Krasnaya Polyana (district), in addition to Krasnaya Polyana itself, includes several settlements- Esto-Sadok settlement (incl. ski resorts Rosa Khutor, Gorki Gorod, Gazprom), the villages of Medoveevka, Kepsha and Chvizhepse. I told you a little about Chvizhepse (Bear Corner) in an article about. So the uniqueness of these places (Sochi national park!) you imagine.

Krasnaya Polyana is part of Greater Sochi, its mountainous part. This is a mountain climatic resort, a place where everything heals - air, climate, sun.

Krasnaya Polyana is interesting not only for those who are fond of skiing. This is an attractive place for tourists, travelers, vacationers. And it's attractive all year round. And what grace is here for romantics, lovers of beautiful landscapes, photographers and amateur photographers! Awesome place! A rather expensive ski resort for recreation, but quite an accessible place to visit, where even in the absence of serious Money you can have an unforgettable time. I mean like a tour tourist trip, and independent travel for a few days. Independent, of course, - in the first place.
Krasnaya Polyana made an indelible impression on us. With pleasure and curiosity we looked at Esta-Sadok, Gorki Gorod, walked along the embankment of the Mzymta River in Roza Dolina and the Cultural and Ethnographic Center "My Russia". Beautiful, aesthetic, well-groomed, unusual.

But the main entertainment in Krasnaya Polyana is cable cars and lifts. Most of all, we were shocked, of course, by the mountains and landscapes that can be seen "at arm's length". Even now I can't calmly look at the photos taken on the "Mountain Carousel". About the mountains and, possibly, the center "My Russia" I will make separate posts. I can not "bury" a huge number of cool photos. :)

Now closer to the point. To the report. If we decompose all the events of that day in chronological order, then everything happened like this:

• Road from Sochi to Krasnaya Polyana
• check-in at the hotel "Paradise house",
• Gorki City, climbing into the mountains on the lift "Mountain Carousel",
• walk along Rosa Khutor,
• center "My Russia"
• dinner at "Pelmennaya" in the "Siberia" pavilion,
• return for the night to the hotel "Paradise house".

Road from Sochi to Krasnaya Polyana

Absolutely not burdensome, high-quality, very scenic road leads us from the sea to the mountains.

The day was hot. In the sun + 34 + 35 ° C, which is indicated by an electronic scoreboard above the track.

Tunnels, bridges, interchanges - everything is modern, interesting, cool.

In parallel with us, an electric train is rapidly rushing to Krasnaya Polyana.

You turn your head in all directions. Everything is healthy and beautiful!

The stella is installed on historical place where a peace treaty was signed that put an end to the Caucasian War.

The inscription on the pyramid stone: "Here on May 21, 1864, the long-term Caucasian War ended with a parade of Russian troops. 1878 - the foundation of the village of Krasnaya Polyana, 1897 - 1899 - the construction of the Adler - Krasnaya Polyana road ...". And so on - the main milestones in the development of the village.

On one of the faces there are lines from a poem by M.Yu. Lermontov "Caucasus". How do they resonate with my soul?

"Although I am fate at the dawn of my days,
ABOUT southern mountains torn away from you,
To remember them forever, you have to be there once:
Like the sweet song of my homeland,
I love the Caucasus...

Having looked around the surroundings from the platform near the stele, we drove on.

Krasnaya Polyana... Highway A148 runs through the entire village - Defenders of the Caucasus Street. On both sides of it are numerous hotels, as well as shops, gas stations and more. It is quite convenient, when arriving to Krasnaya Polyana, to stop here, in the village itself. Yes, you have to go to the sights, this place is only suitable for spending the night, but, firstly, it’s not far to go, and, secondly, accommodation here is much cheaper than in Esto-Sadok and its mountain resorts.

Paradise House Hotel

The street where the hotel stands, the gate of the hotel.

The hotel building is in the form of a chalet.

Our bungalow is on the far right on the first floor.

View from the window.

On the threshold of the room.

We checked into the hotel and immediately left it - we went to see Krasnaya Polyana.

Past the Rosneft gas station,

past cafes and hotels,

marveling at the beauty of the wooded mountains, various incomprehensible structures

and cable car cabins flying over the cars

we got to Gorka Gorod.

Gorki Gorod, "Mountain carousel"

Resort Gorki The city is located in the village of Esto-Sadok. He is the first on the way from the village of Krasnaya Polyana to the Rosa Khutor resort. We decided to start watching Krasnaya Polyana from here.

We drive into the territory, we go to the underground parking.

Parking fee: the first hour - free of charge, the second and subsequent - 50 rubles per hour.

Entrance to parking.

We parked, we go to the cash desks of the "Mountain Carousel". A huge incomprehensible price introduces into a stupor. So we just asked at the box office how much it costs to ride the cable car. If I'm not confused, we pay 1,100 rubles each. per person to climb to a height of 2,375 (the Black Pyramid peak is the most high point descent). Thought it would be more expensive. Sonya rode for free.

Opening hours of the cable cars of the resort "Gorki Gorod" in the summer.

We're going to land. Since I am thinking of making a separate post about Gorki Gorod and, in particular, about cable car riding, I will show everything very briefly here in the report.
"Mountain Carousel" - part of the resort "Gorki Gorod", which is located at different levels: at an altitude of 540 m - "Lower City", 960 m - "Upper City", 1,500 m and 2,200 m - cable cars . 2375 m. - "Black Pyramid" peak. The "Lower" and "Upper" levels are connected by a road and a cable car. There is a serious infrastructure, hotels, restaurants, cafes...

To climb to a height of 2,375 meters, we had to pass five sections of the cable car. Three are in booths, two are in chairs.
First plot. We sit down in the Lower City - a mark of 540 m. We go in a booth. Visibility due to thick scratched glass is not very good. And noticed - all the booths are different. There are also with good glasses, there is an excellent overview.

First transplant in Upper City, at an altitude of 960 meters.

Full delight! The soul freezes from the surrounding views.

Arriving at a height of 1460 m..

The final push is very powerful and the most picturesque

to the Black Pyramid.

It seems that mountains, snow and flowers can be touched by hand - they are so close.

We are at altitude 2375.

And, to which edge of the mountain you don’t come, magnificent views open up. You can look at the mountains forever.

And then ... a downpour poured.

Not only did we forget the prepared package with warm sweaters in the car, but without warm clothes at such a height it is very cold. It’s not just that the snow doesn’t melt here even when it’s hot below. So the freezing rain covered us. Everyone was urgently forced to load onto the cable car. We rode in a closed cabin, and downpour whipped down our bare legs. It was something...

and admire the crazy beauty of the mountains and the Rhododendron Valley.

I tried to absorb all this beauty with every cell, remember, enjoy. The cable car operator showed us mountain goats and goats walking in the mountains, told stories about them.

Well, then the test of beauty and cold ended, and we drove on ...

We walked around Gorki Gorod for a bit. The architecture is unique, of course. But it's curious to see, curious... The atmosphere of the resort has a relaxing effect. Hunting to drive a bullshit, sit in a street cafe under an umbrella, do not rush anywhere ... But for this you need to come here to relax for a few days.

And we went to Rosa Khutor. We spent a lot of time on the "Mountain Carousel". I had to hurry up.

Rosa Khutor

We arrived at Rosa Khutor at half past six.

They didn’t bother with parking -

parked the car along the road - like everyone else.

We went to the embankment approximately in its middle. The mountain river is noisy... :) Pretty!

Rose Valley - a cozy corner in the style of alpine villages. Europe, Christmas trees! The eye rejoices. :)

Diagram of the Rose Valley.

City Hall building. In front of her central square resort.

Alley of Olympic Stars.

McDonald's, ticket offices for the Rosa Khutor cable car - the most popular cable car in Krasnaya Polyana. We flew with her. Two cable cars in one day - too much. But McDuck visited. The most economical snack option in Rosa Khutor, again, a free toilet.

On the square we found the festival "Manor Jazz". How I wanted to relax, lean back in a sun lounger, listen to music and no-no-yes-no-hurry-sew...

That's why you need to come to Krasnaya Polyana for longer.

The walk was pleasant, but we didn't know where to run. I wanted to go everywhere, see everything.

Of what I saw, I was most struck by the landscapes, I liked the beach area, nice reservoirs.

Tourists are transported to Rosa Khutor by trains. The huge parking lot was chock-full of buses of all kinds.

Along the Panorama embankment we go towards the waterfall.

You turn around and... ah! Beauty!

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For our parents, children and grandmothers, Sochi has always been popular destination July-August beach holiday. For my peers, Sochi and Krasnaya Polyana are the place where the Winter Olympics took place in 2014. For me, it is, first of all, the crazy beauty of nature and mountains. So beautiful that a few years ago my wife and I left Moscow and now live in Sochi. In the five years since the move, I have already made more than 70 hikes in the Caucasus and decided that I have the moral right to make something like a "Guide" to this fantastic region for any tourist and outdoorsman! On this large page (stock up on attention and patience), I have collected all the basic information for planning and organizing an independent trip around Sochi and Krasnaya Polyana.

To begin with, what attracted us personally to this place so much that we moved here to live?

Why Sochi and Krasnaya Polyana?

• Mild climate and super ecology. Despite the fact that in the winter months it often rains on the coast, and snowfalls in the mountains, the climate here is, of course, many times more comfortable for life than in my native Siberia, or in the Urals, or even in central Russia. There is no need to talk about ecology. There are no large industrial enterprises in Sochi, and daily morning sea and evening mountain breezes purify the city's air from exhaust gases.
• Long hiking season. The climate of these places allows you to go to the mountains for six months - from June to November!! And if you pay attention not only to the mountains, but also to the coast with its numerous waterfalls and gorges, then the hiking season becomes year-round!
• Huge opportunities for multi-sports. Those who love sports and mountains can find entertainment for every taste: classic hiking and mountain hiking, mountain biking, via feratta routes, rafting, canyoning and even bungee jumping with a rope!
• Excellent infrastructure. New Railway from the airport and railway station in Adler or Sochi, it will take you to Krasnaya Polyana in an hour, and excellent trails and even the presence of mountain shelters and campgrounds allow you to walk in the mountains in comfort and even with small children and at the same time enjoy the beauty of nature. A plane from Moscow is also inexpensive compared to flights abroad (just buy in advance!).
• Safety. Forgive me, tolerists and cosmopolitans, Sochi and its environs are fundamentally different from other regions of the Caucasus. You can be sure that you will not have any clashes with the locals. The settlement of Krasnaya Polyana is historically generally inhabited by ethnic Greeks and Estonians, and Sochi - by Armenians, who, as they know, do not profess Islam, but Christianity. The proportion of the Russian population here, in my opinion, is even greater in Moscow.

Minuses? From the point of view of "sports" tourism and mountaineering, the only disadvantage of the Krasnaya Polyana mountains is their low height. There are practically no serious glaciers and long vertical walls. Also, many are annoyed by the fact that most of the mountains of Krasnaya Polyana are located on the territory of the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve, which imposes certain difficulties with organizing hikes (more on them below), but in my opinion the presence of a reserve is not a minus, but a plus. It's scary to imagine what would happen to these the most beautiful mountains, if they are not protected by law! As for the disadvantages of the city of Sochi in terms of a place to live - I personally want more direct flights not only to Moscow, but also abroad. And a couple of embassies European countries. Do not need anything else! But back to hiking, after all, this is an outdoor guide!

5 day trip ideas all year round

Everyone who comes to Sochi for only a few days wants to see all the most interesting things. But how to do that? After all, only the length of Sochi along coastline The Black Sea is over 100 kilometers!! (by the way, one of the most long cities in the world), and if we add to this the gorge of the Mzymta River, in the upper reaches of which the village of Krasnaya Polyana is located with new, ski resorts"Rosa Khutor", "Gornaya Karusel" and "Gazprom-Laura" ... And if we add to this the neighboring "friendly" Abkhazia .. How to do everything in time?

To begin, I will share a list of the TOP 5 easy and one-day routes that are available. all year round- both winter and summer.

(1)

Walk through the relict forest along a beautiful equipped trail. Both routes are accessible to absolutely everyone, regardless of the level of training. Just wear sports shoes. Must have for exploring the nature of the "seaside climate zone". On hot summer days, you can even swim in the canyon of the Khosta River!!

Getting there: 15 minutes from bus stop"Sputnik" in Khost.

Two circular routes - "Small Ring" (the walk takes about 1 hour) and "Big Ring" (from 2 to 4 hours).

(2)

Zmeykovskiye waterfalls are unique in that even in the hottest summer months, the water in the Dikarka River is enough for you to admire their unusual five (!), albeit small, waterfalls. Lovers of delicious food in nature will like a cozy restaurant near the lower waterfall.

How to get there: 10 minutes walk from the stop of the minibus or bus number 120.

A walk through all five waterfalls and back will take from one and a half to three hours.

(3)

Walking towards the Orekhovsky waterfall is my favorite option for a hike when you want to breathe fresh air and take a break from the city. The route is not difficult - ordinary sneakers are enough from the equipment and a short one - a couple of hours can be enough for a walk to the waterfall and back! In addition, the Orekhovsky waterfall is one of the most high waterfalls Sochi.

From the center of Sochi and back - from 3 to 5 hours.

How to get there: by taxi or half an hour on foot from the final stop of the city bus.

(4)

A cascade of three waterfalls in the picturesque canyon of the Agura River is one of the most popular places of pilgrimage for summer tourists, but these waterfalls are most beautiful in autumn and spring, when there is more water and fewer tourists!

How to get there: 20 minutes walk from the Sputnik stop (any minibus in the direction of Sochi - Adler)

Walk to the first big waterfall and back will take about 1.5 hours, if you go further with the ascent to the rocks of Prometheus for at least 2.5 - 3 hours.

(5)

By some miracle, not included in all sorts of Sochi tourist guides, the waterfalls on the Svanidze stream are not at all big, but amazing. The trail to the upper waterfall constantly winds from one side of the Svanidze stream to the other, in some places dangerously approaching the cliff. If you go out early, you can manage to reach further, to the Azhek waterfalls!

Start of the route: final stop of bus #102.

From the final stop to the waterfalls and back - 4 hours.

ONE-DAY TRIPS TO THE MOUNTAINS OF KRASNAYA POLANA

Season mountain hikes in the vicinity of Krasnaya Polyana begins no earlier than mid-June when, after the snow melts in the mountains, the reserve opens routes. Best time for hiking - July-August, the period of the most stable and warm weather. After the occurrence of snow cover, the routes are closed again. It usually happens mid October.

(1)

The ascent to the top of the Stone Pillar is the most accessible mountain walk in the vicinity of Krasnaya Polyana. From the top, a majestic all-round panorama of the mountains of the Western Caucasus opens up, and if you're lucky, you can even see the Black Sea. Absolutely anyone can climb the Stone Pillar, since an excellent path (in fact, a dirt road) leads from the cable car station to the top, marked with signs. It's impossible to get lost.

Start of the route: the upper station of the Roza-Khutor cable car.

The walk from the top station of the cable car takes about 1.5 to 3 hours.

(2)

Thanks to a specially equipped trail and a relatively small elevation difference for the mountains, today this is perhaps the only alternative to the route to the top of the "Stone Pillar" among the easy walking routes in the mountains of Krasnaya Polyana available to everyone.

How to get there: by cableway "Gornaya Karusel" from Estosad (Krasnaya Polyana).

Timing: the trip itself is from one and a half to three hours, plus another half hour for the ascent and descent on the cable car.

(3) Khmelevsky lakes - Achipsinsky waterfalls

A walk from the Khmelevsky lakes to the Achipsinsky waterfalls is a great option for a mountain walk for the whole day. To gain time and save energy, you can go up to the Khmelevsky Lakes in jeeps (from 4,000 rubles per car, you can arrange a transfer right at the Rosa Khutor station square).

Timing: from the end of the road to the nearby lakes and back - an hour and a half, to Mirror Lake and back - 4 hours, to Achipsinsky waterfalls - at least 5-6 hours round trip.

(4) Bzerpinsky cornice

Hiking on the Bzerpissky cornice is my favorite hike in the mountains for the weekend. I even wrote a small guidebook! You can climb to a height of 1600 meters on a cable car, and in just two hours (permanent climb uphill) you will be in the zone of alpine meadows. Views of the surrounding peaks, blooming rhododendron and the Krasnaya Polyana gorge right under your feet are guaranteed!

How to get there: Pikhtovaya Polyana station of the Laura-Gazprom cable car on Rosa Khutor (Krasnaya Polyana)

From the upper station of the cable car and back - from 6 to 9 hours at a sports pace.

(5) Mount Achishkho

Achishkho is one of my favorite peaks in Krasnaya Polyana. I am also writing a hotel guide for this mountain. Panoramic view from the top Black Sea coast and a view of the Greater Caucasus.

To go to the top and back in one day, you need either excellent physical training (a climb of almost 2000 vertical meters, and then the same amount of descent is not a task for the weak in body) or not cheap, from 5,000 rubles for a car transfer to Khmelevsky Lakes!

MULTI-DAY HIKING IN THE MOUNTAINS

Multi-day hiking trips with an overnight stay in a tent - an eternal classic. Only in this format you can truly take a break from the pressure of modern civilization and chat with friends live while sitting by the evening fire, and not through instant messengers and social networks, because there is practically no connection on such routes :)

If you are not ready to plan a route on your own, are not sure that you can correctly determine the path, or simply do not have your own hiking equipment, in the mountains of Krasnaya Polyana there is a unique opportunity for our country - to spend the night in the mountains in pre-installed tents of the Krasnaya Polyana mountain club or go with children on unique trips combined with tourism skills training! And if you want, you can also rent equipment from them and go on your own.

Hikes are listed in ascending order of duration and complexity, starting with the easiest.

(1) Bzerpinsky cornice - Kholodny camp

If you only dream of starting hiking and the mountains in particular, hiking on the Bzerpinsky cornice is the best option for you. Equipped trail, availability of places for rest, availability cellular communication make this route as safe as possible for such an experience. And the views all around - you will rock. Just dress warmly, it's cold in the mountains at night!

Start of the route: upper station of the cable car "Gazprom"

Duration: 2 to 4 days.

(2)

Super popular place. Especially in autumn, when all local photographers aspire to come here. If you want to see something else besides the lake (climb the neighboring peaks) - book more days!

Start of the route: the village of Rosa-Khutor or Engelmanov Polyany

The lake is located simultaneously on the territory of the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve and in the border zone. So you have to take care of passes in advance.

Duration: 4 to 8 days.

(5) Abkhazia

Recently, Abkhazia is my favorite region for multi-day trips. At the height of summer, when the surroundings of Krasnaya Polyana are full of tourists, there is absolute silence here, no problems with passes and border guards. Maximum scope for creativity in the field of building multi-day routes!

Start of the route: Lake Ritsa or Gegsky waterfall

Duration: 3 to 7 days.

IMPORTANT! Since 2/3 of the mountains surrounding Krasnaya Polyana and Sochi are located on the territory of the Caucasian State Biosphere Reserve and in close proximity to state border with Abkhazia, for most multi-day trips you will need to issue two passes - from the reserve (done on the spot) and from the border guards (documents must be submitted at least a month in advance). In addition, you need to understand that you can only walk in the reserve along permitted routes (this is important!) And not at any time of the year (at the beginning of summer and autumn, the reserve is closed for registration. Scientists observe the animals and make their calculation. All routes listed above are part of the list of allowed routes.More about passes below.

Map of outdoor attractions of Sochi and Krasnaya Polyana

03.06.2015 13:24

Vacation in Sochi is not only the beach and the sea! Several days among mountain peaks, waterfalls, will help you recuperate and get an incredible boost of energy! The purest water of mountain springs, the noise of waterfalls and the fantastic beauty of landscapes - all this is very close, in Krasnaya Polyana!
It is better to start acquaintance with hiking romance with one-day simple routes of Krasnaya Polyana. We offer you several options for mountain walks that you can do on your own. The routes are suitable for a family hike with schoolchildren and for unprepared tourists. Mandatory for such a walk is only the presence of special shoes and clothing for trekking.
If, however, you are not confident in your abilities, it would be better for you to contact one of the guides, whose coordinates you will find on this site.

Achishkho Ridge

The route starts in the village of Krasnaya Polyana. Unique nature the Achishkho mountain range near with its alpine meadows and lakes will not leave you indifferent. For a novice tourist, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with practically all the main high-altitude natural and climatic zones of the Black Sea mountain region. To the starting point of the route you will need to climb by car. You can start the walk from the lakes Khmelevsky , then go through outlook 1822 . You can walk along the ridge to Lake Mirror , where there will be an opportunity to stretch and bask in the sun, at an altitude of 1900 m above sea level. Then we go down through Round meadow, Pine rock, and back to Krasnaya Polyana . During the hike you will be able to see the famous rock ledges Wolf's teeth, the ruins of atsanguara, stand on the top of the Rocky Mountain!
At the top, you can fully admire the Peaks of the Main Caucasian Range, the Gagrinsky Range (Republic of Abkhazia) and the Aibga Range, as well as the Sakharny Pseashkho Peak and a view of the Black Sea.

Keivu Waterfall

The Keivu waterfall is within walking distance from the village of Krasna Polyana. The route is suitable for most nature lovers. And it starts from the recreation center MO "Krasnaya Polyana". The asphalt road begins with a gentle ascent, and turns into a forest one. Beginning tourists will not be able to get lost, since the path to the waterfall is one and does not branch anywhere. Open during lift panoramic views to Krasnaya Polyana. Also, this waterfall is known for the fact that at any time of the year it does not dry out. The road from the hostel itself will take about an hour, and the climb will not exceed two hundred meters.

Rosa Khutor Health Path

The ecological route "Health Path" runs along the picturesque slope of Mount Psekhako and is located in the resort of Krasnaya Polyana Rosa Khutor.

Put on comfortable sneakers, take a bottle of water - and go to conquer the peaks. Let's talk about the most beautiful routes in the vicinity of Sochi, which can be completed in one day. Go!

The mountains of Krasnaya Polyana are wonderful for walking in the warm season. Dozens of easy routes that you can go light, laid in the resorts "Rosa Khutor", "Gorki Gorod" and "Gazprom-Laura", as well as around the villages of Esto-Sadok and Krasnaya Polyana. Almost all of them can be overcome even by small children.

Take drinking water and snacks, sunscreen and glasses, a fleece or a windbreaker with you - in the mountains, especially a few kilometers from the sea, the weather changes very quickly. Trekking poles and seat pads may come in handy. A headdress doesn't hurt either.

Resort "Rosa Khutor"

"To the top of the Stone Pillar"

Time: one and a half to three hours.
Distance: one and a half to five kilometers.
Best time for walking: from mid June to September.
Route start: the top of Rosa Peak, from there - follow the signs to the Stone Pillar.

One of the most dizzying walks in Krasnaya Polyana. You can walk the entire trail from Rosa Peak on foot or overcome part of the route on the Crocus chair lift. From a height of 2509 meters, a 360-degree panorama of the mountainous Caucasus opens up.

Check the opening hours of the cable cars in order to be in time before they close. Get out for a walk as early as possible. Don't risk getting stuck overnight in the mountains.

"To the Mendlich Waterfalls Park"

Time: in a small circle - 30-45 minutes, in a large circle - one and a half to two hours.
Distance: small circle - 800 meters, large - 1700 meters.
Height difference: 90 meters.
Best time for walking: from July to September.
Route start: take the telecabins up to the top of Rosa Peak and go down the southern slope on the "chair" "Edelweiss".

Two walking routes around the waterfalls of the Mendlikha River were laid in 2017.

You can have time to see all the waterfalls in three hours - excluding the ascent and descent to cable cars. The paths between the waterfalls are quite steep, but equipped with stairs. Slippery in places due to humidity. There is a cafe on the small route. A visit to the waterfall park is included in the price of the Walking Ticket "Path to the Heights".

Important: the territory is border. Special permission is not required, but it is mandatory to have passports with you, and for children - birth certificates.

"Health Path"

Time: from 20 minutes to two hours.
Distance: small circle - 310 meters, medium - 1630 meters, large - 1970 meters.
Best time for walking: from May to October.
Route start: near Rosa Beach on the banks of the Mzymta River.

The classic forest health path is laid along the slope of Mount Psekhako. If you want to see all the beauties of this place, book about three hours. Forest paths are equipped with signs, ladders (you will meet 919 steps on the way!), wooden bridges, benches are installed in the most picturesque places. On the way you will meet several springs and mountain streams, a small lake and two waterfalls. All the way you will be surrounded by a forest that looks like a fairy tale - with bright green moss and tall ferns.

At the Gorki Gorod resort

"Alpine Meadows"

Time: two or three hours.
Distance: four kilometers.
Best time for walking: from July to September.
Route start: from the upper station of the cable car K-3 (altitude 2200 meters) follow the signs to " Alpine meadows».

Picturesque ecological route at an altitude of 1900−2200 meters. There are difficult sections on the trail, but it is quite passable even for small children. On the Sochi alpine meadows, rare Red Book plants grow and mountain chamois graze. Be sure to go and see the atsanguars, ancient stone buildings.

"To the Bear Falls"

Time: 30-60 minutes.
Distance: 500 meters.
Climb: ten meters.
Best time for walking: July and August.
Route start: from the upper station of the K-3 cable car, go down on the K-4 chair to the Circus-2 zone.

This impressive waterfall appears at an altitude of 1970-2050 meters only in the hottest months, when the snowfields melt. Getting to it from the lift is not difficult. Do not be too lazy to go down to its lower bowl.

Publication from All-season resort Gorki Gorod(@gorky.gorod) Jul 19, 2018 at 8:40 PDT

"Relic Forest"

Time: one hour.
Distance: 900 meters.
Best time for walking: from June to September.
Route start: from the upper station of the K-2 cable car (height 1460 meters).

The eco-route at an altitude of 1400-1500 meters is laid through beech forests, equipped with gazebos, benches and viewing platforms. The path is easy. The route can be easily combined with a walk along the Alpine Meadows eco-trail and a visit to the Medvezhiy waterfall.

"To the waterfall Polikarya"

Time: 30-60 minutes.
Distance: 800 meters.
Best time for walking: from May to November.
Route start: the upper station of the chairlift K-13 (altitude 1370 meters).

This is the most impressive waterfall in all of Greater Sochi. Its height reaches 70 meters. Everyone can see this beauty, because the length of the eco-route from the cable car does not exceed 800 meters. The waterfall is located on the slope of the Aibga ridge in the zone of alpine meadows at an altitude of 1450 meters.

"Circuses of Gorki Gorod and the Aibga Ridge"

Time: all day.
Distance: five to ten kilometers.
Best time for walking: from July to September.
Route start: the upper station of the telecabin K-3.

In one summer day, you can visit the most impressive places of the Gorki Gorod resort. First, take a walk along the Alpine Meadows trail. Then get down on the "armchair" to the "Circus-2" zone, admiring the stunning views. From the lift - a stone's throw to the Medvezhiy waterfall. And the next "armchair" will take you to the mountain Black Pyramid: only the most experienced and desperate will be able to climb to the top of 2375 meters. But even without this extreme in just a few hours you will visit the southern forest, alpine meadows and surrounded by sheer cliffs, you will see dizzying panoramas of the Caucasus Range and mountain ranges Achishkho, Pseashkho and Aishkho, and in good weather - Abkhazia and the Black Sea. The highest point of this route is 2462 meters.

Resort "Gazprom-Laura"

"Bzerpinsky cornice"

Time: all day.
Distance: ten kilometers.
Best time for walking: from July to September.
Route start: climbing into the mountains on the Alpika-Service cable car from Esto-Sadok or from Laura on telecabins A and A2 to the Fir shelter.

One of the most popular routes in Krasnaya Polyana. It starts from Fir Glade and goes along the Fir Ridge to the Bear Gate halt with a view of Agepsta, Aishkho, Chugush, Achishkho and the village of Krasnaya Polyana. Then the road will go along the slope of Mount Tabunnaya and lead to the Bzerpinsky cornice, the height of which reaches two thousand meters. Swim in the Bzerpi River! The route is well marked and easy to overcome in one day, but many travelers prefer to spend the night at the top in the Kholodny camp. It is necessary to pay for the ascent on the cable cars and the pass to the reserve.

Some routes pass through the territory of the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve. The pass costs 300 rubles per day for an adult, 100 rubles for a child over seven years old. Addresses where you can purchase a pass are published on the reserve's website. Violators can be fined up to 4,000 rubles.

"To the rivers Achipse, Assara and Rudovaya"

Time: four or five hours.
Distance: 10-14 kilometers.
Climb: 250 meters.
Best time for walking: from March to November.
Route start: aviary complex at Gazprom.

An easy and picturesque walking route for tourists of all ages. You will pass through suspension bridge across the Achipse River, ford the Assaru River, see a trout lake, cross the Broken Beam stream. And also - take a walk through the beech and hornbeam forest, admire the rhododendrons and see how walnuts grow. Take a look at the aviary complex, where animals living in the North-Western Caucasus live. The route passes through the reserve, you need to issue a ticket.

The routes passing through the territory of the reserve are not open to tourists all year round. Usually walks are allowed from mid-June until the first snow around the end of October. If you come in spring or autumn, you should not go on any mountain routes in rain and snow. The best time is from the second half of June to the beginning of July, when the rhododendrons are in bloom.

Around Krasnaya Polyana

"To the Keivu Waterfall"

Time: three to four hours.
Distance: ten kilometers.
Climb: 500 meters.
Best time for walking: June-September.
Route start: from Skoropyatka, a camp site of the Ministry of Defense, where you need to find concrete steps, go past the barnyard and climb over a low fence.

The route starts in the village of Krasnaya Polyana and immediately leads into the forest. The trail is well trodden and easy to walk, but you will have to overcome several tangible ups and downs. Linger on observation deck overlooking the Aibga ridge and the Sochi Olympic ski jumps. The main goal of the walk is a picturesque multi-jet and always energetic waterfall, breaking down from a high cliff, which bears the name of Elmar Keivu, a famous Krasnopolyansky guide-enthusiast.

"Efremov's outlook, the river Monashka and Medoveevka"

Time: five hours.
Distance: 12 kilometers.
Best Season: from June to November.
Route start: in the village of Krasnaya Polyana on Zarechnaya Street (you need to go up Zapovednaya Street to the bridge over the Beshenka River), from there - strictly to the west.

An easy scenic route. From the horizon of Efremov (local historian and researcher of Krasnaya Polyana, whose memorial you will meet on the route) on Mount Monashka, you can see the village of Krasnaya Polyana, the Aibga ridges, the Pseashkho and Aishkho massifs. Then you will cross the Monashka River, walk through the beech-chestnut forest, ford the Medoveevka River. If you wish, you can conquer the route on a mountain bike. Descents and ascents alternate and are not tiring. You need to buy a ticket to the reserve.

Remember that in protected areas it is forbidden to light fires, litter and go beyond the marked paths, it is forbidden to collect plants, herbs, berries, mushrooms and even water from natural reservoirs.

"To the Khmelevsky lakes, dolmens, the Achishkho ridge and the Achipsinsky waterfalls"

Time: all day.
Distance: 10-20 kilometers.
Climb: 1200 meters.
Best time for walking: from the end of June to September.
Route start: in Krasnaya Polyana on the left bank of the Beshenka River.

One of those day trips that feels a lot like a real hike. At the very beginning of the walk you will see megalithic dolmens, which are over three thousand years old. After crossing the river on the bridge, you will find yourself at the font. Then a steep ascent leads through a beech forest to Kruglyaya Polyana at an altitude of 1460 meters. Then you will find yourself on the shore of Mirror Lake, from where a circular panorama opens from a height of 1900 meters. Walk along the circus of the Achishkho ridge to see the three-cascade Achipsinsky waterfalls. On the way back, at an altitude of 1700-1750 meters, you will see the picturesque Khmelev lakes surrounded by alpine meadows, rocky ledges of Wolf Teeth, the ruins of an ancient atsanguar, Mount Skalistuaya, Sakharny Pseashkho Peak, as well as the border of Abkhazia and the Black Sea. Having overcome this route, you will understand whether you are ready for real multi-day trips.

You can do all the described walks on your own. Or maybe with a guide. He will help you choose the best route for you and tell you a lot of interesting things along the way.