Paying attention to various countries and looking into Abkhazia, nature did not stint on its gifts. As a result, so attractive and unique sights have appeared here that they simply run their eyes. For the same reason, it is extremely difficult for a tourist to choose one. However, in Abkhazia there is still one place that is worth visiting in the first place. This is Mzu - the lake. We will tell about what this attraction is and what is its uniqueness.
On the way to the lake
The picturesque alpine lake is located a couple of thousand kilometers above sea level near the famous mineral springs of Auadhara. According to eyewitnesses, this is a place of absolutely amazing beauty where you can see the evergreen endless fields and meadows. But despite all this greenery, there is stagnant snow. They say that he does not melt even in the hot summer season. Therefore, a natural pond resembles a small blue saucer covered with a snow-white border.
The road to the lake also looks unusual, the route of which is filled with boxwood and fir forests. Walking along the path, every tourist as if plunges into some incredible fairy-tale world filled with greenery, bird trills, colorful landscapes and discouraging smells of coniferous trees. And the air here, as foreigners say, at one time or another visiting Lake Mzu in Abkhazia, is unusually fresh and clean.
How to get to the lake: tips
The path to the pond is not long. First you will find a leisurely trip from Lake Ritsa, which is about 6-7 km. Initially, you will have to go through the thicket, then the route continues through delightful meadows. And only after that you will find an incredible place with a natural source of inexhaustible beauty.
It is noteworthy that everyone who wants to find Lake Mzu in Abkhazia can either make a difficult walking march or go to the place of rest on horseback. The benefit in the area of the route is the rental of these graceful animals.
In addition, arriving tourists can drive by car to Ritsa Lake and further along the road. According to vacationers, from the starting point and to the hiking trail in a car to go by force of 20-30 minutes.
At a later stage, before you find Lake Mzu (how to get to this place, see the article), if you wish, you can take a walk to the mountains. This way in total will take you no more than 2-2.5 hours. And this is if you move at an average pace, without rushing. And after you will meet with the most beautiful reservoir in Abkhazia.
General information about the lake: depth, features
And here you are standing in front of a beautiful lake, whose length is 100 m and its width is 45 m. At first glance it might seem that this unusual natural reservoir with almost turquoise water is bottomless. But this is not so. Its depth is 40 m. However, even these dimensions, according to experts, may well vary. Moreover, fluctuations in size can be associated with the intensity of melting ice, snow and the vagaries of mother weather.
The alpine lake Mzu impresses with its appearance. Looking at it, you can safely say that you look in a huge mirror that reflects trees, mountains and all the tourists who came to see the incredible miracle of nature.
But just swimming in it, according to experienced travelers, is not recommended. The thing is that regardless of the season, the water temperature in the lake is kept at +4 º. In support of which one can see blocks of ice floating on the surface. For the same reason, Mzu is considered one of the coldest reservoirs in Abkhazia.
What is behind the lake?
In addition to forests, Lake Mza in Abkhazia (how to get to it is the most common question of tourists) is surrounded by impassable swamps. The reasons for the wetland at such a considerable height are associated with a huge number of natural mountain depressions that have low water permeability.
According to experts, the whole blame for the incredible water mix of water from melting glaciers and raindrops that merge together and flow into the mountain cavities. But since such a water cocktail does not find a way out, liquid stagnation occurs, leading to the appearance of swamps. Thus, Mzu received reliable protection in the form of mountains, forests and swamps.
Mzu (lake): tourist's note
Going on such a long and difficult trip, it is necessary to take into account some features of the trip and prepare in advance. For example, experienced travelers talk about what needs to be done before the trip:
- to cook warm clothes (regardless of the season, it is very cold near the lake);
- to take with you or put on waterproof clothes: the weather in the Mza region (the lake is considered one of the most beautiful places in Abkhazia) is unpredictable and it may well rain;
- wear comfortable shoes, such as sneakers (when descending to the lake during rain, uncomfortable sandals or flip flops can suck in thick dirt).
In addition, it is worthwhile to bring along picnic food and hot tea in a thermos. According to tourists, those who did not take warm clothes with themselves are tight. Rescue the frozen locals living on the mountain. They give travelers hot tea.
Visiting Mzu (lake of indescribable beauty), you should join in groups. Thus, you can act together and do not lose track of the given route. In addition, renting horses in a group is much cheaper than arranging a rental for someone alone.
Border is locked tight
It is noteworthy that only 4 km from the alpine reservoir is the territory of Russia. However, this does not mean at all that any tourist will be able to freely get there. On the contrary, there is its own checkpoint, border and border guards who monitor the violators around the clock. Therefore, it is better not to take risks.
How to think of an excursion route to the lake?
Going to Lake Mzu (a tour along this route is easily organized by a travel agency), you can independently develop a further plan of action. For example, many travelers advise combining several attractions on their way at once located near the lake. In particular, not far from Mzou are:
- Blue Lake;
- Lake Ritsa;
- Gegsky waterfall.
Therefore, it is worth correctly allocating time and visiting all these places in one excursion. Often travel agencies offer ready-made tours and programs that include visits to the following sites:
- a mysterious waterfall called "Maiden and Male Tears";
- Blue Lake;
- Jupshar Canyon;
- Bird's Beak Waterfalls;
- the mineral springs of Auadhara;
- Lake Ritsa.
Excursion route from travel agency
In addition to visiting the aforementioned attractions, the price of the trip may include arrival at the observation deck, from where it is possible to take colorful photos, a picnic on the lake and a guided walk. Moreover, the rental of horses at this price may or may not be included. The time spent on such an excursion depends on the program of the company. For example, a trip to the Student Glade, from where many tourist groups start, can start from 9 or 10 in the morning. And to finish - within 20-22: 00.
The cost of the trip will also depend on the number of people in the group and the number of attractions visited at a time, as well as additional services. The price of a child and an adult ticket is different (we mean children from the age of seven to twelve). In total, the price of a trip for one adult will cost you 1,500 - 2,100 rubles, and for a child - 1,300 - 1,600 rubles.
In a word, Mzu is a wonderful place that is worth a visit by the whole family at least once.