One of the main Sochi attractions in the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve is the yew-boxwood grove in Khost. The name speaks for itself, the main exhibits here are boxwood and berry yew. However, in addition to these amazing plants in the grove, you can see dozens of species of the rarest and most unusual representatives of the plant world.
Sightseeing Routes
The yew-boxwood grove in Khost has two routes - two rings. The short ring, called Samshitov, has a length of two kilometers. The route along the big ring has a length of five kilometers. On the long-distance journey, tourists encounter the most ancient inhabitants of the grove, centuries-old karst faults, the ruins of an ancient fortress of the 12th century. From the rocky cliffs in front of the eyes open the picturesque canyons of the Khosta River. Special routes are equipped on the routes so that you can sit down and relax, gain strength and continue on - forward to the unknown. The yew-boxwood grove in Khost can be proud of its ancient plant species, photos of numerous relict rocks confirm their grandeur and beauty. Local plant species survived the ice age, during which cave bears, mammoths, Colchis beavers and giant moose died. It is in these places that you can plunge into the wild, ancient nature, see endemic species not found anywhere else.
Yew-boxwood grove in Khost
Getting to this place is not at all difficult. From Kurortny Prospekt you need to turn off to Khosta, the road will take itself further. The grove can be safely called an open-air museum. Here relict plant species are collected, that is, those that have been preserved unchanged since prehistoric times. Only here endemic plants come across in the way, you will not see them anywhere else on the whole globe. Walking along the yew-boxwood grove, you are surprised to begin to feel the atmosphere in which our ancestors lived. Some trees here are two thousand years old! It follows that they grew up in the era when Jesus Christ himself lived on our mortal Earth. Everyone here experiences simply indescribable emotions.
The main attractions of the grove
The main attractions of this natural museum can be safely called Colchis boxwood and yew berry. Boxwood is otherwise called "iron tree." This tree is unique in its own way, its wood is so dense that it does not sink in water. Yew berry is called mahogany, its wood is highly durable and never rots. Both boxwood and yew live very long, grow slowly, annual rings on the saw are so thin that it is simply impossible to make out.
The yew-boxwood grove in Khost has a very curious, beautiful part, it is called the “labyrinth”. According to researchers, a tectonic fault formed at this place many millions of years ago. Subsequently, the limestone formation gradually shifted, and as a result of this an amazingly beautiful, unique rocky landslide formed.
Fairy nature
Some sites offer wonderful views of the Khosta River. For lovers of natural landscapes, a yew-boxwood grove in Khost is a valuable find . Reviews of all tourists can be characterized as enthusiastic, full of emotions and impressions. Here, unique aromas are carried everywhere. Even the smallest flowers smell so that you first smell, and then you find its source. Most of the trees in the grove are covered with green moss, this gives the local area a fabulous, mysterious look. Everywhere you can hear the birds singing, often they do not fly away, even if you come very close.
Going on the road ...
If your excursion plans include a yew-boxwood grove in Khost, any tour operator will tell you how to get from Adler. When choosing a small Boxwood ring, be sure that the walk will not be tiring. There are concrete paths around, you can even hit the heels. The exception is the “labyrinth”, here you have to make your way along the forest path.
Walking along the big ring is longer and more difficult. It lasts almost three hours, there will not be even tracks. The route passes through forest paths (descents, climbs). Forget about slippers, heels, the best option for shoes is sports sneakers. In order not to get hungry on the road, you can store a few sandwiches - there are no cafes, shops and shops on the route. It’s better to take a backpack on the road, rather than a handbag. Do not forget about the water! The Big Ring - the route is quite complicated, those who are confident in their abilities go to it. But with what emotions and impressions tourists return from a trip - this cannot be conveyed in words!
Yew-boxwood grove in Khost. Address
To get to this amazing place is not at all difficult from any district of Sochi. If you are coming from central Sochi, take a minibus at the bus station that goes towards Adler. Directly in front of the bridge (above the Khosta river) there is a Blue Hill stop, here you go. Walking right along Samshitova Street, it’s easy to get to the very entrance, where you will see the inscription “Yew-boxwood grove” (in Khost).
How to get from Adler? Also very simple. Take any public transport that moves towards Sochi, only find out if it will go into the Host. Get off at the Blue Hill stop and move about one and a half kilometers up Samshitova Street to the grove itself.
If you are driving your own car from Sochi, then right from the central highway turn right to Khosta, then along Samshitova Street - right to the entrance. The path from Adler is also not complicated. Skip the turn to Kudepsta, the second turn will be already on the Host. Passing the bridge, turn right, in front of you is Samshitovaya Street.