The famous Sofia Lakes are located in the Sofia River Valley. 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 Arkhyz, which is the starting point when going to ponds.
Group of lakes
Sofia Lakes consist of three large and several small ponds. If you disassemble them by features, then the deepest can be called Big. 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 assigned to Lake Severny. The connection between these two reservoirs is provided by the Kashha-Echkchat 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, not for nothing that the Caucasus is called one of the most beautiful places in Russia. For the most part, you can see fir plantations, Caucasian pines and many other conifers. In addition, a large number of wild animals live in the district - this is a sign of pristine nature.
Water color
Interestingly, the colors of the three large lakes from the Sofia group are completely different. The largest has a shade of azure, the next looks sky blue, and the latest seems completely black. And before you come 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 a tourist.
Icing
In general, Sofia Lakes are considered glacial. This is reflected in their water temperature, which ranges from about zero degrees. A paradise for walrus enthusiasts. It is best to go to these places somewhere at the end of July, since it was during this period that ice was leaving the water bodies. You can even see individual blocks of ice that have not yet melted. They look like little winter islands in the middle of summer. Surprisingly, local plants and herbs bloom around, which are not affected by the frosty freshness of the lakes.
How to get there on your own?
So, Sofia Lakes (Arkhyz) became quite famous. How to get to this unique place? It is worth noting that part of the path to such a beautiful area can be reached by car, but then you have to go on foot. More courageous and hardy choose a walk from the very beginning to the end.
So, the village of Arkhyz should be considered the beginning of the path. From it you need to go straight through the pass, where the valleys of the rivers Sofia and Psyche separate. At the same time, during the ascent to the water bodies themselves, you can feel the height differences of about 1 km. Therefore, to some extent, tourists are a danger to Sofia Lakes. Tours are usually developed by guides and other specialists in the area. But to independently overcome such a path is undesirable. On the way to the place, an unusual Ullu-Chuchur waterfall flows, which looks simply magnificent against the backdrop of local nature. Especially when you consider that it pours directly from the Sofia river. It can be seen walking along the sheep’s paths. The path to the lakes cannot be called very easy, as the road constantly goes up, and in some places it resembles a vertical path more.
Trip through tour operators
Sophia Lakes (Arkhyz) can be seen, getting both independently 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, on the road there is a monument of World War II in the form of a bayonet aimed at the sky, and a metal layer with a map of military operations is installed nearby, and all this is fenced with stones that symbolize the Caucasus Mountains that are not subject to German invaders.
To the left of this memorial is a coniferous forest with the same fir, spruce and pine trees that the Caucasus is so rich in. Further passage passes through the zone where, moving along the path, you can see the Glacier Farm. It is considered the latest of those that are in the gorge. And it is called glacial because of the Sofia glacier, which is nearby, which can easily be seen 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 forbs ends, stony embankments and rocky faults begin. In summer, you can see the remains of snow that has not yet melted, but there is no feeling of cold.
Another obstacle, or perhaps a feature, on the way to such a beautiful place as Sophia Lakes (see the photo of the reservoirs in the article), are two spiers that you need to go through. This is a rather stony path, as, in principle, the entire previous one, so it is 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 complicated, but the effort spent will pay off one hundred percent as soon as magnificent views of the lakes appear on the horizon.
Tourists are usually shown two or three ponds, 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 travel accessories for an overnight stay, as you simply cannot do without it. Good luck on the trip and great emotions!