Sofia waterfalls are the most popular and picturesque attraction of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic. They are located in a valley, not far from s. Arkhyz (Western Caucasus). Arkhyz, in addition to the settlement, is also called a mountainous region, which is located on the northern border with the Main Caucasian Range. Scientists consider this object unique in structure and appearance, which adds special significance to them.
brief information
The source of the Sofia mountain river is Sofia Falls, whose height is 3,700 m. They are the second largest in Arkhyz, located between the Kizgych and Psysh valleys. The top of the mountain is covered with glaciers that feed the waterfalls. Several streams of cold water break off from a height downward, uniting among themselves in a single stream and forming a mountain river. Water falls at high speed, creating a noise that is heard throughout the district. Sofia River flows to the valley of the river. Psyche, and then carries its water to the source of the river. Big Zelenchuk - the main waterway of the mountain Arkhyz. Therefore, Sofia waterfalls (how to get, we will consider further) are important and play a huge role.
Climate
The climate of the region is similar to the climate of Dombay and Teberda, but due to the high ridges protecting the region from the winds, it is milder and more favorable here. Winters are mild, with little snow, average temperature is -5 ° -6 ° C. Summer is warm, saturated with cool mountain air. The average July temperature is + 15 ° C. The valley at the foot of the mountain, due to its convenient location from east to west, is longer than other mountain areas, illuminated by the sun. Sofia glacier attracts quite a lot of tourists who, not sparing their strength, conquer these peaks.
During the period of the greatest melting of glaciers (from July to August), Sofia waterfalls become as powerful as possible. In winter, they freeze, turning into a stream of icicles.
How to get there
Sofia waterfalls and the village. Arkhyz is a peculiar place of “pilgrimage” for many tourists, a center of mountaineering and mountain tourism of Karachay-Cherkessia. Thousands of travelers come to these places every year who want to visit a picturesque place. Many tourist companies conduct excursions here. Most of the visitors are climbers, others are interested in the unusual treasures of nature and want to see the Sophia Glacier with their own eyes.
To make the way to the waterfalls, you need to leave Pyatigorsk in a westerly direction, along the Circassian highway. Having reached the administrative capital of the republic (Cherkessk), you need to turn towards the city of Khabez, and from there drive to the village of Zelenchukskaya. Here fir forests begin. From the village of Arkhyz to the foot of Sofia there is a country road 17 km long. In the valley of the river is Glacier Farm, where the route to the mountains begins.
There are several ways to get to the waterfalls themselves. In summer, under good weather conditions, you can get to them by SUV. The road runs along the river, you have to cross the riverbed several times, sometimes sections of the road are poorly visible. Another option is a horse ride. In the village of Arkhyz and the glade of Taulu, it is possible to rent horses and book an excursion to the waterfalls along with the huntsman.
Hiking
Perhaps the most popular climb option that tourists use to watch Sofia Falls is a walking tour. The route begins in the glade of Taulu, near the bridge over the river. Crazy. The trail runs along the river, among picturesque places, fir and pine forests, birch groves and meadows with tall grass.
Fir forest is a unique site of Arkhyz. The Kizgych fir, typical for this region, can reach 60 m in height, and the trunk girth is 1.5 m. Some trees are 700 years old. Also, relic species of vegetation can be found along the way to the waterfall: Caucasian plane tree, yew tree, pine, etc. Above there is a section of undersized birches, and closer to the waterfalls the groves are replaced by subalpine meadows that have grown to the very border with the glacier.
On the way, you can meet representatives of the fauna of this region: a wolf, a fox, a lynx, a wild boar, a round, a bear and a Caucasian deer. All wild animals live far away in the thickets of the forest and rarely approach hiking trails leading to such an object as Sofia Falls. About 150 species of birds live in Arkhyz and its forests, the most popular are chamois, black grouse, and ular. Also in the forest you can meet the largest representatives of the feathered family: white-headed vulture, brown neck, vulture and lamb.
Route Features
The total length of the route is about 11 km, the climb is 800 m. As a rule, you can overcome this distance in 2 hours. Approaching closer to such natural attractions as Sophia waterfalls in Arkhyz, one can notice that the trail passes near the channel of the water stream. And in order to get to the first and largest rapids, you need to cross the river. The water falling from the top is very cold, even in the hottest time of the year it does not warm up. To see other waterfalls, you need to overcome a rocky area. Going along these paths on your own is undesirable; it is better to use the services of professionals. This will help to minimize the risk of accidents.
At the beginning of the route to the waterfalls on the bridge there are souvenir shops, and nearby are tents with traditional Circassian dishes.
Finally
Arkhyz and its mountain peaks, including the city of Sofia, from which the Sofia Falls fall, were once pilgrimage sites. Previously, the Alanian kingdom was located on this territory, which is known for spreading Christianity throughout the territory of the Long Caucasus. Near Sophia waterfalls and the surrounding area are three Christian churches built in the X century.