Today Sochi is considered one of the most modern and fashionable resorts in the Krasnodar Territory. Indeed, in this city there will be entertainment for every taste. Depending on the season, you can swim in the sea or relax in the ski resort. Enough in the vicinity of the city and interesting sights, one of which is the canyon of the Devil's Gate.
Nature reserve with walking area
The village of Khosta is located in a unique natural area. Here is a small but very picturesque canyon and an ancient forest grows, in which you can find plants of the preglacial period. In the shadow of steep rock walls, boxwood groves alternate with blooming glades. The Devil's Gate is a canyon in which the rivers of the Western and Eastern Hosts merge, and there is also a small lake. All these natural wonders are protected by the state and are part of the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve. This is a closed area for the tourist visit, here scientific research is conducted, and the natural ecosystem is preserved. Today, our task is to protect unique ancient plants in this area, and if possible, learn something new about them. Many tourists like local landscapes, and therefore part of the canyon is a recreation area open to free visits. Here in the shade of boxwood trees you can admire the rocky walls of the gorge. The most courageous tourists can go down and swim in the mountain river.
Canyon Devil's Gate: photo and description
In the neighborhood with the nature reserve there is a recreation area, which everyone can visit. The canyon stretches along the river bed, in some places the height of its steep walls is about 50 meters, and the distance between them is only about 5 meters. Rare plants are found in this area, and the number of picturesque species literally captures the spirit. Today the Devil's Gate is a comfortable place for outdoor recreation. Not far from the canyon there is a small cozy hotel and restaurant. Near the natural "Jacuzzi" in the riverbed you can rent a boat for water walks and a variety of tourist equipment. What is important, the passage to the territory of the recreation area is free and free. If you want, you can even stop with a tent for a few days.
The origin of the sinister name
Many tourists are wondering why such a picturesque place is called "Devil's Gate"? Sochi is a city in the vicinity of which there are many geographical objects with unusual names. And yet the canyon near the village Khosta stands out even against the background of them. There is no precise explanation for the origin of this name. From time immemorial "Devil's Gate" was called many narrow passes, gorges and canyons. It is possible that the area around the channel of the Khosta River got its name only because of associations with other similar objects. The version is widely spread and that an unusual name for the canyon was given specifically to attract tourists. However, whatever it was - no sinister legends and natural anomalies with the Khosta district are not connected. And this means that even superstitious tourists should not be afraid to visit a famous natural landmark.
What to do in the recreation area?
The most famous canyon of the Devil's Gate has a place for picnics. Today, there are equipped gazebos for recreation, tables with benches and there are places for fire. At the local recreation center there is also a restaurant where you can have a snack after a walk. In the river Hosta is allowed to swim, cool water is pleasantly refreshing during the warm season. If you want, you can fish here. Tourists are offered to rent boats, horse rides are also organized. In the immediate vicinity of the canyon a modern recreation center is built. Here you can stay for a night or a few days, for guests arranging meals, additional services are offered. On the territory of the base there is a Russian bath. Popular among the fans of the active rest is the canyon. In this area there are enough glades where you can play paired or team sports games with your friends. From time to time, near the bed of Hosts, the real battles are unfolding - fans of paintball come here.
The future of the Devil's Gate is in our hands!
The recreation area in the vicinity of the canyon is now open for free visits. Tourists are advised to take care of the surrounding nature, not to litter the recreation area with household waste. Unfortunately, these elementary rules of behavior are not observed by all holidaymakers. Devil's Gate is an incredibly popular place to relax and every tourist should remember that it depends on him how the canyon surrounds will look tomorrow. Do not be shy to make comments if you see that someone is littering while traveling to nature. Throw away your garbage in specially designated places.
How to get to the recreation area?
Excursions to the canyon in the Hostinsky district of Sochi are offered today by any self-respecting local tour operator. You can choose an organized trip as a part of the excursion group with a guide or get to the interesting natural site by your own turn. If you decide to visit the Devil's Gate on your own, Hosta is the nearest settlement to the canyon, to which you should orient yourself. It is the most convenient to get there from Sochi by bus. Canyon is about 5 kilometers from the village. From Khosta to the Devil's Gate you can take a taxi № 127, ask to drop you off at the stop "Dawn".
Reviews of tourists
It's not the first year that the canyon in the Khosta district of Sochi enjoys an incredible popularity among holidaymakers. Many tourists admit that they came here for the first time almost by accident, and now they prefer to visit this place on a regular basis during their holidays in the Krasnodar Territory. This excursion will give a lot of emotions to everyone: an exciting road along the mountain serpentine leads to a fast-moving mountain river in the gorge and boxwood grove. Here you can have a picnic and cook your own shish kebab or order ready meals in the restaurant. Where to stay on vacation, if you want to see the canyon of the Devil's Gate with your own eyes? Sochi is the nearest major resort, where housing can be found at any time of the year. If desired, you can stay for a few days or the whole vacation directly in this unique natural area. It is worth noting that the prices at the nearby recreation center are affordable. At the same time, the level of comfort and service by some parameters is much better than that of similar recreation centers in the center of Sochi. The local hotel and restaurant are praised in their reviews by all tourists.