Sophia waterfalls: description, features, photo

Sophia waterfalls are the most popular and picturesque landmark of Karachay-Cherkess Republic. They are located in the valley, near the village. Arkhyz (the Western Caucasus). Arkhyz, except for the settlement, is also called the mountainous region, which is located on the northern border with the Main Caucasian Range. Scientists consider this object to be unique in structure and appearance, which adds a special significance to them.

brief information

The source of the mountain river Sofia is the Sofia waterfalls, whose height is 3,700 m. They are the second largest in Arkhyz, located between the valleys of Kizgych and Psysh. The top of the mountain is covered with glaciers, which feed the waterfalls. Several streams of cold water are cut off from a height down, merging into one stream and forming a mountain river. Water is falling at a high rate, creating a noise that can be heard all over the area. The Sophia River flows to the valley of the river. Psysh, and then carries its waters to the source of the river. Big Zelenchuk - the main waterway of the mountain Arkhyz. Therefore, the 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 Dombai and Teberda, but due to the high ridges that protect the region from winds, it is softer and more favorable here. Winter is mild, little snow, average temperature is -5 ° -6 ° С. The 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 illuminated by the sun longer than other mountainous areas. The Sophia glacier attracts 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) the Sofia waterfalls become as powerful as possible. In winter they freeze, turning into a stream of icy icicles.

How to get there?

Sofia waterfalls and village. Arkhyz - a kind of place of "pilgrimage" for many tourists, the center of mountaineering and mountain tourism of Karachay-Cherkessia. Annually thousands of travelers come to these places, wishing to visit the picturesque place. Many tour companies conduct excursions here. Most of the visitors are mountaineers, others are interested in unusual treasures of nature and want to see the Sophia glacier with their own eyes.

To make it to the waterfalls, it is necessary to leave from Pyatigorsk in a western direction, along the Circassian highway. Having reached the administrative building of the republic (Cherkessk), it is necessary to turn aside to the city of Khabez, and from there to get to the village Zelenchukskaya. Here, the fir forests begin. From the village of Arkhyz to the foot of the city of Sofia is a country road with a length of 17 km. In the valley of the river there is the Glacial farm, from where the route to the mountains begins.

You can get to the waterfalls themselves in several ways. In summer, in good weather conditions, you can drive to them on an off-road vehicle. The road runs along the river, several times you have to wade the riverbed, sometimes road sections are poorly viewed. Another variant of the trip is horseback riding. In the village of Arkhyz and the meadow of Taulu, it is possible to rent horses and order an excursion to the waterfalls together with the huntsman.

Hiking

Perhaps the most popular option of climbing, which tourists use to see the Sofia waterfalls is a walking tour. The route starts at the Taulu meadow, near the bridge across the river. Psysh. The path runs along the river, among picturesque places, fir and pine forests, birch groves and meadows with high grass.

Fir forest is a unique site of Arkhyz. Typical for this region kizgych fir can reach 60 m in height, and the trunk's circumference is 1.5 m. Some trees are 700 years old. Also, along the way to the waterfall, there can be relict species of vegetation: Caucasian chinara, yew, pine, etc. Above, a small birch tree begins, and closer to the waterfalls, the groves are replaced by subalpine meadows that have grown to the border with the glacier.

On the way you can meet representatives of the fauna of the region: wolf, fox, lynx, wild boar, tour, bear and Caucasian deer. All wild animals live far away in the thickets of the forest and rarely approach the hiking trails leading to such an object as the Sofia waterfalls. About 150 species of birds live in Arkhyz and its forests, the most popular ones are the feces, black grouse, snowcock. Also in the forest you can meet the largest representatives of the feathered family: griffon vulture, brown neck, vulture and lamb.

Features of the route

The total length of the route is about 11 km, the ascent - 800 m. As a rule, you can overcome this distance in 2 hours. Coming closer to such a natural landmark as the Sophia waterfalls in Arkhyz, you can see that the path passes next to a stream of water. And in order to get to the first and largest roll, you need to cross the river. 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 the rocky area. It is undesirable to go on these tracks independently, it is better to use the services of professionals. This will help reduce the risk of an accident to a minimum.

At the beginning of the route to the waterfalls on the bridge are souvenir shops, and near the tent with traditional Circassian dishes.

Finally

Arkhyz and its mountain peaks, including the city of Sofia, with which the Sofia waterfalls fall, once were places of pilgrimage. Earlier in this territory was the Alanian kingdom, which is known for spreading Christianity through the territory of the Long Caucasus. Near the Sophia waterfalls and the surrounding area are three Christian churches built in the X century.