The route along the red meadow. Where to walk in Krasnaya Polyana: one-day hiking trails

Health Path (Rosa Khutor) - these are three hiking routes through the forest along the slopes of Mount Psekhako. Each of them has a different degree of difficulty. That it’s not necessary to get here well - the trail starts right from the resort itself. Anyone can do the easiest route - even a child can pass it. But only the most courageous will overcome the most difficult one - here it is about two hours of travel through the forest.

We note right away that in the Greater Sochi, various health paths and health paths have recently become fashionable. Therefore, if you wanted to read about the health path, which is located near Sochi, then this can be done.

The entire lower slope of Mount Psekhako, along which the health path of Rosa Khutor goes, is dotted with trees. In fact, this is a magnificent southern forest through which a path stylized as these almost wild places goes. In the warm season, moss covers the trees, turning the forest into a plush and completely green, like a fairy tale. It should be borne in mind that with any route you will have to go up, and if you don’t like it at all, then long routes are hardly tough for you.

The local health trail is one of the the best places for a summer walk.

Routes

There are only 3 routes, each of which starts between the beach and the hotel. They also end in one place - a little upstream from the entrance.

The easiest route is only 310 meters and can be completed in 10-15 minutes. If you take too long and take pictures wherever possible, then you can walk this third of a kilometer for about half an hour. It's unlikely to be more. Interesting places here is the minimum

The middle ring is 1630 meters and if you go along it, the road will take you about an hour and a half. There will be two springs with drinking water, observation deck, waterfall and one yoga platform. And only here there is a small lake where you can swim. The water is really cold. On the diagram it is marked as a font.

Big ring - 1970 meters. The most difficult and long way. It will take at least two hours. There will be no font here, but there will be a glade of Power and another yoga platform.

Want more? Nobody bothers to combine all the paths into one mega-route and visit everything in general.

Where is it located and how to get there

The mountain trail of health is located on the territory of the coolest mountain resort Rosa Khutor. It starts from the lake beach, which can be considered as a starting point.

But in order to go for a walk along the path of health, you first need to somehow get to the mountain resort itself. There are four ways to get to Rosa Khutor:

• You can drive by your own car. First you need to get to the Adler airport, and then just go straight along the A148 highway. The road is quite long - 40 kilometers from the airport, and more than 70 from the center of Sochi. But the canvas here is new and it is a pleasure to drive along it. In general, this is the most convenient way and he is good for everyone, except that the driver will have to drive quite a lot, but not to drink alcohol. If you go on a trip alone or together, then in terms of gasoline it will turn out to be more expensive than an electric train, and even more so a bus.
• You can take the Swallow high-speed train. If you go from Sochi, then this is definitely the fastest way and at the same time quite comfortable. Trains are not overcrowded, unless something extraordinary happens in the city, so it will be quite comfortable to ride. Of the minuses - more expensive than by bus and you need to adjust to the schedule, which is not always pleasant
• Another way to get to Rosa Khutor is, of course, by bus. Here best price, there is no rigid binding to the schedule and the place of launch. For example, you can come from Sochi (105, 105C), from Khosta and Kudepsta and a bunch of stops along the way (105), and from Adler from the Novy Vek shopping center (135). Naturally, you can sit at any stop on the A148 highway. Separately, it should be noted that in order to be guaranteed to get seats, you need to go from the initial stop (Sochi bus station or Novy Vek shopping center in Adler).
• Theoretically, you can come to Rosa Khutor as part of an organized tour. But there are no excursions from Sochi or Adler to the path of health, so this option does not suit us in any case.
• If you arrived by train, you will need to go upstream through the entire resort winter town to Mzymta Square. The journey will take about 15-20 minutes and there will be many shops along the way where you can buy something. You can identify Mzymta Square by McDonald's, which is located here. Next, cross the bridge and turn right. After a couple of minutes you will reach the next bridge. He needs to turn left, walk along the path for another minute and then the path itself begins. You can focus on the Rosa Khutor lake beach located next to the trail.
• If you come by bus, then it will stop just near Mzymta Square. What to do next is described above. Where to go for those who arrived by car on their own depends on where they managed to park it. In any case, focus on the area and McDonald's.

I have been on your path. Somehow weak. Is there something more difficult?

Something harder is always found.

Nearby is a waterfall, the road to which is completely untrodden. Once this route was popular among tourists who love leisure, but now everyone goes on more comfortable routes.

You can also go to the waterfall, which is in the Gorki Gorod resort. But not from the lift at an altitude of 960 meters, but from the very bottom. Then the path in one direction will be about 10 kilometers.

An even more difficult hike on. If he doesn’t care for you, then you are enlightened and you can do everything.

Is it worth going? (and some reviews)

Are you wondering if this place is worth your attention? To be honest, I don’t know, because, unfortunately, I don’t know you. So if you love beautiful natural places and active walks, if you like forests and mountains, then it's worth it. Numerous reviews that can be found on the Internet are extremely monotonous - they say that the place is really cool. But if your understanding best holiday this is lying on the couch or, in extreme cases, on the beach, then despite all the reviews, you are unlikely to like it here.

A few moments

• the entrance is free
• Take food and water with you. There is nowhere to buy it here
• This is a wonderful place. And it will be just as beautiful if you don't throw rubbish here. Respect beauty, nature and your country
• A camera is a must for this trip. In addition to the beautiful forest, very steep views sometimes open here.
• An interesting figure: there are as many as 919 steps on all routes. This is really a lot. For girls, walking on it is a guarantee of a very beautiful priests. That's why it's a path of health in general.
• Do not walk along the trail in the rain and especially in the snow. The road can be very slippery and not safe.
• If you like outdoor activities and are not here in winter time then be sure to visit the trail. This is an amazing place. A few meters from the most perfect mountain resort in Russia, beautiful and almost wild places begin.

Route

Winter is in full swing, and the legs are asking for a hike. Unfortunately, this time of year is not very suitable for long routes, and not only because the route takes longer due to deep snow. In winter, a tourist is in mortal danger in the mountains - snow avalanches. On some trails, avalanche areas can be bypassed, but not everywhere.

But there are undoubted advantages: winter changes the landscape so much that a hike in summer and a hike in winter along the same route are two different hikes. Places well known from childhood are simply unrecognizable in winter! But the main thing is that only in winter the sky in the mountains can be so blue, and the air so transparent and clean.

Krasnaya Polyana

My favorite Krasnaya Polyana. I remember it as a small village, surrounded by majestic ridges, which could be reached from Sochi by helicopter or along a narrow serpentine along the stormy Mzymta. Now it is one of the most fashionable and elegant ski resorts in the world (it is believed that they are also expensive, but I would argue with this statement).

The date of foundation of the village on the stele located at the entrance to Krasnaya Polyana is 1869, but in fact there has been a large aul of mountain tribes here since time immemorial.

The village itself and its surroundings have played an important role in history more than once. On May 21, 1864, the Caucasian War ended here. And in 1942, at the Pseashkho and Aishkho passes, our troops stopped the German mountain division "Edelweiss" in the battle for the Caucasus.

Mountains here attract not only skiers and snowboarders. There are stunningly beautiful places here - lakes, alpine meadows, rocks, glaciers and everything that is dear to the heart of a tourist. There are easy routes that are well suited for beginners and families with toddlers. Many peaks are accessible for climbing without special mountaineering training.

How to get there

Our journey starts from cable car Laura-Gazprom, which is located 5 km from the village.

Getting Laura is not difficult: buses from Sochi and Adler run from 6 am to 9 pm approximately every 30 minutes (about 250 rubles from Sochi), the stop is located directly at the ski lift. Travel time is more than 2 hours. It is better to leave with one of the first buses, because upon arrival you will have to go to the reserve office for a pass. This will take about an hour.

The office of the reserve is located in the aviary complex (it is easy to find by the signs), it is open from 9 am, and from Laura you need to walk along the river (on the opposite side from the Polyana Grand Hotel) for about 20 minutes.

The ticket price is 300 rubles per person per day.

The route is periodically closed in winter, so it is better to call the reserve and find out what rules are in effect at the moment.

The easiest way is to come by car, go to the reserve, and leave it for the duration of the trip in the parking lot near the ski lift (500 rubles per day).

If you get by train, it costs more (about 450 rubles from Sochi). You will have to walk from the station to the cable car for about 20 minutes. The first train arrives at 8.47, and this is later than necessary, because you still need to go to the reserve office for passes. If you buy passes in advance, you can immediately go to the new 3S cable car and climb Pikhtovaya Glade.

You need to buy a ticket to go up. The price is 1100 rubles (more expensive on weekends and holidays). The cable car is open from 9.00.

So, one early morning we went for snow and beautiful landscapes to Krasnaya Polyana. We had to go to the top of Mount Tabunnaya (2351 m) in the area of ​​the Pseashkho massif.

When we went to Tabunnaya for the last time in winter, the new cable car from Alpika-Service did not yet exist, and we had to climb from the Psekhako plateau (1450 m). Now the lift to Pikhtovaya Polyana very decently saves both time and effort. And at the time of our very first hike, the tracks were just beginning to be built, and we climbed on foot from the river, from the very bottom, gaining a total of almost 1800 m in height per day.

From the Psekhako plateau we descended along the ski lift, then climbed up to the construction site of the biathlon complex. The road along which the construction equipment drove was a mess of snow and mud, so we put on snowshoes and dived into the forest.

We reached Pikhtovaya Polyana (1600 m) rather quickly. The weather was great - bright sun and no wind. From the place where the upper station of the cable car is now located, it is a stone's throw to the beginning of the trail. However, in winter the trail is loudly said, because everything is covered with snow a couple of meters thick. But it’s not at all difficult to guess, since the path passes along an obvious spur, and if you just go up all the time, you will go exactly where you need to.

We climbed through a beautiful fir forest to the Bear Gates (1890 m), from where the territory of the Caucasian Reserve begins. The forest has already ended, and you can enjoy the mountain landscapes without interference. Here they usually arrange a small halt - there is a table and benches. But it's summer. And now only the tips of dwarf birch trees are visible, which grow in the area between the fir and alpine forests.

From here, the trail turns left and traverses along the Tabunnaya slope to the Bzerpsky cornice, one of the most beautiful places in the reserve. In summer, alpine flowers bloom there, and now avalanches are walking. Therefore, we, having rested, begin to climb along a narrow ridge right in the forehead. The ridge is getting steeper and steeper, and we pass the last meters with our snowshoes off.

Having got out, we find a suitable place, dig out places for tents and set up camp. As a reward for an active day, we get an amazing purple sunset.

In the morning, having breakfast with delicious porridge (and everything is delicious in the mountains), we run lightly to the top of Tabunnaya. Visibility is 360 degrees. Incredible panorama. The four peaks of Aibga, the Turya Mountains and the beautiful Agepsta on one side, on the other - the majestic Chugush, Vorobyov Peak, in front of the sharp peaks of Pseashhekh, below the beautiful valley of the Pseashkho pass, behind the low mountain ranges that line Krasnaya Polyana from the coast. In the distance one can see the peaks of the Abkhazian mountains.

We packed up camp and headed back. For some time we walked, but then, when the slope became more gentle, we spat, sat on the fifth points and in no time moved down to the benches. It was more difficult to go down the forest - every now and then we fell into loose snow even on snowshoes, but still we reached Pikhtovaya Glade quickly. A little more, and we are on Psekhako.

The lift that takes you up to Pikhtovaya Polyana is open until 16.30, and it’s better not to be late for it. If suddenly this still happened, there is no big trouble - you can walk to the cable car to Psekhako, where the slopes for evening skiing are located, so the lift is open until 23.00.

Equipment

Of course, the basic tourist set is a backpack, a tent, a flashlight, a sleeping bag (necessarily warm, it can be up to -20 ° C), KLMN (mug-spoon-bowl-knife), mat-mat, winter clothes (preferably waterproof and windproof ), good warm trekking boots.

Two sets of thermal underwear are desirable: thin for movement (it is very hot in the sun, and you have to take off your jacket every now and then), thick for spending the night. Shoe covers are comfortable (we call them “lanterns”) - these are things that are worn over trousers and cover the leg from the foot to the knee, used so that snow does not get into boots and under trousers.

Mandatory: snowshoes or ski tours, sunglasses with the maximum degree of protection (snow in the sun, and without, it really dazzles), sunscreen with the highest factor (you can burn yourself to blisters - the sun is already bright at altitude, plus reflection from the snow ), snow shovel, burner and gas.

It is better to take a supply of food and gas - if the weather suddenly deteriorates sharply, the descent from Tabunnaya to the Bear Gate becomes dangerous in conditions of poor visibility, you may have to wait.

Since the hike is only two days, take a bottle of red wine and spices with you: the mulled wine at the top is the best mulled wine!

Winter in the mountains is beautiful, and I sincerely wish everyone to enjoy it to the fullest, but always remember about safety.

Hiking along ecological trails, implying a responsible visit to untouched corners of nature.

Hiking trails in the mountains of Krasnaya Polyana

In the summer season, at our Gorki Gorod resort, hiking eco-routes are opened for traveling to hard-to-reach places in the mountains of Krasnaya Polyana. Pedestrian tourist routes located at an altitude of +960 m to +2200 m above sea level.

Alpine meadows hidden behind the hills, where snow-white rhododendron blooms, Medvezhiy and Polikarya waterfalls are now available to our guests thanks to equipped trails.

Do you need special equipment and physical training?

Without special equipment, you can admire the views of the Main Caucasian Range by climbing the cable car. Breathtaking panorama of Krasnaya Polyana and mountain peaks will open from the highest point of our resort from the peak Black Pyramid(+2375 m).
Excursions to the waterfalls and a walk among the alpine flowering meadows do not require serious physical preparation, but are quite accessible to any healthy person. Such simple walks in the mountains can be done by the whole family, even with small children.

Before the walk, read the map and the description of the route, which indicates the difficulty and time of passage. At one time you can go several routes, for example, take a walk in the Circus-2 zone, the relict forest and reach the Polikarya waterfall. The route through alpine meadows can be combined with a walk to the Medvezhiy waterfall in the Circus-2 zone.

How to get on the route?

To climb the eco-routes, you must purchase a walking ticket (ski pass) for the cable car to the appropriate mark at the ticket office of the resort.

Visiting eco-routes is free.Working hours: 10:00 – 18:00

Before visiting eco-routes, it is strongly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the rules that are posted on our website.
You will need: comfortable trekking or sports shoes, trekking poles for more difficult routes, sunglasses, a hat, sun cream, a flask or bottle of drinking water.

Attached files

• pdf Rules for organizing excursions with children (kindergartens, schools, boarding schools, educational centers)
• pdf Rules for visiting and behavior on eco-routes

Ecotrail "Alpine Meadows" +2200 m

Height:+1900 m / +2200 m
Length: 3000 m
Height difference: 150 m
Passing time: 1,5 hour
Complexity: high

The zone of Alpine meadows is part of the National Sochi Park. In addition to the Red Book plants along the route, you can meet ancient atsanguars, which we inherited from the early Middle Ages. These structures made of uncut stones served as pens for cattle, which were grazed here by mountain tribes. On the map of the resort there are signs with the location of the atsanguars.

To get to the starting point of the hike, you first need to climb the cable car to +2200 m above sea level. Further, from the upper station of the cable car, follow the signs "eco-route: Alpine meadows". It is necessary to take into account the weather conditions and bring warm clothes and waterproof jackets. There are two pavilions on the route, where you can rest, have a bite to eat or hide from the weather.

walk along complete itinerary to the gazebo on the Aibga ridge and back takes from one and a half to two hours, depending on the time you spend on rest between transitions. In addition to this time, allow for about an hour of total time for ascent and descent by cable car.

Attention on the route! You will be informed about the end of the route by signs warning about the danger of going further and the rules for staying in the border zone (in accordance with the requirements of the order of the Federal Security Service of Russia dated October 15, 2012 No. foreign citizens have the right to stay in the border zone only if they have a passport and a pass).

Eco-route "Waterfall Bear" +2050 m

Height:+1970 m / +2050 m
Length: 500 m
Height difference: 80 m
Passing time: 0.5 hours
Complexity: average

The eco-route to the Medvezhiy waterfall is located near the unique climatic zone Circus-2. You can see the waterfall only in summer, when a lot of snow melts. Melt water is the basis natural object. In the route zone there is a beautiful valley of rhododendrons. The route is available for visiting from June to October

During the walk, you will get acquainted with rare plant species, bewitching panoramic landscapes and clean mountain air.

On the way, a unique view of the Main Caucasian Range opens up, and a blooming rhododendron against the backdrop of alpine meadows will serve as a beautiful backdrop for your photos.

Ecotrail "Relic forest" +1460 m

Height:+1400 m / +1500 m
Length: 900 m
Height difference: 50 m
Passing time: 0.5 hours
Complexity: average

The route passes through the mid-mountain zone of beech forests. Clean air and cozy gazebos for relaxation with panoramic mountain views. Here there are endemic plants of the Western Caucasus, which cannot be found anywhere else on our planet. Many of them are listed in the Red Book of Russia.

There are various bonuses for which you can linger.

The first surprise is blackberry bushes. For those who decide to diversify everyday life with a walking tour, the Gorki Gorod resort in the summer stores these juicy berries in almost every corner of the forest. They are tasty, clean, and most importantly useful. But you need to be more careful: blackberry bushes with thorns (it is better to take a windbreaker with you), and she likes to grow on a slope, so you need to look under your feet so as not to fall.

The second bonus is the work of man. So that the townspeople would not be bored walking through the forest, they made gazebos for them where they can have lunch, and left wide stumps where they can rest. The difficulty of this walking route is easy, accessible to the most hardened office workers.

And one more bonus - beautiful photos not only from the relic forest, but also against the backdrop of mountains, or even from a bird's eye view from the lift cabin.

Eco-route "Waterfall Polikarya" +1450 m

Height:+1450 m / +1600 m
Length: 800 m from K-13
Height difference: 50 m
Passing time: 15-20 min one way
Complexity: simple

Polikarya waterfall, colloquially referred to as "trousers" for its forked shape, is the most high waterfall in Sochi and Krasnodar Territory, and one of the highest in Europe. The height of the waterfall is approximately 70 m. It is located in the zone of subalpine meadows at a mark between +1450 m and +1600 m vertically and to the left of the K-13 cable car, on the slope of the Aibga ridge. Nearby is a snowfield that does not melt almost all year round. Even in June-July, there is snow near the Polikarya waterfall. The Rzhanoy stream, which forms the Polikarya waterfall, flows out of the snowfield in Circus-3 and then flows into the Mzymta River.

Eco-route "Valley of Rhododendrons" +2370 m

Height:+2300 m / +2050 m
Length: 800 m
Height difference: 325 m
Passing time: down 30 minutes
Complexity: average

Rhododendron is surrounded by myths and legends. According to one of them, the forest elves, fleeing from a fire in the forest at the foot of the mountains, left their native places, climbing higher and higher along the slopes. There they searched for a long time for a plant - a home for the night. All the plants refused to shelter the elves, referring to the fact that they had already become a home for other animals and sheltered them under their crown.
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The elves were angry at the plants, and even more so at the animals that got ahead of them. And only the rhododendron bush hospitably received the elves. For the fact that the plant gave shelter to magical creatures, the elves generously thanked him not only with luxurious flowers, but also with a poisonous property, so that the shrub would not serve for the benefit of animals.
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And we have a great opportunity to admire this beauty, climbing or descending the Rhododendron Valley eco-trail.

Hiking route to the peak of the Black Pyramid (+2375 m)

Height:+2320 m / +2375 m
Length: 300 m
Passing time: 40 minutes
Complexity: average

For guests who prefer outdoor activities in the summer in the mountains, we have a picturesque walking route to the highest point of the resort - the peak of the Black Pyramid of the Aibga ridge.

From the top of 2375 m, a stunning view of the Mzymta river valley, the Olympic objects of the mountain cluster opens up, in clear weather you can see the sea. We can say with confidence that this is the best observation platform in the mountains of Krasnaya Polyana.

The length of the route is 300 meters. The duration of the route is 40 minutes. Difficulty - medium. Movement along the route is carried out accompanied by an instructor "Tirol club" in climbing insurance, a protective helmet, along laid safety ropes. Children over the age of 10 can enter only if accompanied by their parents. Comfortable clothes and sports shoes are required for the route.

Cost of guide and equipment: 600 ₽.

Route start: from the upper chairlift station.

Instructor Service Phone: 8 938 865 93 93 .

Rules for visiting eco-routes

Walking along ecological paths implies a responsible visit to the untouched corners of nature.

• Collection of plants and wild herbs is prohibited.
• Fires are prohibited.
• It is forbidden to leave garbage on the walking trails.
• It is forbidden to drive outside the marked trails.
• It is forbidden to find children under 15 years old unaccompanied by adults.
• Ecopaths are located in a high-mountainous zone - we kindly ask you to refrain from walking people who have health contraindications to this type of physical activity.
• The use of alcoholic beverages and being in a state of intoxication (alcoholic, narcotic, or otherwise) is prohibited.
• In case of deterioration weather conditions you must immediately return to the cable car station.
• Walking in the evening is strictly prohibited.

Remember when visiting the Circus-2 zone that the time of the last descent from K-5 is until 17:30, and on K-4 until 18:00.

Krasnaya Polyana is one of the most accessible and civilized places in Russia for real mountain hikes. Moreover, you do not have to go in for mountaineering: you can choose a simple, but very picturesque route that is easy to conquer over the weekend. On fine days, the weather is comfortable. Getting there is very convenient. And in the resorts of Krasnaya Polyana, you can buy everything you need, as well as choose a guide and issue the necessary permits to the reserve and border areas.

"To Lake Kardyvach"

Itinerary for two to four days.
Route start: Engelmanovy polyany, where you can get on off-road vehicles. The road from Krasnaya Polyana is 20 kilometers, the travel time is about two hours.
Distance: from 18 kilometers per day.
Climb: 600−2500 meters.
When to go: from July to September, in June there is still snow.
Important: Lake Kardyvach is located not only in the reserve (you need to pay for the entrance), but also in the border area (you need to get a pass, which can take several days).

Lake Kardyvach - beautiful place in the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve, located in the mountains above Krasnaya Polyana at an altitude of 1838 meters and surrounded by fir and birch forests, alpine meadows, springs and waterfalls. Most of the year, Kardyvach is hidden under ice and snow and does not warm up above +12 degrees, but in summer it changes its color from green to blue several times.

The length of the route from the Engelman Polyana along the Mzymta is 18 kilometers one way along a comfortable, trodden and marked forest path. Wow-places for radial walks are lakes Sineokoye (distance - three and a half kilometers) and Upper Kardyvach (four kilometers). Nearby there are cordons of the reserve for overnight stays and there is no need to carry water with you, but sleeping bags, foam and food - you still have to. You can go hiking on your own, but the reserve is more happy with organized groups with guides.

"From Chernorechye to Krasnaya Polyana: a hike through the mountains to the Black Sea"

Itinerary for five days.
Distance: 55 kilometers.
Route start: cordon "Chernorechye", which can be reached by car.
When to go: from June to October.
Important: permission is required to visit the reserve. A pass to the border area is not needed, but it is necessary to have a Russian passport with you.

The legendary route No. 8 of the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve through the Main Caucasian Range and its two passes - the Lesser Balkans and Aishkho. Most of the route is laid along the valley of the Malaya Laba River. There is no mobile communication, no equipped camps, but there are cordons for overnight stays. Camping equipment and provisions will have to be carried with you. On the route there are not only amazing natural beauty, but also monuments to the soldiers of the Great Patriotic War. The route is linear, and once you start it, you have to finish it.

The first day- this is a hike from the cordon "Chernorechye" to the cordon "3rd Company" through beech and fir forests.

Second day– crossing the Small Balkans pass along the picturesque cliffs to the Umpyr cordon.

Day Three- the path to the cordon "30th kilometer" through the southern forest with a large number of rivers, many will have to wade.

Day four– hike to the Chistaya River with a view of the mountain and the Tsakhvoa glacier, 3345 meters high.

Day five- through the Aishkho pass (2401 meters - this is the most high point the entire route).

"To the Pure River"

Itinerary for three days.
Distance: up to 16 kilometers per day, the total length is 40 kilometers.
Route start: the end of the asphalt road to Rosa Khutor, from where seven kilometers by off-road vehicles through the Pasluh cordon to a height of 1800 meters.
Important: must have a Russian passport.
When to go: from July to October.

Part of the previous route from Krasnaya Polyana to the Chistaya River through the Aishkho Pass and back is a popular option for a memorable three-day hike.

The first day- crossing the tall Aishkho is not easy, but it is accessible to healthy and relatively athletic people. Overnight in tents is most successful at the confluence of the Malaya Laba and Chistaya rivers.

Second day– radial walks to waterfalls and viewing platforms.

Day Three- way back.

"On Mount Achishkho"

Itinerary for two days.
Distance: 12-15 kilometers.
Height difference: about 400 meters.
Route start: at the Heliport stop in the village of Krasnaya Polyana.
When to go: from mid-May to October.
Important: You need a pass to the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve.

There are two ways to Mount Achishkho - through the Khmelevsky lakes or through the Beshenka River and the weather station on Kruglyaya Polyana. As a rule, tourists overcome this route in one day without committing. However, it is still worth spending the night at the Achipsinsky waterfalls or Mirror Lake.

To get as close as possible to the splendor of the mountain cluster, you have to walk or ride a bike. Here are five routes in the vicinity of Krasnaya Polyana, for which it is not at all necessary to be a working tourist with a huge backpack on your back.

Waterfall Polikarya

What is it. The highest waterfall in Sochi (72 m) and one of the highest in Europe. In the common people it is called "Pants".

For whom. Suitable for those who want to go high, see a lot, while spending a minimum of physical effort.

Route. Get to the resort "Gorki Gorod" and purchase a tour ticket at the rate "Waterfall Polikarya". The first ascent to 960 m, then transfer to the gondola of the Eastern sector. Another transfer, now we are riding on open chairs, enjoying the views. From the K-13 cable car to the waterfall, there is an ennobled path: for convenience, there are steps and benches to rest along the way. A pleasant coolness emanates from the waterfall: even if you do not swim, you will definitely want to hang there for a while. If suddenly it seems a little, but there will still be plenty of strength and fuse, returning to the level of +960, you can buy an additional climb to the Black Pyramid peak.

duration. Walk from the cable car 15-20 minutes. Taking into account the time at the waterfall and the ride on the lifts, the whole walk will be about three hours.

Efremov's outlook

What is it. An observation deck on the top of Mount Monashka (758 m), which offers a panoramic view of the village of Krasnaya Polyana and the Pseashkho massif. Named after an honorary member of the Geographical Society, geographer, poet and singer - Yuri Konstantinovich Efremov. In 2013, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of his birth, on the initiative of the Krasnodar branch of the Russian Geographical Society and the inhabitants of Krasnaya Polyana, a stele was erected in his honor.

For whom. For those who like to visit historical and memorable places.

Route. From the Heliport stop in the village of Krasnaya Polyana, we go up Zapovednaya Street, turn onto Achishkhovskaya, and before reaching the Achishkho patskhi, about 100 meters, we go left onto a dirt road across the Beshenka River. We move along this path to the quarry (about 2 km), then we climb up the picturesque forest path - we are there. The route runs through the territory of the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve, so you need to purchase a pass in advance. You can do this at the box office of the Aviary Complex, at the Alpindustriya store and at the Gazprom mountain and tourist center.

duration. The whole way back and forth with a measured step with a tea party at the top will take no more than three hours.

stone pillar

What is it. The top of the Aibga ridge, the highest observation point of Sochi (2509 m), accessible from the ski lift.

For whom. For those who want to combine the ascent to Rosa Peak with a simple walk to the neighboring peak and take a look at Abkhazia from the corner of their eye.

Route. Buy a walking ticket “The Way to the Heights”, go up to the upper station of the cable car of the Rosa Khutor resort and follow the marked trail with signs. It is better to keep to the right, so the path will lead to the lower station of the open cable car "Crocus", which will take you straight to the top. We walk, lose our heads from the local views and go down the upper road back (already with our feet) to the Rose Peak. It is better to clarify the operating mode of the Crocus lift in advance.

duration. From the lower station "Rose Dolina" with a return there, as well as leisurely walks and photographing on each beautiful background, the route will take at least four hours.

Cycling to the Pslukhsky sources of Narzan

What is it. Cycling route of medium difficulty, which runs along the Old Estonian road, through all four resorts of Krasnaya Polyana to the protected area "Cordon Pslukh" to the sources of narzan.

For whom. For those who prefer to drive rather than walk.

Route. Rent a bike at any Krasnaya Polyana rental. It is better to start from the Peak Hotel stop and then drive a little up through the rescue training base. Where the road goes sharply to the left and up, we turn right and drive along the Old Estonian Road, which will lead to the Gorki Gorod resort. On the way through Gazprom, we leave for Rosa Khutor, and then past the My Russia complex, through two tunnels, we move to the border zone, where you need to show your passport. There are 200 m left to the first spring. The water, to put it mildly, is tasteless, but it seems to be very healthy. Along the way, you can stop by the river and have a picnic.

duration. Five hours.

Cycling through the village across the old road to the Maiden's Tears waterfall

What is it. A super easy route through the quietest and most peaceful streets of Krasnaya Polyana, turning into an exciting trip along a wild abandoned old road.

For whom. For real explorers

Route. From the Heliport stop we go up Zapovednaya Street, turn left onto Volokolamskaya and go down with the breeze. We pass a picturesque bridge across the river, then we move along Gidrostroiteley Street, before a dead end we turn sharply to the left. On a steep serpentine we leave for the Defenders of the Caucasus near the chapel and drive several kilometers along the wide side of the road towards Adler. At the pointer, we take the Maiden's Tears waterfall to the right, drive through the barrier - and here we are on the old dilapidated road, which used to be the only link between the village and the center of Sochi. Top opens beautiful view to the valley of the Mzymta river, the new bridge and the surrounding peaks. You can complete the route near the waterfall and go back, or you can ride for some more time through a beautiful forest abandoned and get to Kepshi. Beware of rockfall and don't forget that the way back will be uphill.

We are moving back along the road. We reach the Heliport again and, if we have strength left after a long climb, we go up Zapovednaya, turn right onto Beekeepers Street and rush down past beautiful houses. Further, the road runs through the forest past the painted wall and leads to the sanatorium "Belarus". If you really want to relax and cool down - we go to the territory, pay 300 rubles to the cashier and hang out as much as you like by the two outdoor pools on sun loungers, admiring the mountains. After water procedures, we leave on the same road, drive a little further until a steep descent down, which will be on the right, and after a couple of stops we again find ourselves at the Heliport.

duration. Taking into account water procedures in the pools of "Belarus" - all day. A sightseeing bike ride with only the first part of the route will take a maximum of two hours.