What to see in Arkhyz in winter - attractions, recreational opportunities, excursions, hotels, photos and reviews

Sights by car What to do in Arkhyz with children What to do What to see in the vicinity of Arkhyz Reviews and tourist routes Hotels in Arkhyz in winter Excursions

Real winter is exactly what attracts tourists to Arkhyz when December comes. The mountain resort of the Caucasus promises light frost, fluffy white snow and amazing scenery. These are ideal conditions for a winter holiday: walks through the forest, skiing, dazzling photos and warm friendly evenings. A curious guest will also find something to see in Arkhyz in winter. And this advice is about this to everyone.

When noting where to relax in Arkhyz in winter, we mean more than one point on the map. The first village in the direction of Arkhyz will be Nizhny Arkhyz, where archaeological sites and objects of the Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences are located. After 23 km lies the larger village of Arkhyz. The famous mineral water is bottled in it, there are guest houses in it, and interesting natural places nearby. And at the very end of this road, 10 km further are the villages of Romantik and Lunnaya Polyana. There is a ski resort and large hotel complexes here.

Village Romantic Photo: © Official website of the Arkhyz resort

Sightseeing by car

Considering that there are several villages near Arkhyz and the following scattering of attractions, it is more convenient to visit these places by car. For those who do not have such an opportunity, excursion routes will be convenient.

Nizhne-Arkhyz settlement

Nizhne-Arkhyz, or Alan, settlement is the remains of an ancient city, located near the village of Nizhny Arkhyz on the right bank of the Bolshoy Zelenchuk River. Its existence dates back to the 10th–12th centuries and, according to one version, it is considered Magas, the capital of the Alanian state. The most intact buildings are three Christian churches made of stone. Historians suggest that they have not undergone significant changes since their appearance in the 10th century. The small Upper (South) Church of Elijah the Prophet is still operational.

In addition to temples, the remains and foundations of urban buildings, burials, as well as a perfect circle with a diameter of 80 m, the significance of which remains in question, were discovered on the territory. A Turkic warrior stands intact - a stone stele with an oriental face. And these are not all the amazing objects of the settlement. Valuable archaeological finds from these places, which scientists managed to collect, were distributed to museums across the country. Part is in the local museum.

Read more: Nizhne-Arkhyz (Alan) settlement

Middle temple of the Nizhne-Arkhyz settlement Photo: © Julia Alisova

Museum of Historical and Cultural Heritage of the SAO RAS

The Archaeological Museum of Nizhny Arkhyz is part of the Museum of Historical and Cultural Heritage of the Special Astrophysical Observatory of Arkhyz. Its exhibitions are dedicated to the history of the Alans who once inhabited these lands and their neighbors. Little is known reliably about the Alans; they had no written language, and their only witnesses are archaeological artifacts.

The museum exhibits include hundreds of objects made of metal and wood: jewelry, combs, weapons, dishes and other household items. Clothes were recreated using particles of surviving woven items. Rich silk fabrics are often found: it is believed that the Silk Road passed here.

Read more: Museum of Historical and Cultural Heritage of the SAO RAS

Museum exposition Photo: © Official website of the Museum of Historical and Cultural Heritage of the Northern Administrative District of the Russian Academy of Sciences and Nizhny Arkhyz

Rock face of Christ

Opposite the Nizhne-Arkhyz settlement, on the left bank of the river, there is another attraction that surprises with its appearance. At an altitude of one hundred meters on the mountain slope of the Mytseshta ridge, a face appears in the rock - the image of Christ the Savior, considered not made by hands. Distinct facial features are painted according to the Byzantine tradition: large eyes, straight nose. The size of the image is 140 by 80 cm. There is no known information about its origin.

The place was opened to the public in the late 1990s. Not long ago, a metal staircase was brought up to the rock, and now everyone can see the face. The staircase is steep, consists of 526 steps, but has rest areas. It starts from the Church of the Savior Not Made by Hands and the tourist market.

Special Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences

Since 1966, the largest Special Astrophysical Observatory in Russia has been operating in the mountains of Lower Arkhyz. She studies interstellar media, the early Universe, the Sun, stellar evolution, and other cosmic topics. Excursions with visits to telescopes are held for everyone around the territory of the Northern Administrative Okrug.

Several telescopes are located on the upper scientific site, at an altitude of 2100 m at the foot of Mount Pastukhov, 17 km from the village. The largest of them is the Large Alt-Azimuth Telescope (BTA) with a mirror diameter of 6 m. Guests are accepted on weekends, on weekdays - only groups of 10 or more people upon prior request. Night excursions with the opportunity to admire celestial objects are carried out using small CELESTRON telescopes. In winter they usually start at 19:00.

SAO Planetarium

The planetarium of the Arkhyz Observatory is also located in Nizhny Arkhyz. Educational films are shown under the dome. One of them tells about the history of space exploration, starting with theories of the structure of the world created several centuries ago, and ending with the latest methods of studying celestial bodies. Another reveals in more detail the process of the emergence and improvement of telescopes. Sessions last 25–35 minutes. The planetarium is located at Nizhny Arkhyz, building 5 and accepts groups of 5 people or more.

All sights of Arkhyz

Gorbachev's residence

Gorbachev's residence stands on the banks of the Bolshoy Zelenchuk River at the entrance to the village of Arkhyz. This is a low building, reminiscent of a small European castle. It was here that in the summer of 1990 negotiations between USSR President M. S. Gorbachev and German Chancellor He. Kohl took place, which resolved the issue of the unification of the Federal Republic of Germany and the GDR, as well as the existence of the Berlin Wall. Today it houses the recreation center “Arkhyz” of the Federal State Budgetary Institution Sanatorium “Zarya” of the UDP of the Russian Federation, but inside there is still much the same.

Visitors to the residence will be immersed in the era of 20-30 years ago. Lacquered cabinets and parquet flooring, colorful carpets and wallpaper, Soviet telephones and lamps - everything is original and has not changed at all since then. Some features of the house give away its high position: call buttons by the beds, a round table with a barbecue area and a hood, a room with billiards and a cinema. On the street, the log tables and chairs on which the agreement was reached were recreated from wood.

Arkhyz observation deck

To admire the mountain landscapes of Arkhyz from above, you don’t need to know how to ride. For those without skis, a walking ticket for the Milky Way cable car is sold. It rises from the village of Romantik to a height of 2240 m, where an observation deck is equipped on the southern slope of the Abishira-Akhuba ridge.

It offers a wide panorama of the Greater Caucasus Range, covered with snow. The highest mountains in it are Sofia (3637 m), Pshish (3790 m) and Dukka-bashi (3213 m), and the Gabulu plateau also lies directly opposite. For a memorable photo, it’s worth checking out the “Arkhyz” inscription, made of huge letters made from firewood. A snack with hot tea in the cafes located here will prolong the convenience of relaxing at altitude. One minus is that in winter the eco-trail going down through the forest to the village is closed.

Observation deck at an altitude of 2240 m Photo: © Official website of the Arkhyz resort

Barite Falls

One of the easy routes in Arkhyz leads to the Barite Falls. The walk to it is only three kilometers north from the village, but the climb is 700 m. The path to the waterfall leads through the forest along the stream.

The waterfall received its name due to the extraction of barite in the ravine of the same name. A stream of water falls like a silver ribbon from a single sheer rock. The air is filled with freshness and coolness.

From the height there is a beautiful view of the village, the valley of the Kizgych River with the stone Tyubeteyka in the upper reaches.

People come here for solitude and philosophical contemplation of nature.

What to do in Arkhyz with children

Arkhyz is a young, developing resort. There is not much children's entertainment here, so your favorite home toys will come in handy on your trip.

Children's playgrounds are open on the resort's territory , for example, towns with ladders, slides, and houses. a small playroom with a labyrinth and a dry pool in the service center of the village of Lunnaya Polyana. The Arkhyz Royal Resort & SPA hotel has a children's room; during the high season, in summer and winter, creative master classes and entertainment programs with animators . There is also a children's room at the Romantic Hotel. The entertainment center invites you to play bowling, hockey, and a TV set-top box , and the ceramics studio “Jiva” .

If you plan to put your child on skis, you can use the services of instructors at the resort. The ski school is open to guests over 4 years old, with individual lessons. Two-hour group training sessions are also announced - they are suitable for young athletes from 7 to 13 years old.

Children's playground at one of the resort hotels Photo: © Official website of the Arkhyz resort

Other snow activities the whole family can enjoy include cheesecake skiing and ice skating . The tubing track is located at the exit of the ski slopes; going down in other places is prohibited. The skating rink is small, 40 by 20 m in size, it is located between the two lower cable car stations. If necessary, skates are available for rent.

In addition, older children will enjoy visiting some of the attractions. For example, the Rotating House , built by a local craftsman in the village of Arkhyz. The wooden building, like Baba Yaga's hut, rotates around its axis. The inside of the house is also unusual. For those guys who are interested in the theme of space, a visit to the Arkhyz Observatory . Adults will also enjoy the huge telescopes and bright constellations on the night tour.

At the lower cable car station Photo: © Official website of the Arkhyz resort

Mineral water production plant

The first thing Arkhyz is associated with is mineral water of the same name. There is a factory for its production in the village. Water is extracted from a well located at an altitude of 1500 km above sea level. The source is the glaciers of the North Caucasus mountain system.

Huge ice floes are melting and flowing deep into the Sarmatian Sea. Water is saturated with useful microelements and substances. It is then further processed downhole. You can also buy a bottle of the drink here.

Things to do

Arkhyz is an all-season resort where you can find various entertainments. The most popular winter holiday is skiing. Hiking in the mountains is available, but some routes are limited due to snow. Horseback riding and tours are organized as winter ends, with the first taking place in March-April. In addition, in cold weather the possibilities of civilization are especially pleasant: hot pools, baths and spa services in cozy hotels.

Ski resort

Arkhyz became known as a ski resort literally ten years ago. cable cars for the ascent : three gondolas and four chairlifts. The maximum lift height at the moment is 2840 m, several higher roads are still in the project.

One of the cable car lines of the Arkhyz resort Photo: © Official website of the Arkhyz resort

There are a dozen trails for skiing with a total length of 27 km and a height difference from 60 to 825 m. They are equipped with an artificial snowmaking system, some with evening illumination. Every year a Snowpark is created with various figures for skating. Other necessary infrastructure is also presented: rentals, a ski school, cafes, toilets, hotels, a first-aid post.

The resort necessarily celebrates winter holidays: New Year, Christmas, Snow Day, Maslenitsa, Defender of the Fatherland Day and International Women's Day, as well as the opening and closing dates of the winter season. Bright performances by artists and animators, competitions, games, and refreshments are organized for guests.

Hot pools

There are no natural thermal springs on the territory of Arkhyz, but the resort hotels have taken care of popular leisure activities. They offer an outdoor heated pool with mountain views - an interesting and beautiful pastime. The baths are open all year round; in cold weather, the water temperature is raised to +35 °C. The size of the bowls is usually 10–12 m. For residents, a visit, the use of sunbeds and towels are usually included in the price.

One of these options is the Allur boarding house in the village of Romantik. In addition to the warm pool, it has a sauna with a plunge pool, a relaxation room and a billiard room. The Arkhyz Royal Resort & Spa hotel is located not far from the cable car . Its Termal SPA complex has outdoor thermal and indoor pools. The second one is also not deprived of a panoramic view, equipped with sun loungers and relaxation areas for groups. In addition to them, guests can usefully spend time in the salt room or aroma sauna, visit the Finnish sauna, massage and cosmetology rooms.

Swimming pool "Sofia Peaks" Photo: © slavavrin

The Sofia Peaks Hotel is located more secluded, higher up the mountain slope of the Abishir-Akhuba ridge. Its warm pool is hidden among pine forests. Guests will also enjoy a cozy small barrel sauna or a spacious sauna with a shower, panoramic windows and a bar area.

Hiking routes in Arkhyz in winter

In addition to skiing, hiking is available in Arkhyz in winter. A snow-covered forest and fluffy snow is a real winter fairy tale that will resonate with everyone who cares about nature. Of course, due to the snow, not all interesting places in the mountains are accessible. The official eco-trail of the resort, running from the 2240 m station of the Milky Way cable car to the lower level, is closed to the public during the cold season. Sofia waterfalls, impressive for tourists in summer, freeze in winter and are hidden under snow.

But several places will be a good addition to your vacation. You can independently go to the rivers and waterfalls near the village of Arkhyz. In winter, they partially freeze, but they certainly create an interesting picture - bizarre ice icicles. Coming out at the end of Khubieva Street and heading east through a dense coniferous forest, after 2 km you will reach the Kazachiy waterfall . Heading south from the same street, after 1 km you will come to a large clearing - once the bottom of a reservoir, therefore called Sleeping Lake .

Cossack Waterfall on Google Panorama

Another direction for an easy walk is the confluence of the rivers Psysh and Kizgych , forming Bolshoi Zelenchuk. To find it, you need to leave the village of Arkhyz on the highway towards Romantik. After walking along it for 600 m, at the river bank, turn left onto the road and walk the same distance through the forest, sticking to the river. Transparent, low-water winter streams of water form a wide spill at the confluence.

You need to know that some places belong to the Teberdinsky Nature Reserve, and you may be asked to pay for entry.

The Arkhyz resort offers several ski routes accompanied by its guides. Depending on weather conditions, the route is made on foot or on snowshoes. Among the simple ones: a hike to the Smirnov Peak with a height of 2490 m, which has a good panorama of the Sofia Range and Pshish; or on the slopes of the Abishira-Akhuba ridge up from the station 2240 m of the Milky Way cable car.

Google panorama: landscape from the slopes of Smirnov Peak

The walk to Church Glade is an option of medium difficulty. From the clearing there is a panoramic view of the Bolshoy Zelenchuk valley and neighboring gorges. The path to Pastukhov Peak already takes about 10 km and passes with views of the valleys of the Zelenchuk and Marukha rivers along the Ukhum ridge. Another similar route is laid along the Dukka gorge and allows you to reach a clearing with a good view of the Arkasar ridge. to the non-freezing waterfall on the Belaya River and the icy Baritovy waterfall with a guide.

The climb up Mount Pastbishchnaya is characterized as difficult. It is worth noting that long, extensive and high mountain routes require some experience. An uninformed hiker who plans to go alone may be faced with deep snow, avalanches and generally difficult mountain terrain.

Arkhyz river in winter Photo: © Yulia Mikhailova

Lake Seven Colors

For visiting the most unique lake in the world without documents, you face a fine and proceedings with border guards.

When the formalities are settled, the most fabulous journey to the rainbow Seven-Color Lake begins.

Not only the multi-colored surface of the water in the upper reaches of the Dukka River attracts travelers, but also the road to the lake itself, painted by nature in the incredible colors of rare plants.

Until the end of summer, small icebergs float on the lake. It looks fantastic against the backdrop of the surrounding landscapes.

To see the lake in all its glory, one day is not enough. It changes depending on the weather. On a cloudy day it is dark, deep and dangerous. When it’s sunny it’s gentle, transparent, shimmering with all colors from silver, soft green to purple.

What to see in the vicinity of Arkhyz

All the main things you can see in winter near Arkhyz are noted above. In addition to notable objects located directly in the vicinity of the resort, you can look into interesting places on the way to Arkhyz.

Thermal springs

As noted above, there are no thermal springs in Arkhyz itself, only heated outdoor pools. Natural mineral hot springs are located below the mountains at recreation centers in Karachay-Cherkessia, Adygea, Stavropol Territory and Krasnodar Territory. It is convenient to visit them before or after a trip to Arkhyz. When choosing, you should pay attention to the composition of the water, due to which they have both many indications and restrictions on use.

The sources closest to Arkhyz should be looked for in the Cherkessk region. For example, in the village of Kavkazsky there is “Pearl of the Caucasus” . It is equipped with eight swimming pools with different water temperatures, the largest having an area of 300 square meters. m.

Further away there will be the sources “Tsunami” and “Suvorov Baths” . The first is located in the village of Voronezh, Stavropol Territory. The composition of Tsunami water is iodine-bromine and siliceous, which has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, nervous and endocrine systems. In the village of Suvorovskaya, not far from the cities of the KMV, there are two thermal complexes with swimming pools, hotels, and cafes working side by side. Suvorovskaya alkaline water is suitable for swimming and drinking.

About the springs in Pyatigorsk, Kislovodsk, Nevinnomyssk and other cities in the Caucasus mountains:

Thermal springs of the Caucasus

Radio telescope RATAN-600

On the southern outskirts of the village of Zelenchukskaya, which lies in the direction of Arkhyz, there is an unusual object - a structure in the form of an outline of a perfect circle. Not everyone will guess its purpose. This is the Radio Telescope of the Academy of Sciences (RATAN) with a ring multi-element antenna with a diameter of 600 m, making it the largest in the world. The engineering miracle is open to tourists; you must sign up for the tour in advance.

If you want to see a more familiar “plate”, you should turn left from the main road to Arkhyz near the village of Dausuz. 1.5 km from it, behind a forest on a hill, there is the Zelenchukskaya radio astronomical observatory. Its fully rotating radio telescope can be seen from afar: the diameter of the main mirror is 32 m. There is no need to knock on the door: the institution does not offer excursions.

Shoan Temple

Connoisseurs of ancient temple architecture, as well as beautiful panoramas, should get to the Shoan Temple. The ascetic stone temple stands on a hill near the village of Kosta Khetagurova, near Karachaevsk. A road leads to the foot of the temple, after which you need to climb the stairs. From the site near the church one can see the village and mountain ranges lying in the Kuban valley.

The Shoanin temple was erected during the reign of the Alans, the ancient people who inhabited these lands and were the first to adopt Christianity. The temple's plan has the shape of a cross and was built according to Byzantine traditions. The monastery that operated here in the 19th century somewhat changed its appearance. Inside the temple, the remains of ancient paintings have been preserved, and services are held occasionally.

Museum-monument to the defenders of the Caucasus passes

Those who travel to Arkhyz from the cities of the Caucasus will definitely encounter on the way the Museum-monument to the defenders of the Caucasus passes at the Eternal Flame. The museum building is also a monument. It is made in the form of a pillbox, decorated with a symbolic bas-relief depicting figures - warriors and those protected by them. Museum visitors will be able to get acquainted with part of the history of the Great Patriotic War of 1941–1945, which took shape in the Caucasus.

Opposite the museum, the slope of a small hill is occupied by another monument, also very symbolic. Concrete piers, anti-tank fortifications, lead to two steles-loopholes.

Part of the monument to the defenders of the Caucasus Photo: © Svetlana Maleeva

Dombay resort

Arkhyz is literally a neighbor of Dombay, another ski resort. Before a trip, some tourists spend a long time deciding between them, while others do not miss the opportunity to visit both. Dombay lies in the Teberdinsky Gorge, 40 km to the east, but there is no road through the mountains, and to travel you need to go down to the foot of the mountains. Thus, the distance between the resorts is 150 km.

The history of Dombay began in the 20s of the last century, large-scale changes took place in the 60s. Today, in the village of Dombay there is a ski center and several cable car lines. Hotels and guest houses await vacationers. In the surrounding area, which is part of the Teberdinsky Nature Reserve, there are many remarkable natural spots.

Tourist opportunities of this resort are described on a separate page:

What to see in Dombay in winter

Dombay Photo: © Vladimir Shefer

CMS cities

Kislovodsk and Pyatigorsk are perhaps the most popular cities among tourists, lying on the way to Arkhyz. These are the resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters - health resort towns, places mentioned by great writers, places of dachas of once eminent people. They have an interesting history and no less interesting sights.

In Kislovodsk, any guest does not miss a walk along Kurortny Boulevard and explores all the health paths of the Resort Park . On the first one you will find skillful architecture and the atmosphere of the resort, on the second - wonderful air and picturesque nature, like unusual boulders or stunning views of the double-headed Elbrus . In addition, Kislovodsk enjoys pleasant winter weather. It usually looks like a nice late fall. Winds are rare here, sunshine is frequent, and there is little or no snowfall.

Resort park of Kislovodsk Photo: © Magdalena happiness

the Lermontov Gallery and the Eagle sculpture in your route around Pyatigorsk . The city’s climate is less favorable - windy, so local museums will come in handy here - the local history museum , the Lermontov Museum or the largest in the country “Russia - My History” .

Special pages will tell you what to visit there:

What to see in Kislovodsk in winter What to see in Pyatigorsk in winter What to see in Essentuki in 1 day

Alan settlement

Coordinates: 43.684412, 41.475207 Phone: +7(87878) 46-411 Opening hours: 9.00 - 18.00, closed on Monday Entrance ticket: 100 rubles

The center of Byzantine culture in the North Caucasus in the 10th-12th centuries, the city through which the Great Silk Road passed.

After numerous Mongol raids, the settlement was destroyed.

Currently, for those who like to plunge into the history of antiquity, the Alan settlement can impress not only with its ruins, but also with three cross-baptismal churches of Abkhaz-Byzantine architecture.

The “Northern”, “Middle” and “Southern” churches were restored in the 19th century, and the icons inside are credited with miraculous properties. There is also a stone circle here - the oldest prototype of an observatory in Eastern Europe, and the face of Christ is nothing more than the oldest rock icon in Russia.

The current museum-reserve has no analogues in our country either in age or in the multi-layered culture.

Reviews and routes of tourists

In the minds of many tourists, winter in Arkhyz is interesting only to skiers, but the most active and inquisitive guests confirm the wider possibilities of the resort. Even for those who don’t ski, two or three days of relaxation in Arkhyz can always be usefully spent: breathe in fresh air, take more than one active walk, climb the mountain to see the best views, explore the cuisine of local cafes and choose gifts in souvenir shops. Don't forget additional hotel services: swimming pools, baths, massages and a variety of spa services.

All tourist reviews about Arkhyz in December, January, February on Tourist. RU

Bolshoy Zelenchuk

Coordinates: 44.083766, 41.606128

A river originating in Arkhyz with the sources of five mountain rivers from the northern slope of the Main Caucasus Range. Raging and capricious, it attracts tourists with numerous offers of extreme rafting - steep drops, high flow speed, twisting turns.

The left bank of the river is located on the territory of the Teberda Natural Biosphere Reserve.

The reserved part of Bolshoy Zelenchuk, located in the village, is surrounded by fir forests, rare mahogany, and pine groves.

There are also archaeological sites and ruins of an Alan settlement.

Hotels in Arkhyz in winter

For a good holiday in Arkhyz, it is important to choose an option that suits the purpose of the trip. If you come to ski and do not have your own transport, it is more convenient to live in the village of Romantik, where the ski lifts and slopes are located. Some hotels and guest houses in the village of Arkhyz, which is 10 km from the SLC, offer a transfer, there is also a bus, but their schedule usually does not suit many guests. Those who come here to take a walk and see the sights can rely on the availability of certain services at the hotel and the location in busier places if you don’t have your own car.

Accommodation at the Arkhyz resort is provided by hotels and guest houses, there are chalets and one hostel near the cable car. Many hotels have a sauna or bathhouse; larger options have their own restaurant or cafe, swimming pool, and organize a spa center and fitness room.

Arkhyz Hotels
Hostels for Budget Travelers
Flats and apartments
Guest houses in Arkhyz

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Where to live

In Arkhyz you can find both large tourist centers or hotels, and houses.

The Arkhyz resort is an all-season tourist complex with ski slopes, an ice skating rink, and lifts. On its territory there are the Hotel Complex “Romantic” and “Vertical”.
Tourist base "Alan" with wooden houses with panoramic windows.
Nice chalets of the Kulrashe complex, rooms - from 2,000 ₽, chalets - from 7,000 ₽.
On the central Lenin Street there are two large hotel complexes: “Grandshale”, rooms from 3,600 ₽ in summer, and “Energetik”, from 700 ₽ “Economy”.
Rooms in the Sosnovy Bereg chalet houses, from 1,530 RUR per room in the summer.

Excursions

Whether you ski or not is not important. You can explore interesting places in Arkhyz on a guided tour. A ready-made trip will not only simplify the transport issue, especially if you don’t have a car. A trip with a guide will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the area: Arkhyz is more than just mountains in the snow, there are many historical secrets here.

A tour of Arkhyz is available to everyone - those who are already at the resort or are just planning a visit while at home or in nearby cities. The trip usually includes everything that is located along the way: the world's largest radio telescope RATAN-600 and the observatory at Nizhny Arkhyz an ancient settlement there and the even more amazing Face of Christ not made by hands on the rock. In the village of Romantik you take a cable car up to the observation deck to admire the Caucasus Mountains.

All excursions around Arkhyz and its surroundings on Experts Tourist. RU

Lake of Love

The most romantic heart-shaped lake splashes at an altitude of two and a half thousand meters not far from Arkhyz. This is a decoration of the Teberda Nature Reserve, to which official access is closed.

Only with special permission from the forester can you admire this miracle up close. Nine hours of “romantic journey” through the most beautiful natural places will not leave even skeptics indifferent.

Those who managed to get to the Lake of Love are obliged to give him a coin. Or drink lake water... or even swim in it. The reward is eternal love and a happy marriage.

Fedoseev Pass

This object also made it into the TOP attractions of Arkhyz. The pass is located near Moon Glade. A funicular will take you to the place. The landmark was named after the writer Grigory Fedoseev.

The pass is located at an altitude of almost 3000 meters. It won't be easy to climb unaccompanied. Tourists recommend using the services of experienced guides. Then the climb will not be so difficult.

From the height you will have views of the legendary Elbrus and other mountain peaks of the North Caucasus. There is also a monument to the writer in whose honor the object is named. Admirers of Fedoseev’s work often organize ascents here. Romantic people call the tourist route the main attraction of Arkhyz and the surrounding area.

Rock face of Christ

At the end of the last century, a carved image of Christ was discovered on a rock on the shore of Bolshoi Zelenchuk. The shrine immediately attracted the attention of pilgrims. They equipped a staircase along which they climb to a height of 150 meters in order to honor the holy face. Then the ascent was equipped with gazebos and observation platforms.

The dimensions of the image are impressive: 140x80 cm. This is an example of rock painting. The icon is revered; hundreds of pilgrims come here every day. You can visit the place on your own. It's free. Climbing to Lik is considered one of the popular tourist routes in Arkhyz.

Video review of interesting places

A visit to Arkhyz is possible at any time of the year. Select the period according to your personal preferences. In winter people come here to ride the mountain slopes, but in summer tourists are offered a lot of entertainment. They can go rafting, rock climbing, cycling or horseback riding. Whatever you choose, be sure to take the time to explore the local attractions.

* The author of the title photo is Yuri Budaev.