Arkhyz

DAY 1 

Our program begins in the afternoon with a city tour around Pyatigorsk. It’s a relatively small city so it will take us around 4 hours to see its most beautiful places. During the tour you’ll have a chance to taste the mineral waters that come to the surface or even bath in them. Feel truly local! The evening program is optional so either you can join the group for a walk or use it as your free time. 

• No meals included
• Overnight: hostel

DAY 2 

Say goodbye to civilization – we’re back in a week! The bus brings us to the village of Arkhyz from where our hike starts. Nothing difficult to expect from today’s hike, we just walk to our first camp, then set up the tents and enjoy the rest of the day wandering around. 

• Bus ride: 210 km (3.5 hours)
• Hike: Arkhyz village (1500 m) – camp #1 (1900 m)
• Distance: 10 km, Height increase: +400m
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Overnight: camping (tent)

DAY 3 

To warm up and look around Sophia’s valley today we take an easy hike only with our daily backpacks. Swimming is possible too but it’s super-cold 😉 

• Hike: camp #1 – Sophia’s valley and Sophia’s waterfalls (2600m) – camp #1
• With small backpacks only
• Distance: 10 km, Height increase: +/- 700m
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Overnight: camping (tent)

DAY 4

Although today the distance seems to be just like nothing, we will be going all the way up. Some parts of the path are very steep but you’ll make it there, seeing emerald-green and blue lakes on the way! This is so inspiring!

• Hike: camp #1 – camp #2 at Sophia’s Lakes (2900 m)
• Distance: 4 km. Height increase: 1000 m (!)
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Overnight: camping (tent)

DAY 5 

Crossing the first pass is always something special: higher altitudes, different views, different feelings. You’ll love it there! Moreover, today you learn not just how to breath and move your body but also the team work. 

• Hike: camp #2 – via Kara-Djash pass (3100 m) – camp #3 (2500 m)
• Distance: 6km. Height increase: +200m, -600m
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Overnight: camping (tent)

DAY 6 

After the days of hard work today is quite relaxing. We only go downhill enjoying the views of the river, woods, and surely snowy peaks around us. Time for a cozy bonfire evening, funny stories, philosophical thoughts, and more.

• Hike: camp #3 – camp #4 by Amanauz River (1800 m)
• Distance: 5 km. Height increase: -700m
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Overnight: camping (tent)

DAY 7

Sad and happy are the mixing emotions of this day. It’s always a pity leaving such beautiful places and people. Promise, you’ll come back one day! On the other hand, it’s also relieving to know that in a couple of hours you’ll take a warm shower and have a delicious Caucasian food in a restaurant. Our farewell dinner is in the evening and you’re more than welcome to join it! 

• Hike: camp #4 – village (1500 m)
• Distance: 12 km. Height increase: -300m
• Bus ride: 210 km (3.5 hours)
• Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Overnight: hostel (*upon request, not included)

Duration [days]: 7

Region: Karachai-Cherkessia

Season: Summer

Region: a cool one

• An individual border permit is required for this tour. Personal data should be submitted at least 45 days before the date of arrival.
• You can leave all the items that you won’t need for the hike in Pyatigorsk. They will be safely stored until you’re back.
• There are water sources all anong the way as well as at our camp sites, so you only carry your standard water bottle to drink.
• The camping sites we are staying at are complitely wild that means there’s no shower/bathroom available. 
• We usually return to Pyatigorsk at around 4 p.m., so in case you’re taking a bus/train 6 p.m. should be your earliest departure time; for a plane from Mineralnye Vody airport it’s 8 or 9 p.m. (mind our farewell dinner though ;))