Arkhyz is a small village in Karachay-Cherkessia, which develops and annually attracts thousands of tourists with its beauties and climate. The village is surrounded by mountains, so there are no winds even in winter, and the weather is almost always warm and sunny. There are up to 300 warm days a year. There is a lot of greenery and needles in the region, firs are of particular value, which grow very tall here. People who suffer from diseases of the respiratory system will feel relief in Arkhyz. This is due to the purity of the mountain air and the high concentration of the aroma of coniferous trees. The sights of Arkhyz are mainly natural sights. If you have come to these parts for the first time and do not know what to see in Arkhyz, then especially for you we have compiled a list of the most interesting places in this village.

Arkhyz - a village in Karachay-Cherkessia Ilya Schurov

For many, Arkhyz is associated with bottled water, which can be found throughout the country in large supermarkets. Indeed, in the village they collect glacial water, which can become a prevention of many diseases.

View of the Arkhyz village surrounded by mountains Boris1960

Feel the atmosphere of Arkhyz in this beautiful video!

Village all year round receives guests. There is entertainment for every taste. For brave tourists who appreciate extreme sports, there is an opportunity to live on the banks of a mountain river in a tent, for those who wish to improve their health, you can spend time in a boarding house or sanatorium. In summer, the sights of Arkhyz are especially pleasing, as everything is buried in greenery, among which there are blue lakes and fast rivers. For lovers of winter recreation, a ski resort is being developed. In 2016, the village received the title of the best young ski resort in Russia. Experienced skiers claim that in terms of climatic conditions, Arkhyz meets the high requirements of European winter resorts.

Pine forest near the village of Arkhyz, Zelenchuksky district Sanechka puchkova

Consider the sights of Arkhyz, based on photos and descriptions of vacationers.

Sights of Arkhyz in summer and winter

Dombay and Arkhyz are very similar in nature, although Dombay is more popular and attracts a large number of tourists every year. The beauty of Arkhyz is that its territory is not a nature protection zone, so you can move freely here without fear of breaking the law. The village is a valley among the mountains, so the nature here is magnificent and charming. In addition to the beauties of the region, there are places that are of historical value. Let's talk about them:

• Alanian settlement. An interesting excursion, which is offered to visit every tourist. You will visit the ancient city of Alanya, which has only partially survived to this day. You will see buildings that are more than 2000 years old, taste the water from the holy spring and take a walk through the archaeological complex, where you will learn from the guide Interesting Facts about the ancient inhabitants of the area;

Mariluna

• Sofia waterfalls. A walk along the Sofia Mountain will not leave anyone indifferent. Lakes, waterfalls, glaciers and flower meadows, which are in a harmonious combination, will open to your attention. Among vacationers, this excursion program is very popular because of its accessibility and information content. Among the sights of the lower Arkhyz - Sofia waterfalls occupy an honorable first place;

Sofia waterfalls. Zelenchuksky district, Karachay-Cherkessia DmitriyFD

• Lake of Love. Thousands of couples in love annually make a trip to the lake, which is shaped like a heart. Trout splashes in its waters, and the color of the lake is sky blue. Hiking to the sights will take a lot of time and effort (you have to overcome 1100 kilometers of mountainous terrain), but the view is worth these costs;

Mountain lakes in the mountains of Arkhyz village in Karachay-Cherkessia Ilya Schurov

• barite waterfall. The waterfall is located in the Baritovaya beam, from where a wonderful view of the city and its surroundings opens. Crystal clear blue water falls from a sheer wall - you can watch it forever. Near the waterfall it is pleasant to breathe and think easily. Take a photo and video camera with you, as you will certainly want to capture this beauty;

Ilya Schurov

• the main outlook of Arkhyz. On the map of Arkhyz with sights, you can see Lunnaya Polyana, from where the hiking route originates, which makes it possible to see the delights of the region from a height. The tour will last 2-2.5 hours and during this time you will have time to change several locations and hear the enchanting legends and secrets of Arkhyz. This walking tour is very interesting, you will not regret if you go for a walk.

Arkhyz Reserve in Karachay-Cherkessia Mariluna

What to see in Arkhyz: other interesting places

If you are interested in these or other interesting places Karachay-Cherkessia, and you want to see the beauty of this region with your own eyes, as well as enjoy your vacation in Arkhyz in the summer by visiting its sights, then use the services. He organizes the program for you according to your budget and wishes. Upon arrival on vacation, you do not have to rush to look for a company or an individual who provides excursion services high level. This will save your time, which can be spent on a precious vacation.

Descent to Arkhyz from Abishira-Akhub. Arkhyz Sanctuary Synaps-s

You can plan a trip not only in the summer. Arkhyz is beautiful at any time of the year. Mountains and rivers take on a special charm in winter, and the harsh winter does not come to this area - the temperature always remains comfortable. The sights of Upper Arkhyz and Nizhny are in good condition, as the state annually allocates funds for the maintenance and restoration cultural heritage countries.

Birch Grove. Arkhyzsky reserve, Zelenchuksky district Olga1234564

In addition to hiking and treatment with natural water, the village is famous for its ski resort. Its infrastructure is under development, but experts predict a great future for the resort. Prices for winter holidays in Karachay-Cherkessia are very different from the prices at the famous European resorts in better side. At the same time, the quality of the tracks and climatic conditions are in no way inferior to expensive analogues. If you look at the photos of the sights of Arkhyz in the summer, you will undoubtedly want to find yourself here, but the winter Arkhyz also attracts with its beauty and peace. Therefore, do not rush to conclusions, but listen to yourself: what kind of rest are you more prone to? Although you should not choose, it is better to come to this marvelous region every year in different seasons.

Viewpoint cable car at the Arkhyz resort E.zhigalo

Before planning a travel route, check out the photos and descriptions of Arkhyz sights. Such photos can be found on the Internet - so you can draw informed conclusions about which area is your main place to visit. Based on the intended route, plan the budget and clothes that you need to take. Comfortable non-slip shoes will come in handy when traveling around Arkhyz, as rocky terrain is a priority here.

Rest in tents in the Arkhyzsky reserve, Zelenchuksky district Olga1234564

You can book a hotel or boarding house on your own and decide on the spot on the list that you want to visit, or you can use the services of a travel agency. The first option is cheaper, but more risky, the second is more comfortable, but more expensive. By the way, camping is very popular in Arkhyz. The romance of mountain rivers, near which a fire burns, and a beautiful view of high mountains opens ahead - this is what attracts lovers of freedom to visit the sights of the village of Arkhyz.

Summer forbs in the valley near the village of Arkhyz Ilya Schurov

If the trip is planned without the assistance of third parties, and you want to organize your vacation on your own, then be sure to take care of how to get to the sights of Arkhyz. Regular buses do not run everywhere in the village and its environs, in some places it is not easy even for cars to pass. Therefore, read the recommendations of experienced tourists so that during the rest there are no unforeseen difficulties.

Mount Sofia in the vicinity of the village of Arkhyz in Karachay-Cherkessia Boris1960

The Caucasus is famous for its hospitality, clean air, great food and breathtaking views. To appreciate all the beauty of the Caucasus and to know it in its pristine beauty, be sure to go to Arkhyz. Here you will get unforgettable impressions, rest your body and fill your soul with vivid emotions. Rest in Arkhyz and visiting its sights will be an incredible adventure for you and your family, which will be remembered forever. For lovers of extreme sports or for the elderly who want to improve their health, there are activities and pleasures in the village.

Arkhyz is a magnificent resort in the North Caucasus. Once here, you can't forget majestic mountains, which frame the treasures that this wonderful land is fraught with. Songs and poems are dedicated to him, thousands of people leave their cities every year and go to look at his wonderful landscapes. What attracts people to Arkhyz, read in our material.

Nature and climate

Arkhyz is known for its mild, temperate continental climate. July, August and September are the driest months of the year. It rains in May and November. Winter is sunny, snowy and fabulously beautiful. It lasts about four months. The first snow usually falls in mid-November.

Due to the large territory of Arkhyz, the climate in its different parts is different. So in the northern part the climate is warm and mild, and in the highlands it is harsh. If you want to go to Arkhyz in the first half of autumn, then you need to prepare warm clothes for the evening, because the temperature in the second half of the day can reach +10 degrees. During the day it is warm - up to +30. But the evening cooling more than compensate for the wonderful autumn views of Arkhyz. Around the motley mountains, the river ... and silence. In late autumn, it is better to take a down jacket, felt boots, and, of course, skiing.

The nature of Arkhyz is unique. In 1957, the Arkhyzsky district was included in the Teberdinsky state reserve. One of the most interesting natural monuments is the beech forest. There are trees that are about 200 years old. Their height reaches 28 meters, and the girth of the trunk is up to 3.5 meters. And in the upper reaches of the Kizgych you can find fir trees up to 60 meters in height, some of them live up to 700 years. Very beautiful in summer. With its onset, the entire territory of the Teberdinsky Reserve is filled with a thousand multi-colored herbs and plants. At the end of summer, alpine meadows turn into a lilac-blue carpet of scabiosa.

Animal world Arkhyza is also rich. Here you can see the West Caucasian tur, in the common people - the Caucasian stone goat. Chamois and wild boar are found in large numbers. Also living here: wolves, lynxes, martens, badgers, otters, wild forest cats, ermines, weasels and foxes. Of the large animals - yaks and brown bears.

Entertainment

If it’s not enough for you to just enjoy the beauties of the Arkhyz landscapes, but you want to actively spend time, then everything can be arranged. In the warm season, you can rent ATVs for a few hours or for a day. They can be found in almost any recreation center. You can go horseback riding or walking. It is better to go hiking in the summer, as it takes from 2 days and is quite exhausting. But on the other hand, you can see all the most beautiful places in Arkhyz. Horse riding costs about 300 rubles per hour.

If you do not want to pay for horses, then you can go hiking on your own two. It's even more useful. It is better not to go hiking on your own, but to take an experienced instructor who will arrange a tour of lakes, forests, alpine meadows and waterfalls.

Don't like dry land? Welcome to the water element. Rafting is the only way to go here. Mountain rivers especially dispose daredevils to this occupation. Well, doing extreme sports, thoughts about how beautiful it is around and how wonderful it is to live on this planet are felt more acutely. The cost of such pleasure depends on the level of complexity and duration of the route and ranges from 350 to 1600 rubles per person.

You can also play paintball in Arkhyz. Those who like to shoot have a place to turn around. The huge natural space will become a playground and make you feel like a real fighter. This pleasure costs about 500 rubles per person.

Those who do not want to walk, row, shoot, but just want to relax, will also be satisfied. You can order a real SPA procedure "Cedar barrel" for 250 rubles, or rent a sauna. And you can bring a bath right on the river bank. For this, there are special bath tents. After all, it is so wonderful to fry a barbecue by the river, enjoy the scenery and pamper your body with pleasant procedures.

In winter, there are also things to do in Arkhyz. Your choice: skiing, snowboarding, sledges and snowmobiles. In addition, mountaineering is developing here. Renting ski equipment here costs from 300 to 700 rubles, a drag lift is about the same price.

Attractions

There are many amazing places in Arkhyz. There are magnificent waterfalls, ancient temples, an astrophysical laboratory, the miraculous “face of Christ” and much more. But every tourist who goes to these parts should know that a border pass is required to visit some places. The list of these places is as follows: Dukka Lakes, Lake Semitsvetnoye, Ayulyu Pass, a waterfall on the White River, Dorbun and Duritsky passes, the gorges of the Sofia and Kizich rivers, the Devil's Mill tract, the Oleny, Kara-Dzhash and Irkiz passes, the valleys of the Amanauz and Psysh rivers.

You need to apply for a pass one month before the trip. Registration and issuance of passes is free of charge. But you can use it all year round. As "AiF-SK" was told at the Border Department in Arkhyz, it often happens that local residents promise to conduct them to tourists who do not have passes, having agreed with the border guards. But these stories often end sadly. After all, this is an administrative offense.

You can get a pass at the border post, or call the office by phone 8 87-82 26-55-56 in advance and send an application by fax, or apply for a pass via the Internet by sending an application to email address [email protected]

Passes are issued daily, except Sundays. Working hours: Monday to Thursday from 9.00 to 17.00, Friday: 10.00 - 15.45, Saturday: 10.00 - 13.00.

But even if the rest turned out to be spontaneous and you did not have time to issue a pass, it's okay. There are many places in Arkhyz that can be visited without a border pass: Mostovaya Glade, Taulu Glade, Gabulu Plateau, Lunnaya Glade, Solnechnaya (Greek) Glade, Malaya Dukka River Valley, as well as Sifiya and Sofia Lakes.

So without a pass you can visit the dolmens, which are located 12 km from the village of Nizhny Arkhyz. Now this place is called the Alan settlement. The tour is incredibly interesting. You can plunge into the ancient history of Arkhyz, see the Alan burials of the pre-Christian period, Byzantine temples, drink from the Holy Spring.

https://www.russianlook.com

For science lovers and modern technologies it will be interesting to visit the research institute Special Astrophysical Observatory Russian Academy Sciences (SAO RAS), which is located in the valley of the Bolshoy Zelenchuk River. The largest telescopes in the world are located there and ground-based astronomical observations are carried out in the entire range of electromagnetic radiation.

You can see the panorama of Arkhyz by climbing the Abishira-Akhuba ridge. This range extends for more than 30 km parallel to the Main Caucasian Range.

One of the most famous sights of Arkhyz is the miraculous Face of Jesus Christ on the slope of the Matsesta ridge near the village of Nizhniy Arkhyz. The natural drawing is very similar to the famous Sinai icon of Christ Pantocrator, which, according to a very common version, was written off from the face that appeared on the Shroud of Turin.

Another mystery of nature in Arkhyz is Lake of Love. This body of water is heart-shaped and is located high in the mountains. Trout splashes in the clear water, and a ring of mountains rises around the lake. Perhaps this is one of the most romantic routes of Arkhyz. There is a belief that if you throw a coin, a ring into the lake or drink water from there, then love will never leave your heart.

There are other wonderful reservoirs in Arkhyz, for example, Sofia Lakes. They reflect the sky and the necklace of mountains around like in a mirror. Sometimes tourist groups come here with tents for the night. Sophia waterfalls are also beautiful. Their height is about one hundred meters. Formed waterfalls Sofia glacier.

Directions

From the city of Stavropol to Arkhyz is only 242 km. Therefore, most Stavropol residents go there by car. You can also easily get there by bus or even by minibus. Things are a little more complicated with neighboring regions. "AiF-SK" made a selection of routes for residents of Rostov-on-Don, Krasnodar and Volgograd. It is possible to get from these regions by car, but it can be quite long, from 5 to 11 hours on the road, not everyone will survive. Therefore, you can always fly by plane to the Mineralnye Vody and from there by bus or taxi is within easy reach. You can take a train to Nevinnomyssk and from there take a bus to Zelenchukskaya. In Zelenchukskaya take a bus to Arkhyz or a taxi.

From Rostov to Arkhyz 547 km. You can take a high-speed train to Kislovodsk and from there go to Arkhyz. You can also take the Rostov-Teberda bus.

From Krasnodar to Arkhyz 562 km.

From Volgograd to Arkhyz 814 km. You can get by train to Kislovodsk, and from Kislovodsk by bus to Arkhyz.

The Arkhyz resort, located in the south of Russia, in Karachay-Cherkessia, has been operating for only a few years. However, during this time he has already managed to attract many tourists into his arms. Most people come here in winter to go skiing and relax among the snow-white peaks, however, Arkhyz is positioned as an all-season resort. Excellent infrastructure and many opportunities to supplement your vacation with all kinds of entertainment will be enough reason to take a closer look and plan a trip to the Arkhyz ski resort. Entertainment, attractions, routes, prices in 2020 - everything you need to know before traveling to the Arkhyz resort - read the article.

Brief historical background

The resort itself is located in an area inhabited since ancient times. It is located near the village of the same name, where an important trade route passed a long time ago. In this area, early Christians were active, from which several ancient temples remained.

In the 14th century, these fertile places were abandoned by people due to a plague epidemic in the country. But in the 20th century, many centuries later, the area began to be settled again, and the old name Arkhyz returned again. At the moment, Arkhyz itself is a village, and is considered one of the leading centers of tourism in the Caucasus. Stunning nature, excellent climate - and, of course, amazing opportunities for everyone who loves outdoor activities, have significantly influenced the development of the region.

The Arkhyz ski resort itself was founded about five years ago. It was designed according to the latest developments in engineering, using modern technologies and taking into account the needs of all categories of vacationers. Already in 2016, the resort received the prestigious Sports Industry Leaders award, which suggests that all sports travelers (and not only them) should take a closer look at this resort.

Brief geographic reference and climate

The resort covers an area of ​​20 thousand hectares and is located in the Arkhyz Gorge, in Karachay-Cherkessia. From the capital of the region to the resort - about a hundred kilometers, from Mineralnye Vody, the transport hub of the Caucasian Mineral Waters region, about two hundred. Northern part of the Main Caucasian ridge became an excellent point for the location of the new resort.

The resort itself is located between the mountains, thanks to which it is reliably protected from the winds. The heights of the resort vary from about 1300 to 3100 meters above sea level. The Fertile Valley has many beautiful reservoirs: a river, lakes, waterfalls, glaciers. Moreover, in this area there are healing mineral springs.

The weather at the resort will please vacationers: the type of climate is mild, in summer the air warms up to an average of 15 degrees Celsius, and in winter the temperature reaches 6 degrees below zero. When is the season in the Arkhyz resort? Winter holidays here are possible from December to April, but the resort is considered all-season, and therefore summer holidays are also possible. It all depends on what exactly the tourist wants!

Arkhyz on the map

Resort safety

Arkhyz is designed with the latest technology, so the developers took care of the safety of future tourists, athletes, vacationers. The resort has all the necessary infrastructure, including a medical center, and the staff and instructors have highly qualified. In order to have a good rest in such a resort, you should remember only the basic safety rules:

• going on holiday anywhere the globe, think about what to take with you - if you suffer from any chronic diseases, these should be all the necessary medicines, if you are planning a family vacation with children - you should think about what the child may need;
• engaging in active sports, whether winter or summer mountain sports, you should always correctly assess the level of your training and choose tracks or routes based on your capabilities;
• mountains are a beautiful place, but they do not like fools, and therefore, in any case, do not engage in any sports entertainment while drunk, in inappropriate weather or during any indisposition.

Keep these rules in mind, relax wisely, and otherwise trust the staff and instructors of the resort.

Planning a trip to the Arkhyz resort: transport and accommodation

How to get there?

In order to get to Arkhyz, you can use various modes of transport. From the Russian capital, the easiest way is to take a ticket to: the air flight will last about two and a half hours. Buying a ticket now, you can find a one-way fare from about 3,000 rubles (at the beginning of the winter season) and from about 3,500 rubles (for summer holidays). From Mineralnye Vody, directly from the airport to the ski resort, there is a regular bus, the prices of 2020 for the fare are about 350 rubles.

If you live near the resort, you can also get to Arkhyz by bus - a route follows from the city of Cherkessk, the fare will be around 200 rubles. Travelers who choose to reach the resort with their own road transport, will be glad to know that parking lots are organized on its territory, the cost of accommodation will be about 300 rubles per day.

Where to stay?

To stay in the Arkhyz resort itself, you can choose a room in one of the hotel complexes: Romantik (3 stars), Romantik (4 stars), Vertical (4 stars). Resort hotels built in modern style and with modern furnishings, they have a restaurant. In the Romantic complexes, the rooms have everything you need for a comfortable stay, as well as a sauna. The Vertical Hotel is located very close to the ski lifts, it has entertainment and wellness areas (karaoke, bars, sauna, hammam, swimming pool, beauty parlor). The hotels also provide excellent communication - wireless Internet.

Approximate prices for 2020 in the Romantik complex: accommodation in the summer will cost from 2,000 rubles per person per day, in winter - from 4,000 rubles with similar input data. You can stay in the Vertical complex in the summer at a price of about 3,000 rubles per day for one person, in the winter - twice as expensive.

You can also settle directly in the village of Arkhyz. There are hotels, guest houses, boarding houses. Accommodation in the village will cost about 1500 rubles per night. Where it is better to live while relaxing in this region depends on the desires and capabilities of the tourist.

Rest in Arkhyz: what to see and what to do

Districts of Arkhyz

This vast resort area can be divided into several zones. Actually, this is the all-season ski resort itself, located at a height; the village of Arkhyz and the village of Nizhny Arkhyz, where the ancient settlement and temples are of interest to tourists.

Arkhyz as a ski resort

The slopes at the Arkhyz resort are eight superbly equipped slopes of various difficulty levels:

• two green ones, which are suitable for beginners in skiing (about 600 and 900 meters);
• four runs of blue color, the most optimal for confident middle peasants (from 900 to 3000 meters);
• one red, which is suitable for experienced athletes (about 1700 meters);
• one black track of extreme difficulty - 1500 meters of full extreme.

The ski lifts of the resort are three cable cars that completely solve the problem of how to move around the resort, because in general they can move more than 6,000 people per hour. The climb to the top takes no more than 15 minutes. During the high season, the lifts operate in the evening.

A ski pass at the resort will cost from 1,800 rubles per day for an adult, half as much for a child. It is advantageous to take a subscription: a weekly ski pass for an adult will cost about 8,000 rubles, for a child - about 4,000 rubles.

The resort has a school of instructors where you can learn the basics of skiing or snowboarding. All school staff have vocational training including children's instructors.

For young athletes, there is a special sports club Arkhyzenok, where children from 3 years old can work out.

The resort also has a sports equipment rental: you can rent a ski kit or a kit for a snowboarder. The resort provides great deals for beginners: comprehensive services, which include a lesson with an instructor, equipment rental and a ski pass.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, in winter the resort has a stunning skating rink, which is also located at a height among the mountain peaks.

Where to go, where to go: attractions and entertainment in Arkhyz and around

Despite all the above advantages, Arkhyz is by no means only a ski resort. Here you can visit some natural and historical sights, there are guides in the resort, you can organize independent excursions for yourself, visiting the best that is nearby.

What are the most popular destinations for educational tourists? So, closest is the stunning archaeological site 10th century: Nizhne-Arkhyz settlement. These are leftovers ancient city discovered in a picturesque mountain valley. The most important buildings are the Zelenchuk temples. Three early Christian buildings have been preserved in excellent condition. Remained there and the ancient pagan sanctuaries. And opposite this settlement there is a place where many pilgrims aspire to - the rock face of Christ. This image is written directly on the rock and is both a shrine and an example of art.

By the way, there is an observatory in Nizhny Arkhyz, where you can also go on an excursion and admire the stars.

Nearby are the beautiful Sofia waterfalls. These are glacial waterfalls, which you will have to climb for about an hour, heading along the course of a mountain river. Once you reach them, you will not regret your efforts: these large, pulsating streams fascinate and enchant. Best time to visit the waterfalls - July and August.

It is worth visiting the Sofia Lakes - mountain reservoirs, lovingly sheltered by mountains and located at an altitude of about 3000 meters above sea level. They are magnificent the purest water which you can drink without fear.

Romantics and couples in love will definitely appreciate the Lake of Love, located on the territory of the Teberdinsky Reserve. This unique body of water is shaped like a heart. The reserve itself, by the way, will also appeal to tourists: exotic and endangered plants grow on its territory: peonies, euonymus, yew, many mosses and lichens. The animal world is represented by bison, otters, peregrine falcons and other beautiful inhabitants of the Caucasus.

Of the summer entertainment in Arkhyz, you can do other types active rest: mountain hiking, climbing, horseback riding, rafting, cycling. The resort has a rope park, open-air swimming pools. You can play paintball, tennis, billiards, archery. There is a great amusement park for kids. Do not forget that Arkhyz is perfect for treating and healing the body.

Cuisine and shopping

As for off-season infrastructure, the resort itself has several restaurants and bars in hotel complexes, and there are also several restaurants and cafes in the village. The cuisine, of course, is mainly Caucasian. What to try? Chakhokhbili, satsivi, kharcho and many other dishes that are excellently prepared in this region.

In Arkhyz and Nizhny Arkhyz, there is an opportunity for a little shopping - shops and roadside bazaars offer a lot of goods. What to bring with you from these places? It can be such pleasant souvenirs as:

• jam from pine cones;
• hat or cloak;
• beech nuts;
• tea and herbs;
• wool products;
• jewelry made of semi-precious stones.

The most important souvenir after a trip to the Arkhyz resort - whether it takes place in summer or winter - will certainly be pleasant memories and many memorable photographs. After all, the beauty of these places, hospitality local residents, unforgettable sights and the opportunity to engage in many types of outdoor activities make the Arkhyz resort one of the most interesting options for a trip in 2020!

You can admire Arkhyz from a height in the video:

A weekend tour allows you to see the natural or historical sights of Arkhyz in a short time. You can see the valley in all its glory by climbing the high spur of the Abishir-Akhuba ridge. From the horizon, a view of the entire pit opens: the village and the river valley stretching into the distance. From a bird's eye view, you can see not only the village, but also the nearby rocky peaks covered with eternal snow. On a clear day in the west one can see the most high point district - the peak of Pshish, in the east - the white cap of Elbrus.

The main natural attractions of the region are numerous picturesque alpine lakes. According to various estimates, there are from 75 to 400 small and large reservoirs in the vicinity of the village. Not far from the settlement, in the valley of the Kizgych River, there is a drying up Dead Lake. Travelers interested in natural wonders should climb the Morg-Syrty ridge. There, among the alpine meadows, there is the Lake of Love - a small reservoir in the shape of a heart. The way to it from the village will take about 3 hours.

The local cult place is considered to be the 12-kilometer Sophia Valley in the southwest of the village. Conventionally, it is divided into three sections. The lower one is a wide wooded part of the valley. There is a narrow gorge in the center. To the south, the valley expands again, forming the upper section - Sofiyskaya Polyana. A river winds along the entire depression, the sources of which are pulsating, powerful, the largest waterfalls in Arkhyz. The key attractions of the valley, in addition to mountain streams, are the Small and Big Sofia Lakes. Another waterfall worth seeing in the vicinity of the village is Barite. It is located in a beam, in the upper reaches of which barite was once mined - a mineral for obtaining white paint.

The Arkhyz region is famous for its diverse vegetation. In some places there are centuries-old fir forests, relic Caucasian plane trees and pines, yews, and spruces. The higher the mountains, the lower the vegetation becomes: gradually majestic trees, reaching tens of meters in height, are replaced by undersized birches. Further, the grove passes into thickets of rhododendron, and then into the approaching snow-capped peaks alpine meadows.

Alanian capital and center of early Christianity

Many sights of Arkhyz are associated with ancient history the edges. According to archaeological data, the first settlements appeared here more than 3 thousand years ago. The Alans left a huge mark in the history of Karachay-Cherkessia. On the territory of the foothills of the Caucasus, Iranian-speaking nomads founded a state. Scientists believe that the capital of Alanya, Magas, was the Nizhne-Arkhyz settlement. The remains of a large medieval settlement were found near Nizhny Arkhyz (Bukov) - an aul located 24 km from the main settlement. Now this area is a museum-reserve.

The area of ​​the found settlement is 94.5 hectares. Once here, you can see the ruins of outbuildings, residential buildings, blacksmiths, a pottery workshop, the remains of a road, abandoned mines and quarries. There are watchtowers on the mountain slopes.

Near the settlement there are mysterious dolmens - tombstones made of solid stone blocks. It is believed that they were installed on the site of an Alanian burial place of the pagan period. On huge, half-burrowed and partially destroyed slabs, drawings of animals, specific crosses, runes are scrawled.

What else can you see on the territory of the archaeological complex in one day? Other sights of Nizhny Arkhyz:

• Zelenchuk temples in the Byzantine style, erected in the 10th century.
• A stone circle that served as a pagan sanctuary, a solar observatory calendar.
• The face of Christ is a rock painting created in egg tempera in the 10th century.
• Remains of a mill and a dam-water conduit (Tserkovnaya beam).
• Cave of a hermit and a shepherd, traces of destroyed masonry (Church Hill).
• Ruins of eleven family churches, chapels of the 10th-11th centuries.
• Phallic idol and Polovtsian statue "Bowl Holder" (right bank of the Bolshoy Zelenchuk River).
• Church of shepherds-shepherds of the 10th–14th century (Church Hill).

In the 4th-9th centuries, a caravan road passed through the territory of Lower Arkhyz - part of the Great Silk Road connecting Europe with China. You can learn more about the events of those times and the role of the region in international trade by visiting the local museum. During the tour, the guide supplements the historical facts with interesting legends. Tourists of Nizhny Arkhyz are offered to drink from a holy spring, taste national cuisine, buy mountain honey, famous Arkhyz berries and mushrooms.

Astrophysical observatory and academic campus

The Arkhyz settlement attracts not only lovers of exciting hikes, interesting sights and picturesque mountains, but also connoisseurs of the starry sky. The observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences operates here - an advanced science Center with the world's largest telescopes.

Optical instruments BTA and RATAN-600 for astronomical observations were created in the late 70s of the last century, but even now they are considered the best in their class. The first one is installed on the spur of Mount Pastukhov, the second one - on the southern outskirts of Zelenchukskaya stanitsa.

During a tour of the Nizhny Arkhyz observatory, tourists are told about the construction of the center and telescopes, various astronomical objects. If you wish, you can watch the stars by staying in the institution for the night.

Ski and health resort

One day off, of course, is not enough to see all the sights of the Arkhyz Valley. The atmosphere in this place is so charming that you want to come back again and again. In order to fully relax in the local area, in 2010 the government of the Russian Federation decided to establish a ski resort. As a result, the tourist infrastructure has been actively developing in Arkhyz over the past five years.

Now, on the basis of five villages, a modern resort for all-season recreation has been created. There are two chair lifts and one gondola lift between the main tourist points. There are 7 ski slopes on the territory of the complex different levels difficulties. The hotel base of the resort is represented by three-star ("Romantic-1") and two four-star ("Vertical", "Romantic-2") hotels. At the service of tourists there are equipment rental points, left-luggage offices, shops, catering establishments.

What can you do in the resort during the warm season? Hiking and horseback riding, bus tours, jeep trips, ATVs, and bicycles are popular with tourists. fans various kinds sports are waiting for tennis and billiard tables, a paintball club, an archery range. The mountain rivers in the vicinity are conducive to rafting. Those who prefer passive relaxation will like to take a steam bath in a sauna or a portable bath on the river bank, and take spa treatments. For children, the resort has an amusement park, a playground, an outdoor swimming pool. In winter, you can go mountain climbing, snowmobiling, sledding, snowboarding and skiing.

Rest in an ecologically clean mountainous area, of course, has a beneficial effect on well-being. Physical activity in the fresh air helps to normalize blood pressure, improve the functioning of the respiratory system, reduce weight, increase muscle tone. Particularly favorable conditions for climatotherapy are established here from June to October - a period with moderate humidity and a large amount of sunny days. With a health purpose, you can drink mineral water, extracted from a well in the area of ​​​​the village. By origin, it is the purest melt water of centuries-old glaciers, containing 18 useful minerals. Refers to an alkaline low-mineralized species.