The Caucasian biosphere nature reserve is located in the Central part of the Caucasus mountain range, North of Krasnaya Polyana. Free access is closed, passes are required. However, in any case, it is not easy to go to the reserve. You have to cross mountain passes. Behind them, there are wild places where there is no mobile connection or any tourist infrastructure.
The Caucasian reserve was founded in 1924. It is one of the largest mountain reserves in Europe. In Soviet times, several tourist routes were laid along the Caucasian reserve, the main ones being No. 8 and No. 30. Route 8 starts near Psebay and route 30 starts in Guzeriple. Both end in Sochi.
The trekking from cordon to the Third Company of the cordon Empire
If you start Hiking in the Caucasus nature reserve from the Northern slopes of the mountain range (from Psebay), initially the routes go along rivers, in dense forests, at an altitude not exceeding 1000 m. Here, rivers cut through canyons in limestone mountains. Beech-fir forests grow in the lowlands, and spruce forests grow higher. Everywhere there are elements of the Colchian forest – stones and trees covered with moss, very high humidity.
As the height increases, the Colchian forest is replaced by subalpine landscapes. If you follow route 8, the most beautiful places of the Caucasian reserve are located in the tourist camp area near the Pure river. It is surrounded by the mountain peaks Needle, Pseashkha North, Pseashkha South, Sugar Pseashkha, Rocky West and Rocky East. The height of all these mountains exceeds 3,100 m. A short distance away is the highest peak of the Caucasus nature Reserve – mountain Tsahvoa (3346 м).
Camp on the Pure river and excursion to the Turquoise lakes
A very interesting route is the radial trekking from the Pure river to the Turquoise lakes, which are located on the slope of mount Chilipsi (3097 m). The largest Turquoise lake is located at an altitude of 2538 m, but the tourist trail is laid to other Turquoise lakes, which are located at the source of the Pure river, at an altitude of 2100 m. From this height, you can enjoy exceptionally beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, at the foot of which are no less picturesque valleys.
From the pass of Aisha to Krasnaya Polyana
You can go from the tourist camp area near the Pure river to the Krasnaya Polyana through a mountain pass of Aisha. The height difference is +650 meters when climbing the pass and then -1400 meters descent to the Pslukh Ranger station, where you can get to Krasnaya Polyana. The height of the Aihsha pass reaches 2401 m. The path to the pass passes through a very picturesque valley.
In the Caucasus nature reserve, at altitudes above 1800 meters, you can see fields of rhododendrons everywhere. They occupy huge territories. In early summer, rhododendrons bloom and it is especially beautiful. There are also junipers and various flowers that usually grow in high-altitude Alpine meadows.
