Sofia Valley is the most popular place in Arkhyz for those who like to live in tents in nature. In summer, dozens of tents can be seen on the banks of the Sofia River. Hiking routes to the most famous natural attractions of Arkhyz begin from here.
Mount Sofia (3637 m) is one of the symbols of the Arkhyz mountain resort. Everything around is named after it. The Sofia Glacier lies on Mount Sofia, the Sofia Waterfalls fall from it into the Sofia Valley, and then the Sofia River flows through the valley and then flows into the Psysh River. Next to the Sofia Waterfalls is the Sofia Saddle pass, which allows you to make a circular route to the waterfalls and return back to the Sofia Valley by another path.
The upper part of the Sofia Valley begins near the Sofia Saddle pass. Not far from the Sofia Waterfalls, there is a Glacier Farm at the bottom of the valley. There is no farm here – it`s just a glade, the tourist center of the valley. It can be reached by an SUV. There are several cafes, parking for SUVs, where tourists come here from the Taulu Glade. There are dozens of tents around where tourists live. This glade was called a "Glacier Farm" because the Sofia Glacier rises above it.
In the lower part of the Sofia Valley, the Orlyonok River flows into the Sofia River. Here begins a very interesting and fairly easy route to the lake Orlyonok. This is a small pond in a beautiful gorge at the foot of Mount Orlyonok.
Ak-Aira Waterfalls are located approximately in the middle of the Sofia Valley. They are smaller in scale, in comparison with the Sofia waterfalls (height about 20 meters), but no less beautiful. They are clearly visible from the valley, but they can also be reached by a trail.
