Upper reaches of the Shkhelda River

The Upper reaches of the Shkhelda River are a small stretch of only 1 kilometer long. Here the river flows among the rocky mountains. On the left side, Bzhedukh Mountain rises above the gorge, and several peaks of Shkhelda Mountain can be seen ahead. There is no path here, and periodically there are stone rubble left by the retreating glacier. However, walking along the river is quite realistic.

The length of the Shkhelda River from the glacier to its confluence with the Adyl-Su River is only 4 kilometers. There is a hiking trail along the lower part of the Shkhelda gorge. It is very popular among tourists, as the route is not difficult, and it takes place in a picturesque gorge. 2.7 kilometers from the beginning of the route there is a small hollow with a sandy glade. Previously, the river made a bend in this glade, which was called the Smile of the Shkhelda Beach. Now this bend is no longer there.

Near the Smile of Shkhelda Beach, you need to cross to the right bank of the river via a suspension bridge. Beyond it begins a small section of the gorge, which we called the Upper reaches of the Shkhelda River. If you want to reach the Shkhelda Glacier, then you will encounter an obstacle along the way: a river flowing down a mountain slope from the Brzedukh glacier. Before flowing into the Shkhelda, it splits into a large number of streams. It is almost impossible to cross them without getting your feet wet. If you take rubber slippers with you, they will help you cross the river a lot.

There is a glacier moraine just beyond these streams. It is possible to climb it, although it is quite difficult, since the stones left after the melting of the glacier are still moving. The moraine overlooks the Shkhelda Glacier, which is actively melting.