Where is Sochi National Park located? Sochi National Park is the cradle of waterfalls. Nature and animals of the Sochi National Park
Visit to Sochi national park- this is a great option for those who do not intend to spend their entire vacation by the sea. On the one hand, this is also communication with wildlife, on the other hand, it is a variety of outdoor activities from hiking or horseback riding to rock climbing. Today in our review we will talk about the main attractions of the park, what to look for, what you should definitely see, how to get there, where to start. Visit Sochi national park You can do it on your own or with a guided tour. Which option is more convenient for you, you decide, it depends on individual characteristics and wishes. In the course of our review, we will tell you both about independent ways to get there and about interesting excursions that take place in these places.
Sochi National Park: structure
Sochi National Park is one of the first national parks in Russia. The park stretches from the borders of the Tuapse region to the borders of Abkhazia, there is a place tropical forests, snow-capped peaks, rivers, waterfalls, canyons and gorges, caves and historical monuments. The territory of the Sochi National Park consists of 3 large groups - Lazarevskaya, Central and Adler, which in turn are divided into 15 forest areas. Most of the park has hiking trails, guided by which, you can visit the main attractions of the place.
Attractions in Sochi National Park
Sochi National Park consists of many natural and man-made attractions, we will talk about some of them that are most popular among tourists and travelers.
Mount Akhun is located in the Khostinsky district of Sochi, it is very popular among tourists due to the observation tower and the observation deck located on the top of Mount Big Akhun (a little over 600 m high). The observation tower on the mountain was built at the beginning of the 20th century and is made in the Romanesque style. IN good weather from it stunning views open up to Pitsunda itself. There are always a lot of tourists here in the "high" season, this is one of the most popular places in the Sochi National Park.
You can get on your own to the stop "Small Akhun". Buses and minibuses from Adler and Central Sochi go here (105, 105s, 124s, 125, 125p, 125s). Further - on foot along the standard path of ascent. You can get there by car along the A-147 highway. But the most frequent option among tourists is organized bus tours. Excursion to Mount Akhun is extremely common due to the popularity of the place, so you can order it in almost every local tourist office.
If you prefer to take care of excursions in advance, then similar excursions in this direction are also offered. The advantage of these services is that any excursion can be selected and paid online.
Sputnik8 offers a tour for 5 hours, the tour includes the services of guides and a tourist bus, check the schedule of excursions and their cost on the description page.
A private Tripster guide offers an excursion, which includes a tour of the Agur Falls, Eagle Rocks and Mount Akhun. The tour is walking and individual. Duration - 4 hours.
Eagle rocks
Eagle Rocks are also located in the Khostinsky district of Sochi and stretch along the right bank of the Agura River near the Agur waterfalls. The shape of the rocks resemble an eagle's head, they are composed of limestone and sandstone, which is why the mountains got their second name "White Rocks". The cliffs are famous for their sheer cliffs and panoramic platforms, which offer views of the mountain peaks. Caucasus mountains(including the famous Sugar Loaf, Pseashkho, Chugush, etc.).
You can get to the rocks on your own. The route will look something like this: first you need to take the bus to the stop "Green Grove" or "Staraya Matsesta", then walk to the main entrance (the walk will go uphill, duration approximately 20-40 minutes depending on your physical capabilities) . You can overcome this distance by car, there is a car park at the main entrance. Entrance to the territory is paid.
A private Tripster guide offers a private tour of the route. Walking tour (about 6 km), lasts from 4 to 5 hours, the price includes a transfer from Adler, Central Sochi or Khosta.
Mount Fisht
Canyon Psakho
The Psakho canyons were formed near the river of the same name, and now the so-called “Psakho trail” operates here, which is considered one of the most picturesque among trekkers. Psakho canyons are divided into "wet" and "dry". The “wet” canyon was formed by the turbulent Psakho River, which either rapidly narrows or expands no less rapidly, forming seething streams and quiet calm backwaters. The "wet" canyon stretches for about 2 km. Along the route there are karst caves, waterfalls and natural pools.
The "dry" route runs nearby. It was formed during an earthquake, since then there is a deep canyon with grottoes, in which stalactites are hidden. Both canyons are overgrown with boxwood, and in some places with dense tropical vines.
Getting here on your own is not easy. First you need to take bus number 131 to the village of Galitsino, then walk to the village of Lesnoye, to the left of which the Psakho trail starts.
Practical and eventful travels for you!
The resort of Sochi is an amazingly beautiful and friendly place for guests. Walking along clean shaded alleys, you will encounter green figures of bears and elephants, rides and cafeterias. Harmony and tranquility reign in every corner of the reserved Sochi.
Full information
Sochi National Park has won the hearts of children and extreme sports enthusiasts. On the official website sochipark.ru for Sochi tourists it is possible to order tickets for entry online. In September 2018, their prices slightly decreased - an adult ticket is 1,750 rubles, a child ticket (between 5 and 12 years) - 1,350 rubles. Follow the on-screen guide and pay for your entry ticket.
The site also hosts:
- poster;
- description of attractions;
- information on the hotel castle Bogatyr.
Historical reference
Sochi Park is a year-round entertainment area. Its opening took place on the first day of summer 2014. The purpose of its creation in Sochi was a year-round entertainment sector. After deliberation, it was proposed to implement the park in Sochi in a fabulous version with Russian flavor. That is why it subsequently received the status of a national object.
What to see in 5 zones of Sochi Park
2013 began with the development of the Imereti Valley. According to the plan, 5 thematic lands were proposed. Each of them was with individual stylized architecture, attractions.
On a note! In the area of the Alley of Fire zone there are pavilions-shops, a lost and found office. For tourists and children, the center of the lake with a fountain is an attractive area.
The Enchanted Forest in Sochi Park is the 3rd zone. On its territory there is forest zone with the hut of Baba Yaga for little tourists, the snakes Gorynych and Koschey the Immortal.
enchanted forest
In the Eco-village area, culture and Russian traditions, crafts and trades are learned.
The theme of the last zone is called the Land of Science and Fiction. On it - space attractions for tourists. Teenagers are delighted with the food of astronauts from tubes.
SochiPark is also known for its castle hotel. With their own eyes, tourists see medieval architecture, successfully combined with the latest technologies. A high-class hotel in Sochi gives not only a comfortable stay, but also a lot of entertainment.
Flora and fauna of the area
Sochi National Park is famous for its abundance water resources- rivers, streams, waterfalls. play a special role for tourists Natural resources. A walk through the Sochi nature reserve cannot be compared with hiking in an arboretum.
In the Sochi National Park grow:
- beech forests 50 meters high;
- oaks on the slopes of the mountains;
- European chestnut - an amazing and relic species;
- various types of dense moss.
In the Sochi National Park, tourists will also have the chance to see 120 species of birds, many of which are inscribed in the Red Book. It is worth mentioning the animals successfully living on these lands. There are 80 species of them and specialists strive to save the lives of rare tetrapods. On a walk through the Sochi National Park you will meet:
- deer;
- otters;
- brown bears.
Due to the presence of many rivers and waterfalls, the Sochi National Park is considered rich in abundance of rare species of fish and reptiles.
Fish in Sochi Park
Thinking about where to go is better - to the Lazarevsky district or Moscow - be guided by preferences. Nature, active entertainment and hiking are interesting - a tour to Sochi will be ideal for a tourist. If you prefer visiting museums, theaters, then the choice will stop at the capital.
Water resources
The Sochi National Reserve is one of the most ancient in Russia. The territory is vast and requires constant maintenance and care. If we talk about the area of protected areas, some of which are to be explored by tourists, then it is 200 thousand hectares.
In order not to get lost in the sights of Sochi, guests are offered maps. Their content includes memorable places, markets, shops. This step is a kind of presentation for the resort city of Sochi. In addition, using the map, you can organize an independent tour.
Sochi Park at night
The Sochi Reserve is also known for the grandeur of the Agur waterfalls. An ecological trail has been created for tourists, the duration of which reaches 1.5 km.
The trail to the Agur waterfalls starts from the Devil's font. The path of a tourist in Sochi lies to the waterfall of the gorge. On the route map, it is marked as the First. The stream is up to 30 meters high.
The waterfall, reaching a height of 27 meters, is called Orekhovsky. Having studied the short way to the reserved places, along the way there are oaks and firs, rhododendrons and chestnuts. Attentive guests of Sochi Park will be able to admire cherry laurel.
To get to the Zmeykovsky waterfalls will be by transport. Tourists constantly come to the Sochi National Park - there are many who want to enjoy the beauties of nature and water resources.
Sights of the national park in Sochi
When choosing between a vacation in Adler or Sochi, you should focus on the purpose of the trip. Hiking enthusiasts should visit the Eagle Rocks.
Agur waterfalls in Sochi
Psakho Canyon is also one of the attractions of the Sochi National Park. It was divided into 2 parts - wet and dry. The first one attracts travelers with its turbulent Psakho River. On the excursion path there are seething streams, backwaters, waterfalls, karst caves. On the dry route, guests of the Sochi Reserve are met by grottoes and canyons, stalactites and boxwood.
Places for rest
The national park is vast, and it is unrealistic to get around it without rest. Attraction areas include cafeterias, gazebos, and picnic areas.
Important! It is allowed to be located in a protected area with kindergarteners and elderly people with limited mobility.
How to get there
There are several ways to get to the Sochi National Park. This:
- The train is a budget type of transportation for tourists. It is easy to buy a ticket at the Russian Railways box office.
- On the minibus, a trip to the park is also real. You need to find stop number 124C. Exit - at the "Olympic Park".
- Getting from Adler by transport is easier. At No. 100 and 124c, you should get to the stop "Olympic Park".
- A sightseeing bus with tourists constantly leaves from the Riviera Park. Not to notice what distance between Sochi Park and the Riviera is real. Indeed, during the journey, the guide will announce the report of the entire route.
- It's easier to get to places of interest by car. Get to st. Triumfalnaya or Champions will turn right, then cross the viaduct and the entrance to the Olympic Park will appear.
The official website of Sochi Park and the website of the national park have all the information about the sights.
Additional Information! On the territory of shops, sale of souvenirs, shops, entertainment.
It is unacceptable for tourists with children to visit Sochi and not visit Sochi Park! Active tourists can rent scooters, bicycles, electric bikes.
The kids will see the show programs:
- with dolphins;
- with soap bubbles;
- evening.
You can have a snack in the park in cafeterias and restaurants.
The National Park in Sochi is a paradise for active rest and entertainment for kids. For many tourists, the trip will be interesting and informative.
Krasnodar region
Founding history
Sochi National Park is one of the very first parks created in our country. It was founded in 1983 with the aim of preserving and restoring natural complexes and objects of high environmental, scientific and recreational value. Its area is about 194 thousand hectares.
Sochi National Park - perfect place for ecotourism thanks to unique for our country climatic conditions, biological and landscape diversity, the uniqueness of many natural objects.
Physical and geographical features
The national park is located in the northwestern part of the Greater Caucasus, on its Black Sea slope. The relief of the territory is mountainous, strongly dissected.
In total, 40 rivers and streams flow through the territory of the national park, the longest are Mzymta, Shakhe, Psou. There are a large number of waterfalls and canyons on rivers and streams: Bezymyanny (72 m) on the Psou River, Orekhovsky (33 m) on the right tributary of the Sochi River at the confluence of the Bezumenka stream.
Interesting karst formations are located in the park - the famous Vorontsov and Akhun caves.
The subtropical climate of the territory is characterized by warm and mild winters and hot summers. average temperature air changes with altitude and movement from north to south. Average temperatures in the northern part of the coast in January are about +5ºС, in July +23ºС, and at an altitude of 2000 m (Cherkess Pass) -5ºС and +12ºС.
Diversity of flora and fauna
In the park, the most widespread forests are dominated by oriental beech. Its silver-gray trunks reach a height of 50 meters! Oak plantations occupy about a quarter of the forested area and are located mainly on the dry and warm southern slopes of the mountains. Only in the Caucasus, under natural conditions, the sowing chestnut (European) grows, which is a relic species.
Boxwood plantings are very picturesque: a lace of small, black-green, glossy foliage of boxwood and everywhere hanging from trunks and branches fluffy, long, like beards fairytale heroes, moss gives the forest a fantastic view of a green kingdom.
This territory, like the entire Caucasus, is rich in very rare and valuable species. Common figs, Caucasian lily, Caucasian kandyk, Lipsky tulip, species of orchids found here are listed in the Red Book of Russia: water-bearing ophrys, pyramidal anacamptis, purple orchis and many others.
The fauna of the national park includes about 70 species of mammals: brown bear, deer, lynx, Caucasian and European roe deer, marten, otter and others.
The most rare and valuable animal species are listed in the International Red Book. This is the Caucasian krestovka, the Aesculapian snake and the Caucasian viper.
What to watch
Dozens of tourist routes pass through the territory of the national park, many of which have a long history. They include visits to the Agur and Orekhovsky waterfalls, Mount Akhun, Vorontsov caves, Akhshtyrsky and Khostinsky canyons.
And you can’t help but visit the Narzan springs, the Mamedov Gorge, the Dolmen archaeological site, the Volokonskoye Gorge, speleological routes through numerous caves.
According to oopt.info and zapoved.ru
Sochi National Park, established in 1983, became one of the first national parks in the country.
The area of the Sochi National Park is 190 thousand hectares
The main part of the nature protection zone is occupied by forests (more than 180 thousand hectares), the rest of the territory is hayfields and pastures, roads, clearings, waters, estates. At the same time, the Black Sea area is not included in the park. The tourist service area is about 13 thousand hectares. Administratively, the park is divided into 15 forest areas, united in three large territorial groups: Adler, Central and Lazarev.
It's a big one natural object, where subtropical vegetation is adjacent to snow-covered mountain peaks. In the northwest it is bounded by the mouths of the Shepsi and Magri rivers, in the southeast by the border with Abkhazia. The Black Sea coast and the watershed line of the Main Caucasian Range became the southern and northern borders.
An ordinary trip through the Sochi National Park can take several days, and even a week is not enough to get around it completely. The park is divided into two zones. A large area is mountainous with numerous streams, while a small foothill zone along the coast is characterized by a leveled landscape.
Prices in Sochi National Park 2020
- Entrance to the Sochi National Park - 100 rubles;
- Climbing the observation tower on Mount Akhun - 100 rubles.
In addition, a separate fee is charged when visiting some other objects of the National Park in Sochi. If the official website is unavailable, then you need to clarify the information directly with the park administration - in person or at the specified contacts. Finally, you can ask Sochi experts and experienced tourists a question (the form is at the bottom of the page).
Animals of the Sochi National Park
The fauna is extremely diverse. Representatives of about 70 species of mammals live in the park. Among them are brown bears, lynxes, chamois, deer, wild boars, roe deer, wolves, martens, otters, badgers, hares and many others.
The natural conditions of the Caucasus ensured the appearance of endemics (a fifth of the mammals): these are the Caucasian black grouse, the Promethean mouse, etc.
Most rare species, such as the Aesculapian snake, are listed in the International Red Book.
Plants of the Sochi National Park
The predominant species is the oriental beech, the trunk of which can reach 50 meters in height. Oak plantations are widespread on the southern slopes of the mountains. Only in the Caucasus can one find a relic species - the European chestnut. The lacy foliage of the boxwood gives the forest a fabulous look.
There are also rare and valuable species listed in the Red Book of Russia (Lipsky tulip, etc.).
Leopards in Sochi National Park
The Caucasus Leopard Recovery Center, opened in 2009, is located in the vicinity of the village of Monastyr, not far from the Akhtsu Gorge. This is the first specialized complex for breeding large predators in Russia.
The Persian leopard was listed in the national Red Book in 2001. It is one of the largest leopard subspecies in the world. Massive poaching in the 1950s brought it to the brink of extinction. Center officials are trying to prevent this from happening.
During the existence of the center in the Sochi National Park, 14 kittens were born. The first grown leopards were released in wildlife in 2016. The center is closed to the general public, but online broadcasts are available on the website (may be interrupted).
Sights of the Sochi National Park
Not only natural, but also cultural and historical treasures of the region are concentrated on the territory of the Sochi Park: dolmens and megaliths, parking caves, fortresses. Target places for most tourists are waterfalls, canyons and gorges, caves, mineral springs, lakes, yew-boxwood grove, observation platforms, picnic meadows, historical monuments and a thematic museum. The Sochi Arboretum is also under the control of the National Park.
Waterfalls of the Sochi National Park
More than a hundred river waterfalls are available for tourists in the National Park, falling from a height of 2 to 72 meters.
The Devil's Gate canyon, 14 km from Adler, is distinguished by good transport accessibility. The height of the rocks above the bed of the Khosta in this canyon reaches 50 meters.
Caves in Sochi National Park
More than 300 natural caves are concentrated in the Sochi National Park. The longest is the Vorontsovskaya cave system, 11720 meters, excursions are conducted for tourists, several halls and grottoes are available.
The greatest value for historical research is the Akhshtyrskaya cave near the village of the same name. Previously, it was even closed as a "unique monument of primitive architecture", but is currently equipped and open for tours.
.Sochi National Park was established in 1983. The purpose of the creation was to preserve the unique natural complexes of the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. The park became one of the first national parks in Russia.
The main value of the national park is mountain forests, unique in their beauty and richness of vegetation, occupying 94.1% of the area.
The presence of animals and plants that are absent in other parts of the world make it possible to consider this territory as a World Heritage site. It is no coincidence that the protected part of the national park, together with the Caucasus Reserve, was nominated for the World Natural Heritage List.
Also, more than 60 natural monuments were identified in this territory, many historical and archaeological monuments were discovered.
Here you can see a lot of interesting things.
Svir Gorge
The Svir waterfalls are located on the territory of the Sochi National Park in the Lazarevsky district of the city.
Monument of nature "33 waterfalls"
In the picturesque gorge there are numerous small waterfalls, rapids, waterfalls, which attract tourists and sightseers with their beauty. There are 33 waterfalls on the Dzhegosh stream.
Akhun Tower
The name comes from the name of the Ubykh god - Akhyn. Mount Big Akhun with its size and almost perfect shape stands out against the backdrop of the Sochi landscape. At its top is an old-style observation tower.
It is also known that there are more than 20 caves in the bowels of the Akhun karst massif. More than 200 species of higher plants grow in the forests, 34 of which are listed in the Red Book of Russia. On one of the peaks of the massif are the remains of a medieval Christian temple Small Akhun.
Byzantine temple
Presumably the temple was built in the XI-XII centuries. Now its ruins can be seen in the village. Loo Lazarevsky district. The ruins are a monument of church architecture. They began to be studied in the late 80s of the XX century. The walls of the temple were created from sandstone and slate, therefore they are almost completely preserved, although they are densely overgrown with trees and shrubs.
Volkonskoe gorge
Volkonsky Gorge is very picturesque. It contains the Volkonsky dolmen, a hydrogen sulfide spring and the Two Brothers rocks with a natural tunnel between them. Journey to the gorge begins with a monument of the Middle Bronze Age - a dolmen. The dolmen in the Volkonsky Gorge belongs to a rare monolithic type.
Agur waterfall
Back in 1911, the Agur Falls became a popular tourist destination. The path carved into the rock, winding, leads to the first 30-meter waterfall. It consists of two cascades of 12 and 18 meters, the jets of which fall at an angle to each other. Above are two more waterfalls, smaller in height, but no less beautiful. The second - its height is 21 meters - multi-jet. The height of the third waterfall is 23 meters.
The park is inhabited by animals listed in the Red Book: Bison, leopard, black stork, black vulture, griffon vulture, golden eagle, Caucasian otter, Caucasian forest cat, stag beetle, Karelin's newt, Caucasian toad and many others.
Employees of the Sochi National Park do a lot various works aimed at preserving natural complexes and objects located on the territory of the national park.
They are engaged in work on the conservation and breeding of rare and endangered species of animals and plants. Thus, a program is being implemented in the national park to restore the population of the Persian leopard in the wild. In 2013, for the first time in Russia, a pair of leopards in captivity had offspring in the park. 