19-23 December, Adygea trip
Day 1
Flight to Krasnodar, transfer to Maykop (capital of Adygea Republic)
Maykop city tour
Maykop is translated as the «valley of apples» and indeed, the variety of apples here is stuggering and there are some specially cultivated apple trees where the alpples grow practically like grapes, so it is easy to collect them. They might be even sold along the road to provide a healty snack for the driver or weary travellers, so remeber to stop and buy some 🙂
Maykop cathedral mosque was given to the city by a sheikh to commemorate his mother
A monumeent to Maykop space program ( joke!)
Thermal springs The water with natural healing properties comes from under the ground at the temperature of 40 C and is directed into a swimming pool with various Jacuzzi effects
And of course, experiencing the national cuisine at one of the local restaurants is a must
Day 2 Lagonaki plateau
Lagonaki plateau, at an altitude of 1800-2000m. The plateau is covered with alpine meadows with snowfields.
During the day you will visit 3 observation points.
-The “Island of Love”, an 800 metres walk through a beautiful forest to a rocky cliff
-The rock of Utug with the view towards Lago-Naki mountain chain
-Observation point by Bolshaiya Azizskaya Cave 500 metres walk one way. You will also visit Bolshaya Azishskaya cave. The age of the cave is 2 million years.
And a more active version of the trip with the actual walk over Lago-Naki plateau, through a state natural reserve. It’s a 6km walk to karst potholes, filled with snow and an amazing panoramic view.
Day 3
We go over a bridge to visit 4 waterfalls at Rufbago river, the length of the trek is 4 km (3h) Rufabgo river canyon looks like Jurassic period park, with fern and huge rocks covered with moss.
Khadzhogskaya gorge (picture to the right, beautiful in autumn colours), canyon of Belaya river, 500 metres. The river in this particular part is squeezed by the rocks on both sides and will impress you with its sheer force.
Caucasus bears live here. The length of the walk is 1,5 km.
Day 4
Saint Mikael Monastery and a walk to a spring with natural healing powers at the top of Fiziabgo mountain ( 3 km walk, around 1h)
You will see a church dating back to the end of the 19th century, have an opportunity to ring the bells and visit an underground monastery (more than 300 steps down!)
And don’t forget about the yummy monastery pancakes! 😉 3h for the monastery visit.
Cable car to the Una-Cos ridge.
From the height of 450 metres we go to 900 metres height. You will make a wish in the Cave of Wishes and see grottoes and caves that were inhabited by people during the Bronze Age. The ridge offers a view of the Caucasus Mountains. The duration of walk at the ridge is 2h.
Day 5
Mishoko extrem park ( you don’t have to do anything extreme, its just the nature is beautiful there)
But if you do want to, please watch the video below 🙂
Tasting of Adygea honey and Adygea cheese master-class before your transfer back to Krasnodar airport
Bye-bye, Adygea, you will stay in our heart! 🙂