The diversity of nature in the south of the Krasnodar region is surprising. We are heading for the foot of the Caucasian reserve. Our journey begins with climbing the mountain Akhun, on the way to the Cossack Brod. Already from Cossack Ford we return to Sochi, visiting stormy rivers, majestic mountains and untouched forests.
The first part of our journey will take place along the Black Sea coast. On the way to Kazachy ford we will climb the mountain Akhun, walk in a yew-yews grove and see the flora and fauna of the park "Southern Culture".
The first stop on the way to Cossack Ford is Mount Akhun. On this mountain there is the tower of the same name, built by order of Stalin. You can enjoy the panoramic view from the observation deck. At the foot of the tower there is a small square where you can walk.
There's a long way to go, so we should take a lunch break. Café "Luck" can be eaten in a calm and cozy atmosphere. It serves Italian, Russian and Caucasian dishes, so the choice is quite diverse.
The next point of our journey is a yews and mud grove. It is a part of the reserve named after Kh.G. Shaposhnikov. On the area of 300 hectares grow relict trees, preserved in pristine form even before the Ice Age! You can choose one of three routes, the duration of which varies from half an hour to six hours.
Before we leave the sea coast and start climbing the mountains, we will make a stop at the Southern Cultures Park. The entrance to the park costs 250 rubles. There are over 1000 species of plants in the park. Among them is a rare eucalyptus, Himalayan cedar and fir. You can also watch swans in an artificial reservoir and walk along the paths in the park.
Once you get to Cossack Ford, you should go to dinner. The "Amnshensky Yard" offers dishes of the North Caucasus and European cuisine. The restaurant attracts attention not only with delicious food but also with its interior in the style of medieval castle. There is a small ethnographic museum on the territory of the restaurant. There you can see household items and clothes of Caucasian peoples.
The second part of our journey will be final. Returning to Sochi, we will have a bird's-eye view of the Sky Bridge Park, enjoy the silence in Psakho canyon and walk along Nawalishinskiy gorge.
If the coffee at breakfast did not cheer up, a walk on the bridge, which is located at an altitude of 207 meters, will help you finally wake up. Entrance to the park costs 1500 rubles for one ticket, but for this money you can get an unforgettable experience. An observation deck with a view of the Akhtyrskoe Gorge, bungee jumping for an extra fee and a spectacular view of nature - all this is available in the Sky Bridge Park at a bird's eye view.
The next stop of our journey will be in a canyon on the River Psakho. Previously this place was only open to mountaineers, but more recently the canyon has also become available to ordinary tourists. The place itself consists of two parts - Wet and Dry Canyon. It is worth coming here to fully immerse yourself in the protected area, see untouched nature and swim in the waterfall.
The last point of our journey will be Navalishenskoe Gorge. There are two races. The first is Navalishenskoe gorge, a tourist place with comfortable conditions. There is a sauna, shops, cafes, where you can have lunch in front of the road to Sochi. Second race, White Rocks. This is also Navalishenskoe Gorge, but a more secluded location. The walk will be surrounded by boxwood and ferns.
On the way to Sochi is worth staying at the restaurant "Caucasian aul" for dinner. This restaurant of oriental cuisine is located near the river Agur. In summer you can sit on the terrace and enjoy the view of the spring, and on cold days you should eat inside the restaurant. There is not only tasty food, but also a wonderful view of the nature of the south of the Krasnodar region.