Lakes of Sochi
Let’s talk a little about lakes of Sochi. We will begin our story with the sacred lake of Adygeis the Khuko. Behind the cordon there is Babuk – an aul where the Monashka river flows – we turn to the second cordon – a crotch of tropes. The right one leads right to Cherkessky pass (height is 1836 m) and to the western bastions of mountain Fitsh (2,868 m). We ascend to Khuko lake by the left crotch.
Khuko lake is situated in the blessed green valley, covered with a bright flower carpet. It is situated at height of 1744 m above the sea level. Its length is 260 m, width – 150 m. The total area makes up 27,500 sq km. Maximal depth of the lake is 10 m. It is quite rare, one of few lakes of tectonic origination. The basin of the lake was formed in the result of erosion and frosty by scientists’ opinion.
The ancient tradition of Adygeis says the Khuko is connected with the sea. Its water is certainly fresh and warm which is frequent for high mountain lakes. Snowfields still lie on the slopes of mountains in the middle of summer.
Near, only in 8 km, pink massif of Fitsh mountain, as if made of reef limestone of upper Jurassic period, spreads before the eyes. Just they attach fantastic color of dawn to this mass.
Researchers affirm that the imposing massif Fisht-Oshten-Pshekha-Su is a former coral-island – Atoll in the warm ancient sea. It is confirmed by the structure of reef limestone itself, literally “stuffed” with bones of ancient fishes, reptiles and also various shells of very original form. The total height of the coral reef of mountain Fitsh, made of white, grey-brown, pink and red coral and algal limestone, makes up 800-850 m. In summer the water warms up to +19-+20ºC therefore you may swim in the lake. Its water is crystal-clear, caressing.
The real name of the lake is Khikjo, i.e. Khiko, though it is always distorted for some reason and called Khuko or Khuho or sometimes even Phuko.
Khikjo is literally translated as “Sea pig”. In such way, may be a little disharmonious, mountain dwellers call wise fish Dolphin. If looking at the lake from above one can see, that it really resembles a dolphin. A “dolphin bake spine” is clearly seen in the north-east part of the lake.
A legend of an ancient ritual, which once had happened here, is an evidence of deep antiquity of this place, quite esteemed by mountain dwellers. Local legend says that in time immemorial mountain dwellers suffered from drought very much. Ancestors of present mountain dwellers set out on pilgrimage to the sacred lake Khuko to pray gods for charity. Probably sacrifices were given to gods and people prayed them for mercy on this huge lump.
After finish of the ritual mountain dwellers brought sacred water from the lake and return home. At home they asperse their land with it and then pour out remains into the river near native settlements. People believed that it would be raining when sacred water of the lake together with waters of the native river reached the sea.
Another wonder of the Sacred lake is Secret garden of stones and triton ponds
Right 5 minute away from the Sacred lake to the right along the flower hollow, having surmount a small pass, you will find yourself in the really wonderful place. There are three small ponds-lakes in which tritons idly swim. These funny creatures resemble fabulous little dragons. They are entered into the Red Book of Russia.
The remotest pond is simply of traditional Japan style. It has a form of a bean with a small, covered with emerald grass, islet. Near there is a Garden of stones, not made by hand, of the most unusual forms. Here everything leads to the harmony of contemplation. Conglomeration of stones, reflecting in light waves of the lake, resemble us vanity of our world. Who is a gardener of this marvelous nook?!!!
In the mountains there are places from which we don’t want to leave. We want to stay for touching them. One of such places is lake the Kardivatch. Local mountain dwellers call it Karbash (Kar – snow; Bash – head, top), i.e. snowy top. The lake is situated at the border of forests and sub-alpine tall grasses, at height of 1837 m above the sea level; Kardivatch lake is also Sochi.
It is situated on the very eastern border of Adler area. The Kardivatch impresses mostly by its huge seizes. Its length is over 500 m and width is 350 m. It is the largest among local lakes. Its maximal depth is about 20 m.
If looking from above, at the fine weather one can see fantastic sharp blue with emerald shimmer. Colors of the lake can change during the day. The weather here changes very quickly like colours of the lake. For example in the morning it may be cloudy, but in the afternoon it is sunny. It is good to meet the birth of a new day on the lake. At first the first ray gingerly makes its way between Tsindishkha and pick of Kardivatch (2,960 m). A little bit and suddenly rays of all colors of rainbow splash, creating on the shores of the lake unusual, bright mood.
The upper Mzimka, which springs from Upper Kardivatch lake from height of 2472 m where snow lies during the whole summer, flows into the Kardivatch on the opposite shore of the lake, between Southern Loyub (2,970 m) and Tsindishkha (3139.5 m). It feeds the lake with snow water therefore even in the hit of the summer when the temperature is over +20ºC water of the lake warms up to +10-12ºC. Huge firs grow not far from the lake. They will hospitably invite you under their shadow.
Sineokoe lake
Near there is Sineokoe lake. It is situated under the very pick Kardivatch-Uzlovoi, at height of 2,457 m. By form it resembles two wonderful blue eyes, contemplating the sky. Some time Henry Toro wrote: “Lake is an eye of the Earth. Looking into it we are looking into our own heart of hearts”.
Walking about these places one can see mountain goats and tripping chamois. Sometimes bear is found here therefore be very careful. Caucasian adder dwells here. You need not take fright at it. Above all is to see it in time not to step on its tail. Otherwise it will do nothing with you.
By mountain wanderers’ opinion Inpsi lake is the most mysterious and difficult of access. Its height above sea level makes up 1950 m. The eastern shore of the lake is abrupt and on the right shore birches grow, there is a place for the rest. The lake formed about 200 years ago after earthquake. Despite the fact that it is smaller than Kardivatch lake by area and four times smaller by depth, it is quite picturesque.
A strange event happened to the lake in 1982. It…disappeared!!! However only for a year. Since 1983 the lake appeared and till now has pleased travelers coming here. Where has it been hiding during the whole year? Researchers suggest that a hole, through which the water flew away, appears in the dam. Some time later the hole becomes cluttered with silt and the lake appeared again in its primitive beauty. Hurry up to it while it doesn’t disappear. And we will continue our walk.
Several quite large overgrown reservoirs, having the common name Lakes of Khmelevsky are comfortably situated on the very extremity of ridge Athchishkho among picturesque clearings. The territory of the natural monument “Lakes of Khmelevsky” is covered with forest of the eastern beech with a touch of high-mountain maple and underbush of Caucasian bilberry-bush, cherry-laurel, Armenian bur grass and blackberry bushes.
Several dozens species of mammalians dwell in the area of Khmelevskoe lake. Here European roe, Caucasian chamois, wild boars and with luck bear and even lynõ can be found here. Wolf also visits the lakes and at night howl of jackals can be heard and bat can be seen. However usual squirrel, common dormouse and forest dormouse, hedgehog, shrew are oftener can be found. Sometimes Caucasian mole, which leads mostly underground life, can be found. Numerous kinds of birds and also insect supplement the fauna of Lakes of Khmelevsky area.
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