グレーターコーカサスの湖・トップ17

We hiked to Udziro Lake starting from Shovi and exited through Glola. This route is physically demanding due to a long, continuous uphill with very few flat sections. For most hikers, it is more practical to start from Glola and return to Glola, although this option also includes significant elevation gain. Overall, the trail is challenging and requires good physical condition and proper preparation, but the views at Udziro Lake fully justify the effort.

There is an interesting place in Novorossiysk - Sudzhuk Spit (I don't know if it has anything to do with the meat product "Sudzhuk"). This spit ends at Cape Sudzhuk, and on the other side of this cape there is another spit (artificial? 🤔), which is marked on the maps as "Aleksino", and all this together with the coastline forms a triangle inside which is a lake (?!) Solenoe (again, a salty lake). Why "solenoe" is clear, it is not clear why "lake". Usually such formations are called "estuary". Oh well. This spit is located right next to the Malaya Zemlya memorial complex. You can get there on foot, by bike, or by car. There is a large free (!) parking lot before the start of the spit. There is also a large free (!) parking lot on the Aleksino side. Some citizens are even allowed to drive a car past the barrier, but I don’t know what you need to do or who you need to be for this.

The dam has a 271 high dam wall really impressive

Great route Plans the start time, it is better to leave early in the morning In the forest zone there are covered gazebos every 500-1000 m. There is an excellent trail in the alpine meadow area. On rocky outcrops and moraines, good trekking boots are a good idea. Mandatory equipment: waterproof jacket and pants, trekking poles, burner, glasses, sunscreen, waterproof shoes (preferably boots)

Behind the Utviri pass, about 15 mins of walk, there is the Ltnari mountain lake that is amazing for swimming and quite warm during the season. To reach it, follow a small trail on your right-hand side; first not too visible, it will soon turn into a well trotted path at which's end the lake is waiting. Pending on the time of the day, you can also camp here. Instead of walking all the way back to the pass, you can also simply cut inland and meet again with the main route.

It definitely worth it to get on the ridge for a nice panorama!

Next to the river, there is a natural swimming pool where you can have a bath. Worth after a long trail under the sun on summer.

Great detour around the reservoir to avoid the main road! There are plenty of good camping spots too!