Description
Psakho Canyon is located in the Adler district of Sochi. The attraction is named in honor of the river Psakho, which appeared here as a result of an earthquake. The length of the river is 11 km, and the total area is 38.8 km².
The canyon itself is divided into “Wet” and “Dry” parts. In the “Wet” part we can see the Psakho River flowing down a steep slope and creating a waterfall. The way along the Wet canyon is 2 kilometers. Here you can swim in the refreshing azure waters, relax in the glade, enjoy the beautiful views of nature or jump into the water from the cliff. A perfect place to take pictures.
“Dry” part of the canyon is located 100 meters above the “Wet” part. The original Psakho riverbed is located here, creating unforgettable scenery. Relict plants stretch out on the stone walls of the canyon, which only emphasizes the beauty of the place.
History
70 million years ago a major earthquake greatly changed the entire Earth, resulting in the appearance of the Psakho Canyon. In the “Dry” canyon you can see a fossilized sea urchin, which is proof that the Psakho Canyon and the whole Caucasus used to be the Tethys Ocean, and now we can freely walk along its bottom. The Tethys Ocean existed in the Mesozoic Era, connecting Gondwana and Laurasia, two ancient continents.
What to see
Psakho Canyon is a national treasure of Sochi which is worth seeing, but there are also equally interesting sights in its vicinity. Here are some of them:
- “Wet” canyon. Attracts tourists with transparent azure waters of the river and small waterfalls. The source of the river is located at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level. On hot days being in the “Wet” canyon is a grace, whether in the shade of green alleys or in the cool waters of Psakho. Near the river there is a boxwood grove with shallow grottoes made of soft sandstone, forming bizarre natural shelters.
- “Dry” canyon. Although this part of the canyon is less frequently visited, its value does not change. To get to the “Dry” canyon, you need to walk along the Psakho valley, reaching the dry walls of the gorge. The gorge is much quieter compared to other parts of the canyon, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
- Trinity-Georgievsky Monastery. Not far from the canyon is the Trinity-Georgievsky Monastery, which surprises with its architecture and historical heritage. On the territory of the monastery you can hear church services and enjoy the view of the ensemble.
- Krasnaya Volya settlement. An incredible place where nature amazes the mind. The settlement especially stands out against the backdrop of the Caucasus Range and the Akhun Mountains, creating an unforgettable experience. Near Krasnaya Volya there is also a canyon with the Kudepsta River.
- Kazachiy Brod village. The main attraction of the village is its fish farm. Here they grow traditional trout and create new breeds of fish. You can enjoy fresh fish, learn about the intricacies of fish farming, visit excursions and try your hand at fishing.
How to get there
The journey to the canyon is on its own unforgettable . There are several ways to get to the canyon:
- Traveling by jeep. We offer a jeep tour “Psakho Canyon”, during which you can see the beauty of nature while driving an SUV. The best option for those who want to see the views of the canyon without risk and discomfort, as well as for families with children. The guide will also tell you more information about the history of the place.
- Travel by car. You can reach the canyon by car on the highway № A-147, leading to Krasnaya Polyana. The route is for experienced travelers who like to discover something new for themselves. Following the signs to the cave Akhtyrshskaya, you will pass to the village Galitsino, and after 10 km begins a mountain road with obstacles, where it is better to drive an off-road vehicle, but you can reach the canyon on foot, but it is much more dangerous.
- Bus № 131. It goes to the stop “Galitsino”, after which you need to walk along the path to Psakho. It is recommended to take comfortable sneakers and water.
- You can also get there by cab.
Psakho Canyon is an incredible natural wonder, a must-see for both extreme sports enthusiasts and those who just want to enjoy views that are unlikely to be seen anywhere else. As you walk along the path to the canyon, you will see horses, cows, goats and other animals in the meadows. Visiting the canyon creates an atmosphere of oneness with nature, which creates a lasting impression.
If you want to visit Psakho Canyon as part of our jeep tour, you can find out about ticket prices on our website.
