Polikar's waterfall is a landmark of the Krasnodar Territory

Polikar's waterfall is one of the highest ledges in Europe, the most picturesque among such natural objects of the Krasnodar Territory. It is located on the territory of the natural national park in Sochi.

The source of the waterfall is on the mountain ridge Aibga, consisting of 4 peaks. Its height is more than 2 thousand meters. Peaks of the ridge - Aibga I, Aibga II, Aibga III and the Black Pyramid - are covered with perpetual ice on their peaks. Glaciers from the Black Pyramid Mountain, melting, fill the local stream of Rzhana, which, reaching the cliff, falls sharply down. The water falls from the top along the northern slope with an icy, noisy, elastic stream and breaks down against the stones at the foot of the slope. The watercourse continues its current and flows into the river. Mzymta. On the river, downstream, 10 km from the Aigba ridge, is the famous resort village of the Krasnodar Territory - Krasnaya Polyana.

Characteristics of the waterfall

The height of Polikar's waterfall is 70 m. Among the local he is better known as Pants. This name is a natural object due to the fact that at the top of the waterfall is divided into two identical jets, reminiscent of the two legs. In addition to Polikar's waterfall, there are about 20 similar sights on the territory of the national park.

The northern slope of the peak The black pyramid is shady and in the winter season Polikar's waterfall freezes. At this time, approaching close to it is dangerous, since there is a high probability of breaking an ice block. And in the summer, on the bank of the falls, snow often lies. Water throughout the year is very cold, swimming under the flow is almost impossible. The most favorable time for visiting a natural object is spring-early summer. During this period Polikar's waterfall is the most full-flowing and picturesque. The weather in the region is unstable. The bright sun can be sharply tightened with heavy clouds, often heavy rains.

The path to the pond

To get close to the waterfall, you need to tune in for a simple walking tour with a length of 10 km. The path leading to the waterfall is very picturesque, buried in a shady beech forest. The ascent will end at an altitude of 2 thousand meters above sea level, where subalpine meadows already dominate. The duration of the walk will take about 4-5 hours. Special equipment for the trek is not required, but it is worth taking care of comfortable shoes and clothes. It's not so easy to get to a place like Polikar's waterfall. The route can be difficult, so it will not be superfluous to bring along a bottle of drinking water, as there is nowhere to make reserves on the way. For the return journey, the drinking liquid can be collected already in the waterfall. On the way the travelers enjoy a breathtaking view of the mountain ranges of Achishkho, Dzitaku and the peaks of Chugush and Pseashkho.

Reserve

On the banks of the waterfall, there are picturesque views of the main spurs of the Caucasus and the national wildlife sanctuary from the heights. On the territory of the National Nature Reserve there are more than 50 species of animals listed in the Red Book. Among them: the Caucasian forest cat, the Caucasian otter, the leopard, the Little Asian triton, the viper Dinnik. And in the waters of the stream flowing from the waterfall, sometimes there is a rare species of salmon fish - trout.

Polikar's Waterfall - how to get there?

For those who are going to visit this landmark, the main issue is how to get to these places. In addition to walking tours, you can drive to the ledge on a rented SUV for half an hour or climb the cable car "Mountain Carousel". The latter can be reached at the top of 960 m, the rest of the distance still have to be overcome on foot. The cable car starts working from 9 o'clock in the morning.

All excursions start from the ski center "Alpika-Service". The trip to the waterfall itself is not difficult, even unprepared tourists can cope. This is what attracts Polikar waterfall. How to get there by car? Unfortunately, you can not get there directly. You can use the method described above.

Often this road is overcome by bicycles, which are offered in Krasnaya Polyana. With regard to personal transport, then you can get there by car only to the Alpika-Service ski center. And on the very top of the road there. However, this does not spoil the impression of traveling to the area.

Entrance to the territory of the National Park and Polikar waterfall is chargeable. The ticket price for an adult is 750 rubles. If there is a desire to book a guide, then the service will have to be paid additionally.

How to get by public transport?

You can get to Polikar's waterfall in a different way, not along hiking trails. In addition, as a private car, you can get there by public transport. There are buses 105 and 135 to this area. "Krasnaya Polyana". And from here only on foot or by bicycle you can get to such an attraction as Polikar's waterfall.

Also, the desired route is easily overcome on the electric train "Swallow". For this, you need to leave at Esto-Sadok station, and then take the bus to Rosa Khutor. The bus station is just opposite the railway station.