Lake Kardyvach
Озеро Кардывач
A high-altitude glacial lake at 1,838 meters, surrounded by snowy peaks on three sides. It is the source of the Mzymta River and a classic all-day trip combining off-road driving and hiking.
Lake Kardyvach lies in the upper Mzymta River area within the Caucasus Nature Reserve. The lake is clear, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows, and covered in wildflowers in summer. The usual approach is an off-road jeep tour from Krasnaya Polyana or Roza Khutor. The jeep follows a bumpy mountain road to the reserve entrance, then a roughly two-hour hike brings you to the lakeshore. The one-way distance is about 40 kilometers, and the trip is done as a day return. A reserve pass is required, usually included in the tour price. Mountain weather changes quickly, so bring a rain jacket and warm layers.
Opening hours
Accessible in summer, about Jun–Oct
Nearby sights
- Rosa Khutor
- Rosa Peak
- Gazprom Mountain Resort (Laura & Psekhako Ridge)
- Sanki Sliding Center
- Polikarya Waterfall
- Achipse Fortress
- Medvezhiy (Bear) Waterfall
- Gorki Gorod