To get to the reservoir, resembling the contours of a symbol of love, you can only overcome a steep climb to the top of the water. phiaIt is located at an altitude of more than 2300 meters above sea level. This property is not marked on most standard tourist maps as a standalone point of interest, so many travelers pass by without suspecting that the romantic attraction is hidden in a side hollow to the right of the main path. It is necessary to get here with the expectation of 6-8 hours of active traffic, since the trail requires good physical training and the right equipment for the mountainous terrain.
The uniqueness of the location is that The lake is completely filled with melt water only in the period from late June to September.The rest of the year is a dry depression among the alpine meadows. The visibility of the characteristic shape of the heart from a bird's eye view or from the crest of the pass depends on the amount of snow left in the bowl after winter. Tourists often confuse this object with other water bodies of the valley, so navigation on the GPS track is a prerequisite for successful search.
It should be borne in mind that the route to the heart of Arkhyz does not apply to light walks and requires walking along stony rashes and steep grassy slopes. Navigation applications They can show blurry data in the area due to the complex terrain, so it is important to download offline maps in advance. Misperceptions about the facility’s accessibility to children or people with reduced mobility can lead to dangerous situations on the slope.
Geographical location and location features
The desired reservoir is located in the upper reaches of the Arkhyz River, in close proximity to the phiaSeparating the basins of the rivers Big Zelenchuk and Phia. The coordinates of the point are located around 43°43' north latitude and 40°48' east longitude, but accurate positioning is possible only with visual control of the terrain. The lake is sandwiched between steep rock walls and steep slopes, which creates a unique microclimate and retains water even in dry periods of summer.
The shape of the heart was formed naturally as a result of ancient glacial processes and subsequent soil erosion. The depth of the reservoir It varies from a few centimeters at the edges to 1.5-2 meters in the central part, where the water has a rich turquoise hue. The bottom is lined with fine pebbles and sand, which makes the water clear and clean, suitable for washing, but not for drinking without boiling or filtration.
⚠️ Attention: Being at the edge of the cliff over the lake is dangerous due to the instability of the soil. Taking selfies on the edge of a cliff without insurance is not recommended.
Around the reservoir grow rare species of alpine grasses, which are under the protection of the reserve. Flower collection and the breeding of fires in the immediate vicinity of the water is prohibited by the rules of stay in the natural park. Keeping the location clean depends on each visitor, so all the garbage must be taken back to the village.
Detailed route: from Damanka to Phya Pass
The start of most routes to the heart of Arkhyz begins from the tract damanca Or from the upper queues of the cable car "Aleshka". If you climb on foot from the bridge over the river Arkhyz, the path will take about 4-5 hours one way, taking into account the difference in altitude. The cable car reduces the time of climbing and saves energy for the final jump to the pass, but the last section will still have to be overcome on foot.
After entering the alpine meadows, a panorama of the Main Caucasian Range will open before you. You need to move towards a well-distinguishable saddle pass, without turning to popular trails to Sofrujinsky waterfalls. Pathway will gradually gain height, moving from the green zone to the rocky one, where the landmarks are tours of stones and trampled sheep trails.
The key point of the route is not to reach the very crest of the Pkhia Pass, but to turn to the right (if you look from the side of Arkhyz) in the lateral spur. It is in this hollow, hidden from the main view, and is the cherished lake. Many tourists pass through the saddle and go down to another valley, without seeing the sight.
☑️ Checklist for exit preparations
Technical characteristics of the route
To plan time and effort, you need to take into account the physical parameters of the track, which can differ significantly from walking routes in the valley. The difference in altitude is the main factor affecting the pace of movement and the need for acclimatization.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | p. Arkhyz (1450 m) | Lower rope station |
| Lake height | 2340 m m m | Highlands |
| Length of path (one way) | 8-10 km | Depends on the trail. |
| Time on the way | 3.5 - 5 hours | Excluding long-term halts |
| Difficulty | Medium/High | Physical training required |
The height gain is almost 900 meters, which is a serious load on the cardiovascular system. Rate of movement You should choose a moderate one, making stops to restore breathing every 40-50 minutes. At higher altitudes, the sun bakes stronger and the wind can be cold even on a hot day, so clothing should be layered.
Descent takes less time, but requires increased concentration due to slippery areas and moving stones. Knee joints experience a significant load, so the use of trekking sticks is highly recommended for unloading the legs. In the evening, the muscles may hurt, so after a hike, rest and a warm bath are useful.
Best time to visit and seasonality
The optimal period for visiting the lake in the form of a heart is the interval from mid-July to the end of August. At this time, the snowballs feeding the pond have already partially melted, filling the bowl with water, but have not yet completely disappeared, creating a picturesque contrast between white and turquoise.
Secrets of photography
It is best to shoot from the crest of Phia Pass using zoom. To get the perfect frame of the “heart” you need to find a point where the entire contour of the reservoir is visible. The best light is early morning or sunset, when the shadows emphasize the relief.
In early summer (June), the trail can be hidden under snow, and the pond itself - completely frozen or hidden by snow deposits. In autumn (September-October), the water may go into the ground, and the lake will turn into a dry lawn, although the shape of the heart in the relief will remain readable. Weather conditions The mountains change quickly and even in summer snowfall is possible, so you need to be prepared for any surprises.
The number of tourists during this period increases significantly, especially on weekends. To find the lake calm and take photos without people, it is better to plan the exit on weekdays and arrive at the destination either early in the morning or closer to sunset.
Equipment and equipment required
Collecting a backpack for a hike to the Phia Pass requires a careful approach, since the distance from civilization dictates its safety rules. The basis of your equipment is footwear: sneakers for running on asphalt will not work, you need trekking shoes with a good tread and fixation of the ankle.
- 🎒 Backpack with a volume of 20-30 liters with raincoat to protect things from sudden rainfall.
- 💧 Water supply (minimum 1.5-2 liters per person) and a light snack (nuts, energy bars).
- 🧥 Windscreen jacket and headdress, as strong winds often blow at the pass.
- 📱 Powerbank and downloaded offline cards (Maps.me, Organic Maps or Garmin) as there may be no connection.
Additionally, it is recommended to take sunscreen and glasses, as ultraviolet radiation in the mountains is very intense. First aid kit. with a basic set (patchpads, painkillers, a remedy for burns) will also not be superfluous. You should not rely on the help of other tourists, as the flow of people can be uneven.
⚠️ Note: Don’t rely on the phone’s charge alone. In the mountains, the battery runs out faster due to the search for the net and the cold wind. Powerbank is a must.
Alternative ways to get to the height
For those who are not ready to walk the whole way, there are alternative climbing options. In the summer season from the village of Arkhyz organized jeep-tourThey can bring tourists closer to the beginning of the mountainous area. However, it is worth considering that the equipment can not always pass due to the condition of dirt roads and the limitations of the natural park.
The cable car "Aleshka" works in the summer and raises tourists to a height of about 2100 meters. From the upper station to the Phia Pass, there is about 2-3 hours of one-way walking, making the route more accessible for families with school-age children. Schedule of work The lifts should be specified in advance, as it can vary depending on weather conditions and technical breaks.
Tip: If you want to save energy, climb the rope, and go down on foot - it protects your knees and allows you to enjoy the views at a calm pace.
Helicopter tours also provide a bird's eye view of the lake, although landings directly at the pond are usually not made due to the lack of suitable sites and environmental restrictions. This is the most expensive, but also the fastest way to see the sight.
Safety rules and environmental ethics
Karachay-Cherkessia is famous for its untouched nature, and the preservation of its beauty is the task of every guest. Being in the lake area, it is strictly forbidden to use detergents, even biodegradable, in or near the reservoir. Garbage Pack in sealed bags and carry down, in special containers.
Meeting wild animals such as tours or bears is possible in the area. When meeting a bear, you can not run away, you should slowly retreat, without turning your back. Feeding wild animals It is strictly forbidden because it changes their behavior and makes them dangerous to people.
In case of deterioration or loss of the route, you must immediately descend to the lower zone. Mobile communication catches not everywhere, so it is better to move in a group and not to lag behind your friends. Rescue services Arkhyza work quickly, but the arrival time in the highlands can be significant.
Where exactly is the heart-shaped lake?
The lake is located in the lateral spur to the right of the Phia Pass (when viewed from the Arkhyz side), at an altitude of about 2340 meters. It is hidden in a hollow and can not be seen from the main path, unless you know the exact place of the turn.
Is it difficult to get to the lake with children?
The route is considered difficult for children under 10 years of age due to steepness of the climb and rocky soil. With teenagers to go the way is real, but you need to carefully calculate the strength and make frequent stops.
Is it possible to swim in the lake?
The water in the lake is glacial and very cold even in the heat. Swimming can only be hardened people and very short. The bottom is rocky, the entrance to the water is sharp.
Do I need a pass to visit?
To visit the territory of the Teberda reserve and the Arkhyz natural park, a permit is formally required, which can be issued in the visiting centers in the village. In practice, control is carried out selectively, but compliance with the rules is mandatory.
Is there a connection at Phia Pass?
Mobile communications are unstable. Operators can only catch on the crest of the pass or at individual points. It is not necessary to count on a permanent online mode.