Sofia Waterfalls

The Sofia Waterfalls rise on the northern slope of Mount Sofia in the Arkhyz Gorge. Nine streams descend from the Sofia Glacier, and the changing relief forms a sequence of cascades ranging from broad steps to fast, broken rapids. Small lakes form at the base in summer, while in winter the water freezes into enormous walls of ice. The Sofia River begins here and later feeds the Bolshoy Zelenchuk. The best time for hiking is from late June to early September, when the trails are dry and the glacier has released most of its seasonal snow.

A legend says that the Sofia Waterfalls were born from a quarrel among the gods. Teiri, captivated by the beauty of the mountain, ordered a sanctuary to be built on its summit, while the gods of the forest and mountains adorned the slopes and filled them with animals. Then Eple, the god of lightning, challenged Teiri. During the battle, Eple fell from the mountain and his lightning caused a fire. Teiri ordered the sun to melt the glacier, and streams of water extinguished the flames. Since then, the waters of salvation have flowed down Mount Sofia as its waterfalls.