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RussiaOverview and Is It Worth Visiting
Arkhyz's Bottomless Lake (also called the Sinkhole or karst sinkhole) is located at an altitude of 2320 meters, surrounded by stunning mountains and landscapes. We don't have exact information on its depth, but it's known to be of karst origin. What's interesting here isn't just the sinkhole itself with its blue water, but the walk to it — the trail goes along scenic slopes with breathtaking mountain views. The lake opened up to mass tourism relatively recently, after the construction of the paved road towards Phiya. Now, jeeps, ATVs, and horses bring people here. But you can also walk; it's an easy hiking trip lasting 3-4 hours.
This is the most accessible mountain lake in the Arkhyz area: it's the easiest to reach by vehicle, and there's very little walking required. It's an ideal option for a first independent taste of mountain beauty when you don't want to tackle difficult routes right away. The hike requires no special training, and both trails are available on popular offline maps like Organic Maps, Maps.me, and even Yandex Maps — you won't get lost.
At the start of the route near the paved road, you'll see two monuments: one to Internal Affairs officers who died fighting for Arkhyz during WWII, and another to Komsomol members who fell in battle.
You can swim in the lake; the water isn't very cold. There aren't any special places to relax here, as the lake itself is in a sinkhole with steep slopes around and often crowded with tourists. Don't count on solitude or a peaceful picnic — this is a place people come to (or are brought to) for beautiful photos, a short rest, and then head back.
Practical Tips
- Trekking poles aren't essential, but you can bring them if you're used to walking with them.
- Special hiking boots aren't needed; regular trainers with good tread will do.
- Water — be sure to bring about 1 liter per person; there are no streams along the way.
- In summer, you'll need sun protection (hat, sunscreen).
- Clothing. Dress for the weather, but keep in mind: at 2320 meters, the weather can change rapidly, with sharp temperature swings. So even on a sunny day, we recommend bringing a jacket or windbreaker. And don't forget your swimsuit and towel if you decide to take a dip in the cold water.
Below, we detail distances, elevation changes on the route, and everything else you need to know before visiting. You can also watch our video about the hike to Bottomless Lake to see the trail, the views, and the lake for yourself — video gives a much more complete picture than any photos.
🕐 Opening Hours
24/7, but it's better to go in the morning — it gets crowded and hot in the afternoon.
💵 Entry Fee / Ticket Price
Free. The lake is not located within a protected nature reserve.
🚶 How to Get There
Bottomless Lake is located 11 kilometers from the Romantik settlement and 21 kilometers from Arkhyz (lake on the map). Most of the road is paved; the last 4 kilometers are a dirt road with very steep climbs. It's better not to risk it in a regular car, but you can leave your vehicle at the parking area where the pavement ends and walk from there (parking on the map). The elevation gain is about 200 meters, the walk takes 1.5-2 hours one way, so 4 hours round trip. Our tip: when you're about a kilometer from the lake, leave the main dirt track and go straight — it's shorter and has less elevation gain. All trails are available on Organic Maps, Maps.me, and even Yandex Maps. At the start of the route by the paved road, you'll see two monuments — to Internal Affairs officers and Komsomol members who died in the war.
Also read our guide: How and by what means to get to Arkhyz.
Just a reminder that the best way to explore Arkhyz is through guided tours. Even better if they're conducted by locals who know and love their region. You can find and book group or private tours from locals with reviews on these trusted sites: