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RussiaWhat to Expect and Is It Worth Visiting
Khmelevsky lakes are "conditionally mountainous" lakes in the vicinity of Krasnaya Polyana, the most easily accessible for mass tourists and vacationers in Sochi. There are four lakes in total, but you can't always see them all. The fact is that during a drought in summer, they dry up very much and hide in overgrown grass. The Sochi National Park tourist route with observation decks, recreation and picnic areas is equipped around them.
Why do we call them "conditionally mountainous"? Despite the fact that the sellers of excursions tell and write fake guides on the Internet about their incredible beauties, in fact there is nothing like that here. Even most of the photos that you will see in fake guidebooks have nothing to do with these lakes at all. Yes, they are located at an altitude surrounded by alpine and subalpine meadows, and a picturesque path leads to them along the mountainside through the forest. But they do not look at all like real mountain lakes surrounded by rocks and majestic peaks with emerald water, but rather resemble ordinary forest lakes, and fairly overgrown with grass. The only thing that reminds of the mountains on the shores of the Khmelevsky lakes is the views of the peaks from the observation decks nearby. But before these viewing rooms, you will still have to walk a little on foot along the walking route. And yet, you should not believe that they are in a wild unexplored area, because in fact there is a hotel and a recreation center here, and there is a whole entertainment camp with ATV rental.
Three kilometers from the Khmelevskys there is a much wilder and more beautiful Mirror Lake. You can also visit it, but for this you will have to come here with an individual tour or climb on your own, preferably with an overnight stay.
🕐 Working hours
around the clock, visit during daylight hours.
💵Entrance fee / ticket price
it is necessary to pay at the checkpoint for the entrance to the Sochi National Park: adults - 200 rubles, children under 10 years old - free of charge.
🚶 How to get there
located in the vicinity of Krasnaya Polyana about 12 kilometers from the center of the village (Khmelevsky lakes on the map). You can visit them for one day in the form of an excursion, or stay here overnight in a tent or the hotel "Mount Olympia".
The easiest way to get here with a ready-made excursion from Adler or Krasnaya Polyana resorts is by jeep, but you can also get there yourself. A bad dirt road leads almost to the lakes, which can be overcome by an SUV or crossover. A simple passenger car can be driven in good weather and with good driving skills, but there is a risk of damaging the car on a bad road.
If you like to walk, then you can take a hiking trip during the day. You will have to walk about 10 kilometers and about 1200 meters in height from the beginning of the route, which requires good physical shape. There are several trails leading up from different places, including directly from the center of the village (difficult routes with a steep slope) or from Berezayavaya Street on the outskirts of the village (there is a dirt road for off-road vehicles). Whichever route you choose, in order to pass it during the day, you need to leave early in the morning. For navigation, we recommend using the OSM or folk map applications Organic Maps, on which not only roads are drawn, but also many trails.
We also advise you to look at interesting options for individual and group excursions on these proven sites:
- 📷 Search for excursions in Krasnaya Polyana on Sputnik8.com
- 📷 Excursions in Krasnaya Polyana from the tour operator TEZ Tour
- 📷 Search for excursions in Krasnaya Polyana on Tripster.ru