What to see on the way to Lake Ritsa and near it, if traveling by car or on foot?

A trip to Lake Ritsa is not just the final point of the route, but a whole adventure with many picturesque stops. If you travel by car, you will be able to see much more than as part of a standard group excursion, and you will not be tied to a schedule. Here is what you should definitely see along the way and already on site.

What to see on the road to Lake Ritsa (by car)

The road from Gagra to the lake takes about 1.5–2 hours and passes through the picturesque Bzyb Gorge. Here are the main attractions you will encounter along the way (all of them are marked on our map of Abkhazia):

• Bzyb Temple: An ancient Christian temple of the 10th century, located right by the road. A very atmospheric place for a short stop.
• Blue Lake: A small but incredibly bright turquoise lake. Its color is due to the high copper content. A stop is a must — it is one of the most photogenic locations.
• Maiden's Tears Waterfall and Men's Tears: Two picturesque waterfalls located right by the highway. Maiden's Tears are thin streams of water flowing down the moss, while Men's Tears is a more powerful stream.
• Yupshar Gorge: A very narrow and deep gorge through which the road passes. The walls of the gorge come so close that it feels like you are driving through a stone corridor. Be sure to stop at the observation deck.
• Chabgar Cornice (Farewell, Motherland! viewpoint): An observation deck with a breathtaking view of the gorge and mountains. The name speaks for itself — the views here are truly dizzying.
• Mineral Spring: A small spring with mineral water where you can replenish your water supply and rest.

What to see near Lake Ritsa (on foot or by car)

When you reach the lake itself, do not limit yourself to a walk along the embankment. Here is what you can see nearby:

• Stalin's Dacha: One of several Stalin's dachas in Abkhazia, located right on the lake shore. Now there is a museum. You can get there on foot along a trail or by car along a short road. Entrance is paid, but it is worth it — the interiors are preserved in original.
• Bird's Beak Waterfall and Milk Waterfall: Two small but very beautiful waterfalls that can be reached on foot from the embankment. Bird's Beak is right by the road, and a short path through the forest leads to Milk Waterfall.
• Small Ritsa Lake: If you have time and energy, be sure to hike up to Small Ritsa. It is located about 2.5 km higher along the trail from the main lake. There are far fewer tourists there, and the views are completely different. The walk will take about 40–60 minutes one way.

Useful tips for the trip

• By car: The road to the lake is good, with asphalt, but very winding. Be careful on the turns. Parking at the lake itself is paid (about 200 rubles for the whole day), located 600 meters from the embankment.
• On foot: If you came on an excursion, you will have 2–3 hours of free time. This is enough to walk along the embankment, go to Stalin's dacha and one of the waterfalls. For Small Ritsa, there will most likely not be enough time.
• What to take: Be sure to bring warm clothes — in the mountains even in summer it can be cool and windy. Comfortable shoes for walking on stones and gravel will also come in handy.
• Food: There are cafes and barbecue spots on the embankment, but prices there are higher than in the city. You can take a snack with you.

You can learn more in our reliable and honest guide in the article Lake Ritsa in Abkhazia: a complete guide for independent travelers. There we detailed all the nuances, prices and gave practical tips.

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