Photos

  • Ущелье Ахцу. Photography 1
  • Ущелье Ахцу. Photography 2
  • Ущелье Ахцу. Photography 3

Description

The Akhtsu Gorge is located in one of the sections of the Mzymta River valley and the Akhtsu River (the right tributary of the Mzymta). The entrance to the gorge is located near the village of Monastyr.

History

The rise of the limestone layer began about 20 million years ago and continues today. The Akhtsu Ridge began to block the path of the Mzymta mountain river, which cut a through gorge in it. At the 34th kilometer of the path is the narrowest place of the gorge, where a huge gray rock hangs over the seething river. On January 13, 1968, a landslide occurred, blocking the river, which led to the formation of a lake up to 18 m deep, which disappeared after 5-7 years.

Description

  • Geological features: Limestone layers at least a thousand meters thick, deposited on the bottom of the Upper Jurassic Sea more than a hundred million years ago, are curved in the form of a giant arch and raised to a height of almost a kilometer.
  • Dimensions: The length of the gorge is 3 km, the depth at the deepest point is 800 m, the width along the bottom is 20-30 m.
  • Road: It goes along a stone ledge cut into the steep wall of the gorge, on one side is a rough limestone cliff, on the other is a gloomy abyss with the Mzymta River.

Soil composition

Composed of reef limestones.

Flora

The entire surface of the gorge is mainly covered with broad-leaved, beech and fir forests, saturated with organic matter. The forest density is high due to the high percentage of humidity.

Fauna

In the Mzymta River bed within the gorge there are salmon spawning grounds. Black Sea salmon enter the river in March-May and begin spawning in mid-October. The young leave for the sea in their second year of life.

Excursions and attractions

  • Kepshinskaya Cave: A site of ancient people from the Paleolithic era has been discovered.
  • Road to Krasnaya Polyana: Construction under the supervision of engineer V.K. Konstantinov.
  • Monuments: Bas-relief to Konstantinov and a monument to the Red Army soldiers who died in the 1920s during the Civil War.

Safety

It is recommended to observe safety precautions, choose safe routes, avoid hiking in bad weather and use insurance in dangerous areas. The best time to visit is late May – early June.

A visit to the Akhtsu gorge gives unique sensations and unforgettable impressions from the views, rich vegetation and historical monuments.

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