Polikarya, Mountain waterfall in Krasnaya Polyana, Russia
Polikarya is a waterfall that drops 70 meters down mountain slopes in Krasnaya Polyana, fed by glacier melt from the Aibga Ridge. The water plunges in a series of cascades through the steep terrain within Sochi National Park, creating layers of flowing water over rocky surfaces.
The waterfall was discovered and mapped by mountaineers in the early 20th century as the region became a destination for alpinists. Integration into Sochi National Park during the 1980s established its protected status and made it accessible to visitors.
Local residents of Krasnaya Polyana maintain traditions of guiding visitors through mountain paths to experience the natural water formations of the Caucasus.
Access is via marked trails from Krasnaya Polyana, which climb uphill and require steady walking effort. The best time to visit is from May through August, when paths are dry and water flow is abundant.
Patches of snow and ice often persist at the base even in summer months, giving the area a year-round cool alpine feeling. The surrounding rock walls show visible layers of different colored stone, revealing the mountain's geological history to observant visitors.
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