If locals of Abkhazia call their homeland “Land of the soul”, then the excursion to Lake Ritsa can be labeled as a trip to the “mirror” of this soul. The natural landmark is a true reflection of the whole essence of the region, its picturesque nature – crystal clear lakes surrounded by majestic mountains.
What is known about Lake Ritsa among tourists
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Lake Ritsa is known among travelers primarily for the beauty of its waters. At different times of day and seasons they change, becoming amber-emerald, topaz. The purity of the water is confirmed by the fact that there are trout living in the lake.
This is the deepest body of water in Abkhazia – 116 meters. The Ritza was formed by a rock slide that blocked the course of a small river.
Flora and fauna of the lake and its surroundings
The banks of the Ritsa are famous for their dense fir and boxwood groves. Bellflowers, endangered lilies, and primroses grow here.
The reservoir is inhabited by trout, crucian carp, carp, whitefish and chub were acclimatized. In the forests of the national park you can meet roe deer, deer, chamois, wild boar and forest cats. The sky above Rica belongs to the proud swift peregrine falcons and golden eagles. In the woods nest grouse and Caucasian grouse.
Local guides advise tourists to be careful not to step on a poisonous Caucasian viper.
Nearby attractions
Journey to the Ritza does not do without getting to know the main local attractions:
- Gegsky waterfall. Streams falling from a height of 70 meters washed out at the foot of the rock grotto. Its water is so pure that it is suitable for drinking. And the beauty of the Gega waterfall is evidenced by the fact that it has been used as a backdrop in many movies. In particular, the famous confrontation scene between Sherlock Holmes and Professor Moriarty was filmed here.
- Blue Lake. It’s a small 180-square-meter pond that never freezes. Its temperature is always within the +10 ° C mark.
- Maiden’s Tears Falls. The height of the stream is very small – only a few meters from the surface of the earth. Tour buses make an obligatory stop at the natural landmark. Travelers tie colorful ribbons on the branches of the shrubs, while making a wish. In addition, coins are pressed into the rocks.
- The Falls of Men’s Tears. It is a narrow trickle of water falling down from a rocky crevasse. Flora lovers are attracted by the variety of plant species surrounding it.
- Lake Malaya Ritsa. The reservoir does not have the same infrastructure as the main natural attraction of the park, but the surrounding scenery attracts many tourists. Malaya Ritsa is 360 meters above sea level and there is no road to it. Lovers of beautiful views and wildlife hike 5 km to admire the surroundings of the lake.
- Stalin’s dacha. One of the few attractions of the national park, created not by nature, but by man. An inconspicuous green building in the forest was built in 1947 especially for the leader of the peoples. The interior of the room has survived, not replete with luxuries or precious trimmings. Of the furnishings, which can be considered expensive, – only furniture made of precious wood. Separately, guides draw visitors’ attention to the mirrors, made in such a way that when you look at them you can see the whole room.
What is usually included in the excursions to Lake Ritsa in Abkhazia
The trip to Lake Ritsa usually includes a transfer to the national park and the reservoir (there and back). Travelers are encouraged to have lunch at a nearby cafe before heading out. At the reservoir itself you can rent a boat, boat or catamaran for walks on the smooth surface of the lake surrounded by mountains.
Fans of fishing can try to catch one of the inhabitants of Ritza.
Depending on the time of the trip, it is possible to visit nearby attractions.
What time is better to choose the tour
Tourists who have visited the pond claim that it is best to come to him in the summer. In the warm season, you can take a boat, catamaran or boat ride on the Ritza, and the surrounding nature shines with all possible colors.
In addition, the road to the lake is less dangerous in summer than in rainy autumn, spring or winter. The path goes through mountain gorges, which in bad weather can be dangerous.
The cost of popular excursions to Lake Ritsa
The price of popular excursions to the main natural attraction of Abkhazia depends on whether the trip is group or individual. The cost of the latter is higher, but also the quality of service on such routes is better.
From Gagra
A trip from Gagra will cost 1 thousand 400 rubles for 1 person as part of the excursion. The cost of personal tours starts from 6 thousand 700 rubles.
From Sukhum
Small excursion groups (up to 7 people) to the lake are organized from Sukhum. The price for a 10-hour trip will be 2 thousand 200 rubles per vacationer. Personal trips will cost from 10 thousand rubles.
From Pitsunda
Bus group excursion to Lake Ritsa from Pitsunda. You can take part in the event for 1 thousand 400 rubles per person. The price of the tour, separate from the group, starts from 7 thousand rubles.
From New Athos
From Novy Afon to Ritsa can be reached as part of individual jeep tours. The cost of such trips ranges from 12-18 thousand rubles.
Routes for independent excursions to Lake Ritsa and its surroundings
To get to the lake on your own can only be a private car – public transport to the National Park does not go. Most sections of the track are paved with asphalt. First you have to drive from Gagra to the bridge over the river Bzyb on highway E60, and just before the crossing turn left. Further on the road, going through a mountain gorge, you have to drive 54 km.
From Pitsunda the route to the lake is exactly the same.
From New Athos or Sukhum you should go in the direction of the village. Blabyrhua, then turn in the direction of the lake. Travelers will have to overcome 85 km of road through the scenic gorges.
