The upper reaches of Malaya Laba represent one of the most picturesque corners of the Caucasian reserve. This direction is not so famous as Kardyvach, where the main stream of tourists is directed, and in this, plus the trek to the upper reaches of Malaya Laba. It is a real trek and solitude with nature. The place that we use for the camp is ideal for lovers of leisurely, contemplative pastime. Are you fond of yoga? Imagine a lesson in the fir forest at the confluence of two mountain rivers overlooking the snow-capped peaks, where from the sounds only the sound of water and the singing of birds. Here, in the upper reaches of the Malaya Laba, the highest mountain ranges of the reserve – Pseashkha, Skalistaya, Tsakhvoa, Chelipsi – are concentrated. The main source of Malaya Laba originates on the northern slope of the Aishkho pass. This pass, which is a deep depression in the Main Dividing Range, has been known since ancient times and has long served as a link for peoples living on the southern and northern slopes of the North-Western Caucasus. Now through the pass the main tourist trail runs along the shore of the Malaya Laba and connects the villages of Psebai and Krasnaya Polyana.
Here there are all forms of mountain relief: age-old fir forests, vast subalpine meadows, alpine meadows. On the Pure river there is an impressive waterfall.
A long, steep ascent leads from the Pure valley to the pearl of the local places – the Turquoise Lakes. They are rightly considered to be one of the most picturesque lakes of the Caucasian reserve. The largest of the lakes is located at an altitude of 2,538 m. Its area is about 6,000 sq. M. In a calm, clear weather, the majestic peak of the Needle Head (3168.5 m), which from this angle looks very much like the Alpine peak of the Matterhorn, reflects in its enormous growth.
Near the Big Turquoise is located the Small Turquoise Lake. It lies at an altitude of 2515 m and is inferior in size to its upper neighbor – the area of its water mirror is about 2000 square meters. m.
Above the course of the river Pure path leads to the glacier Pseashkh. There are beautiful views of the mountain range Tsakhvoa (3345 m.) – the highest point of the Krasnodar Territory, and the ridge Pseashha.
The best time to visit the tops of Malaya Laba is from July to October, when the snow finally falls in the Alpine zone, and the lakes are free of ice and appear before the traveler in all their glory.
The route to the upper reaches of the Malaya Laba and the valley of the Chistaya River is designed for three days and involves an overnight stay in tents. Half of the route runs along a wide marked trail, equipped with bridges and recreational areas. A part of the route passes in the zone of subalpine tall grass and crooked areas, where the paths are poorly expressed and movement requires certain skills and patience. Therefore, this route is better suited for those who already have experience in mountain autonomous travel.
The best time to visit the upper reaches of Malaya Laba is from mid-July to mid-October, when the snow finally falls in the alpine zone, and the lakes are free of snow and appear before the traveler in all their glory.
Route to the upper reaches of the Little Lab and the valley of the river. Clean is designed for three days and involves spending the night in tents. Half of the route runs along a wide marked trail, equipped with bridges and recreational areas. A part of the route passes in the zone of subalpine tall grass and crooked areas, where the paths are poorly expressed and movement requires certain skills and patience. Therefore, this route is better suited for those who already have experience in mountain autonomous travel.