Bolshoy Thach nature park

Bolshoy (Big) Thach is the nature park of regional significance located in Maykop District, the Republic of Adygea. The park was established by a decree of the President of the Republic of Adygea №244, 8 October 1997. Total area of the park is 3705 ha. Bolshoy Thach, together with other protected territories was included into the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Western Caucasus” in 1999.

The nature park spans the middle and the upper parts of the Sakhray River valley, western sides and part of the plateau of Bolshoy Thach Mountain, the first spur of Bolshoy Thach Mountain, eastern sides of Slesarny Ridge, head of the Maly Sakhray River, and heads of the Slesarnya and Afonka Rivers. Highest point - 2486 m - Acheshbok (Devil’s Gates) Mountain located in southern part of the nature park. Most famous geographical site of the park is Bolshoy Thach Mountain. Such geographical sites as Maly Thach Mountain, Slesarnya Mountain, Kolokolnya Rock, Afonka Rock and Shestakov Glade wholly or partially situated on the territory of the park are also well known. Sources of rivers Bolshoy Sakhray, Maly Sakhray, Afonka, Slesarnya and Shisha are located on the territory of Bolshoy Thach nature park.

 

Photo: Alexander Yarmolitsky