Mala Ritsa
Mala Ritsa is a small mountain lake in Abkhazia, 5 km west of the more famous Velika Ritsa. It is only about 530 meters long, but up to 76 meters deep, and there are much fewer people here. It lies at an altitude of 1,235 meters, in the basin of the Yupshara River.
The lake appeared, most likely, after a collapse: a part of Mount Przegyshhwa once slipped, blocked the flow of water and blocked the basin. It's not easy to get here - the path is steep, with scree and fallen trees, so few reach it. But there will be no crowds.
The lake is at its fullest in the spring, when the snow melts, because it is fed only by precipitation. The water is clear for eighteen meters, but there are no fish, only newts and frogs, and the cold mountain water is not very inspiring for swimming.
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is Little Rytsia and how does it differ from Big Rytsia?
A small mountain lake in Abkhazia, 5 km to the west of the more famous Velika Ritka. It is only about 530 m long, but up to 76 m deep, and there are much fewer people here.
At what height is the lake?
At 1235 m above sea level, in the basin of the Yupshara River.
Where did this lake come from?
Most likely, a part of Mount Przegyshhwa once collapsed, blocked the flow of water and flooded the basin - that's how the lake was formed.
How to get there and is it easy?
Be prepared to sweat: the path is steep, with scree and fallen trees, so few people get here. But there will be no crowds.
When is it better to go and is it worth swimming?
The lake has the most water in the spring, when the snow melts - it is fed only by precipitation. The water is clear for 18 meters, but there are no fish, only newts and frogs, and the cold mountain water is not very inspiring for swimming.