​You will encounter great biodiversity while on the trail. In the forest it is not unusual to come across red deer, which inhabit the whole Caucasus Mountain region. For the lepidopterists among you, butterfly life is diverse and abundant. You will see birds of prey circling overhead, including the eastern imperial eagle. While on the trail keep a watchful eye out for the ‘gurza’ snake – a small black-grey viper that is poisonous, but will swiftly slither into the nearest bush when it detects approaching footsteps. Brown bears do inhabit higher forested regions, but very rarely encroach on the human population. Apart from that, you are likely to encounter herds of cows blocking the trail. The animals are extremely docile, do not be afraid to pass by them.

Edible Forest

​Brambles/blackberries are the most abundant fruit on the trail in August and September. They are a fairly good source of iron, vitamin C and antioxidants, and are generally eaten fresh, in preserves, or in baked goods.

​They are often accompanied by elderberry bushes. These berries can be eaten raw but are usually cooked in a variety of sweet or savory dishes. They are used to make jams, jellies and syrups and are grown commercially for the juice market. The fruit is also used locally in the preparation of vodka and traditional medicines.

​Similarly abundant is the hip fruit, also known as rose hip or dog rose. It is used in the region to make tea, especially during sickness because of its vitamin C content. However, it can cause bowel difficulties if eaten in large quantities.

​Another fruit that you will see throughout the trail is the cornel (Cornelian Cherry), or dogwood. Like the above mentioned plants, this small, red fruit ripens in August and September. It is good for making jams and preserves. Again, it is used locally in the vodka making process. 

Although more of a rarity, it is possible to come across mint on the trail. Take clippings of the leaves to be used in brewing tea or food flavourings.

​In more wet pastures – namely on approach to Mount Khustup – you will see hogweed or cow parsnip plant, which is indigenous to the region. Be careful around this plant because it contains a toxic sap that can cause severe skin irritation or even burns when exposed to UV light. This plant can be eaten raw if the skin is removed (not advisable for non-exerts) and is also used as preserve.

​Hazelnuts appear from late August, and walnut can be gathered from September to November.

​In July and August can find a lot of plums along the trail. Wild apples and pears are also abundant, ripening late summer. Peaches are at their sweetest after the first frost in November or December.
Wild garlic is also available between April and June.

​A wide range of local herbs sprout between March and May, which are used to make local bread ‘zhengalov hatz’.