Majestic Elbrus has long been a place where a person challenges himself and unpredictable grief. Unfortunately, there are still cases when the top wins. She does not tolerate a frivolous attitude towards herself. And, being the highest point in Russia, it has the right to do so. For those who are not yet ready to challenge and take risks, there are numerous attractions of Elbrus. For their sake, it’s worth going here, breaking away from work, TV and the daily bustle.
Location Elbrus
This is the name of the area that occupies the territory of Kabardino-Balkaria in the Central Caucasus region, the neighborhoods closest to the mountain itself and the entire Baksan Gorge with its ski resorts and numerous attractions. The history of these places is closely connected with the events of the Second World War. Along the banks of the Baksan River and the nearest ridge passed the defensive border of Soviet troops. In memory of the hostilities that took place here, at an altitude of 3000 meters (the station "Old Horizon"), the Museum of Military Glory was opened .
The climate in this area is temperate continental, with a large number of sunny days in winter, rainy and cool summers, foggy and gloomy in autumn and spring, which is characterized by “mood swings”. So those who love the sights of Elbrus region come to these parts at any time of the year. And those who wish to climb the highest mountain in Europe - from July to October. Numerous resorts, both ski and mineral waters, have made Elbrus region famous around the world. And its snowy tracks are on the list of the most difficult on the planet.
Chanthurei Lakes
According to the legend of the local population, once 3 brothers stopped for the night with their herds in the valley. But the earth swallowed them, forming three lakes at the site of the parking lot. Back in the 20th century there were just so many reservoirs, but only two have survived now, since the earth has reopened and absorbed the waters of one of them. A pit remained in its place. Locals still do not like to visit this territory, fearing the perfidy of the elements. The lakes are located at an altitude of 1082 m above sea level. Their depth is simply amazing - more than 200 meters. Previously, they were divided into Big (0.54 km 2 ) and Small (35 km 2 ) lake.
These sights of Elbrus are especially visited in the summer. Lakes and a pit are located in a picturesque valley surrounded by alpine meadows and small fishing lines. The place is located near the village of Kamennomostskoye. It is visited all year round, as the water at any time maintains a temperature of +15 degrees, which is conducive to swimming in it.
Sultan Waterfall
Waterfalls are the natural attractions of Elbrus. The most visited of them are the Sultan and the Girl’s braids. The first waterfall is one of the most picturesque natural monuments of these places. It is located in the inaccessible tract of Jily-Su, which makes it even more desirable for tourists. Nearby there are no towns, no hotels, no mobile towers. Therefore, we can assume that it is located in the wild, where you can only meet shepherds and climbers, heading for Elbrus.
Sultan Waterfall is located at the very top of the Malka River, which begins on the Ullu-Chiran Glacier. Further, rapidly gaining speed, it breaks through a narrow canyon and falls from a height of more than 40 meters. But not only this water falling down with a big crash down attracts tourists here. Just 100 meters below it are the famous warm and healing springs of Jily-Su.
This is the Elbrus region. Attractions here alternate with each other. When visiting one natural monument, you should “grab” a couple more along the way. You can get to the Sultan Falls either by the developed walking route, or by renting an SUV with a driver.
Donguz Lake Orun Köl
This pond attracts travelers with its unusual color. Although the name, translated from the Kabardino-Balkarian language, sounded like “near the pork paddock”, it should have scared away the curious. It is located on the border between Russia and Georgia at an altitude of 3100 m between two peaks - Donguz-Orun-Bashi (4450 m) and Nakra-tau (4228 m). Its three-color color directly depends on the glaciers feeding it, each of which in its melt waters carries a certain composition of minerals. It is they who paint the reservoir in 3 shades, between which there is a clear boundary.
To get to the glacial lake, you will have to overcome a simple route for hikers: from the Cheget glade, a 50-minute path along horizontal terrain will lead to a pond. It is better not to approach the lake, admiring them from afar. Its shores are very boggy and pose a danger to tourists. But the alpine meadows surrounding it with their forbs, among which there are many medicinal and rare plants, are the sights of Elbrus. The description of the flora of this area does not coincide with what really appears before the eyes. The glades covered with black tulips, which are endemic to Mount Cheget , are especially impressive.
Mount Donguz-Orunbashi
This mountain is no less popular with climbers than Elbrus itself. Its hills and slopes are another attraction of the Elbrus region. The height of the mountain is 4454 meters. It allows you to gain experience for beginners in climbing and get your own “set” of impressions. For those who do not professionally climb mountaineering, there is the Chegeti cableway. At its final stop there are several cafes where you can have a good time and warm up.
For those who want to test their strengths, a pedestrian path is opened from the Chegeti glade along the found path. This path is quite complicated, especially for beginners. Therefore, walking without a guide is not recommended - you can get lost in the mountains. Almost all the time, Donguz-Orunbashi mountain is covered with snow and ice. This makes the summit dangerous: it is better not to conquer it without special equipment. But after rising to the peak, you can see other attractions of Elbrus (Russia) - a lake, a river and a glacier, reminiscent of the number 7 in its shape.
Polyana Azau
This is the name of the highest place in Elbrus region, in which people live. Located at an altitude of 2300 meters, near the village of Terskol, it is the foot of Elbrus, as it adjoins it. In the hotels and camp sites located here, not only climbers preparing to conquer the mountain settle, but simply lovers of wild mountain nature. By the way, you can admire her both from the window of the room, and from numerous cafes and restaurants.
Glade of Azau is a very picturesque place with clean air and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Therefore, regardless of the season and the presence of snow, there are always tourists here who have set a goal to explore all the sights of Elbrus region (Russia / Caucasus).
Baksan River
This river begins with the glaciers of Elbrus. On its banks are an observatory, mountaineering camps and the Elbrusier National Park, whose attractions attract thousands of tourists every year. The river was chosen by fishermen and rafting enthusiasts. If it were not for the industrial plant that affects the purity of its waters, it would be not only the longest river in the Caucasus, but also the cleanest.