The Caucasus Mountains are very beautiful, which is why many tourists come here. The republic itself is very rich in lakes, there are deciduous and pine forests, special attractions that are recommended to see, most of them are located near the mountains.
Elbrus
It is considered the highest mountain in Europe and is an extinct volcano. The mountain has two peaks, one in the east, the other in the west, at an altitude of more than 5000 m and more. There is snow on the mountains, even if it’s hot. Every year, many tourists come to Elbrus to climb it. It should be noted that a cable car was made here, and nearby you can find a hotel or restaurants. Experienced tourists say that healing springs are located nearby.
The word "Elbrus" is translated from Zend - it is such a people that once ruled Iran - as a "high mountain."
The weather in the mountains of Kabardino-Balkaria in the Elbrus region is this: in the summer it is cool, usually humid. At an altitude of 2000 m, the maximum temperature in summer is + 35. The higher the altitude, the lower the temperature, it becomes 10 degrees less by 3000 m. Somewhere in early September, the autumn period begins, at the peaks of about 3000 m, autumn begins in October. The higher, the thicker the snow cover, and it can reach 50 meters. And in early May, spring comes. At an altitude of more than 5000 m, snow will not melt at all, even if air and temperature are favorable for this.
Girl braids
This waterfall is located in the mountains of Kabardino-Balkaria and is a place worth seeing. If you find the Terskol mountain peak, then on the slope you will just see this waterfall.
If you look at the jets of water that flow down, it seems as if this girl had spread her hair. The waterfall is 30 m in height. Judging by the lower part, its width is about 15 m.
Upstairs is a glacier called Gara-Bashi, it is melting, a waterfall flows from it. It is very beautiful, there are amazing and picturesque views, and if you come here in the warm season, you can cool off.
Kumkyugenkaya
It belongs to the mountains of Kabardino-Balkaria and is located in the Chegem volcanic region, with a height of more than 3000 m. As you can see for yourself, there are interesting figures on the plateau itself. The main peak is Kutyube. On the plateau you can find a lake.
Just in order to look at these figures, many tourists come here. Some figures resemble people, others - animals and camels. Tourists laugh because there are figures reminiscent of the characters in films and cartoons.
Relaxation
In Kabardino-Balkaria, relaxing in the mountains can be very exciting. To do this, you can arrange an excursion, go to the Blue Lakes or go to a ski resort in Elbrus region.
If you go to the village of Terskol, it is best to relax here from November to April. Ski slopes can be found near Elbrus and Mount Cheget. There are three tracks on Elbrus, even a beginner can ride here.
On Cheget they are a little more complicated, and the slopes there are more dangerous. If you want to snowboard, it is best on the slopes of the mountain, because they have the most snow.
Near the Cherek-Balkar River, you can find the Blue Lakes. There are 5 lakes , they are located at an altitude of 800 m above sea level. The depth exceeds 300 m. The lake has very clear water, so a dive center has been specially built on the shore. Here you can find locker rooms, a training room for equipment, storage, a compressor room, and camp sites.
Mother mountain
In addition to the above names of mountains, Kabardino-Balkaria is also famous for others, among them you can recall Dykhtau, Koshtantau, Ulu-Tau. It is worth noting that the latter is called Mother Mountain in Kabardino-Balkaria.
Shamans come here in search of solitude, and there are also rumors that the mountain is curing infertility. An interesting fact is that all women who have visited the mountain with a request to cure this disease have become pregnant.
In the Caucasus, such legends have been transmitted for many years. But the mountain will not fulfill all the little things, only the most important and treasured.
The mountain is very majestic, pristine beauty is visible there. People who came here say that this place gives the impression of a real temple.
Tourists should remember that Mount Ulutau in Kabardino-Balkaria requires special attention when climbing it!
- It is necessary to refuse meat, not to eat it. The benefits of civilization are also prohibited.
- There is a special house where all the guests of the mountain come, and you will not find electricity there, in order to warm water or food, make a bonfire.
- Next, meditation is performed, it is like a prayer.
- You need to take a piece of fabric, write a desire on it to formulate your dream, after it is tied to a tree, which is located near the mountain.
Scientists in no way can explain what is happening here, there is a hypothesis that the mountain is like an antenna, which provides communication with higher forces. The mountain favors women, but also fulfills the wishes of men.
Mother Mountain in Kabardino-Balkaria is located in the Elbrus region national reserve. Near it there is a base for tourists and climbers.
If you are going there, go from the Minvod to Nalchik and Kislovodsk. It is better to go by train, or go by plane.
If you are in Mineralnye Vody or already nearby cities, you can come across an offer of excursions. It is worth noting that it can be expensive, because there is a border zone nearby, you will need a sightseeing visa. In connection with this fact, it is best to contact a travel agency.
You will reach about 50 kilometers to Elbrus, then you will see a waterfall and gorge, from here you need to go on a lift with a car, there is a road in the forest, you will drive about 12 km to the camp. After that you will find the climbers camp. You should be aware that after this camp you will have to walk to Ullu-Tau Mountain in Kabardino-Balkaria.
Remember that if you are heading on your own transport, then you must pre-order a special pass for the car, otherwise you will not be allowed into the border zone.
But on the way you can meet people who sell all sorts of things made of wool and the like. Border guards walk around the territory - they can check their passport.
When asked in Kabardino-Balkaria, how to get to Mother Mountain - Ulu-Tau, it is better to act as experienced tourists. They do this: take a ticket to Nalchik, get there either by plane, or by train, or somehow. From Nalchik go to the village of Upper Box. The stop of transport is called Adyr-su gorge. And then go out, go up on the lift, walk to the camp. Then you sit down and ask how to go on a hike to the mountain. Near Ullu-Tau you will find at the foot of the wish tree, a stone, where people also leave their notes.
Holy mountain
Mount Ulu-Tau in Kabardino-Balkaria is considered sacred, refers to places of power. There are a lot of such places in the Caucasus, there is indeed a powerful energy industry that people have noted more than once. Near the mountain, a shaman ritual is performed with the help of tambourines. All energy centers open, information about the future and answers to questions are obtained. Near the mountain is the Silver Key, it is healing, because there is a lot of silver. Therefore, water can cure many diseases. You can take it with you in a bottle and bring it home.
In the mountains of Kabardino-Balkaria, photos are always beautiful, because there are amazing places. It is recommended to take photos and video equipment, you can go to a village called Eltyub. This place is considered abnormal, because there is something strange going on over time. The clock starts to lag or does not go. If you leave milk or meat even in the summer, nothing will happen to them.
Dykhtau
Translated as "Steep Mountain". It is considered after Elbrus the second highest. There are two high peaks, more than 5000 m. You can also highlight the peak of Pushkin. There are more than 10 routes laid by climbers. Bezengi’s climbers camp is also located there.
Also sometimes called Dyrhau "Toothed Mountain." Compared to Elbrus, the mountain does not look too huge. However, compared with others, it is quite formidable. Its slopes are covered with snow that does not melt, and there are also hanging glaciers. The path to the top is very difficult.
It's a funny fact - this place is also sometimes called the presidium in the Caucasus, since it is here that all the highest mountains, five thousand meters, seem to have specially gathered, but there is no Kazbek and Elbrus.
Kostantau
The name comes from the word "Kosh", which means "home" or "parking". And if you look at the mountain from afar, it becomes clear that it is very much like a tent. Kostantau is an inaccessible mountain, itself quite high. The approximate height of the mountain is more than 5000 meters. It is popular among climbers, despite the danger and the ability to die when climbing it. Clouds seem to float near its majestic peaks, and at dawn the sun paints the mountain in amazing colors.
Shkhara
This word means "striped." Shkhara is the highest point in the main Caucasian ridge. It is also the highest point in Georgia. The main peak of Shkhara reaches more than 5000 km. Near the southern slope you can find a village called Ushguli. UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site.
Shkhara is part of the so-called Bezengi wall. This site is almost 12 m long. It is located in the highest part of this ridge. There is not one peak, but five. The wall also includes a peak named after Shota Rustaveli.
To get to the village, you should go from Nalchik and get to the village of Bezengi. Then you need to drive 15 km along the road, but it is recommended to take an SUV, since the road is unpaved. Near the camp of climbers you will see a bridge that leads across the Cherek River. It is from there that you can see a piece of the above wall. By the way, there is electricity in the camp, you can go to the dining room, take a shower, live in tents or in a house, and there is also a cellular connection.
Most often climbers spend the night here and rest before the next conquest of one of the slopes of Shkhara.
Donguzorun, Nakratau
If you want to know what mountains in Kabardino-Balkaria can still surprise a tourist, then read about these. Have you ever been on an excursion to Elbrus or traveled from Mineralnye Vody? Surely they were on the cable car and drove into Mount Cheget. In addition to Elbrus, they most likely showed you Donguzorun. It has a height of more than 4000 m, there is also a glacier, it is called "Seven" - because of the contour. There is also a lake.
Actually, the mountain became known by the name of the lake. Once upon a time, Svans lived in these places, they raised pigs. Therefore, the name of the lake and designates the place where these animals were bred.
Nakratau - her svens called "Sharp Mountain". Its height is 4269 m. It looks very beautiful, especially in the summer, although its snowy peaks never melt.
Gertybashi, Almalykaya, Mother-in-law's teeth, Kogutai
The first mountain is 4246 m high, located in the Bezengi region, hiding behind the shadow of Kostantau.
The second is very beautiful, located in the Rocky Range. Located in the Baksan Valley. If you translate its name, the translation will be "Apple Rock".
The third is also located in the Rocky Range. Nearby is a village called Bylom. If you look at the top from the south, then its name becomes clear.
The peaks of Kogutaya are the most recognizable in the Elbrus region. Naturally, except for Elbrus. They form two triangles, and at the bottom there is a glacier as if in the form of a tongue. This picture can be seen near Cheget, or on the road to Elbrus.
Bashiltau, Sugantau, Salynantau
The first mountain is located on the border of Georgia and Kabardino-Balkaria. She has a very beautiful shape: in the form of a pyramid. A glacier called Bashir originates on the slopes; it is its waters that form the source of the Chegem River.
The height of the second is 4487 m. As you know, the Side Ridge is located nearby, there is a separate section. So, this mountain is the highest point of this site. Very often the ridge is called the Sugan Alps.
The third is located near the region of Chegem and Bezengi, its passes are difficult to pass, on some there is a border between our country and Georgia.
Advice
To get to Kabardino-Balkaria, you must first come to the city of Nalchik. You can fly by plane, can also be reached by train.
If you drive your own car or with friends, then you will need the M4 highway. It follows the route from Moscow, passes through the city of Rostov-on-Don, through Mineralnye Vody, through Baksan, then through Tyrnyauz, and then you need to go to Terskol.
For the night you can stay in various sanatoriums, in tourist campsites, recreation centers, climbers' bases and so on.
Many people think whether it is possible to take tents with you, but it is worth bearing in mind that if you plan to climb the mountain, then take a special insulated tent.
There is a base called Ullu Tau, it is located near the mountain of the same name. Even beginners can come here, because instructors work who will teach the basics of mountaineering.
There is also a base called Shkhelda, which can be found on the corresponding river, directly on the left bank, where the rivers Adyl-su and Shkhelda merge.
And very often they rent housing in the private sector. Tourists are advised to go to the market, where they sell various items, you can buy a horseshoe as a souvenir.
It is advisable to go to the Aushiger thermal springs and the Blue Lakes. Most often there are freeride competitions. Competitions attract enough attention of athletes, and many tourists also come to see them.