The Caucasus is famous for its legends. Mysterious stories, immortalized by the very nature of this amazing land, today attract thousands of tourists. One of the stories has become the hallmark of a unique place that is known to tourists as the Tsei Gorge in North Ossetia. Many centuries ago, local hunters went daily for prey. And they saw in the mountains the golden-horned handsome tour, big and powerful, like a boulder.
A nice place
Many daredevils tried to make him their prey, but each time a fabulous animal departed from its pursuers. And then one of the hunters dared to ask for the help of St. George. For luck, the young shooter promised to give the golden horns of the defeated round to the patron of Ossetians. However, having killed the animal, he violated this oath and left the precious trophy to himself.
He was severely punished by St. George. He turned the trickster into a stone block. The outlines of the rock are similar to the male profile in the hood, which once again reminds of a legend. And during the melting of the glaciers, it seems that tears are running down his face with which the young hunter is trying to beg forgiveness from the patron.
Features
Tsei Gorge is rich in mountain peaks of bizarre forms. Here you can observe an amazing combination of natural phenomena. The bright sun wakes up early and leaves late for rest. Therefore, the days are bright and bright, and glaciers and snowy tops shimmer in golden rays. In the gorge, amazingly clear clean air. No wonder people who suffer from pulmonary diseases take a trip here. By the way, research in this area began at the end of the nineteenth century, one of the directions was devoted to the impact of natural conditions on various ailments.
Dr. Firsov observed patients and noted that after a certain time spent there, the condition of patients with tuberculosis significantly improved. True, civilization fully came here much later. Instead of trails, a mountain road was built, and the Soviet government opened the first sanatoriums in the twenties of the last century.
Ski tourism
In addition to healing opportunities, the Tsey Gorge attracts fans of ski tourism. It is compared with the best Alpine resorts. Located between Everest and Elbrus, the gorge is equipped with beautiful slopes with lifts, recreation facilities. And do not think that only extreme people can enjoy high-speed descents here. Family holidays in a ski boarding house are no less popular.
"Green Hill" is known as the starting point of the route in three directions with a steep start, two and a half kilometers long. You can go down to the forest or to the fields, as well as along a winding ski track. Again, you can climb to the top on one of the two cable cars. Fans of the "adrenaline" slopes will have to their taste the Skazsky glacier. The thickness of the blocks reaches fifteen meters. At an almost kilometer height, a wonderful view opens up on the surroundings and the neighboring peaks covered with snow. The area is considered mastered and prepared for climbers: special sites for tent camps, routes of any complexity and the local base of the Ministry of Emergencies are at the disposal of professionals and beginners.
Sightseeing Tours
Sightseeing tours also attract tourists to the Tsey Gorge, the sights here begin with the statue of St. George, who for many centuries has been protecting these lands. Among many iconic places in North Ossetia, the Recom sanctuary, which is considered exclusively male, stands out. This is the temple of Uastirdzhi, the patron saint of travelers, warriors and hunters. It is located in a fairy glade among dense pines and granite rocks. In order to get to it, you must go along a narrow path over a cliff, where Ceydon, a stormy mountain river, roars below. It is noteworthy that the temple is assembled from logs without a single nail. Recom decorate the heads and skulls of animals sacrificed to the saint.
According to legend, Uastirdzhi himself built the temple, and the place became holy after God dropped one of the three tears here shed over the dead great warrior Bartazd. Women are not allowed to be inside the sanctuary, it is reserved only for representatives of the stronger half. There are several such structures in the gorge. You can see them by visiting the Tseyskoe Gorge and going through an excursion route.
There are many glaciers here, the largest of which are Tseysky and Skazsky. It is from them that mountain streams and rivers flowing into Ceydon originate. In some places, the channels are blocked by boulders, because of which waterfalls of various heights arise, and the flow becomes rapid and rapid.
Vegetation: trees, flowers and herbs
The vegetation here is so diverse that it is still surprising even for pundits. Mixed forests, alpine meadows, rocky vegetation and shrubs. In addition, the Tsey Gorge offers relaxation to inveterate foresters. In the season, you can take your time to collect a rich harvest of lingonberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries, as well as various edible mushrooms.
Tsey gorge pleases with flowers in the summer. On the meadows bright islands stand out stars, pink flax, timothy and Caucasian scabiosis, which is customary to add to any bouquet here.
Housing and infrastructure
You can stay at the hotels. "Fairy Tale" - one of the comfortable places that is known among visitors to the Tsei Gorge. North Ossetia is hospitable, but here you can appreciate it at the highest level in the literal sense of the word. Almost two thousand meters above sea level, pine forest, which could be more fabulous! In the immediate vicinity there is a large cafe, a sports ground with a tennis court and a cable car station. In the hotel complex there is a restaurant, a sauna, a large pool and a gym. Here you can book a tour and use the services of a professional ski instructor. Another interesting accommodation option is the Orbita Hotel. Once there was a rehabilitation center for astronauts. Well-equipped comfortable rooms, a bar, a cafe, a sauna, a bathhouse and a swimming pool are at the guests' disposal.
Alpine skiing activists choose sports facilities for their stay, which are located near ski lifts and slopes. The season for this type of holiday in Tse starts in December and lasts until the month of April. Tourists have snowmobiles, snowboards, sledges and other sports activities.
Conclusion
For the Republic of North Ossetia, the Tsei Gorge is not only a commercial recreation area. First of all, it is an opportunity to introduce visitors to the culture of a great nation, to share cultural values and traditions.