In the Western Caucasus, between two ranges - Baduksky and Hadzhibey - there are picturesque mountain lakes, which were called Lower Baduksky, or as they say local - Baduki. Between the mountain ranges, they cascaded from three reservoirs. Upstream there are one more small lakes - Upper Badukskie, but due to the heavy cross, they are less known and popular.
Briefly about the main thing
In the territory of the Teberdinsky reserve (Karaevo-Cherkess Republic, Russia) there are Baduk lakes. How to get to them, every local knows. These ponds are the main decoration of the protected area. They were formed as a result of the spill of the Baduk River, the left tributary of the Teberda.
The origin of the Baduk lakes is zavalno-dam. Their history spans about 200 years. They were formed as a result of the collapse of part of the mountain, which blocked the path of the river flow. The nearest settlement is the city of Teberda, also located in the reserve.
Baduk lakes have ordinal names: First, Second and Third. The order of counting starts from the lowest reservoir.
First lake
The smallest is the First Lake (only 80 m). A pond of medium depth, the maximum value of which is within 4.5 m. The shores of the lake are made of granite. Around it stretch beautiful forests. The water in the lake is cool throughout the year, and on the hottest days it does not warm up more than to + 5 ° . Baduk lakes are located at a certain distance. From the first to the second it is only 260 meters.
Second lake
At an altitude of almost 2,000 m above sea level, the Second Lake is located. Its size is twice as large as that of the First and is 200 m. The distance from the Second to the Third is 60 m. It is worth noting that Baduk lakes have different natural features of the coastline. The hiking route does not imply an approach to the water of the Second Lake. This is mainly due to the complex and dangerous coast.
Third lake
The third body of water, which is also called the Big Baduk Lake, is the largest and deepest of the entire cascade. Its dimensions exceed the length of 300 m, the maximum depth of the reservoir - 9 meters. Water in the Third Baduk Lake warms up in the hot season to + 10 ° C, this figure is the highest among all the others. Another difference of the Third Lake from others is the amazing transparency of the water, which has a turquoise color. It even has trout.
Natural features
Baduk lakes are surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Coniferous and fir forests and two mountain ranges - Baduksky and Khadzhibinsky give them special beauty.
Since 1994, this place has been a biosphere reserve. On the shores of lakes and in the nearby forests - more than 1,000 diverse representatives of the flora, 500 species of mushrooms, more than 50 species of mammals, almost 3,000 species of various insects and more than 200 species of birds. There are some rare animals listed in the Red Book. But the ichthyofauna in the lakes and the Baduk River is very scarce, represented by only three species of fish.
Route "Dombay - Baduk Lakes"
A special walking route has been developed for visitors to Baduk Lakes. It is quite popular among tourists. This depends primarily on the fact that it is lightweight and does not require a special tourist category and training. The route begins from the village of Dombay, which, moreover, has been developing rapidly lately. Currently, this settlement can be called a tourist center with confidence. Here you can relax at the bases, go skiing and snowboarding.
From Dombay to the beginning of the walking route to the lakes, you must overcome a distance of 13 km (by car). It is here that the border of the reserve. The further path that will have to be overcome in order to visit Baduk Lakes is paid. The entire walking route includes 5-6 hours on foot in one direction. During this time, you can inspect all three reservoirs. It is on the Third Lake that you can organize a tourist overnight stay and enjoy the landscapes of unearthly beauty. However, in order to stay overnight on the coast, permission from the administration of the reserve will be required.
The length of the walking route is 5 km. Organized exits are arranged from June to November. Since November, the slopes are covered with constant snow cover and hiking is prohibited.