A small republic on the northern slopes of the Main Caucasian Range is one of the most picturesque corners of Russia. It is home to two ethnic groups - Kabardians and Balkars. Wonderful nature attracts many tourists here. Travelers come to climb the peaks and passes, admire the waterfalls, go skiing and recharge with the power of healing mineral water.
Elbrus
Article: Elbrus - the highest peak in Europe
Whole guidebooks can be published about the amazing nature of Kabardino-Balkaria. Mount Elbrus is considered the main miracle that attracts everyone in the Caucasus. The two-headed giant rises to a height of more than 5.5 km and noticeably dominates the ridges. It rises with a huge white cap, is visible from afar and has long turned into a visiting card of the republic.
Elbrus
Locals call the peak in their own way. Balkars - "Mingitau" or "eternal mountain", and Kabardians - "Oshkhamaho", that is, a mountain that brings happiness. The western peak is 21 m higher than the eastern one, and the distance between them reaches 3 km.
Anyone can climb closer to the top of Elbrus using a modern cable car. At altitudes of about 3.8 km, eternal snows and a huge firn field, consisting of 23 glaciers, begin. In some places, the thickness of the ice shell reaches 400 m. Here large rivers originate - Baksan, Malka and Kuban.
Elbrus region like a magnet attracts climbers, mountain tourists, rock climbers and ski lovers. The main infrastructure for recreation is located south of Elbrus.
Chateau Erken castle
Waterfalls
Thanks to rocky gorges and turbulent rivers, there are many beautiful waterfalls in the mountains of Kabardino-Balkaria. The most famous are the Chegem waterfalls, which are located 55 km from Nalchik. Above the Big Chegem waterfall, there are two smaller waterfalls. People come to see them not only from the capital of the republic, but also from Mineralnye Vody. A small tourist infrastructure has been created near the remarkable place - a cafe and a small hotel.
On the southern slopes of Terskol there is a picturesque waterfall "Maiden Spit". It is enough to look at the winding streams of water spreading over the rock, and it becomes clear where this name came from. The stream running from the mountain glacier Gara-Bashi falls from a height of 30 m. The waterfall is wide - up to 15 m and so noisy that it is difficult to talk next to it.
Chegem Waterfalls
The 60-meter-high Gedmishh waterfall is called the "Tsar's crown". The water flows down in a semicircle from the steep cliff and forms many foaming streams. A beautiful waterfall is born from a spring that gushes out from under a huge stone 100 m above a steep rock ledge.
On the Cheget River, you can see the unique Abai-Su waterfall, named after the well-aimed hunter Abai. The water in it rushes down from a height of 72 m. The waterfall is surrounded by the coniferous forests of the Chegem reserve. Approaching the gorge, tourists feel a water suspension in the air, similar to a thick fog. Nearby there are excellent meadows for camp, so many bivouac and stay for 2-3 days.
Abai-Su waterfall
One of the most spectacular waterfalls - Sultan is located far from the road. To get to it, you need to get to the upper reaches of the mountain river Malka. In 3 km from the ice "cap" of Elbrus, the river rushes into a narrow canyon and falls from a height of 40 m. Below there are mineral springs Dzhily-Su, popular among tourists.
Lakes
The Blue Lakes, popular among tourists, are located just an hour's drive from Nalchik. They got their name because of the characteristic color of the water. Five reservoirs rich in hydrogen sulfide lie at the foot of the Rocky Range. The lower lake has a huge depth - more than 270 m. Divers have been exploring it for many years. There are tourist centers near the Verkhniye Lakes.
One of the Blue Lakes (Tserik-Kol)
Lake water acquires a juicy turquoise hue in spring. Then it darkens, and in summer it becomes almost black. It is noteworthy that throughout the year the temperature of the lakes remains constant + 9.3 ° С. Although not a single river or stream flows into mountain reservoirs, about 70 million liters of pure water flows out of them every day.
5 km southeast of Kamennomostsky, you can see two Shadhurei lakes. Karst reservoirs in the basins are still poorly studied and have a depth of more than 200 m. Research is hindered by powerful underwater currents, deep channels and gyres. The water temperature in the Shadhurei lakes is also constant + 15 ° С. A real mystery for scientists!
Tower of the Abayevs (Abay Kala)
Cheget
One of the most popular places in the republic is the mountain range located 5 km south of Elbrus. The most beautiful peaks of Cheget rise above 3.5 km above sea level. Modern Cheget is a famous ski resort. The ski area is huge here, and the difficulty level is more suitable for experienced skiers than for beginners. These are extreme tracks for everyone who cannot do without risk and adrenaline rush.
Tourists are served by lifts. Many people get to the high-mountainous cafe "Ai" and enjoy the stunning views of the Caucasian ridges and peaks from the observation deck.
Amirkhan tower
There are several comfortable hotels on the Cheget glade for those who want to spend several days in the mountains. A big plus is that it is only 5 minutes walk from the comfortable accommodation to the ski lifts. There are cafes, restaurants, bars and disco clubs here. The ski season starts in November and ends in May.
Historical landmarks
The culture of the highlanders dates back more than a century, so ancient buildings have been preserved in Kabardino-Balkaria. In Nalchik you can see the high "Tower of Lovers". It was built in the middle of the 19th century as a lookout outpost. The restored tower rises in the center of the Atazhukinsky Garden. From it you can clearly see Nalchik and the entire green area of the park.
"Tower of Lovers" in Nalchik
The medieval tower of Amirkhan meets tourists in the Chereksky gorge, near the ruins of the mountain village of Shkanty. The stone building of the 17th-18th centuries stands on a large boulder and has a door, a window and a loophole.
The fortress of Totur-kala in Bezengi is of considerable age. Some historians believe that the defense tower was built in the XIV-XV centuries, while others claim that it is more than 1000 years old.
Jabo-kala castle
Of the museums of Kabardino-Balkaria, the National Museum of the Republic, which is located in Nalchik, deserves special attention. It was created in the 20s of the last century. Today museum funds number over 150 thousand exhibits. The collections gathered here tell about archaeological finds, the period of the fascist occupation, the culture and traditions of the indigenous peoples.
Tourists who use the cable car on the slope of Elbrus must visit the small museum of the Elbrus defense, located at the Mir station. In its halls one can learn about the heroic deeds of the soldiers who opposed the mountain riflemen of the German Edelweiss division and about the hard battles for the Caucasian peaks.
National Museum of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic in Nalchik
Souvenirs
What to bring from Kabardino-Balkaria? The markets in Nalchik and mountain villages sell knitted items made of goat and sheep wool. Socks, scarves, mittens, sweaters and sleeveless jackets are taken with pleasure, because they perfectly warm in frost and serve for a long time. Here you can also buy slippers made of warm sheep felt and colorful woolen carpets.
In Kabardino-Balkaria, they sell pretty pottery with picturesque flowers. For the needs of tourists, local potters have learned to make exact copies of archaeological artifacts - household items that are attributed to the ancient Koban culture.
In the Elbrus Defense Museum
Very colorful souvenirs - Caucasian daggers, forged, minted and chain mail products. In order not to have problems at the airport or train station, take a certificate from the seller that the dagger is a souvenir, otherwise it will be considered as a cold weapon.
Adults and children like dolls in national clothes. Toys in embroidered outfits are available in all souvenir shops. Especially appreciated are dolls whose dresses exactly copy the details of folk costumes and intricate mountain ornaments.
Travelers willingly buy pictures, posters and photo albums with views of Elbrus. The two-headed giant is so popular that his images are adorned with souvenir mugs, key rings, embroidery and T-shirts.
Cathedral Mosque of Nalchik
What to bring from edible souvenirs? The priority is always products and delicacies that can easily withstand the long journey home. In the markets and in stores, it is easy to buy dried lamb, goat and sheep cheeses, sweet halva, mountain honey, dogwood and unripe walnut jam, and delicious sweets made at a confectionery factory in Nalchik.
