Open the left menu near Elbrus. Rest in Elbrus region
Elbrus is not just a ski region. This is a special world, in which it is very easy to become "one's own". You just need to take a deep breath of this fresh frosty air, stunnedly turn your head to the surrounding peaks, slap your friend on the shoulder, saying Gagarin's "Let's go!", And forever forget gray everyday life, dull high-rise buildings and eternal traffic jams. They say that you come back from this land of snows and trails as a new person, which is readily believed. Dizzying heights, insanely dangerous slopes, damn exciting descents and adrenaline that beats 24 hours a day - that's what the Elbrus region is all about.
And, at the same time, this, one of the best ski regions in Russia, is still trailing behind modernization. Let this buzzword not cause a smirk: yes, there is incredible riding here, especially for the pros. And no, most of the infrastructure is not even a B, but a C-minus. The Elbrus region needs to be developed. Fortunately, at the very least, they do, but it’s still worth being prepared for meager entertainment and Soviet service when planning a trip.
How to get to Elbrus
The fastest and most convenient way to get to the Elbrus region is by plane. The nearest major airports are in Nalchik (130 km) and Mineralnye Vody (200 km). However, it is worth choosing the latter, since an order of magnitude fewer flights fly to Nalchik, for the most part these are UTair airlines. Mineralnye Vody Airport is much more developed: during the season it receives a dozen planes from many major Russian cities. And the cost of tickets here is traditionally lower.
From airports, skiers usually take private taxis, minibuses or "ski" buses, which run only during the winter season. Directions: to Tyrnyauz, the village of Elbrus and the recreation center of KBSU. From Nalchik, the journey will take from 2 to 2.5 hours, from Mineralnye Vody it will take an hour longer. The fare from Minvod - from 300 RUB by bus, from 650 RUB by shuttle bus. Prices on the page are for October 2018.
Search for air tickets to the city of Mineralnye Vody (the nearest airport to Elbrus)
By train
The nearest railway stations to the Elbrus are located in Prokhladny (150 km), Nalchik, Mineralnye Vody and Pyatigorsk (160 km). The last two points receive more trains, so it will be easier to find tickets here. The fare depends on the dates and the desired level of comfort: a seat in the SV car from Moscow will cost a little less than the cost of the flight, but for a reserved seat you will have to pay about 2900 RUB one way. Further from the railway station, you can order a transfer, a private taxi or take a bus.
By bus
Every winter, travel agencies organize ski buses from Moscow and St. Petersburg directly to the elephants of the Elbrus region. The journey will take at least 17 hours from the capital, the ticket price is from 3800 RUB.
By car
Despite the seeming remoteness of the resort, getting here by private car is not the worst option. Firstly, it is enough to pack ski equipment once and forget about it before the slopes. Secondly, the journey of 1600 km from Moscow will seem comfortable for the most part: the M-4 Don highway contributes to this. Mountain areas closer to Elbrus can cause inconvenience, but having your own car will make skiers mobile - you can ride on all slopes and save on housing by settling not at the ski lift. From Moscow, the path will pass through Rostov-on-Don, Mineralnye Vody, Baksan and Tyrnyauz.
Districts of the Elbrus region
The Elbrus region is not just a village, it is a whole ski region, which includes two ski areas (Elbrus and Cheget) and several villages: the Azau glade, the Cheget glade, Terskol, Baidaevo, Tegenekli and Elbrus.
Glade Azau - "tidbit" for ski fans. This small village is located directly at the foot of Elbrus, and when they talk about skiing “from the threshold” of the hotel, this is about it. Moreover, Azau is the highest inhabited point of the entire Elbrus region (2300 m), the paved road from civilization ends here. And right there is the main place for sports parties and recreation, as well as the start of the Elbrus Azau cable cars and the Puma gondola. In addition: hotels, camp sites, cafes, barbecues, equipment rentals, etc.
Glade Azau - "tidbit" for ski fans.
Glade Cheget is an analogue of Azau, but not at the foot of Elbrus, but at the foot of the mountain of the same name with the village. There are also a lot of cafes and hotels, where fans of freeride and virgin lands often stop. The main plus of this place: a good location to both stations of the Cheget cable cars, from which skiers are literally a couple of minutes walk away.
Terskol is located approximately in the middle between these glades, so for those who want to explore the entire Elbrus region, this is an ideal option. From here it is about 1 km to Cheget (or half an hour walk along the path through the pine forest), to Azau - 4 km or 5 minutes by car or hotel transfer. Local hotels and camp sites offer slightly lower prices for accommodation, but in terms of infrastructure development, it is even better here.
Baidayevo stands behind Terskol and the turn to Cheget, on the left bank of the Baksan River. This small village is the ancestral settlement of the Baidayev family, no more than 70 people live here all year round, therefore the atmosphere of the village is exceptionally calm and quiet. To the glade Cheget from here - 4 km, to Azau - 8 km.
A significant advantage is that Baidaevo is not an avalanche area, you can feel safe here. And the prices for accommodation, frankly, are lower.
Next comes Tegenekli, where comfortable hotels and camp sites have been built with might and main lately. For those who appreciate the convenience of rooms and the quality of service, Tegenekli is a good option. Well, for those who are eager to start every morning with an invigorating descent from the mountain, it is worth looking for more - 13 km to Azau, about 9 km to Cheget. Local hotels organize transfers for their guests, but you still have to adjust to the check-out time and pack your uniforms into the gazelles every day. But it is on the territory of Tegenekli that the famous Mountaineering and Hunting Museum named after A. Vladimir Vysotsky - an ardent admirer of the Elbrus region.
Finally, the village of Elbrus is the most remote and, perhaps, the most inconspicuous among all the villages of the Elbrus region. It is large enough, dull and far from the slopes, to be preferred to other villages in the region. But local sanatoriums and hotels located towards the exit towards the mountains are one of the most comfortable and picturesque.
Transport Elbrus
There is no public transport between all the villages of the Elbrus region, but most of the hotels organize a transfer for their guests. As a rule, guests striving for the slope are collected every morning at the reception desk and delivered at will to the lower station of Cheget or Elbrus. Back, of course, the same way. Taxi services are also popular - within 10-15 km you can arrange a trip for 200-250 RUB.
It is better, of course, to live directly at the ski lifts, in one of the clearings, or have your own car. However, it should be borne in mind that entry to Azau is closed in winter, the car will have to be left in a paid parking lot at the entrance to the village.
Resort guests in private cars will have to pay for parking, Azau hotels do not have their own parking lots.
Alpine skiing in the Elbrus region
The Elbrus region is the most beautiful region of the Caucasus, covering the vicinity of Elbrus and many peaks of the Main Range. There are two main ski areas: Elbrus-Azau and Cheget. In total, this gives skiers 12 km of cable cars and 35 km of slopes, as well as year-round skiing on certain sections of the slopes. But it is important to understand that most of the local routes are wild sections of mountains, full of hillocks and cliffs. Therefore, in the Elbrus region, every season they harvest the “harvest” of injured skiers. In a word, one must adequately assess one's forces when going to this area.
Elbrus-Azau
As you know, the height of Elbrus is 5642 m, but the highest point accessible to skiers is Gara-Bashi (3780 m above sea level). Despite its height, the skiing area here is suitable for both beginners and "pros". For the first, at the foot of the giant, a yoke is equipped to serve a gentle slope. Well, confident "middle peasants" and pros will need two lift stations - the "old" pendulum and the new gondola road. Both start from the Azau glade and run parallel to each other. From the 2nd stage (Mir station) those who wish go up on snowcats to Shelter-11, which is about 20 minutes.
In general, the slopes of Elbrus are wide and gentle blue trails, with small elevation changes and short red sections. The length of the longest route of the Stary Krugozor resort is 2.5 km with a height difference of 650 m. Some of its sections are quite accessible even for beginners. And in general, the slopes of Elbrus are less demanding on the professionalism of skiers than Cheget. Beginners will be relatively comfortable here, as well as families with children. Well, the boarders will also like the fields rich in snow relief under the second stage of the pendulum (from the Mir station). Fans of freeride and backcountry can be advised to connect in groups with guides.
Gara-Bashi can be reached from the Mir station by a snowcat, sometimes a snowcat can bring skiers even higher than the Shelter of Eleven, about 4800 m above sea level. Target? Cut the snow with an edge even in summer - this is where the year-round ski area is located.
The cost of the lift Azau - Krugozor - Mir: from 1550/800 RUB per day for an adult / child, 1900/1000 RUB - in the high season and 800/450 RUB for 1 "tourist" lift without skis. The cable car Elbrus - Azau costs 1400 RUВ for 1 day, 1600 RUB on weekends, 600/700 RUB for sightseers.
At the Shelter of Eleven, there are often winds of storm and even hurricane force. In winter, with low temperatures and deep snow, this makes it very difficult to climb to the top.
Cheget
The slopes of Che (or Cheget, 3700 m) are the patrimony of professionals, they are rightfully considered one of the best in the country. And it is here that one of the most difficult tracks in the world's ski resorts is located, which is "too tough" only for experienced skiers.
Cheget is also known as a venue for all-Russian and international competitions. However, there are areas for "new" athletes here too. Although, frankly, the concept of a “groomed track”, spent to the state of “velveteen”, is unfamiliar to local riders. Cheget is the pristine silence of the mountains and wild nature. Elevation difference - 1000 m.
Elbrus hotels
There are a lot of hotels, camp sites and sanatoriums in the Elbrus region, however, during the season, for example, on New Year's Eve, it is easy to be left without housing if you do not take care of booking in advance. The best hotels, as well as those located closest to the ski lift, despite the high prices (from 3000 RUB per night), fly like hot cakes.
The main thing to start a difficult choice of a hotel is the area. Azau and Cheget glades are the most expensive ones; for the most part, skiers who do not spare money stop here for the ideal location to the slopes. Families with children prefer Terskol or Elbrus - the first for a relatively good location and developed infrastructure, and the second for its excellent resorts with a lot of additional services. You can live on a budget and quite comfortably in Baidaevo or Tegenekli, but get ready to get to the tracks every day for 15-20 minutes by car. The most economical option is to rent an apartment from private owners, a large selection of which is in Terskol. But in this case, tourists will be deprived of the pleasant bonuses of almost all Elbrus hotels - ski storage, rental offices and roomy space for drying things.
Worth knowing: the high season on Cheget lasts from the second half of January to the end of March. And on Elbrus - from October to the end of May. This factor directly affects the cost of placement.
What to bring
At the lower stations of the lifts of Cheget and Elbrus, as well as in the center of the glades of Azau and Cheget, spontaneous markets are scattered every day, where you can find at least a bald trait. Naturally. The most popular souvenirs are hand-knitted items from goat and sheep down (very warm and pleasant). Moreover, it is extremely easy to determine by eye whether the product was made by the hands of a local craftswoman or by a machine - the latter are always worse. You can update almost the entire wardrobe: from socks and hats to sweaters, underpants and fishnet shawls. To them, to buy in addition national felt hats and boots, chuni, hats made of goat and ram skins, and the image will be completed.
Having exhausted the topic of fashionable shopping, you should pay attention to the tur horns, horseshoes and all kinds of chased and ceramic products. Finally, stock up on provisions - dried lamb, smoked cheese, halva, amazing honey or herbs.
Cafes and restaurants near Elbrus
In the "Courchevelian" sense, there is no après-ski near the Elbrus region - there are a dozen cafes and bars on the slopes, and the same number in the villages. But skiers do not complain: this is not what they come to Elbrus for. And yet, earthly food is important for skiers tired of conquering the slopes, because in the Elbrus region Caucasian cuisine is so honored - hearty, hot, meat. The best snack is the famous khychins, the drink is mulled wine (from 80-100 RUB). Average check for lunch: 300-600 RUB.
There are also a couple of places of worship worth visiting just for the sake of history. For example, cafe "Ai" on Mount Cheget at an altitude of 2750 m. Just imagine: on the right - Elbrus, on the left - Kogutai, Donguz-Orun and Nakra-Tau, in the center - skiers sunbathing and sipping hot wine. Its rival is located on Elbrus, this cafe "Old Outlook" is another meeting place that should not be changed.
The best photos of Elbrus region
Entertainment and attractions of Elbrus region
Mountains that cause wild delight and some kind of animal feeling of worship are the main local attractions. It is simply impossible to take your eyes off them or go somewhere on a cultural “excursion”. Therefore, most of the excursions are of a natural nature, not counting a couple of museums, which only serve as a pleasant addition to a vacation in the mountains. The most visited is the Mountaineering and Hunting Museum. V. Vysotsky in Tegenekli. The exposition is not rich, but touches to the depths of the soul - these are hunting trophies collected over 30 years and memorable gifts and photographs of famous people who could not imagine life without Elbrus. Among them is Vladimir Semenovich, who starred here in the title role of the sensational tape "Vertical".
Another important collection is located in Terskol - the Elbrus Defense Museum, the highest mountain in the world (3500 m above sea level).
Museum exposition. Vysotsky is not rich, but touches to the core - these are hunting trophies collected over 30 years and memorable gifts and photographs of famous people who could not imagine life without Elbrus.
No less popular is the famous "Polyana Narzanov", which is located near the village of Baidaevo. In fact, the sources of this healing water spring up almost everywhere in the Elbrus region, but the most convenient one is located here, about three kilometers from Terskol. The glade, surrounded by a fluffy pine forest, is equipped with benches, gazebos, a cafe, two baths and parking. The mineral springs of narzan are rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium, so it is worth consulting a doctor about using it for medicinal purposes.
Unfortunately, it will not work to collect Narzan for the future - after a couple of hours, he has a “rusty” sediment.
As a field trip, we can recommend a trip to the Aushiger thermal hot springs, located 30 km from Nalchik to the village of Aushiger. The spring springs from a well 4000 m deep, forming a beautiful lake on the surface, where you can swim all year round. Another - an excursion to the Chegem Gorge with the waterfall of the same name. In winter, the water column falling from the cliff freezes, turning into the realm of the Snow Queen - countless icicles hang everywhere, ice blocks rise from below, there is a ringing silence. And, of course, do not forget that the ski resort is located on the territory of the national park of the same name, where there are more than 60 species of mammals. Even in winter, routes are arranged in the park, including those on snowmobiles and snowshoes.
The rest of the entertainment is active - ice skating, billiards, saunas, cross-country skiing, karaoke and nightclubs. Alas, with the onset of darkness in the Elbrus region it becomes a little boring, but the early lights out for many is only a plus - the sooner the new ski day will come.
Elbrus Maps
Weather
The climate of the Elbrus region is formed under the influence of high-altitude, sharply dissected and contrasting relief. On the plains, it is continental, and high in the mountains, even in the middle of summer, it is below zero.
Each altitude zone has its own climatic features. Atmospheric pressure noticeably decreases with height - in the upper limits up to 25%, the weight content of oxygen also decreases proportionally, and the intensity of solar radiation, in particular, ultraviolet, increases. During mountain climbing excursions, these circumstances should always be taken into account in order to avoid overheating and sunburn.
In terms of the number of sunny days, the Elbrus region is not inferior to such resorts as Dombay, Teberda and Krasnaya Polyana. The snow cover here is established in November, in the valleys the snow lies until about mid-May-June.
I think many of you watched films about climbing mountains, about climbers with interest. And someone even thought flashed - what is it like to climb a few kilometers up ? Why are almost all films about ascents (however, like real ascents) literally imbued with the spirit of danger? What loads does the human body experience?
Few will venture on a real expedition to the big mountains - this is the lot of the elite. This requires serious preparation: physical, moral and financial, finally ...
But still, there is one place in Russia where you have a real chance to experience all the "charms" of the highlands, to understand what our body feels at high altitude, to be the hero of the day in social networks. And at the same time - admire the unforgettable landscapes.
If you like this "option" - welcome to Elbrus , the highest mountain peak in Russia and Europe.
A trip to Elbrus and Cheget in May by car
Where is Elbrus
Until last year, despite my rich travel experience, I would hardly have been able to accurately answer the question - where is Elbrus? Somewhere, in the Caucasus! Which of course would be the correct answer. But not complete.
And only when last autumn we got to the glorious city Pyatigorsk , Elbrus has ceased to be an abstract mountain in the Caucasus for me. When we went on an excursion, I saw a road sign for Elbrus, which was only about 100 km away ... And I realized that I would definitely go there. Not this time, but the next. But definitely soon.
So, Mount Elbrus (altitude 5642 m) is located on the border of the republics of Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia and is a mountain range of volcanic origin, that is, an extinct volcano. This is one of the largest centers of mountaineering and skiing in Russia and Europe.
From Pyatigorsk to the foot of Elbrus is only 150 km. And in good weather, a good view of Elbrus opens from Mashuk.
But our goal is to climb Elbrus itself by cable car. And so, on a sunny May morning, we load into our car and move out of Pyatigorsk to see everything with our own eyes.
Elbrus region in spring-summer: what tourists do here
The summer season in the Elbrus region is an expanse for outdoor activities. Climbing groups constantly climb the mountain, and picturesque views of the top of Elbrus, which is covered with white snow even in summer, attract crowds of ordinary tourists. And every year there are more and more people who want to climb the famous mountain.
Gone are the days when there were “old-fashioned” cable cars here, on which not only to climb, but it was scary to look from the outside ... Now all the advertising booklets inviting Elbrus promise a pleasant walk on a fast and safe lift. Well, well, let's see...
How to dress for a trip to Elbrus
While I was studying travel forums in search of information about what Elbrus is like in May, I most often came across a discussion of the question - how cold is the Elbrus region at this time of the year? And opinions were downright polarized. Some wrote that they climbed in a light fleece and did not freeze. Others claimed that they took winter clothes and shoes with them - and did not regret it ...
I was guided by the fact that in Polyana, climbing to the top of the Black Pyramid in summer, I took only a light sports jacket with me. And I actually didn’t need anything but good sneakers to walk on the snowfield. If there is a bright sun, then you will sweat and burn. And if a cloud comes up… You just need to understand that the weather in the mountains changes every 5 minutes, and it’s still impossible to foresee all the scenarios. Therefore, it is worth having a couple of additional layers of clothing with varying degrees of insulation, for example, a warm fleece and a windbreaker jacket. Put them in a backpack, and then on the spot you will find out what you want to wear.
What to see on the way to Elbrus
Generally speaking, the road to Elbrus, starting from the turn from the road in front of the Baksan settlement, goes along a beautiful valley between the mountains, along Baksan river .
The river is long - 173 km. Its sources are in the glaciers of Elbrus, because the river is stormy and cold. And the landscapes are beautiful:
And the road surface here is good, so the trip by car will be pleasant.
Monument to the first conquerors of Elbrus
The first place where we made a short stop was the Monument to the first conquerors of Elbrus. It is located behind the bridge over the Baksan River, in front of the village Upper Baksan . Represents four pedestals. Figures of snow leopards recline on two of them, and figures of two brave highlanders: Kabardian Killar Khashirov (in other sources - Khachirov) and Balkar Akhiya Sottaev rest on two others.
The first was in 1829 a guide on an expedition to Elbrus under the leadership of the head of the Caucasian fortified line, General G. Emmanuel, and actually the only person from the entire expedition who climbed to the top of Elbrus (the rest were “blown away” at an altitude of 5350 meters). The second became a guide for a group of English climbers led by D. Freshfield in 1868 and then again, six years later.
Tyrnyauz
Town of Tyrnyauz - the administrative center of the Elbrus region and the largest settlement in the valley. It arose in 1934, when a tungsten-molybdenum deposit was discovered here and a plant was built that supplied our military industry with raw materials. This city-forming plant was one of the flagships of the non-ferrous metallurgy of the USSR.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, when the city-forming enterprise slowly rolled into the abyss, the town began to decline. Working in a factory has become unfashionable. In addition, it suffered more than once from mudflows descending from the surrounding mountains ... After them, the infrastructure was hardly updated - there was no money. People began to leave for large cities, simply leaving their apartments, because. it was almost impossible to sell them at that time - the Caucasus was shaken by military conflicts ...
In short, about Tyrnyauz on almost every tourist site it was written that it was ghost town , which scares tourists passing by with half-abandoned houses. So I tuned in to see almost “Caucasian Chernobyl”. But the town turned out to be not so scary:
Apparently, in recent years, tourism has gone up, and the town began to gradually come to life.
It would be logical to turn it into a tourist center where skiers, Elbrus conquerors and other lovers of mountain landscapes can relax. After all, from here to Elbrus is quite a stone's throw - only 30 km. I would like to hope that the time when decent hotels will be built here, shops, cafes, souvenir shops will be opened is not far off ... But so far all this is not there. And there is beautiful nature - and semi-residential high-rise buildings in need of repair ...
Elbrus village
If we remember Tyrnauz, then you can’t say the same about the village of Elbrus. We just drove through it and moved on. And ahead we see a pointer to the Narzanov Glade.
Glade narzanov
To be honest, at first glance at this place, it became clear to me (as a guide) that this is an attraction for tourists in its purest form. Yes, there are narzans here:
But one source here accounts for 5-7 different cafes and souvenir pavilions. However, if you want to have a bite to eat and buy some souvenirs from a trip to the Elbrus region, then do not pass by.
We just drank coffee (100 rubles per cup) and drove on - we were already impatient to climb Elbrus itself.
It is for the same reason that we have so far passed the turn to Cheget, although it is located almost immediately after the Narzanov Glade. We will visit it on our way back. For now, let's move on.
Terskol
And then there was Terskol. It is as small as Elbrus, but because of the tall pines, it is somehow more comfortable. Terskol was originally built to house the staff of the Elbrus recreation area. But now it is advised to all tourists as an inexpensive accommodation option in the Elbrus region. There are indeed a lot of mini-hotels and hotels. By the way, the prices for them were pretty decent even now, in May (i.e., sort of like in the off-season).
But as I understood later, in the summer there is also a demand for them here. And all because here, within 15–20 km (along a good highway), there are a dozen different, easily accessible, not similar, beautiful short (4–8 km) routes.
In the center of the village there is a control and rescue service, which is one of the strongest services in the structure of the Russian Emergencies Ministry. Another thing that attracts attention is the anti-aircraft cannons standing along the roadsides, in the forest. But no, this is not an echo of the Caucasian wars. These are anti-avalanche guns. To forcefully release avalanches at the right time in the right place.
Glade Azau and the ascent to Elbrus
The Azau glade is located at an altitude of 2300 meters. And this is the final part of the car route. We park in one of the lanes. Now, in May, there are no problems with this. As there are no warnings that parking in this place is paid. Or maybe it’s not paid, but some peasant before our departure from Azau came up and shook us 200 rubles. Like, a trifle. But for what - it is not clear ...
Yes, the tourist infrastructure here, of course, is not as extensive as in Krasnaya Polyana. The entire Azau glade can be walked around in 10 minutes. And the best hotels here look like inexpensive Krasnopolyansk hostels.
But we can't sleep here. Therefore, we don’t bother much about hotels, but immediately go to the ticket office of the cable car.
Buying a lift ticket up to mark 3780 - Garabashi station . It costs us 1250 rubles per person. We are loaded into an 8-seater gondola and begin our “conquest” of Elbrus. Its top is hidden from us by dense clouds.
By the way, weather during our journey from Pyatigorsk to Terskol, he manages to change. The sun hides behind the clouds, and the air temperature drops by 10 degrees: if in Pyatigorsk it was about +25, then in the Azau glade it is no more than +15.
But here she is at the bottom:
Along the way we manage to take a few photos. Here, in parallel with us (but a little slower than us), the trailer of the old cable car rises:
And we will have the first transplant at around 3000 meters above sea level. We leave the booth and go to the next line of the lift, driven by a cool breeze.
So far, we haven't seen any significant changes. But here it is even colder and snow is already underfoot:
On the next section of the cable car - up to 3500 - we notice that the visibility has deteriorated, the mountain began to be covered with a cloud, and snow pellets fell from the sky.
On the slopes under the cable car, I can see several ski runs. And I also notice that the snow here also has a sandy-pink tint, just like we had creme brulee snow in Krasnaya Polyana in March:
In general, this region is loved for its off-piste capabilities, i.e. for a great freeride.
We leave at 3500 and find ourselves in a real winter:
But the fact that the temperature here is near zero is not the most surprising. Most of all, the reaction of one's own body is surprising: the head is spinning like after a good champagne. Well, despite the cloudiness, it is unrealistic to remove dark glasses from the eyes - the eyes begin to water from an excess of ultraviolet radiation.
By the way, that is why we are not so cold: from the bottom of the snow you feel warm. This is the same ultraviolet reflected from the snow that warms you up ...
The last stretch is up to 3780 meters. We leave the cabin and understand that it’s hard to be at such a height without preparation - already here it becomes a little difficult to breathe. Although some people feel quite comfortable here and let themselves be stroked:
To go even higher, on a chairlift, or as the local “Jedi” suggest to us - on snowmobiles, in our clothes, of course, it makes no sense. But there, upstairs, a group of well-equipped conquerors of Elbrus goes skiing past us ...
And we are saved from the cold in a simple cafe.
Outside the windows is a snowy haze, which is getting stronger every minute. Here you are, grandmother, and gorgeous views of Elbrus ... From Pyatigorsk it was even better visible))) It's a little disappointing that I didn't get to fully experience the beauty of this place.
Well, I was also struck by the local toilet. No, it's not in the cafe. It is located behind the cafe and looks like this: a metal box hangs over the abyss, there is a hole in the floor, under it there is a 100-meter cliff. Yes, here, as in that joke, you go to pee - at the same time and ...
After warming up a bit in a cafe, we set off on our way back. As the cabin descends, the head stops spinning. But the ears pawn. An incomprehensible fatigue sets in.
But the weather suddenly changes again, the clouds part, and we admire the beautiful panorama of the mountains. Elbrus, as it were, apologizes to us for the harsh reception at 3780 ...
So on the way back the photo session was longer.
And my mood improved a lot! So we arrive at the glade of Azau satisfied, having made a huge number of bright photos.
After all, we were on Elbrus, and now he will also be in our hearts.
Now +15 in the Azau glade seems like real warmth to us. We walk a little along the market with local knitted products:
And we also go to eat khychin in a cafe. Now you can take a look at Cheget.
Cheget unconquered
Mountains Cheget and Elbrus are practically opposite each other. Cheget translated from Balkar means "northern" or "being in the shade." And yes, of course, he is much inferior to his great brother Elbrus - only 3422 meters high. But on the other hand, according to experienced tourists and skiers, it offers the best view of Elbrus.
And besides, some of our instructors, with whom I work together in Krasnaya Polyana, argued: whoever can ride on the slopes of Cheget will be able to ride everywhere. In general, I had two reasons to climb Cheget: to take great pictures with Elbrus and to see those very difficult slopes of Cheget for skiing.
And both reasons were smoothly transferred to the next time by the non-working cable car of Cheget. Yes, we were late: she worked until 4 pm. And we arrived at the clearing in front of Cheget already at half past four. And the old Cheget lift froze until the next morning. Please note: there are no modern cabins like on Elbrus. Chairlift, open. Therefore, those who are afraid of heights definitely do not need to go here:
True, you can climb the mountain on foot (and save 600 rubles), but this method is definitely not for “couch dwellers”. By the way, local guides bring here those who wish to climb Elbrus for primary acclimatization before the hike.
The glade itself seemed to me even more comfortable and friendly than the Azau glade. There are a lot of different cafes here. Behind them nestled various hotels, new and not very:
And no one took a single ruble from us for parking. And on the ATV of our child they rode for free for a couple of minutes, for his wide smile))
In a word, Cheget, although unconquered, became a pleasant memory of that day.
And we had a 150 km long return trip to Pyatigorsk, and our room at. We drove into Pyatigorsk already in complete darkness. And looking at him blooming flower beds and alleys , we could not believe that three hours ago we were walking along snowy slopes of Elbrus …
Accommodation on Elbrus and Cheget
To be honest, if we didn’t have other plans for the next day, we would have stayed on Elbrus overnight with great pleasure. Moreover, the number of rooms in the vicinity of Elbrus is for different tastes and budgets.
- for skiers, the most convenient options are hotels right next to the ski lifts, on the Azau glade: Vertical, Sirius,Jan Tugan, Scheherazade, Relax hotel Azau Star 4*, or on the Cheget glade: Ozon Hotel, hotel Laguna 3*, Hotel Snow Bars.
- You can also find good hotels in Terskol: Smile Hotel, Ozone Seven Peaks, Hotel Povorot, hotel Terskol 3*, Saray mountain hotel.
- a little further away, but also not far from the ski resorts, in the village of Elbrus: Shaman chalet near Ellbrus, Sky Elbrus Hotel, Maral Hotel, Elbrus Plaza
In the high season (December-January), it is worth taking care of accommodation much in advance. Although there are a lot of hotels, all decent options are bought out.
Summary
This is how we got this trip to the Elbrus region. Of course, in one day it is difficult to cover everything for which people come to this region for a week or two. Therefore, most likely our route will pass through this picturesque valley more than once.
So, if you love mountains at all, are nostalgic for the romance of the Soviet era, dream of an active and unusual vacation, then the Elbrus region is waiting for you!
And we, for our next impressions, went to another valley and another, neighboring, republic of the North Caucasus. But this is a completely different story ... Stay tuned for new articles!
See you soon on the blog!
You set out to travel and see the expanses of the Motherland, since it is not deprived of beauty. And the Elbrus region is on the list of must-see places. It is clear that you will see the Main Caucasian Range and the highest peak of Russia and Europe. What else awaits you on this trip?
When to go to Elbrus
To begin with, it is worth deciding at what time of the year the trip will bring you more joy.
You can recharge your batteries with the best ski resort in Russia from November to April.
November will very quickly take you to a snowy fairy tale, and at the same time it will please you with low season prices. From December to March, the resort is flooded with ski-boarders, and you should be prepared for queues for the cable car even when it's cold. It is also possible to stop the work of the CD (cable car) for several days due to weather conditions. The end of March, the beginning of April is the most comfortable period, the snow is still lying, and the sun is already warming in spring.
May, June, October are rainy months. Be sure to bring a change of shoes and a raincoat. But in June you can admire the endless fields of flowering rhododendrons listed in the Red Book.
Rhododendrons on Cheget Summer in the mountains is July-August, juicy green grass, the smell of strawberries, mushrooms, photos under the waterfall and summer snow (!!!). At this time, all walking tours in the area are available.
Advice! The Elbrus region is a border zone, you should have a passport and a pass to the border zone with you in order to freely pass (drive) along any route. Documents can be submitted in advance via the Internet on the portal fsb.ru or gosuslugi.ru. It may take up to 30 days to issue a pass.
Cheget Pastime near Elbrus
Very often the question arises, what entertainment is available besides the contemplation of natural beauties?
In winter, there are designated places for tubing, where you can also ride ice rinks and snow scooters.
Thrill-seekers can rent a snowmobile and climb above the last cable car station. The height of Elbrus is especially sharply felt when descending. And if you want to take your breath away with delight, we recommend taking a paragliding flight. It's never too late to find out if you're more into snowboarding or skiing. An experienced instructor will help you do it faster and with less injury. After heavy snowfalls in the morning, you can wake up from cannon shots - this is the work of an avalanche squad. By shelling the mountain slopes, avalanches release huge masses of snow. The sight is not for the faint of heart. Horseback riding, ATV rides, fishing, overnight in a hotel or camp on Elbrus itself are available all year round. We recommend visiting the Elbrus Defense Museum, one of the highest museums in the world, which is located at the Mir station at an altitude of 3500 m above sea level. Let's be honest, the museum is in poor condition, and every entrance ticket sold extends its life.
On a note! On the territory of the resort there are ski and mountaineering equipment rentals, where you can rent everything you need for your holiday.
Waterfall Maiden's Braids Those who want to test themselves for strength can storm Elbrus. The issue should be approached seriously and in advance. For experienced skiers, it is possible to descend from the summit on summer snow. But we will talk about this in more detail in another article.
By the way, in the Elbrus region, the competition "Elbrus Ring" (International Army Games) is held, in which servicemen of high-mountain units take part. If you become a witness of the training of the participants, you will certainly feel pride in our fighters.
In conclusion, I would like to add that the resort is being updated and developed. A person who arrives with a negative attitude will find something to complain about. And if you are full of optimism and open to new experiences, then the Elbrus region will not leave you indifferent and will invite you more than once.
Terskol Gorge If you are going to visit the Elbrus region and you need a transfer or assistance in choosing accommodation, then feel free to write to the guys from
The majestic Elbrus has long been a place where a person challenges himself and unpredictable grief. Unfortunately, there are still times when the top wins. She does not tolerate frivolous attitude towards herself. And being entitled to it. For those who are not yet ready to challenge and take risks, there are numerous sights of the Elbrus region. For their sake, it is worth going here, breaking away from work, TV and daily fuss.
Location of Elbrus region
This is the name of the area that occupies the territory of Kabardino-Balkaria in the region of the Central Caucasus, the surroundings closest to the mountain itself and all with its ski resorts and numerous attractions. The history of these places is closely connected with the events of the Second World War. The defensive border of the Soviet troops ran along the banks of the Baksan River and the nearest ridge. In memory of the hostilities that took place here, at an altitude of 3000 meters (Stary Krugozor station)
The climate in this area is temperate continental, with a lot of sunny days in winter, rainy and cool summers, foggy and gloomy autumn and spring, which is characterized by mood swings. So those who love the sights of the 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 resorts and mineral waters, have made the Elbrus region famous all over the world. And its snowy slopes are among the most difficult on the planet.
Shanthurei lakes
According to the legend of the local population, once 3 brothers stopped for the night with their flocks in the valley. But the earth swallowed them up, forming three lakes at the parking lot. Back in the 20th century, there were exactly so many reservoirs, but at present only two have survived, since the earth opened up again and absorbed the waters of one of them. A pit was left in its place. Locals still do not like to visit this territory, fearing the treachery 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 km2) and Small (35 km2) lakes.
These sights of the Elbrus region are especially visited in summer. The lakes and the pit are located in a picturesque valley surrounded by alpine meadows and small forests. The place is located near the village of Kamennomostskoe. 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.
Waterfall Sultan
Waterfalls are natural sights of the Elbrus region. The most visited of them are Sultan and Maiden's braids. The first waterfall is one of the most picturesque natural monuments of these places. It is located in the inaccessible tract of Dzhily-Su, which makes it even more desirable for tourists. There are no villages, no hotels, no mobile towers nearby. Therefore, we can assume that it is located in the wild, where you can meet only shepherds and climbers who have headed for Elbrus.
The Sultan waterfall is located at the very top of the Malka River, which begins on the Ullu-Chiran glacier. Further, rapidly picking up speed, it breaks through a narrow canyon and falls from a height of more than 40 meters. But not only this falling down with a big roar down the water attracts tourists here. Just 100 m below it are the famous warm and healing springs of Dzhily-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 waterfall either along a developed walking route, or by renting an SUV with a driver.
Lake Donguz Orun-Kol
This reservoir attracts travelers with its unusual color. Although the name, translated from the Kabardino-Balkarian language, sounded like “near the pig pen”, 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 characteristic tricolor coloration directly depends on the glaciers that feed it, each of which carries a certain composition of minerals in its melt waters. It is they who color the reservoir in 3 shades, between which there is a clear boundary.
To get to the glacial lake, you will have to overcome a route that is not difficult for hikers: from the Cheget glade, a 50-minute path along horizontal terrain will lead to a reservoir. It is better not to approach the lake, admiring it from afar. Its shores are heavily swamped and pose a danger to tourists. But the surroundings with their herbs, among which there are many medicinal and rare plants, are the sights of the Elbrus region. The description of the flora of this area does not coincide with what really appears before your eyes. Particularly impressive are the glades, which are endemic to the Cheget mountain.
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 beginners to gain experience in climbing and get their own "set" of impressions. For those who are not professional mountain climbers, there is Chegetskaya. At its final stop there are several cafes where you can have a good time and warm up.
For those who wish to test their strength, a walking path is open from the Chegetskaya glade along the well-found path. This path is quite difficult, especially for beginners. Therefore, it is not recommended to walk without a guide - you can get lost in the mountains. Almost all the time, Mount Donguz-Orunbashi is covered with snow and ice. This makes the peak dangerous: it is better not to conquer it without special equipment. But having climbed the peak, you can see other sights of the Elbrus region (Russia) - a lake, a river and a glacier, resembling the number 7 in its shape.
Polyana Azau
This is the name of the highest place in the Elbrus region, where people live. Located at an altitude of 2300 meters, near the village of Terskol, it is the foot of Elbrus, as it adjoins it. The hotels and camp sites located here are settled not only by climbers who are preparing to conquer the mountain, but also simply lovers of wild mountain nature. By the way, you can admire it both from the window of the room and from numerous cafes and restaurants.
Azau Polyana is a very picturesque place with clean air and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Therefore, regardless of the time of year and the presence of snow, there are always tourists here who have set a goal to see all the sights of the Elbrus region (Russia / Caucasus).
Baksan river
This river begins with the glaciers of Elbrus. On its banks there are an observatory, climbing camps and the Elbrus National Park, the sights of which attract thousands of tourists every year. The river was chosen by fishermen and rafting enthusiasts. If it were not for the industrial plant, which affects the purity of its waters, it would not only be the longest river in the Caucasus, but also the cleanest.
