On the “To the Bezengi Glacier” route, you can experience the altitudinal zones, varied landscapes, and the flora and fauna of the Central Caucasus. The 26.1-kilometre hiking route is designed to take three days. Its final section crosses the Bezengi Glacier, also known as Ullu-Chiran. This section is rated difficulty II and may only be traversed with a mountain guide.
Routes through the High-Mountain Nature Reserve
The Kabardino-Balkarian State High-Mountain Nature Reserve manages a protected area in the Cherek and Chegem districts. It stretches along the Greater Caucasus and the Lateral Caucasus and includes the upper reaches of the Cherek-Balkarsky, Cherek-Bezengisky and Chegem rivers. Both the mountain ranges and the upper river reaches shape the character of this protected area.
There are four tourist routes in the Kabardino-Balkarian State Nature Reserve: “Mizhirgi,” “Shaurtu,” “To the Bezengi Glacier” and “To the Narzan Mineral Spring.” The “Mizhirgi” and “Shaurtu” routes, as well as “To the Narzan Mineral Spring,” operate from May to October. During the same period, the “Zhiginzhi Waterfall” and “Bezengi Glacier” sections of the “To the Bezengi Glacier” route are also open; they are intended for visitors of different ages. The “Bezengi Glacier–Lake Boran-Köl” section has its own operating period: it is open in July and August. Before your trip, check the current route status and access conditions with the reserve, including any permit requirements.
The route to the Bezengi Glacier also offers opportunities to observe wildlife and plants, including Caucasian tur, bearded vultures, griffon vultures, golden eagles, Caucasian black grouse and other bird species. The flowering of Caucasian rhododendrons is another possible nature-watching experience. Sightings are not guaranteed.
Elbrus: Slopes and a Mountain Station
The Elbrus resort offers a different focus: it has 20 kilometres of slopes of varying difficulty and three gondola lifts. Wide red, blue and green slopes suit skiers and snowboarders of different ability levels. An artificial snowmaking system maintains a consistent snow cover on the slopes; its seasonal operation may vary. Check the slope information and current operating conditions again before your trip.
The resort’s upper station is called Garabashi. It is located at an altitude of 3,847 metres and can be reached via three gondola-lift sections. For anyone interested in the difference in altitude between the slopes and this station, it provides a concrete reference point for finding your bearings on Elbrus.
Gorge and Protected Spa Resort Area
In the Chegem Gorge, the valley narrows into a canyon with steep walls up to 300 metres high. The Su-Auzu waterfall wall is one of the main sights there. The striking gorge offers a landscape quite distinct from the mountain ranges and glaciers of the nature reserve.
The Nalchik spa resort area also has a special protected status: it is designated as a specially protected natural area. The gorge, spa resort area and high-mountain nature reserve represent different facets of the republic; specific routes and seasonal operating periods can help you prioritise your own interests when planning your trip.
A Memorial Site in Terskol
In Terskol, the Museum of the Defence of the Elbrus Region focuses on the battles for the Caucasus heights in 1942 and 1943. The collection includes original Soviet and German weapons and equipment, rare wartime photographs and documents, and personal belongings of those who took part in the battles. The museum adds a specific historical perspective to the region’s nature and landscape themes.
The museum offers guided tours, during which visitors view the exhibition and reach an observation platform with panoramic views of the battle sites. Check the current arrangements for visits before you go. This allows you to plan for the historical insights in Terskol and the nature experiences in the reserve as distinct travel interests.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: El'brus, Nalchik, Tegenekli, Chegem Pervyy, Nalchik, Chegemsky District, Elbrussky District, Terskol, Maisky, Aushiger, Verkhny Baksan, Prokhladny, Eltyubyu, Tyrnyauz, Chegem Vtoroy, Prokhladnensky District.
For the parent travel overview: Russia.
