A route from Teberda leads past the Dzhamagat mineral springs and over the Epchik Pass to the Duut Gorge. It is designated as a hiking and horseback riding route; its designation is based on a 2008 government resolution.
Teberda, Dombay and Arkhyz are health resorts in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic. Across the republic as a whole, hundreds of waterfalls and more than 400 lakes are among its natural resources; more than 400 mineral springs are also known there. The individual routes and destinations offer more specific guidance, leading, for example, to named waterfalls, lakes and historic sites.
Routes to waterfalls, lakes and passes
A designated hiking route leads from Teberda to Shumka Waterfall. From Dombay, hiking routes to Chuchkhur Waterfall, as well as to Alibek Glacier and Turye Lake, are listed. These route designations are also based on a 2008 government resolution. For Mount Mussa-Achitara, the designation lists the hiking trail and cable cars as access options; the cable cars’ operating schedule may vary seasonally.
Other route designations based on a 2008 government resolution include a hiking and horseback riding trail from Karachaevsk to Mount Shoana and Shoana Church. A horseback riding and driving route leads via Nizhnyaya Teberda to Senty Church. Check current trail conditions on site before setting out for Mount Shoana and the church.
A variety of destinations and modes of transport are also designated from Arkhyz: a hiking, horseback riding and driving route leads to the Sofia Gorge; a hiking and horseback riding route leads to Oymatly-Dzhagaly Lake; and a hiking route leads to the Sofia Lakes. From the Arkhyz resort, you can hike to the mountain lakes of Zaabishirya, located beyond the ridge. Check local conditions and access for these routes.
A hiking excursion in Teberda leads to the central estate of the Teberda Nature Reserve, its museum and its enclosures. Check in advance what visitor arrangements are currently in place.
Skiing and cable cars at the Arkhyz resort
The Arkhyz resort has 16 ski slopes of varying difficulty: the designated range extends from green beginner slopes to black slopes for the most experienced skiers. The ski season is listed as running from December to April; seasonal operating details may vary. Slopes for evening skiing are also available. Check their current operating status with the operator.
All cable cars at the Arkhyz resort operate in summer. The “Mlechnyy Put” and “Lunnyi Express” cable cars take visitors to a viewpoint on the southern slope, 2,240 metres above sea level. As seasonal operations and access may change, it is advisable to check both before your trip. At the resort, children aged four and older can learn to ski under the supervision of experienced instructors; contact the operator directly to check current lesson availability.
Churches and historic sites
The government of the republic recommends visiting Nizhny-Arkhyz Gorodishche, a temple complex dating from the 9th and 10th centuries. The church complex includes the North, Middle and South Churches. Check current site access before your visit.
Shoana Church and Senty Church in the Karachay district were built in the early and mid-10th century, respectively. Another designated driving route leads from Karachaevsk via Zelenchukskaya to Nizhny Arkhyz and the Christ images, the churches of Nizhny Arkhyz, and the observatory of SAO RAN. Across the republic as a whole, Adiyukh Gorodishche, Shoana Church, Senty Church and Nizhny-Arkhyz Gorodishche are also among its cultural and historical resources.
Discover more destinations: Dombay, Karachaevskiy Rayon, Kamennomostskiy, Cherkessk, Khabez, Arkhyz, Khasaut-Grecheskoye, Teberda, Dzhaga, Krasnyy Vostok, Psemen, Prikubanskiy rayon, Zelenchuksky District, gorod Karachaevsk, Zelenchukskiy rayon, Ust-Dzhegutinsky District, Malokarachaevskiy rayon.
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