More than 80% of the territory of the republic is mountainous. It is not surprising that most of the list of attractions is made up of glaciers, mountain peaks, gorges, ancient caves, mountain rivers and waterfalls. The resorts of Karachay-Cherkessia are famous for their location among the pristine nature, where the high-mountainous mild climate and clean air create excellent conditions for an excellent rest. Resort areas are actively developing and offer guests a wide range of entertainment.
In Karachay-Cherkessia, cultures of different peoples are intricately intertwined, so experienced tourists, in addition to visiting natural monuments, visit iconic cultural, archaeological and historical sights. For example, the Zelenchuksky temples in the Nizhne-Arkhyz settlement are already more than 1000 years old - tens of thousands of tourists come to see them every year.
The most interesting and beautiful places
List, photo with names and descriptions of the best attractions in the region.
Dombayskaya Polyana
Mountainous territory formed by three gorges - Amanauza, Dombay-Ulgen and Alibek. This natural center is popular among travelers due to the incredible beauty of the landscapes around - mountain peaks, glaciers, snow-capped ridges and green coniferous forests. A modern tourist center is equipped at Dombayskaya Polyana, consisting of several cable cars, ski slopes, hotels and cafes.
Recommended: 30 main attractions of Dombai
Arkhyz resort
A large center for ski and excursion tourism. The resort has many natural attractions, about 60 glaciers and mountain lakes. There are 15 ski slopes for athletes. Accommodation is possible both in the village of Romantic on the territory of the resort, and in a slightly distant Lunnaya Polyana. For guests there are spa areas, saunas, hiking and horseback excursions, ATV rental.
It's interesting: 30 main attractions of Arkhyz
Teberda reserve
Biosphere Protected Area in the north of the slopes of the Caucasus Range. Its territory has a unique combination of rocks, forests and glaciers. The melted waters of the glaciers form beautiful mountain rivers with waterfalls. A special decoration of the reserve is about 200 lakes with crystal clear water. The most beautiful lake is Klukhorskoe, located at an altitude of 2676 meters. The top of the reserve is Mount Dombai-Ulgen, 4046 meters high.
Bermamyt plateau
It is considered one of the best viewing platforms from which a magnificent panoramic view of the snow-capped picturesque peaks of Elbrus opens. It is part of the Rocky Range with an unusual relief at an altitude of 2591 meters. It is not easy to get to the board, it is located far from civilization - the nearest settlement from the plateau is about 30 km. Most tourists come here as part of excursion groups.
Teberda resort
Located on the territory of the Teberda nature reserve. It is one of the centers of balneological treatment, several sanatoriums and recreation centers have been built here, there are mineral springs. One of the advantages of the resort is a special alpine climate with mild warm winters and cool summers. Hiking is popular among vacationers at the resort. Most of the routes do not require special training.
Don't Miss: Top 20 Attractions in Teberda
Honey waterfalls
A group of five waterfalls 20 km from Kislovodsk. Noisy, Hidden and Pearl waterfalls are located on the Alikonovka river, and Bolshoy and Maly Medovye waterfalls are on the Echki-Bash river. The height of the largest waterfall Bolshoy Medovy is 18 meters. The area around the waterfalls is a natural recreational site. There is a tourist base, a restaurant, the ethnomuseum "Karachaevskoe Podvorie".
Park of culture and rest "Green Island" in Cherkessk
A large park with an area of 89 hectares, which underwent a large-scale reconstruction several years ago. There is a three-tiered fountain at the entrance to the park, and there are two ponds in the park itself. There is a large beach area, for children there is a separate swimming area with a depth of no more than 80 cm. For entertainment, there is a large number of leisure facilities - a sports and dance floor, the fabulous Lukomorye alley, a shooting gallery and billiards.
Imereti lakes
They are a group of alpine lakes on the territory of the Caucasian Reserve. The largest lake in the group is Lake Silence, with an area of 190,000 m². Imeretinskie lakes are attractive with clear turquoise water; mountain ranges are located around them. A walking tour to the lakes takes two days. The route passes through a fir forest and picturesque alpine meadows with an overnight stay at the Imeretinsky waterfall.
Large azimuth telescope
One of the largest telescopes in the world, located at an altitude of 2,100 meters near the village of Nizhny Arkhyz. The diameter of the main monolithic mirror is 6 meters, the height of the telescope dome is 50 meters. Tourists are offered excursions with a story about the history of the creation of the telescope and its design. The most daring guests are allowed to climb to the top of the dome, from where stunning views of the Bolshoy Zelenchuk river valley open.
RATAN-600 radio telescope
Located at an altitude of 970 meters near the village of Zelenchukskaya. A reflex mirror with a diameter of 600 meters makes RATAN-600 one of the largest in the world. Outwardly, the device for observing the stars looks like an amphitheater the size of a football field. To enter the territory, you need to order an excursion. The guides will give a lecture and show the main elements of the radio telescope, allow you to take spectacular photos.
Sentin temple
An ancient Christian church built in 965 on the banks of the Teberda River. It was erected on the edge of a steep slope. The temple looks especially beautiful in the early morning, when the river valley is covered with foggy haze in the dawn rays. More than a thousand-year history of the temple is confirmed by the preserved building inscription, as well as many fragments of frescoes. Wall painting was done in several stages with different styles.
Shoanin Temple
Christian cathedral, built in the 10th century. It is remarkable not only for its thousand-year history, but also for its unusual location. It is built on a high rocky ledge of Mount Shoana, its appearance symbolizes inaccessibility and majesty. In 2007, during unauthorized repairs carried out by residents of a nearby village, the remains of ancient wall paintings from different eras and different peoples were discovered.
Alibek waterfall
On Dombai it is considered one of the most spectacular waterfalls. Its height is 25 meters. The waterfall was formed when the waters of the Dzhalovchatka River fell from the Alibek glacier. The hiking route to Alibek waterfall is not difficult and is popular among tourists. The starting point of the route to the waterfall is the Alibek alpine camp, from where it is no more than 2 km to go to the waterfall. Near the border post, you need to take your passport with you.
Baduk lakes
Three mountain lakes among the Baduksky and Khadzhibey ranges. Located among birch and pine forests. The lakes themselves, as well as the area around them, are incredibly picturesque. They are a popular object of walking tourism; the administration of the Teberda Nature Reserve charges a fee for access to them. Trout lives in the Big Baduk Lake, 10 meters deep. The water in the lakes does not warm up above 10 degrees.
Muruja lakes
The lake group includes more than 10 reservoirs, but the most popular among tourists are the Blue and Black lakes. They got their names because of the color of the water in them. Black and Blue lakes are separated by a small mountain range, from which you can take a panoramic photo of both lakes.A little further, there are Azure and Violet lakes, from their shores a stunning view of the Dombai-Ulgen peak opens.
Sofia lakes and waterfalls
Three reservoirs with turquoise water, located at Mount Sofia. Powerful streams of water fall from the mountain slopes. Lakes and waterfalls are located at an altitude of 2830 meters, and the route to them is quite difficult. The path passes near the Irkiz pass, through the valley and meadows in the mountains. The road to the lakes from the village of Arkhyz takes about 4 hours. The largest lake reaches a depth of 17 meters. The maximum water temperature in the lakes is 12 degrees.
Nizhne-Arkhyz settlement
An archaeological complex of historical and cultural value. It is the remains of an ancient city of the X century and the center of the patriarchate of Ancient Alania. The basis of the complex is represented by three monumental Zelenchuk temples. The territory of the settlement is 4.5 kilometers long, the outlines of ancient streets have been preserved. Excursions are conducted for visitors, information stands are installed at the main sites of the settlement.
Northern Zelenchuk temple
One of the three main temples on the territory of the Nizhne-Arkhyz settlement. North Zelenchuk temple is the best preserved stone temple of the ancient city. It was built in the X-XI centuries and, according to archaeologists, was the main temple of the monastery. This is confirmed by the excavations of rich burials, where hundreds of jewelry were found. There is a large necropolis around the temple on the outskirts of the city.
Middle Zelenchuk temple
The most ancient temple of the Nizhne-Arkhyz settlement, its construction began at the beginning of the X century. It is an example of the initial domed architecture in Alanya. The walls of the temple, which are thousands of years old, have been well preserved to this day. In the 19th century, the monks of the monastery added several rooms to the temple. From the original wall paintings, there are several fragments depicting the holy great martyrs.
South Zelenchuk temple
It is located in the center of the Nizhne-Arkhyz settlement and has a modest size in comparison with the others. Archaeologists suggest that the temple was built for representatives of the nobility and that ordinary parishioners were prohibited from entering it. The original layout of the temple was violated in the 19th century, as a result of which the South Zelenchuk temple is the least studied of all the churches of the settlement. The temple is active, services are regularly held in it.
Bolshoy Zelenchuk river
In the upper reaches of the river, the village of Arkhyz is located - a popular holiday destination among tourists. From here it is easy to go on excursions to the historical and natural attractions located on the banks of the river. Teberda Nature Reserve, Nizhne-Arkhyz Settlement, RAS Observatory, Zelenchukskaya Hydroelectric Power Station, Kyafar Pass, Beech Forest and Bogoslavka tract - this is not a complete list of interesting places near the river.
Teberda river
A picturesque abounding river flowing through protected natural areas and gorges covered with coniferous forests. When rafting on it, it should be borne in mind that there are obstacles on the waterway in the form of waterfalls, rifts and rapids. Teberda is interesting for its winding channel, rapid current and picturesque views of the coast. You can go on a water trip along it both by kayak and by raft.
Military-Sukhum road
A visit to the road, which is of great historical and cultural significance, is considered one of the must-see points of active tourism in the republic. The length of the road is 337 km. A large number of ancient fortresses and temples are located along it. The tourist scenic route passes through unique natural areas - the Gonachkhir gorge, the Klukhorsky pass, the Teberdinsky reserve, the mountain resort of Teberda.
The face of Christ in Arkhyz
Located on the edge of a steep cliff in one of the grottoes of the Mitseshta ridge. The image of Christ's Face is turned to the ancient temples of the Nizhne-Arkhyz settlement. A staircase with a height of 345 meters with 526 steps leads to the Face of Christ. The stairs offer a beautiful view of the ancient settlement, as well as the Pastukhov Mountain with the observatory. Scientists and representatives of the church still have no consensus about the age of the icon and its origin.
Museum-monument "Defenders of the Caucasus passes"
A museum complex that combines a unique architectural ensemble, a memorial complex and an exhibition exposition. During the existence of the museum, it was visited by about 5 million people. The exposition is located inside the bunker building with an area of 110 m². The materials of the exhibition tell about the battles that took place during the Great Patriotic War on the passes of the Caucasus Mountains. Among the exhibits there are personal belongings of the hero warriors.
Watchtower "Adiyukh"
A monument of ancient architecture of the 18th century. The tower is built of sandstone blocks and is five stories high. She performed defensive functions, and was also used to store food and water supplies. Currently, at the foot of the mountain, where the tower rises, there is a tourist complex. The ascent to the tower is easy, it offers a beautiful view of the mountains and a small river flowing nearby.
Tower "Mamiya-Kala"
It is a family watchtower and is an excellent example of the original mountain culture. Mamiya-Kala was built on Mount Kala-Basha and has a height of 3 floors. The rise from floor to floor took place via ladders through interlevel hatches. The walls of the tower are made of hewn stones, joined by a lime mixture. There is a well at the entrance to the tower, which was used to store food.
Tower "Goshayakh-Kala"
One of the watchtowers built before the start of the Caucasian War. The ten-meter tower was built of stone and has walls about half a meter thick. It was of defensive and strategic importance; it was only possible to get into it by a ladder on the north side of the walls. The tower is well preserved, now you can go into it through a small hole in the wall. There is a cave and a waterfall near Goshayakh-Kala.
Krasnogorsk watchtower
Built in the 19th century on the Cherkessk-Dombay road as one of the fortifications during the Caucasian War. It has an oval shape and battlements-loopholes on the second tier - this architecture of the tower is typical for similar buildings of those times. The size of the tower is 10 * 13 meters. Krasnogorsk watchtower is clearly visible from the Sukhum Military Road. It looks incredibly picturesque against the backdrop of the Rocky Ridge.
Museum of local lore in Cherkessk
Located in a building built in 1914. The exposition of the museum has more than 100,000 exhibits. At the exhibitions of the local history museum, tourists will get acquainted with the spiritual and cultural history of the peoples of Karachay-Cherkessia, as well as with the natural resources of the republic. The thematic halls of the museum tell about geology, fauna and flora, unique archaeological finds are exhibited, including those from the mounds of the 13th century.
Humarin settlement
Cultural and historical center, whose surviving buildings represent the period from the 12th to the 14th century. It is located on a hill on the right bank of the Kuban River, 10 km from the city of Karachaevsk. A large number of ancient structures have survived to this day - burial mounds, remnants of fortress walls, foundations of residential buildings, as well as part of a water supply system with ceramic pipes. The area of the archaeological complex is 25 hectares.
Cave "Southern Elephant"
It is considered the most famous cave in the republic. It is located in the slopes of the Gentu mountain range. Its length is about 1000 meters, the depth of the cave goes 80 meters. The height of the vaults reaches 20 meters. The underground cavities of the cave are incredibly beautiful - its walls and ceiling are white, thanks to the composition of marbled limestone. Many paleontological finds are soldered in the walls of one of the halls of the cave.
Carchi Castle Stone
Sacred stone for the peoples of the republic. According to legend, the national hero Karchi sat on it while thinking over plans for great accomplishments. The stone is located near the confluence of the Kuban and Khudes rivers in the Khudes gorge.From here, a picturesque view of the seething streams of rivers with white breakers and snow-capped mountain peaks opens up. The stone is of magmatic origin, while some guidebooks say that it is a meteorite.
Lashtrak "Sour Springs"
They are located near the village of Arkhyz in the Sancharsky gorge. The healing water of the mineral waters of the springs is referred to the narzan type. The water in the springs has an admixture of iron, which, when combined with air, gives the water a reddish color. 17 sources have different temperature regimes and different chemical composition. The main source contains 18 metals and trace elements that help in the treatment of many diseases.
Ullu-Kol lake
Alpine lake with an area of 15 hectares. This is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in the northwest of the Caucasus. Covered with an ice crust from October to July. In summer, the shores of the lake are covered with dense grasses and beautiful flowers, and the color of the lake becomes either emerald or turquoise, depending on the lighting. Trout lives in the waters of Ullu-Kol, and the Kuban tur can be found on the banks. Hiking trails of medium difficulty are laid to the lake.
