Sights of the Elbrus region: description, history and interesting facts

The majestic Elbrus has long been a place where man challenges himself and unpredictable grief. Unfortunately, there are still cases when the top wins. She does not tolerate a frivolous attitude toward herself. And, being the highest point of Russia, has the right to do so. For those who are not yet ready to challenge and take risks, there are numerous sights of the Elbrus region. For them it is worth to go here, tearing yourself away from work, a TV set and daily fuss.

Location of Elbrus region

This is the name of the locality, which occupies the territory of Kabardino-Balkaria in the Central Caucasus region, nearest to the mountain itself and all the Baksan gorge with its ski resorts and numerous sights. The history of these places is closely connected with the events of the Second World War. Along the bank of the Baksan River and the nearest ridge the defensive border of the Soviet troops passed. In memory of the fighting that was conducted here, at an altitude of 3000 meters (the station "Old Krugozor") the Museum of Military Glory was opened .

The climate in this area is moderately continental, with a lot of sunny days in winter, rainy and cool in summer, foggy and gloomy in autumn and spring, which is characterized by swings of "mood". So, the one who loves the attractions of the Elbrus region, comes to these regions at any time of the year. And those who want to make the ascent to the highest mountain in Europe - from July to October. Numerous resorts, both ski and mineral waters, have made the Elbrus famous for the whole world. And its snow slopes are on the list of the most difficult on the planet.

Shanthurey Lake

As the legend of the local population says, there were no time when 3 brothers stopped at night with their herds in the valley. But the earth swallowed them up, forming three lakes in the parking lot. Even in the 20th century there were just so many reservoirs, but at present only two have survived, as the earth has again opened up and absorbed the waters of one of them. In its place remained a pit. Local people still do not like to visit this territory, for fear of insidiousness of the elements. The lakes are located at an altitude of 1082 m above sea level. Their depth is just amazing - more than 200 meters. Previously, they were divided into a large (0.54 km ² ) and a small (35 km ² ) lake.

These attractions are especially visited in the Elbrus region in summer. Lakes and a foundation pit are located in a picturesque valley, surrounded by alpine meadows and small fishing lines. The place is located near the village of Kamennomostskoye. It is visited all year round, as the water at any time keeps the temperature of +15 degrees, which has to swim in it.

Sultan's waterfall

Waterfalls are natural attractions of the Elbrus region. The most visited of them are the Sultan and the Girl's braids. The first waterfall is one of the most picturesque natural monuments of these places. It is located in the hard-to-reach tract of Jil-Su, which makes it even more desirable for tourists. Nearby there are no towns, no hotels, no mobile towers. Therefore, we can assume that he is in the wild, where you can meet only the shepherds and climbers who have taken a course on Elbrus.

The Sultan waterfall is located at the very top of the Malka River, which starts on the Ullu-Ciran 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 water that falls down with a big crash down brings tourists here. Just 100 m below it are the famous warm and healing springs of Djil-Su.

So is the Elbrus region. Sights here alternate with each other. Visiting one natural monument, one should "grab" a couple more along the way. You can get to the Sultan waterfall either on the developed hiking route or by renting an SUV with a driver.

Lake Donguz Orun-Köl

This pond attracts travelers with its unusual color. Although the name, translated from the Kabardino-Balkar language, sounded like "near a pig's paddock", it would have been necessary to scare off curious ones. It is located on the border between Russia and Georgia at an altitude of 3100 m between the two peaks - Donguz-Oron-bashi (4450 m) and Nakra-Tau (4228 m). Its inherent tricolor coloration directly depends on the glaciers feeding it, each of which in its thawed waters carries a certain composition of minerals. They paint the water body in 3 shades, between which there is a clear boundary.

To get to the glacial lake, it is necessary to overcome a simple route for lovers of hiking: from the glade Cheget 50-minute journey through the horizontal terrain lead to a pond. It is better not to go to the lake, admiring it from afar. Its banks are heavily waterlogged and pose a danger to tourists. But the surrounding alpine meadows with their various herbs, among which 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 our eyes. Particularly impressive are glades covered with black tulips, which are endemic to Mount Cheget.

Donguz-Orunbashi Mountain

This mountain is no less popular among climbers than Elbrus himself. Its hills and slopes are other attractions of the Elbrus region. The height of the mountain is 4454 meters. It allows you to gain experience for beginners in climbing and get your "set" of impressions. For those who do not engage in mountaineering professionally, there is the Cheget cable car. At its final stop are several cafes, where you can have a good time and get warm.

For those who wish to test their strength, a footpath from Chegetskaya meadow is opened along the well-trodden track. This path is quite complicated, especially for beginners. Therefore, without a conductor is not recommended to walk - you can get lost in the mountains. Almost all the time, the Donguz-Orunbashi mountain is covered with snow and ice. This makes the summit dangerous: without special equipment it is better not to conquer it. But climbing to the peak, you can see other attractions of the Elbrus region (Russia) - a lake, a river and a glacier, reminiscent of its shape figure 7.

Polyana Azau

This is the name of the highest place in the Elbrus region, where people live. Located at an altitude of 2300 meters, not far from the village of Terskol, it is the foot of Mount Elbrus, as it adjoins it. In the hotels and tourist centers located here, not only climbers who are preparing to conquer the mountain, but also just lovers of wild mountain nature. By the way, it can be admired both from the window of the room, and from numerous cafes and restaurants.

Polyana Azau is a very picturesque place with clean air and a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. Therefore, regardless of the season and the presence of snow, there are always tourists who set out to inspect all the sights of the Elbrus region (Russia / Caucasus).

Baksan River

This river begins with the glaciers of Elbrus. On its shores there is an observatory, camps of mountaineers and the national park "Elbrus", whose attractions attract thousands of tourists here every year. The river was chosen by fishermen and rafting enthusiasts. If it were not for the industrial complex that influences the purity of its waters, it would not only be the longest river in the Caucasus, but also the cleanest.