Mountains of the Elbrus region. Excursion to Elbrus, Cheget and Narzan glade, Elbrus region. Alpine skiing in the Elbrus region

Attractions

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The area in Kabardino-Balkaria, in the central part of the Caucasus Range, called the Elbrus region, has been attracting travelers from all over the world for centuries. The reasons for the widespread mountain pilgrimage are the unique opportunities of the region. The Elbrus region is a real paradise for lovers of active recreation: in the summer you can go mountaineering and rock climbing, and the Elbrus ski areas are open to the public all year round. In addition, the cleanest mountain air, favorable climate (at least 300 sunny days a year!), and the presence of a large number of mineral springs make the Elbrus region a kind of health resort, welcoming everyone who wants to recover from ailments and restore strength. The mountainous region never ceases to amaze connoisseurs of the beauty of pristine nature. It is no coincidence that the Caucasian peaks became a favorite theme in the works of outstanding Russian artists - A. Kuindzhi, V. Vereshchagin, N. Roerich, P. Kochalovsky and many others. Contemplation of magnificent landscapes inspires, gives wide scope for creativity, and unity with nature calms and, at the same time, charges with incredible energy. Every guest of the popular resort will find something to their liking here. However, no matter what purpose tourists come to the Elbrus region, no one simply has the right to ignore its main attractions, which, without a doubt, can be called natural wonders.

Sight

The gray-haired giant of the Caucasus Mountains - Elbrus - is famous throughout the world for its majestic beauty, scale and features of its geological structure, history of conquest, and today for its perfectly equipped ski slopes. Part of the collection of the highest mountains of the continents, Elbrus is the highest point in Russia and Europe. A huge mountain range of volcanic origin has two distinct peaks - Eastern (5621 m) and Western (5642 m), which is why Elbrus is often called double-headed. By the way, the mountain has quite a few names, more than ten.

The designation of a peak known since ancient times can be found among many peoples. The most common and official one - Elbrus - is supposedly of Iranian origin and is translated as “brilliant (sparkling) mountain”: it refers to its snow cover shining in the sun. In the Balkar language, “Elbrus-tau” means “a mountain around which the wind swirls,” which is also true. Due to the uneven degree of heating of the slopes and surrounding gorges, air masses move around the volcano and winds blow.

From above, gray-haired Elbrus looks like a huge white star: 23 large glaciers, separated from each other by rocky ribs, extend from the peak in all directions, like rays. The maximum length of glaciers is 6–9 km, and the area they occupy is about 135 sq. km. The thickness of the snow cover on Elbrus is stable even in summer. Today, to find yourself in the kingdom of winter, you can use gondola or vintage pendulum lifts. Parallel to the cable cars, there are long trails for skiers and snowboarders.

Elbrus has been known as an object of mass mountaineering since the 30s of the last century. In the new millennium, the number of people wishing to storm the peak not only did not decrease, but also increased considerably. But even those who don’t get to the very top, but end up at one of the cable car stations, will be able to fully enjoy the stunning views and get an unforgettable experience.

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Sight

The longest gorge in the Central Caucasus, Baksan, leads to the majestic Elbrus. For many tourists, the path to this unusual and amazingly beautiful place begins from Nalchik. The distance from the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria to the village of Terskol, which is located in the upper reaches of the gorge, near Elbrus, is about 130 km.

An asphalt road passes through the Baksan Gorge - the highest mountain route in the republic. High and steep rocky slopes hang over the road on one side, and on the other side the Baksan River rushes noisily, giving its name to the famous mountain valley. All along the way, in the bends of the gorge, which sometimes narrows and sometimes diverges widely, the peaks of Elbrus, Donguz-Orun and other peaks towering above it are visible.

By deviating from the main route, you can get into picturesque side gorges. The gorges Adyr-Su, Adyl-Su, Irik, Itkol are known for their extraordinary beauty. On the approach to Adyl-Su, outside the town of Tyrnyauz, the pine forest of the Baksan Gorge begins, covering its bottom and slopes. Having risen to a height of 2300 m and somewhat bypassing Elbrus, the gorge ends up in the Azau Glade, where, “bumping” into the powerful foot of the two-headed patriarch of the Caucasus Mountains, it breaks into numerous but short branches and gets lost in the mountains.

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Sight

Mount Cheget, located near Elbrus, is completely different, but no less attractive. The harsh and solemn beauty of the gray-haired giant is contrasted here with a surprisingly diverse relief, organically combined with the successive bright colors of nature. In summer on Cheget you can see the spectacular pale pink flowers of the evergreen shrub - Caucasian rhododendron, the leathery leaves of which cover the slopes of the mountain. Flowering meadows gradually turn into rocks with sparse vegetation.

At the foot of the mountain lies Chegetskaya Polyana - a unique tourist complex where there are hotels, cafes, restaurants, ski equipment rentals, a market and souvenir shops.

The height of Cheget is about 3700 m. Anyone can be at an altitude of 3050 m. There are chairlifts in the first and second stages, and a drag lift in the third. The ascent takes about 20 minutes. The speed of the lifts is low, which makes it possible to admire stunning views.

On the second stage of the cable car, at an altitude of 2719 m, there is a cafe “Ai” and an observation deck from where a magnificent panorama opens. Here you can see the Baksan Gorge, the winding Baksan River, the village of Terskol and the peaks of the Main Caucasus Range - Elbrus, Donguz-Orun, Nakra-tau, Big and Small Kogutai.

Cheget is one of the most famous ski resorts, and the peak is especially popular among freeriders. Fans of off-piste skiing are attracted by the steep slopes and complex and varied terrain. However, in addition to the difficulties, the potential danger, including the likelihood of avalanches, should not be underestimated. For extreme sports enthusiasts, when skiing outside the marked trails, we recommend using the services of experienced instructors. You can ride on Cheget from the end of November to May. During the warm season, trekking and cycling are popular here.

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Landmark, Panorama View

The section of the valley of the Khasaut River from its confluence with the Malka River to its tributary Ketmas, where 17 springs emerge from the bowels of the earth, is the “Narzan Valley”. Located at an altitude of about 1000 m, in the Rocky Range area, the picturesque valley is characterized by a warm climate and an abundance of sunny days. In winter it rarely drops below - 2 °C, and in summer the air temperature does not exceed + 26 °C.

Along with the mild climate, the healing waters of its Narzan springs have a beneficial effect on the well-being of visitors to the valley. Mineral springs refer to carbon dioxide-containing springs, having a hydrocarbonate, chloride, sodium-calcium composition. The water is highly carbonated, and its temperature is + 10.4 °C. Due to the high level of iron content, the drainage water and the surrounding area are colored orange-rusty.

“Narzan Valley” is surrounded by mountains covered with diverse vegetation: pine, birch, maple, oak grow on the northern slopes, lush grasses cover the southern slopes. The subalpine meadows of the mountain plateau, rising above the valley, delight the eye with the bright colors of large flowers.

From the hills surrounding this area there are beautiful views of Elbrus. Not far from the “Valley of Narzans” there are the most beautiful waterfalls of mountain rivers - Malki, Khasaut, Mushty.

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Sight

A unique natural monument, known far beyond the borders of Kabardino-Balkaria, is the Chegem Waterfalls. Visitors to the gorge of the same name, located east of the Baksan gorge, closer to Nalchik, will be able to enjoy the beauty of cascading mountain streams.

Various waterfalls flow from the walls of the Chegem Gorge, flowing into the stormy Chegem River. The group includes three large waterfalls and numerous thin trickling streams. The largest and most powerful waterfall was named Adai-Su after the river on which it is located. Its height is 30 m. Another giant trench with water, but of a different shape and less powerful, is a waterfall on a tributary of the Chegem - Sakal-Tup. An unforgettable sight is the Main Chegem Waterfall, formed on the Kayaarty River. It consists of several small cascades falling from a height of 50–60 m and water jets oozing from rock crevices above. Water splashes sparkle in the sun with a rainbow shine.

The Chegem waterfalls are no less picturesque in winter, when their waters freeze and form numerous ice columns, turning the rock wall into a real work of art. The place amazes everyone with its pristine beauty and grandeur.

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Landmark, Lake/Pond

Another miracle of nature is the Blue Lakes, located in the Cherek Gorge, in the valley of the Cherek-Balkarsky River. There are five lakes in total: Lower and four Upper - Western, Eastern, Secret and Sukhoe. According to their genesis, reservoirs are classified as karst, that is, they are holes in the rock filled with water. Moreover, each of them has its own characteristic features and unique appearance.

The most picturesque is considered the Lower Blue Lake - Tserik-Kel. Its area is slightly more than 1.5 hectares, but in terms of depth (reaches 368 m), the Kabardino-Balkarian lake is one of the ten deepest lakes in Russia. The lake really has a mysterious color that changes depending on the weather - from sky blue to turquoise, as well as a constant water temperature (+ 9 °C). These amazing facts are explained by the fact that the karst reservoir is fed by mineral springs, the waters of which are saturated with hydrogen sulfide. The surface of the water fascinates with its serenity; it seems that the lake has frozen. There is a diving center on the shore of Tserik-Kel.

The Upper Blue Lakes are interesting in their own way. East and West have a depth of 17–18 m and are connected to each other; both lakes are rich in fish. Grass carp, carp, and trout are found here. It is not easy to spot the Secret Lake, located in a deep depression and surrounded by dense forest. The most inaccessible is the Dry Lake (Kel-Ketchchen), which is located at the bottom of a huge deep canyon with steep walls 177 m high. The depth of the modern reservoir is only 5–7 m, which depends on precipitation. It is known that previously the hole was completely filled with water, but one day “the lake flowed away” (this is how “Kel-Ketchchen” is translated from the Balkar language).

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Sight

The Baksan River, whose name translates as “flooding,” originates from the glaciers of Elbrus. A mountain river rushes like a stormy stream through the Baksan gorge and flows into the Malka, a large left tributary of the Terek. It is almost impossible to cross the fast-moving Baksan.

Baksan is one of the longest rivers in Kabardino-Balkaria and the largest river flowing from Elbrus. Its length is 173 km. In the upper reaches, at every kilometer of its path, the Baksan descends 65–70 meters, then the current slows down. Along its entire length, the river is replenished by numerous tributaries. The reservoir is fed by glaciers, snow and underground springs.

Already in the 1930s, the Baksan hydroelectric power station, one of the oldest hydroelectric power stations in the country, was built on the river. In the vicinity of Baksan there are mountaineering camps, the Elbrus National Park, and an observatory. Along the river are the cities of Tyrnyauz, Baksan, and Prokhladny.

Every traveler passing along the road through the Baksan Gorge to the foot of Elbrus will not only see, but also hear Baksan perfectly. The river makes a lot of noise, overcomes rapids and rifts, turning over huge stones.

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Sight

To visit the Caucasus Mining Waters and not go to the gray-haired giant Elbrus is the same as not being in the North Caucasus at all. However, many seasoned tourists will tell you exactly this if you dare to say that you have been to Elbrus and did not conquer it. You can read about climbing Elbrus from Mikhail in his Well, our ascent ended at the Mir station at an altitude of 3500 m, where you can climb without special equipment and even without special training.

We came to the Caucasus to get acquainted with its beauties, unfortunately, the acquaintance was in express mode and only one day was allocated to Elbrus in our schedule. On the same day we still had to climb Cheget and drink mineral water in the Narzan clearing.
Of course, even such sick and unprepared guys as we were, our hearts ached at the sight of this giant and the desire to rise surged in our chests, probably it is this feeling that attracts hundreds of tourists every year to the two-headed giant Elbrus.

How to get to Elbrus

In fact, the choice of transport is not great. The easiest and most convenient way is a personal car. But if you didn’t come to the resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters by car, then there is no other way to get to Elbrus other than using paid excursions. In the KMV, transport links between the attractions of the region are very poorly developed, but very well between the resorts themselves. For example, you will not have any difficulty moving between Pyatigorsk, Essentuki, Kislovodsk, Zheleznovodsk and Mineralnye Vody. An electric train runs from Pyatigorsk to Kislovodsk, and minibuses run very often to other cities. But when it comes to such sights as Elbrus, the transport system is powerless. Moreover, a taxi is also not an option; it will cost almost more than an excursion. Therefore, even those who go to climb Elbrus often use transfers from Caucasus travel agencies.

Excursion to the Elbrus region to Elbrus and Cheget

An excursion to Elbrus is an ideal way to see the mountains while spending a minimum of physical energy. Firstly, such an excursion can be booked in any city of the KMS and the bus will pick you up directly from the entrance to the sanatorium or from a pre-agreed place. Secondly, this pleasure is not very expensive, ranging from 1000-2000 rubles per person, depending on whether you pay for the cable car ride or not. Thirdly, excursion support in the Caucasus is very good. The guide will tell you everything, show you and take you where you need to go, and at the end of the excursion you will be taken to where you were picked up from. Excursions have only two significant disadvantages. You move in a group of people, this is not always convenient, especially when the group is large. The second disadvantage is that you are strictly limited in time, the guide will not give you a second of extra time, so if you want to enjoy the views more, take food with you. As a rule, the guide allocates 40 minutes for lunch, and a snack taken with you will take a minimum of time. This way, the time saved can be spent walking around the area.

We were in the Caucasus for 9 days and the excursion to Elbrus became an obsession. We didn’t want to leave the Caucasus without seeing the majestic Elbrus, but nature behaved in such a way that Elbrus simply did not appear on the horizon, and the forecasts were not encouraging. Thus, the excursion to Elbrus was gradually postponed until almost the last day of the trip. But our efforts and delays were not in vain, Elbrus heard us and the day of the trip turned out to be sunny and calm.

The bus picked us up from Essentuki and took us to Elbrus. True, the road still passes through Pyatigorsk, so Pyatigorsk is the optimal place from where you can go to Elbrus.

Glade Cheget and Mount Cheget

The first stop is the Cheget glade. After all, our excursion covers two peaks at once - Cheget and Elbrus. Take care of this detail in advance; many travel agencies provide excursions only to one of the two peaks. We must admit that there is some common sense in this. If you are not going to climb to the very peak, but like us, just “ride the cable car” and “click pictures,” then it makes sense to focus your attention on one peak, although we won’t tell you which one, it’s a hard choice.

It must be admitted that the infrastructure of the Elbrus region is developed at a very high level. You can come here wearing flip-flops and easily equip yourself for climbing, provided you have the money, of course. There is everything from equipment rentals and hotels to souvenir shops and cafeterias, groups gather here and guides are hired here.

In the clearing there is a chairlift, which for 500 rubles takes us to the “Ai” cafe at a height of 2750 m and that’s it. That is, of course, the second lift should have lifted us even higher and for the same money, but it did not work, and the price remained the same. But the cable car that we overcame was enough for us. 17 minutes of horror and fear; as a person who is afraid of heights, this event seemed to me in exactly this light. The fact is that the cable car on Cheget is a chairlift, that is, you fasten yourself with a chain at your waist and dangle your legs the whole way, and the ascent runs through a very natural abyss, maybe this is exaggerated, but that’s exactly how I felt at that moment. Of course, I couldn’t take a photo of the ascent process; just at the moment of the ride, my grasping reflex was activated and I grabbed the handrail and couldn’t let go until my feet touched a hard surface. You will laugh, but on the way back, just at the moment when we were passing this unpleasant section with an abyss, the cable car was stopped and we hung in the air for another 5 minutes. These impressions were very strong. Having overcome these difficulties, we found ourselves on the site and a grandiose landscape spread out before us.

On the left are the snow-white slopes of Elbrus, on the right is the Semerka glacier, and wherever you look, there are mountains everywhere.

It would be possible and necessary to go higher, but the guide allocates catastrophically little time. Is the height a little dizzying, or is it that such a chic view is so intoxicating?

But even from the Cheget clearing, the view of the mountains is mesmerizing and captivating.

This is how we met Cheget, like most acquaintances in our lives, it was casual, I hope someday we will become friends. But it’s time for us, the schedule is inexorable, the owner of these places is waiting for us - His Majesty Elbrus.

Elbrus, cable car to Mir station

We pass the village of Terskol and find ourselves in the Azau clearing, where there are even more diverse establishments. The cable car here is more modern than on Cheget, it is a European pendulum, costs 600 rubles. per person. It lifts in two stages. From the Azau clearing to Stary Krugozor, and then to Mir station. Further to the “barrels” there is a chairlift, but it was already closed, so we were content with a height of 3500 meters.

Thin streams emerge from under the melting snow; they descend to the foot of the mountain, there to unite with their brothers into a mighty mountain stream called Baksan.

These are not just reels and hemp, these are tables and chairs, you can eat a sandwich while admiring the stunning panorama.

Here at Mir station there is a memorial to the defenders of the Main Caucasus Mountain Range during the Great Patriotic War.

Gray snow and brown stone create a feeling of unreality. It’s easy to imagine that there are several moons in the sky, and under your feet the earth of an alien planet. But this is not an alien planet, this is the majestic Elbrus.

Looking at the cheerful bearded men in sunglasses and with backpacks, an irresistible desire arose to go with them to the sparkling peaks of Mount Elbrus. We were daydreaming, looking at the mountains, that we lost sight of time so much that we had to have lunch in a hurry, and without lunch we would go through the rest of the day hungry.

The food in Azau, I must admit, is soulless. Edible, but not very tasty. We were unlucky with the shish kebab; as you know, locals don’t marinate lamb, they fry it right away, but in Azau they obviously didn’t have the freshest meat for tourists, so the lamb turned out to be tough. Lunch cost us 840 rubles.

Glade of Narzanov, Elbrus region

Last stop, Narzan glade. It's very close, 10 minutes from Azau. We cross a small bridge over the Baksan River and find ourselves in a small clearing.

Here, too, everything is equipped for tourists. Gazebos, barbecue yards, souvenir shops and the main attraction of this place are the Narzan springs. There are several of them, but the taste of the water from them is approximately the same.

The Russian man is strong. The entire tourist bus drank narzana in each of the four springs and not a single passenger during the entire return trip, which was two and a half hours, asked to get out to freshen up.

The nature of the mountainous area is unlikely to leave you indifferent.

In the depths of the Baksan gorge, in the center of the Caucasus, is Elbrus and the adjacent region -. Without exaggeration, we can say that this is one of the most famous ski resorts in Russia. The Elbrus region includes 12 km of ski lifts and 35 km of ski slopes. The ski season starts in November and ends in mid-May. In some areas, skiing is possible all year round. Ski slopes, in addition to Elbrus, are located on Mount Cheget.

Mount Cheget has a height of 3700 m, with a height difference of 1000 m. Cable cars ascend the mountain, one is single-chair, the other is double-chair, the height difference is 650 m, the length of the route is 1600 m. The length of the ski slopes is 900 m.

Let's consider hotels in the Cheget glade in the Elbrus region, where skiing enthusiasts, fans of snowboarding and extreme skiing can stay.

Hotel "Snow Leopard" Cheget, Elbrus region

Hotel “Reserve Tale” Cheget, Elbrus region

The hotel is small, cozy, beautifully decorated and has 19 rooms. The hotel is famous for its solid wood furniture. Each room has a private bathroom (bathroom, shower), satellite channels, minibar.

In addition, guests are offered:

Russian bath;
sauna;
billiard room;
restaurant.

This hotel is suitable for those who do not like crowded hotels and prefer quiet guesthouses. Carpeted flooring in the rooms makes even walking around the hotel noiseless.

The hotel suite “Reserve Tale” is located among a pine forest, with a mountain river flowing nearby. In summer, guests can fish in the hotel's own trout lake.

Cost of accommodation in this hotel (per room per night):

single occupancy standard - from 850 rubles;
double occupancy standard - from 1200 rubles;
one-room junior suite - from 1150 rubles. (one person), from 1500 rub. (two people);
two-room suite - from 1500 rub. (one person), from 2000 rub. (two people).

There is the possibility of additional space in a suite and junior suite at a price of 300 rubles. per person per day.

Hotel "Povorot" Cheget, Elbrus region

positions itself as a club hotel for fans of active recreation, in particular alpine skiing. As one of the advantages of the hotel, the owners note the friendly atmosphere and the absence of strangers.

This is a small three-story hotel with 16 rooms: from budget class to luxury options. All rooms are very large.

Accommodation is available with a buffet breakfast or with breakfast and dinner.

Cost of accommodation at the Povorot Hotel (per day):

economy class (per person) - from 1000 rubles;
single room - from 2200 rub. (standard), from 2600 rub. (junior suite), from 3600 rub. (luxury);
double (per room) - from 2600 rub. (standard), from 3100 rub. (junior suite), from 4200 rub. (luxury).

The room price includes:

using Wi-Fi;
use of parking lot,
use of equipment storage;
satellite television;
refrigerators in the rooms.

For guests' relaxation the following facilities are provided:

continuous cycle sauna;
pool;
spa treatments;
Russian bath;
billiard room;
gym.

As a hotel-club for lovers of holidays in the mountains, the Povorot hotel in Cheget organizes hiking trips and excursions, accompanied by instructors.

Discount cards of some sports brands provide discounts on services at this hotel.

Hotel "Ozon Cheget", Elbrus region

- another small hotel on Chegetskaya Polyana. A magnificent view of the years and the pine forest is guaranteed. There are 20 rooms on 5 floors:

18 - double rooms (from 3100 rub./day per room);
2 - double suites in the attic (from 3900 rub./day per room).

Both rooms have:

bathroom;
TV (satellite channels);
free Wi-Fi;
landline phone.

Valid at the hotel paid services: sauna, swimming pool, gym, restaurant, equipment storage, billiard room.

Works at the hotel free parking.

In addition, the Ozon Cheget hotel in the Elbrus region can organize ski training and extreme skiing tours.

Hotel "Laguna" Cheget, Elbrus region

The newest of the hotels in question. Built in 2010, this modern hotel is ideal for those who enjoy a simple interior design inspired by the Austrian Alps.

The hotel offers 23 rooms.

In the Elbrus region, ski areas are concentrated directly on Elbrus and on the slopes of Mount Cheget, located not far from Elbrus and famous for its extreme slopes, some of the most difficult in the world. The distance between ski areas is 4 km. 12 km of cable cars have been built in the Elbrus region, incl. a recently built gondola lift that can accommodate up to 500 people at a time.

Mount Elbrus - cable cars and routes Elbrus-Azau

Mount Elbrus, the highest point in Russia and Europe, is the two peaks of an extinct volcano. Eastern - 5621 meters above sea level, Western - 5642 meters. Skiing on certain sections of the slopes is possible all year round. The highest and most accessible point for skiing is “Shelter 11” - 4200 meters. Shelter 11 can be reached from the Mir station by snowcat. There are sections of the route accessible to beginner skiers. For beginner skiers, there is a 300-meter-long rope rope at the run-out of the slope. The total length of the trails is more than 35 km.

Cable cars of the Elbrus-Azau complex

First stage: Azau - Krugozor

The Elbrus-Azau ski complex originates in the Azau clearing, located at the foot of Elbrus. There are catering facilities, a ski equipment rental station, and coffee and tea vending machines. There are two cable car stations in the Azau clearing:

old pendulum;
new gondola road.

Both cable cars run parallel to each other. Currently, there are 2 stages at each cable car, the 3rd stage is under construction. On the 3rd stage there is also a single-chair cable car, which, however, does not always work. From the 2nd stage (Mir station) above, everyone climbs on snowcats; the ascent time to “Shelter-11” is approximately 20 minutes.

Pendulum cableway "Elbrus 1"(2350-3000 m) departs from the Azau station and reaches the Stary Krugozor station. There are cafes and kebab shops at both stations. Travel time on the old pendulum road is 15 minutes.
New cable car "Elbrus" gondola type was opened in December 2006. It connects the lower return station in the Azau clearing with the upper drive station “Old Krugozor” and is installed parallel to the existing pendulum cableway. This is the latest model of a gondola-type aerial cable car with detachable gondolas. The capacity of one gondola is 8 people. 58 gondolas operate simultaneously. The length of the route is 1740 m, the drop in road is 580 m. The travel time of the new gondola road is 5 minutes, the average speed is 6 m/s. The capacity of the cable car is up to 2,400 people per hour.

Second stage: Krugozor - World

The old Elbrus-2 pendulum cable car and the new Elbrus gondola-type cable car operate on this line.

Pendulum cableway "Elbrus - 2" (3000 - 3500 m) starts from the Stary Krugozor station and goes to the Mir station. The length of the road is 1500 m. On the territory of the station there is a cozy cafe “Mir” and the Museum of the military glory of the defenders of Elbrus and the Caucasian passes during the Great Patriotic War.
New gondola-type cable car "Elbrus" (3000 - 5000 m) was opened in April 2009. It is the latest model of aerial cable car with 8-seater gondolas produced by the French company ROMA - one of the world leaders in the field of cable transport systems. The road connects two ski stations: “Stary Krugozor” and “Mir”. The length of the road is 1800 m, the capacity is 2400 people/hour. Travel time in one direction is 5 minutes 13 seconds.

Third stage: Mir - Gara-Bashi

The Elbrus chairlift operates on the 3rd stage.

Chairlift "Elbrus" (3500 - 3850 m) starts from the Mir station and goes to the Gara-Bashi station. The single chair lift is quite old and does not work stably. From here, from an altitude of 3800 m, certified route No. 1 begins to the Azau clearing 2300 m.

Higher up, the Priyut 11 station (4200 m) can be reached by snowcats. All snowcats are private, so their prices fluctuate. Approximately, a distance of 18 km can be covered for 1000 rubles.

Queues	Type of road	Height difference (m)	Throughput, people. / hour	Travel time (min)	Track length (m)
Yoke in the Azau clearing 2300 m-2500 m	Yoke VL-400, “Mops” of the paddling pool in Azau	200	-	5	500
1st stage Azau (2350m)-Stary Krugozor (3000m)	Pendulum cableway "Elbrus-1" (20-seat cabins)	650	100 people/hour	12	1740
1st stage Azau (2350m)-Stary Krugozor (3000m)	Gondola cable car “POMA-1” (8-seater gondolas)	580	2400 people/hour	5	1740
2nd stage Stary Krugozor (3000m) - Mir (3500m)	Pendulum cableway "Elbrus-2" (20-seat cabins)	500	100 people/hour	12	1500
2nd stage Stary Krugozor (3000m) - Mir (3500m)	Gondola cable car “POMA-2” (8-seater gondolas)	514	2400 people/hour	5	1800
3rd stage Mir (3500m)-Gara-Bashi (3780m)	Chairlift "Elbrus", 1-seater	250	130 people/hour, on repair	12	1500
3rd stage Mir (3500m)-Gara-Bashi (3780m)	Gondola cable car	374	under construction	5	1500

Characteristics of the routes of the Elbrus-Azau complex

Red route "Old Horizon"

The route is located between the Mir and Stary Krugozor stations of the Elbrus cable car. There are two options for the descent, one of which merges with the Azau highway, and the other, parallel to the cable car, runs along a wide flat section to the Elephant Foreheads and then along a narrow cornice 4 meters wide to the Stary Kruzor station. The maximum width of the route is 90 m, the height difference is 500 m. The length of the descent is 1900 m. The average slope of the route is 25. Difficult terrain, rocky soil made of volcanic rocks, glacial base of the route.

Red route "Azau"

A gentle descent to the “Olga turn”, then a steep one - along a 50 m long chute with a slope of 35, at the end of the section the route turns left and along the cornice, past the high-mountain hotel, goes in a smooth arc to the left and reaches the straight finishing section under the cable car. Here you need to be careful, as it is possible to collide with skiers starting from the upper station of the VL-350 ropeway. The length of the route is 2 km, the elevation difference is 650 m. The inclination angle is 50.

Blue track "Gara-Bashi"

The route is located between the Gara-Bashi and Mir stations of the Elbrus cable car and has access to the site from which the Old Horizon route begins. The maximum width of the route is 80 m, and the height difference is 300 m. The length is 1100 m with a maximum slope of 50. The slope relief is complex, the soil is rocky and rocky from volcanic rocks, basalt rocks. It is served by the Elbrus cable car with a length of 1130 m at a speed of 1.75 m/s. Having risen another 20 m from the highest station, you can get to the climbers’ training camp for climbing “Bochka”. Shelter 11 (4200 m) and Pastukhov Rocks (4800 m) can be reached by snowcat. True heroes reach the Col (5300 m) as a result of natural selection.

Training slope "Azau" (green track)

The route is located to the right of the ropeway VL-350 along a gentle chute. The route, 300 m long and with a height difference of 50 m, starts at an altitude of 2400 m above sea level. The average tilt angle is 15. The terrain is average, grassy cover on volcanic rocks, on the right side the route borders with a birch forest. The lift is a BKD VL-350 with a length of 300 m with a height difference of 50 m. A helicopter stands at the foot of Elbrus every day. It is also possible to fly to Dombay, ski there and return back. There is no lighting; a large amount of precipitation in the Elbrus region guarantees deep snow cover throughout the ski season. There is a well-equipped rescue service. The most dangerous places on the route - stones, cliffs, buildings - are fenced with a catch mesh.

Mount Cheget: cable cars and trails

It was on Cheget (2100 - 3050 m) that the country's first cable car was built in 1963. The height of Mount Cheget is 3700 meters. The maximum lifting height is 3050 meters. The difference in skiing heights is 1140 meters. Cheget's slopes are considered one of the most difficult in the world's ski resorts. In Russia, Cheget serves as a standard for the difficulty of trails. On Mount Cheget there are 2 stages of the “Cheget” chairlift, a stage of the “Parnaya” double chairlift and a network of rope towing roads. The total length of the ski lifts is 4300 meters, the total length of the ski slopes is 20 km, and if we take into account the possibility of virgin skiing, the total ski area will be about 100 km. Mount Cheget is located 1 km from the village of Terskol and 4 km from the Elbrus cable car complex.

First stage (2100-2750)

Cable car "Cheget-1" departs from the lower station of Polyana Cheget and continues to the cafe station “Ai” (2750 m). The “Ai” cafe station has an observation deck with a magnificent view of the mountains. Height difference - 650 m.
Couples chairlift "Steam" duplicates the KKD "Cheget-1" and also goes from the lower station of the Cheget glade and reaches the station of the cafe "Ai".

Second stage (2750-3000)

Cable car "Cheget-2" departs from the cafe "Ai" and goes to the Cheget station. On the way, a picture opens up: on the right are the snow-white caps of Elbrus, on the left are the peaks of Donguzorun, Kogutai and Nakra sparkling with eternal snow.

Towing roads

towing road VL-650- (2750 m - 3000 m) with a length of 650 meters, travel time 5 minutes;
towing road VL-300- (3000 m - 3070 m) with a length of 300 meters, travel time 3 minutes.

Regions [Northern Elbrus region, northern slopes of the Lateral Caucasus Range] of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. Occasionally encountered term Karachay-Cherkess, or Western, Elbrus region refers to the adjacent areas of the western slopes of Mount Elbrus, located in Karachay-Cherkessia.
In Kabardino-Balkaria, this is the only gorge where a convenient asphalt highway rises to a height of 2340 m above sea level (from ≈ 500 m near the city of Baksan). The Elbrus region is a world-famous center for mountaineering, skiing and tourism.

Elbrus region during the Great Patriotic War

Along the mountain range and the right bank of the river. Baksan in the summer and autumn of 1942 passed the Baksan line of defense of the Soviet troops.
At the Stary Krugozor station (altitude 3000 m) there is a Museum of the military glory of the defenders of Elbrus and the Caucasian passes during the Great Patriotic War.
At the Kyrtykaush pass (3232 m; in the gorge of the Kyrtyk river (from the village of Verkhniy Baksan); tourist routes in the Northern Elbrus region) an obelisk was erected in memory of the events of the Great Patriotic War - in August 1942, Soviet soldiers transferred 70 exhausted from multi-day marches across the pass pupils of the orphanage in the city of Armavir.

Climate

The climate is temperate continental, with low (up to 590 mm) atmospheric pressure and increased solar radiation. Winter is moderately mild, with a large number of sunny days; the average temperature in January is −6 °C (minus). Spring is characterized by significant temperature fluctuations, cloudy weather, and short-term but frequent precipitation. Summer is cool and rains frequently; the average temperature in July is 15 °C. Autumn is dry, with fogs; Cloudy weather prevails. Relative humidity (average) 67%. The number of hours of sunshine is 1849 per year. Mountain-valley winds predominate (average speed 2 m/s).

At the beginning of summer, the weather in the Elbrus area is unstable, there are frequent rains and there is still a lot of snow in the highlands, which significantly complicates not only the routes of tourist routes, but also ford crossings. In this regard, traveling along mountain routes earlier than July and later than September (without preparation and experience) is not recommended.

Resort and recreational resources

Polyana Narzanov

Along with the climate, the most important natural healing factor is carbon dioxide mineral waters (the so-called narzans) of numerous springs (in the area of the Irik glacier, the Adyl-Su clearing, the Azau valley and the village of Baidaevka [near Mount Donguzorun-Gitche-ChatBashi, 3367 m] - the Baksan deposits Bashi-Ullu-Gara), the total flow of which is 9 sources - 5 million l/day.
The most promising springs for sanatorium and resort use are Baksan-Bashi-Ullu-Gara (100 km from the highway Pyatigorsk - Baksan - Nalchik); their flow rate is about 1.5 million l/day. The waters of these sources are classified as carbonic hydrocarbonate-chloride sodium-calcium.
At Polyana Narzan you can relax (there is a cafe), enjoy the mountain beauty and clean air, and drink refreshing healing Narzan right next to the natural springs.

The most promising for resort and sanatorium construction (and recreation) are Polyana Adyl-Su and the Tegenekli area. The Adyl-Su clearing (length about 15 km, width up to 600 m) is located mainly in the gorge of the river. Baksan (altitude 1850-2000 m above sea level), covered with coniferous forests, turning into alpine meadows with height; is located 130 km northwest of Nalchik and 155 km southwest of Pyatigorsk (bus service). The Tegenekli area is located near the village of the same name, near the Yusengi and TegenekliBashi mountains (3501 m).
In the village Elbrus has a hospital, and there are medical aid stations in Upper Baksan and Terskol.

Recreation and tourism

To climb the northern slopes of Elbrus, you must have mountaineering training, and from the south along the Baksan Gorge, an excursionist (tourist) of any age and level of training can approach the snow giant.
The Elbrus region resort area is very popular among skiers. It is one of the three largest ski areas in Russia. In the Elbrus region there are 12 km of cable cars (in current realities - perhaps more) and 35 km of ski slopes, two main slopes - Mount Cheget and Mount Elbrus [their slopes by nature themselves were created for skiing]. The resort's slopes are served by 9 ski lifts. On Mount Cheget, chairlifts have been built to an altitude of 2719 m and higher. 3040 m; on the city of Elbrus there are cableways up to an altitude of 2970 and 3450 m, now also up to 3850 m. There are several ski schools in the Elbrus region, which provide educational skiing with an instructor. The climate at the resort allows natural snow cover to form in November. The ski season lasts until April. You can ski in the upper zone of Elbrus in May. White caps remain on the peaks all year round.

The Elbrus region is one of the major centers of skiing and mountain tourism. There are at least 6 tourist centers operating here - in the area of the village. Elbrus, Tegenekli, Terskol (camp sites “Andyrchi” (wooden cottages), “Elbrus”, “Tegenekli”, and “Terskol”, tourist hotels “Itkol”, “Cheget”, “Azau”, and “Wolfram”); high-altitude tourist shelters, including on the northern slope of Elbrus (Northern shelter, 3800 m), on Lake Donguz-Orun (Donguz-Orunkel, Donguz-Orun-Kol; before the Donguz-Orunbashi pass (Nakra), 3203 m), in the valley R. Yusengi (near the Becho pass, 3367 m); 8 mountaineering camps - in the AdyrSu gorge (“Dzhailyk”, “Ullu-Tau”), in the AdylSu gorge (“Adyl-Su”, “Shkhelda”, “Dzhan-Tugan”, “Elbrus” educational center), between the mouth of the river. Yusengi and s. Baidaevo (“Baksan” and alpine camp “Polyana Narzanov”).

"Around Elbrus"

Hiking along the tourist route “Around Elbrus”
(meterage indicates the height of the area):

village of Verkhniy Baksan ( 43.310833 , 42.751667 43°18′39″ n. w. 42°45′06″ E. d. / 43.310833° N. w. 42.751667° E. d.(G) (O)), the mouth of Kyrtyk (on) is the left tributary of the Baksan (1515 m); to the right bank of the river. Baksan, in the Adyr-Su gorge - a cargo-passenger funicular (lifting, including (Ministry of Emergency Situations) URALs and KrAZ trucks to a height of about 75-100 m: 43.302556 , 42.759003 43°18′09.2″ n. w. 42°45′32.41″ E. d. / 43.302556° s. w. 42.759003° E. d.(G) (O)); Most climbs to Elbrus from the second half of the 19th century began from Upper Baksan, therefore, at the exit from the village (on the outskirts) a monument was erected to the guides and first climbers - Kabardian Killar Khashirov and Balkar Akhiya Sottaev
river gorge Kyrtyk, at the beginning there is a horse trail along a narrow canyon (on the day of arrival, if there are 3-4 hours left before sunset, it is better to hit the road and spend the night somewhere in nature; ≈ 1.5-2 km to the north of the east. Baksan on the left (W) slopes is the source of mineral spring water)
a spacious valley (2100-2200 m) and (to the north) the rocky city of Ullukaya (2856 m) with black eye sockets of the caves of an ancient fortified settlement - archaeol. memory; min. keys (on the western slopes of the mountain, on the left bank); summer camps of shepherds are scattered throughout the green valley [along the route from V. Baksan to Ullukai - the border of the national. park "Elbrus"]; RNM(further along the route almost to the mouth of Kukurtli (see below) of the Ullu-Khurzuk valley
There will be practically no forest (wood for a fire) with rare exceptions)
Kyrtykaush pass (3232 m, non-categorical; near Mount Islamchat (3680 m); 43.393947 , 42.634336 43°23′38.21″ N. w. 42°38′03.61″ E. d. / 43.393947° s. w. 42.634336° E. d.(G) (O)), from the place where we spend the night (we leave early in the morning), the climb to the pass takes 4-5 hours, from its height Elbrus opens up to a surprisingly close distance; an obelisk was erected here in memory of the events of the Great Patriotic War; almost the entire route passes through the sites of long-faded battles (the border of the Elbrus and Zolsky districts, then the Northern Elbrus region); The descent from the pass takes no more than an hour
Islamchat pass (Northern Karakaysky, 2889 m, simple; near the city of Karakaya to the south (3350 m) (and on the right to the city of Shaukam, 2879 m))
upper reaches of Malka (Kyzylkol), ≈ 2300-2400-2500 m, Djily-Su tract (Warm water) (folk baths with warm (+22.4 °C all year round) Narzan springs Zhylasu(“folk balneological resort”), numerous waterfalls (40-meter Sultan), bizarre remains of Kala-Kulak, tour. hotel (barracks); at the Kayaeshik pass (Kayaishik, 2532 m; which (y) leads to the Narzan Valley (KavMinVody))); it's good to have a day ( RNM) and live at the “resort of past centuries”, take a couple of baths, as in the time of Lermontov in a homemade (folk) stone pool
Emmanuel's Glade ( 43.444133 , 42.545953 43°26′38.88″ n. w. 42°32′45.43″ E. d. / 43.444133° s. w. 42.545953° E. d.(G) (O); nearby on the north-west - Mount Kyzylkol (3101 m)), Birzhaly (Birdzhal), Irakhiktyuz tracts;
Near the “narzan baths” of Zhylasu, the BirjalySu (Jylysu) and Kyzylkol rivers merge - the sources of the Malka. We cross the bridge (from E to W) to the left bank and along a well-defined path in about 40 minutes we climb to the mouth of the high-mountain valley of the Kyzylkol River. From here there is a wide view of the legendary Elbrus; the first peak of the Caucasus rises in splendid isolation; There are mountains around, but in comparison with its amazing scale, they seem like hills (in the photo illustration, see History of the ascents). The trail passes by a shepherd's camp, located next to the discreet "Emmanuel Rock", on which is an inscription dedicated to the first ascent of Elbrus (see ibid.).
The ascent was made along the northern slopes (now there, above the Birjaly tract and above the border of rocks and centuries-old snow, - Northern shelter).
plateau [tract] Irahik-Syrt (2961 m; upper reaches of Kyzylkol), from the alpine pasture the northern Elbrus glaciers are clearly visible: Ulluchiran(Ullumanganchiran), Karachaul, Ullukol; before the pass in high water in the upper reaches of Kyzylkol RNM(it’s better to cross fords in the morning)
Buruntash pass (Buruktysh, 3086 m, uncategorized); on the left bank we find a path and along the old moraine we pass it (pass) - we go south
Then the trail traverses high above the glacier UlluChiran a rocky slope and leads to a saddle, which inattentive groups of tourists mistakenly take for Balkbashi; in order not to repeat the mistake (the next pass involves a turn from the southern direction (to the south-west) to the west (to the north-west)), it is necessary to find a path leading further (to the south) - to the real Balkbashi; it can be traced quite well
BalkBashi pass (Palkbashi, 3691 m; I-A), judging by the traces of bivouacs, people often spend the night on Balkbashi, although this “high-altitude” overnight stay cannot be called a convenient place; from the saddle there is a wide view of the river valley. Ulluhurzuk, on the western and northern slopes of Elbrus, on the Bechasyn plateau, on the distant Rocky Range, Mal. Bermamyt and Zap. Dagger (the border of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic and the Karachay-Cherkess Republic; beyond it (the valley) and the pass is the so-called Western (Karachay-Cherkess) Elbrus region)
the path lies in the upper reaches of the river valley. Bitiktobe (Biytik-Tobe) - UlluKhurzuk,
the descent from the pass first goes along the ridge (mountain ridge), adjacent from the north-west to the pass saddle, then along its first western spur; Before reaching the mouth of the stream, the path traverses the right slope of the valley and leads to
kosh on the river Bitiktobe (2716 m above sea level; ruins on some maps)
further (after ≈ an hour’s walk from the kosh) min. source (+18 °C; from the pass to Narzan the transition takes 4 hours, the altitude is lost by more than a thousand)
Below is a sawmill (forestry), mows and several mines. sources (below the confluence of the Bitiktobe and Kukurtli rivers, which form the UlluKhurzuk river; at the confluence of the river. Kichki nekol (Kichkane-Kol), ≈ 1950-2000 m) [if the overnight stay was before crossing Kyzylkol, we go another 5 km and stop for the night]
Khurzuk village (at the confluence of the Ullu-Khurzuk and Ullu-Kam rivers, 1400-1450 m above sea level (which 4 km below the village of Khurzuk (to the north-west) merges with the Uchkulan river and forms the Kuban); connected by bus to Karachaevsk, the route can be started from here); between the forestry and Khurzuk (or in it) RNM
river gorge UlluKam (Ullu-Kam; Karachay name of Kuban)
up (to the south-east along the route) along a treeless valley (forest, as well as dry forest, brushwood on the mountain slopes) at the 9th km, the summer camp site "Ullu-Kam" (1587 m; on maps it may simply be indicated as a barn and/or quarry) and the lower reaches of the tourist area Uzunkol (in the Uzun-Kol gorge there is a mountain camp “Uzunkol”)
the area becomes more picturesque, along the gorge the forest [descends into the valleys], in August the forest of the Ullu-Kam valley abounds in raspberries, currants, and mushrooms; 5 kilometers from the mouth of Uzunkol, the Chirinkol River (ChirikKol) is a left tributary of the Ullu-Kama; Here RNM(1790 m)
higher (after 8 km), at the confluence of the river. Kichke nekol (KichkineKol) with UlluKam - summer MTF (farm; 2157 m), higher up - places for bivouac are worse and there is no fuel for a fire; we continue the path to shorten the path to the Azau pass
just above the confluence of Ullu-Kam and Ullu-Yozen, on the wide rocky floodplain of Ullu-Yozen koshi (letniki, ≈ 2280 m; RNM(or lower, in the MTF area), you need to take care of fuel for the fire in the forest along the way) [here the paths fork - to the E (N-E) and ours to the SE], in the morning we leave along the floodplain, after 5 km there is a fork ( 2587 m; here three rivers merge - the sources of Ullu-Yozen) - the directions are the same, the choice is the same - the right branch; the entire path to the pass is already clearly visible, we go around the tongue of the glacier on the right; above there is a snowfield adjacent to the saddle; access to the pass on easy rocks
from the Azau pass (AzauBashi, 3,428 m; I-A category of difficulty; near the city of AzauBashi (3,695 m), rocky col Khotyutau, pass from the Karachay-Cherkess Republic to the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic); an exceptional view of Elbrus and the Baksan Gorge opens up, on the right (to the south-east) the ChiperAzau pass (3264 m) leading to Svaneti is in full view
we descend from the pass (to the east-south-east) a little along the rocks, then along the snowfield and a small glacier; Below we go out onto the old left-bank moraine of the Chiperazau glacier, descending from the pass of the same name; there is already a trail (on E-N-E), which leads to the usual bivouac site - “Sandy overnight” ( RNM; from the “Sandy Night” to Polyana Azau it’s a two-hour walk [the elevation difference from the pass is about 1100 m], if time permits (before dark), it’s better to go down to the Baksan Gorge) - from here the paths to the ChiperAzau passes diverge (in the South W), Azau (back to W), Echo of War and Khasankoy-Syuryulgen (to NW)
on the last section of the route we cross the longest Elbrus glacier, the Great Azau (for the highest tongue of the glacier, see the article Greater Caucasus)
Having crossed the right-bank moraine, we come out onto a gentle glacier, and for some time we walk along its middle part, then we go out obliquely onto the left-bank moraine, to the red-brown rocks (behind which is the station of the “Old Krugozor” cable car (3000 m)); there is already a path along the route...
Azau glade (2340 m)
the final point of the route is the village of Terskol (2200 m ... 2250 m);
having gone around Elbrus, the journey ends in the Elbrus region, at the southern foot of the “most noble” peak of the Caucasus

Attractions

Interesting hikes to the Irik-Chat gorge (near the village of Elbrus), to the Becho pass (the gorge of the Yusengi river), to Lake Donguz-Orun and the Donguz-OrunBashi pass (Nakra, DonguzOrun; from the Cheget clearing), to the AdyrSu gorge (surprisingly -mysterious mountain UlluTau (Ullu-Tau-Chat)), as well as

Polyana Narzanov
Baksan Gorge

Elbrus glaciers

From all sides of the ancient slopes of Elbrus, 23 glaciers flow invisibly. Of these, 17 are powerful, first category. Seven large glaciers flow to the north and belong to the Malka basin. The area of modern Elbrus glaciation is more than 135 square kilometers.

Mountain rescuers, Ministry of Emergency Situations

Formations of the North Caucasus Regional Search and Rescue Service:

Notes

National Park

Literature

Opryshko O. L. In the Elbrus direction. - Nalchik: Book publishing house "Elbrus", 1970. - 168 p. - 15,000 copies.
Opryshko O. L. Sky-high front of the Elbrus region. - M.: Military Publishing House, 1976. - 152 p. - (The heroic past of our Motherland). - 65,000 copies.
Elbrus region, Lekzyr, Adyrsu / Authors: A. A. Alekseev, Yu. V. Granilshchikov, V. Yu. Ifraimov, V. A. Kutkov; Compiled by: Yu. V. Granilshchikov. - M.: Physical culture and sport, 1982. - 192 p.
Beroev B. M. Elbrus region: Essay on nature. Chronicle of the conquest of Elbrus. Tourist routes. - M.: Profizdat, 1984. - 208 p. - (One hundred paths - one hundred roads). - 97,500 copies.
Natural healing resources of the Elbrus region. Nalchik. 1973
Around Elbrus. Tourist route map (M. 1:100,000). Pyatigorsk: North-Kav. AGP. 1992. Roscartography 1992, (with a more detailed description)