The North Caucasus includes Adygea, Ingushetia, Karachay-Cherkessia, North Ossetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Dagestan, Chechnya, Stavropol and Krasnodar territories. The terrain in the region is mountainous, which has influenced two aspects in terms of attractions. Firstly, it made it possible to build modern complexes for ski and nature tourism. For example, conditions were created for recreation in Krasnaya Polyana in the Krasnodar Territory and in Dombai in Karachay-Cherkessia.
And, secondly, many unique objects of antiquity were able to survive to this day due to the difficult access to them. This primarily concerns the Derbent fortress of Naryn-Kala or the "Tatar settlement" of the Stavropol Territory. Now tourist sites are being improved, but at the same time they are protected. That is, they can be examined and preserved for posterity.
The most interesting and beautiful places in the region
List, photos with names and descriptions of popular sights of the North Caucasus!
Elbrus
The highest point in Russia and Europe. The absolute height is 5642 m. There is a stratovolcano in the Caucasus Mountains system. Climbing is not considered particularly difficult, but accidents do occur periodically. About 10 routes have been laid. The main infrastructure is concentrated along the Baksan Gorge. There is a hotel, cable cars and alpine shelters that appeared on Elbrus at the beginning of the last century.
Mosque "Heart of Chechnya"
Built in Grozny in 2008 and bears the name of Akhmat Kadyrov. It can receive 10 thousand worshipers at a time. It is one of the largest mosques in the world. The style is classic Ottoman, based on the Istanbul Blue Mosque. Internal and external decoration - marble. Patterns and quotes from the Koran are written in gold dusting of the highest standard. There are 4 minarets along the perimeter. Around a park of 14 hectares is laid out.
Imeretinskaya lowland
Located in the Adler region. It is bounded by the Psou and Mzymta rivers. The coastline is mostly covered with pebble beaches. Almost all of them are public, only some areas are related to hotels, for example, the "Velvet Season" or "Reddison". There are plenty of entertainment options, including the Sochi Park with attractions and the Olympic Park. Sports fans can visit the Ice Palace or the Fisht Stadium.
Vovnushki
The monument of Ingush architecture is located in the Dzheyrakh region. The exact time of the construction of the defensive watchtowers is unknown, but they are considered ancient. Each of them was built according to tradition no more than a year. The natural relief of the rocks adds color to the attractions. The complex is part of the Dzheyrakh-Assinsky State Historical, Architectural and Natural Museum-Reserve.
Naryn-Kala fortress
It was built in Derbent in the 8th-16th centuries to control a narrow passage leading to the land of the Persians. For this reason, it is located close to the Caspian Sea. The area is about 4.5 hectares. In each era, changes were made to the architectural plan, taking into account the needs. The citadel has well-preserved walls and some internal structures, including a water supply system and baths. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Midagrabin waterfalls
Located in North Ossetia. Depending on the method of measurement, the maximum height ranges from 600 to 750 m. This makes the Big Zeigalan - the largest waterfall of the group, the highest in Europe. At the same time, it is not stable during the year, as it feeds on the melting of the glacier. In winter, large icicles freeze on it, and the runoff disappears. It gains strength in the middle of summer, but its rapid flow does not last long.
Kubachi
The village was formed no later than the 5th century. From about this time it is mentioned in chronicles as a place rich in skilled craftsmen. They made the best chain mail in the region. Now it belongs to the Dakhadayevsky district of Dagestan. Folk crafts are not forgotten to this day. Stone and wood carving was added to the manufacture of weapons, armor and household items from metal. A museum has been opened at the local art plant.
Observation Tower on Mount Akhun
The hill itself is located between Khosta and Agura. On its top, by order of Stalin in 1936, an observation tower was promptly erected. The road to this place appeared a year earlier. However, you can climb here on foot, which will give you a lot of impressions. From here you can enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings. A tasting room is now operating in the tower. Nearby - a restaurant, shopping pavilions and a tea house.
Erzi
The state natural reserve occupies more than 35 thousand hectares in two districts of Ingushetia at once. The unique objects of the local flora include sea buckthorn thickets and hooked pine massif. There are also rare species of fauna, for example, the forest cat and the tour. On the territory of the reserve, tower complexes have been preserved - examples of the medieval architecture of the republic. A bronze eagle of the 8th century was found in one of the towers.
Kislovodsk National Park
In the past it was a spa park. In 2016 it received a new status. The area is more than 965 hectares. For those wishing to improve their health, a terrenkur has been laid - a specially designed walking medical route. The territory is rich in interesting places and natural monuments. These include: the Lermontov pavilion, a cable car, the Horseshoe Pavilion-Museum, a rope town, a flower calendar and a clock.
Egikal
The abandoned ancient Ingush city of the Dzheyrakh region. First of all, the area is famous for its architectural complex. Almost every building is a historical object. Sanctuaries, burial grounds, towers and Cyclopean dwellings are of great interest to tourists and researchers. For several years the "Battle in the Mountains" tournament was held in Egikala. It is part of the Dzheyrakh-Assinsky Museum-Reserve.
Kezenoy-Am
The lake is a natural monument of regional importance. Belongs to Chechnya and Dagestan. It arose due to the blockage of the river bed. The water level changes throughout the year. The surface area ranges from 170 to 230 hectares. A tourist cluster has been opened on the coast since 2015. Among other things, a sports complex, apartments, a boat station have been built. In 2017, the first sailing regatta took place on the lake.
Memorial complex "Walk of Fame"
Built in Grozny in 2008. Area - 5 hectares. A museum named after Akhmat Kadyrov was opened on the territory. Personal belongings are collected there and an exposition is organized, telling about his contribution to the development of the republic. The museum occupies the lower level of the complex. On the second, an art gallery welcomes guests. The third level is reserved for portraits of Heroes of the Soviet Union and bas-reliefs on various themes. On the fourth, an eternal flame burns.
Caucasian biosphere reserve
Founded in 1924. The area is over 2.8 thousand km². The closest city is Sochi. In the past, these lands were hunted by the great dukes. Rich in a variety of flora and fauna. Large species of animals, for example, bison, are valuable. Specially protected areas are scattered throughout the territory. Because of this, tourists are allowed to use only one approved route for excursions.
Failure
Pyatigorsk natural object, which can be easily found on the slope of Mashuk on the south side. Mineral waters and hydrogen sulfide caused the formation of an underground cave first, and then a funnel with a diameter of 15 m. It was filled with water and turned into a lake 11 m deep. A statue of Ostap Bender was installed in front of the entrance to the Proval. A consecrated tunnel has been laid down to the lake itself through the cave.
Museum-reserve "Tatar settlement"
Formed in 1992 near Stavropol. The area is about 200 hectares. The site itself is dated to the 8th century BC. The Museum-Reserve is an archaeological and natural landmark.The burial grounds are well preserved on its territory. Otherwise, the silhouettes of the old buildings and roads are barely visible or lie in ruins. Research continues, in parallel with this, excursions are conducted here.
Mount Fisht
It is part of the Krasnodar Territory and Adygea. Part of the Caucasus Range. Height - more than 2.8 thousand m. Popular among rock climbers: routes have been laid for group and single ascents of varying difficulty. The mountain has a coral structure, as in the past, according to researchers, it was an island. One of the Olympic stadiums built in Sochi and hosting the Games is named after Fisht.
Lake Tambukan
Belongs to Kabardino-Balkaria and Stavropol Territory. Located 9 km from Pyatigorsk. The lake has an oval shape, it is salty and drainless. The area is 1.7 km², the maximum depth is 10 m. The mud is similar in composition to the muddy sediments of the Dead Sea. You can swim in Tambukan for a short time, but drinking water is dangerous to your health. There are no fish in the lake. Not everyone will like to rest nearby because of the unpleasant smell.
Chegem waterfalls
Belong to the territory of Kabardino-Balkaria. The natural monument was formed on three rivers, and all of them flow into Chegem. The maximum height is 60 m. The largest waterfall is divided into separate streams. The second is "built" into the crevice. The third has the most powerful flow. A popular tourist route passes by. Neat paths with railings have been built, there are observation platforms.
Matsesta resort
The most popular place with hydrogen sulphide springs in the Krasnodar Territory. They come to the surface in the regions of two rivers: Khosta and Agura. One and a half dozen wells with mineral water are available to vacationers. The water from here helps in the treatment of a number of diseases. The resort complex has been operating since the beginning of the 20th century. It includes not only residential buildings, but also treatment rooms, a clinic and laboratories.
Dombay
The mountainous territory of Karachay-Cherkessia is one of the centers of tourism in the North Caucasus. The ski slopes are designed for both beginners and experienced extreme sports. Lifts and cable cars are modern and work without interruption. Climbers can test themselves in a wide variety of terrains. Accommodation - for every taste and budget, for example, you can rent a room in the Golden Mustang or an apartment in the Chalet.
Chirkeyskaya HPP
Built in 1963 on the Sulak River in Dagestan. The units were fully commissioned by 1976. The local arched dam is the highest in Russia, moreover, the Chirkeyskaya HPP is the most powerful in the North Caucasus. During its construction, a reservoir was formed. A road stretches along its coast up to the dam. On the basis of the hydroelectric power station, there is a fish farm where trout is grown.
Memorial of memory and glory in Nazran
It took more than a decade to build and was completed by 2012. Dedicated to both tragic and solemn dates and events in the history of the Ingush people. The complex includes monuments, alleys, plantings, colonnades. They are designed not to let people forget about the feat of their compatriots during military conflicts, about deportation and political persecution. Among other things, a memorial plaque with the names of the Heroes of the USSR and Russia was installed.
33 waterfalls
One of the most popular natural monuments in the vicinity of Sochi. Height - 12 m. The area around is refined, convenient approaches are made. Located in the national park. Around in the warm season it is green and fresh. Plants are varied: lianas, alder, ferns, maples. Mighty oaks grow in the Dzhegosh tract. A notable object nearby is the Tulip tree, which is about 750 years old.
Krasnaya Polyana
The resort has been known since 1876. It was rebuilt and changed several times. There is something to see in the vicinity: the Museum of Nature, the royal hunting lodge, built in 1901, the Greek church. However, tourists are more attracted by the opportunity to go skiing in the Rosa Khutor complex at any time of the year. Nearby there are analogues - "Gorki Gorod" and the mountain tourist center of OJSC "Gazprom".
Caucasian dolmens
The time of appearance is the Bronze Age. Tombs are widespread throughout the Krasnodar Territory. They were found both in the mountains and on flat areas. There are absolutely intact, others are damaged or destroyed. Despite the fact that they are made of stones and rocks, dolmens are rather fragile in structure. To preserve them, especially valuable samples are transferred to museums or protected areas.
Rekom Sanctuary
Located in the Tseiskiy gorge in North Ossetia. Dedicated to a "male" deity named Rekom. The former sanctuary was destroyed by fire in the mid-90s of the last century. A new one was built in its place, in accordance with all the rules and rituals. It looks like a log hut, in the construction of which nails and fasteners were not used. On the facade there are two shelves with animal skulls. Women cannot enter.
Mikhailo-Athos Zakubanskaya desert
Founded in 1877 in Adygea. In Soviet times, a rest house, a children's colony, and a tourist center were based here in turn. The monastery has been revived since 2001. The previously blown up Church of the Transfiguration was rebuilt. The monastery has stables, wineries, bakeries. Monks collect medicinal herbs to make tea. The complex belongs to the cultural heritage sites of regional significance.
Monument to Uastyrdzhi
Installed in 1995 on the Transcaucasian highway in North Ossetia. The weight of the monument is about 28 tons. Uastirdzhi combines several images. He is both a hero from the epic, and a deity that protects men, and a kind of Christian Saint George. He is depicted on a horse in full dress and seems to fly out of a rock, being in limbo. It is clearly visible from the road at a great distance.
Guam gorge
Located in the upper reaches of the Kurdzhips River in the Krasnodar Territory. Length - 5 km. It starts in Guamka and is abruptly cut off by rocks, the height of which is about 400 m. There are excellent conditions for climbers. The terrain is suitable for training at any time of the year. Competitions are held on 200 tracks. A narrow-gauge railway was laid along the gorge. However, a landslide formed a blockage on it.
