Unusual travel destinations in the Caucasus. Road and housing. Tour of the city of the dead

Many go on a trip to the Caucasus. And this is no accident. There is something to see here. Many beautiful places: waterfalls, lakes, mountains, ancient monasteries - all this is located in the Caucasus. Nature lovers will be impressed by the journey for a long time.

Alibek waterfall

The attraction is located in the north of the Caucasus and reaches a height of about twenty-five meters. The raging mass of water falls with a roar on mighty stones, presenting an impressive sight. At the same time, an incredible rumble from the stream breaking down is carried along the gorge. The place is considered the most popular object of hiking.

The first part of the way to the camp is often done by transport. You can walk this route if you wish. The beauties that open to the eye, in particular the relic fir forest, will not leave anyone indifferent. Further, the excursion always goes to the Alibek glacier. Thanks to well-organized transport, tourists of all ages have the opportunity to admire this beauty.

Alibek waterfall is the main attraction of Dombay and, in combination, its most beautiful place.

Baduk lakes

This unforgettable place. Here, on the Baduk River, the left tributary of the Tiberda, in the valley between two ridges near the village of Dombay, there are 3 small lakes. According to researchers, they are of landslide-dam origin and formed recently, only about two hundred years ago. The first of them is small and shallow, and its length is more than eighty meters. Along the banks there are granite blocks, on which you can see inclusions of rock crystals. The slopes are covered with forest, covering the water surface from all sides, except for one. Mountains are visible through this "window".

The second lake is located upstream, only sixty meters from the first. It is a little more than the first, its length is not less than two hundred meters. It is interesting that tourists are not at all interested in it - you can rarely see anyone here.

The third lake is located above the other two and is considered the largest. In length it reaches about three hundred and thirty meters. The water here is bluish-green and slightly warmer than in the first two lakes (+10°C). Huge boulders are scattered along the shores of the lake, behind them you can see the forest. All this gives the reservoir an unusual enchanted look. Baduk lakes are the main attraction of the Teberdinsky Reserve.

Main Caucasian Range

It's continuous Mountain chain, stretching for almost 1100 kilometers from the northwest to the southeast of the Black Sea. It ends in the region of the Caspian shores. The most high part Caucasian ridge located between the mountains Elbrus and Kazbek (height 5642 m).

The Caucasian order has 15 mountain peaks. It surpasses the Alps in height. The steepest and most undeveloped part of it is considered to be the descent to the Alazani valley. The ridge cannot be called passable, only on the western and eastern sides there are low and convenient passes accessible at any time of the year. In other places there are pack and hiking trails. Most of them are not suitable for winter use.

Among the most famous glaciers located here are:

• Dykh-Su;
• Bezengi;
• Tsaneri;
• Karaug;
• Big Azau.

A unique architectural monument of Ingushetia. Represents a failure complex defensive towers. Location - high-mountainous regions of the Dzheirakh-Assinsky State Historical-Architectural and natural museum- reserve. Vovnushki are 3 towers. 2 of them are located opposite each other on opposite sides of a deep gorge through which the Guloi-khi river flows. The walls of the towers are stone, because of this structure they look like a natural continuation of the rocks on which they are built. The approaches to them are blocked by a powerful wall. Vovnushki complex is unique architectural monument relating to the 7 wonders of Russia.

St. George's Monastery

Located in Essentuki (Stavropol Territory). The walls of the Georgievsky Monastery are made of white marble, due to which it looks majestic and solemn. The floors inside the building are decorated with floor mosaics, the vault is supported by marble columns. At the top is a bell tower. The structure is crowned with golden domes.

The monastery was built recently and has been operating since 2006. Since the opening, an orphanage has been operating here and various shrines have been kept:

• part of the relics of George the Victorious;
• icons of the Mother of God "The Tsaritsa" and "Feodorovskaya";
• parts of the relics of Seraphim of Sarov and the Diveevo wives.

Tatar settlement

A miraculously preserved architectural monument of Ciscaucasia. This natural museum-reserve is located in Stavropol and stores religious, cultural and fortification buildings, burial grounds and ancient roads, through which you can learn a lot interesting information about the life of our ancestors. Currently, excursions are being held here and at the same time research is being carried out in the fields of zoology, botany, soil science and geology.

Mount "Ring"

It is located not far from Kislovodsk and is part of the Lermontov Museum-Reserve. Mount "Ring" is a through grotto, similar in shape to a circle, the diameter of which is about 8 m. It is located on the left side of the Borgustan ridge, dotted with caves and grottoes of various shapes and sizes.

The attraction closes the series of beauties of the Caucasus and Transcaucasia, as it is located on the edge of the ridge. A magnificent beautiful view opens through it, and in the distance you can see Kislovodsk. Today Mount Ring - famous place, beloved by tourists. They often go here with excursions, so it’s organized transport connection It is not difficult for tourists to get there by bus. Next, you need to climb the path that goes to the mountain through a subalpine meadow.

The Caucasus and Transcaucasia are rich in sights. Mountains, reserves and others natural beauty stretched here for many kilometers and make an unforgettable impression on every traveler. The surrounding landscapes create beautiful views for memorable panoramic shots.

Caucasus. Magical mountain land of healing air, transparent sea and bright generous sun! The land of non-melting snow on the mountain peaks and year-round mild, warm climate of the foothills.

The Caucasus is a real treasury of monuments of the original ancient cultures of its great peoples, amazing Caucasian traditions and truly inexhaustible, cordial and "delicious" Caucasian hospitality...

Caucasus - mountain region on the border of Europe and Asia, in the Caucasus there are several states: Russia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia. The Caucasus is washed by the waters of two seas: the Black in the west and the Caspian in the east. The Caucasus is historically divided into South Caucasus and the North Caucasus. Russia includes vast territories North Caucasus . This is Ciscaucasia, the northern slope Greater Caucasus and the southwestern slope of the Greater Caucasus Range, and, of course, Black Sea coast of the Caucasus.

The origin of the name "Caucasus" has several versions. But the etymological versions of different peoples have one thing in common: the key words in the name of the Caucasus are “top, mountain”. And this is true, because the Caucasus is a magical land of shining peaks!

Traditionally, the resorts of the North Caucasus are the most popular holiday destinations among the inhabitants of Russia. Only in the Caucasus is it possible, having rolled enough on skiing, taste all the delights of the sea beach holiday!

Caucasian mineral waters are one of the most delicious and healthy in the world, and balneological resorts of the North Caucasus practically in no way inferior to the famous thermal spas such as Karlovy Vary and Baden-Baden. There is a whole group of resorts of healing natural water in the Caucasus. The main and most famous of the resort cities: Pyatigorsk, Zheleznovodsk, Essentuki and Kislovodsk.

Unspoken "capital" and official administrative center amazing region is resort city Pyatigorsk. Located at the foot majestic mountain Mashuk, Pyatigorsk has long been famous as an all-Russian health resort. This is the oldest resort in Russia. From anywhere in the city you can see magnificent panoramas five-domed mountain Beshtau from which the city got its name. (Beshtau in translation means “five mountains”). And on clear days from the top of Mashuk you can see the shining snow tops of the legendary Elbrus - the main natural attraction of the Caucasus. In Pyatigorsk there are more than forty sources of thermal water, the widest range of therapeutic effects. The most famous Pyatigorsk mineral waters are "Slavyanovskaya Healing", "Pyatigorsk Crystal", "Essentuki" and a great many others.

Pyatigorsk is a city associated with outstanding names of Russian literature and culture. Pushkin, Lermontov, Tolstoy, Tchaikovsky have been here. The most outstanding historical sights of Pyatigorsk are associated with the name of the great genius of Russian literature Mikhail Yurievich Lermontov. Not far from Pyatigorsk is the place of the tragic duel of M.Yu. Lermontov. His favorite places in Pyatigorsk are the Academic Gallery and the grotto in Emanuelevsky Park. The sights of Pyatigorsk include a magnificent Eagle monument on the ledge of the Hot Mountain (by the way, this monument is the official symbol of the Caucasian Mineral Waters), the Flower Garden park and the famous “Proval”, immortalized in the immortal work of Ilf and Petrov “The Twelve Chairs”. At the entrance to Proval and today stands great schemer Ostap Bender, however, bronze.

Excursions depart from Pyatigorsk to Elbrus region, in particular, on Dombai- worldwide famous center mountaineering, skiing And mountain tourism. Dombai is the legendary mountain "country", real capital mountaineering in the Caucasus, sung in thousands of songs of fearless enthusiasts - conquerors of proud mountain peaks and filmed in hundreds of films. Dombay is a paradise not only for climbers, this place comfortable rest in the splendor mountain beauties, at any time of the year and for all categories of travelers.

From Pyatigorsk you can go to the most amazing and mysterious places in the North Caucasus. One of them is unique Blue Lakes around Nalchik, in the Cherek Gorge. This is perhaps the most mysterious sight of the North Caucasus. Lower Blue Lake is the third deepest lake in Russia. Its depth is over 380 meters, and this is with the area of ​​the water mirror only about two hectares. 8,000 cubic meters of water pour out of it every day, and this despite the fact that not a single river or stream flows into the lake! A real mystery of nature! And her real pearl, cosmic, unreal beauty.

Kislovodsk- the real "city of the Sun"! By number sunny days in a year it is not inferior to the best climatic resorts Alps and Mediterranean. Kislovodsk treats with its mountain air, filled with phytoncides of herbs from alpine meadows and, of course, healing mineral water. The pride and ancient landmark of Kislovodsk is a magnificent Narzan Gallery. In the vicinity of Kislovodsk, upstream of the Olkhovka River, there is a famous Lermontov rock, in which the duel between Pechorin and Grushnitsky, the characters of the immortal work of M.Yu. Lermontov "A Hero of Our Time". Not far from Kislovodsk, there is another natural wonder, also mentioned in the "Hero of Our Time". In the gorge of the Podkumok River, in the spurs of the Burgustan Range, rises miracle rock, nicknamed rock ring. Time and nature have made a hole in it, and today the rock really resembles a ring that has rolled down from the hand of some unknown giant.

Zheleznovodsk- a miracle city, tiny " Caucasian Switzerland". Immersed in the greenery of beech and hornbeam forests, the town whimsically runs down the slopes of the Beshtau and Zheleznaya mountains. The mineral waters of Zheleznovodsk Slavyanovskaya and Smirnovskaya, unique in composition, are known not only in Russia, but also abroad. Zheleznovodsk is located Europe's largest mud bath. The sights of Zheleznovodsk include the ancient majestic Palace of the Emir of Bukhara, Pushkin Gallery, Therapeutic park, Cascade staircase, cave ancient man in the Saltpeter Rocks, luxurious, Moorish-style Ostrov baths.

In the Caucasus, a huge number of unique natural attractions and ancient man-made monuments. These are amazing waterfalls, caves, alpine lakes, mountain valleys. These are ancient mysterious dolmens and ancient fortresses.

The Caucasus is unique rock Sail V Krasnodar Territory. The Caucasus is a stunning fragile beauty Lotus Valley on the Taman Peninsula. The Caucasus is the largest Caucasian biosphere reserve in Adygea is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The Caucasus is a unique alpine Lago-Naki plateau right there, in Adygea, where all the wonders of nature are collected at once: the Valley of Ammonites, and stunning caves, and many dolmens, waterfalls, colossal stone pillars... These are already mentioned blue Lakes Kabardino-Balkaria, the Akhshtyrskaya cave near Sochi, the holy springs of Neberdzhay, near Anapa, at the very foot of the Caucasus Mountains. These are Sochi, Chegem, Plesetsk waterfalls. Waterfalls on the Zhane and Ashe rivers. This unique complex the medieval fortress towers of Erzi in Ingushetia, the Ushkaloy towers in the Argun Gorge of Chechnya and the ancient fortress of Naryn Kala in Dagestan.

The Caucasus is a stunning face of Christ, depicted in the 9th century by an unnamed artist on an unknown rock in one of the grottoes of Arkhyz...

The Caucasus is the most amazing place on earth, a place of wonderful, amazing, inexhaustible discoveries!

The Caucasus sounds proud and majestic! picturesque places, mountain peaks, the pristine beauty of nature, culture, traditions and customs - there are many pleasant memories and associations with the Caucasus. The Caucasus is always attractive. What is the gray-haired wise giant - Elbrus worth. And the ancient Derbent is the oldest city in Russia. And sacred family traditions… You can't count them all.

Many legends, facts and myths are associated with the Caucasus. Let's talk about some of them today:

No. 1. Kefir - both tasty and healthy

Kefir is a very popular drink in Russia. Did you know that his homeland is the foot of Mount Elbrus, from where this invigorating drink spread to Russia. It has been known in the Caucasus for many centuries. In those parts there are even legends about how kefir sourdough appeared. The most common legend says that the grains of kefir grains were transferred to the mountaineers by the prophet Muhammad himself, who brought them in his staff.

The secret of making kefir was kept secret by Caucasians for a long time, passed down from generation to generation, and did not spread anywhere further than the Caucasus. It was impossible to transfer grains of leaven even to neighbors.

In Russia, they learned about kefir only at the end of the 19th century. Known and romantic story, overgrown with many myths, related to how kefir was able to get for Russia.

One Russian doctor who worked in the Caucasus wrote in his report about the healing properties of kefir. But the scientists failed to artificially remove lactic acid bacteria, so it was decided to get these bacteria in any possible way.

The All-Russian Society of Doctors decided to turn to Nikolai Ivanovich Blandov, a well-known entrepreneur in the field of selling cheeses and dairy products at that time. Blandov had several shops and cheese factories in Kislovodsk and slowly increased production. The young Karachai prince Bek-Mirza Baichorov was the supplier of milk for its production. Like any Caucasian, he knew the secret of making kefir. But how to approach it? As you know, Caucasians are great lovers of female beauty. Blandov's assistant, 20-year-old beauty Irina Tikhonovna Sakharova, was chosen for the secret mission.

The prince fell in love with her, but never wanted to reveal the secret of kefir. Irina, already in despair, was about to leave with Vasiliev, an engineer of cheese factories, when they were attacked by mountaineers with sabers and closed faces and they grabbed the girl. As it turned out later, according to Caucasian customs, this prince decided to steal the bride. Vasilyev turned to the gendarmerie. The culprit was quickly identified, but since it was not an ordinary mountaineer, but a prince, they decided not to make the case public. And Irina demanded kefir fungi for her forgiveness. The prince had no choice but to agree.

Thus, in Russia, the production of this fermented milk drink was quickly established. He soon became popular throughout Russia, as well as beyond its borders.

No. 2. Caucasian means European

If the Caucasian is translated into English, then it will turn out English word"Caucasian". An interesting fact is that in English the word "Caucasian" is used not only in relation to people from the Caucasus. The word "Caucasian" in English refers to all representatives of the Caucasian race, that is, all those whom we call white Europeans in Russian.

This happened thanks to the famous German anthropologist Johann Blumenbach. At the end of the 18th century, he published a scientific work in which he divided all of humanity into 5 races, namely:

americanoid,
Negroid
Malay
Mongoloid
Caucasian race.

He called the Caucasian race white Europeans, since he believed that the first Europeans appeared precisely in the Caucasus, and from there they had already spread throughout Europe. This theory in science was the main one for a long time, but was later refuted. But, nevertheless, the term "Caucasian" took root in German and English, and is still used there in relation to all white Europeans, including those living in America and Australia.

No. 3. "Wild division

In the Russian Empire, the inhabitants of the Caucasus were not subject to military conscription, and therefore did not serve in the army. But there was one exception: during the First World War in 1914, the "Caucasian native cavalry division", better known as the "wild division", was formed. The division was commanded by the brother of Emperor Nicholas II, Prince Mikhail Alexandrovich, modest, but at the same time not a timid dozen people. The division was 90% Muslim volunteers. People from Dagestan, Chechnya, Azerbaijan and other regions of the Caucasus served in it.

Mountain customs were strong in this division, such as respect for elders and hospitality. Subservience and sycophancy were not recognized, they were respected not for ranks, but for courage.

The "Wild Division" during the First World War distinguished itself by many military merits and took an important part in many battles of that war. For military merit, soldiers were not awarded as usual. Since Muslims predominated here, instead of the orders of St. George, St. Anne, the heroes were awarded the coat of arms Russian Empire- double-headed eagle.

Shortly after the revolution, in January 1918, the "wild division" was disbanded.

No. 4. Legends of Elbrus

The Caucasus is the most high mountain in Europe and Russia - Elbrus. Its height is 5642 meters above sea level.

Under the name Elbrus, the mountain is known all over the world, but this majestic peak has more than four dozen names. The Karachays and Balkars themselves, who live at the foot of the giant, do not call it Elbrus. This name is not consonant with any of the words of these Caucasian peoples. It is believed that "Elbrus" has Iranian roots, since in old times Iranian-speaking tribes of Ases lived here. Translated from Persian "Elburs" means "high mountain".

There is also a romantic legend about Elbrus. They say that heroes lived here in ancient times - father and son. Their names were Kazbek and Elbrus. Both were in love with the beautiful Mashuko, and no one wanted to concede in conquering the girl's heart. And then they decided to fight in a duel. Son Elbrus defeated his father in a deadly duel. But the price of victory was too high - the death of a loved one, and Elbrus no longer wanted Mashuko's love. He stabbed himself with the same dagger as his father. Mashuko wept over them for a long time. God listened to her wailing, and turned father and son into the most majestic and beautiful mountains. And Mashuko also turned into a mountain, but smaller. Now Mashuko stands from century to century and cannot decide which of the heroes is more to her heart. This is such a love triangle.

Mount Mashuk - located in the central part of Pyatigorye in the Caucasian Mineralnye Vody, in the north-eastern part of the city of Pyatigorsk. The height is 993.7 m. On the southern slope of the mountain is the famous Pyatigorsk Proval - a deep natural well-cave with underground lake. In the story of M. Yu. Lermontov "Princess Mary" about the Failure, it is said that "according to the local scientists, this failure is nothing more than an extinct crater." By the way, there is now a monument to Ostap Bender near the "Proval".

No. 5. Two weddings instead of one

Many peoples of the Caucasus have an unusual tradition - to celebrate two weddings instead of one. This tradition did not come about by accident. The fact is that earlier, according to strict Muslim rules, boys and girls could not be together at the same event. Therefore, at one wedding, the groom walked with his friends and relatives, and at the other, the bride walked with her friends and relatives. Now there are no longer those strict rules as before, and both girls and boys are now present at the wedding, but at the same time, the wedding is still held twice.

No. 6. Hospitable Caucasus

Everyone knows that Caucasians are very hospitable, this is not a secret for anyone. This is already a tradition. One of the reasons for the emergence of such a custom is the fact that the Caucasus is a high-mountainous region, which is very difficult to get to. Therefore, in ancient times, travelers who reached the Caucasians were the only source of information about the outside world. If a guest came to the house of a Caucasian, then they took great care of him - they fed him the best food, gave him the best drinks and put him to bed at the very the best place in the house. And men from all around came to this house to listen interesting stories about the rest, an alien world, hidden from Caucasians behind high white peaks.

No. 7. Many nationalities

More than 50 nationalities live in the Caucasus, speaking more than 20 different languages. But most of them know Russian. The largest peoples speaking Caucasian languages ​​​​and currently living in the Caucasus, I Georgians, Chechens, Avars, Lezgins, Dargins and Kabardians are included. Outside the Caucasus, the largest is the Circassian diaspora (about 3-4 million) living in more than 40 countries of the world.

No. 8. Meat in Caucasian style

Many Caucasians believe that using a meat grinder to grind meat is blasphemy. Therefore, for the preparation of traditional Caucasian dishes for chopping meat, only knives are used, with which they chop meat.

Caucasian cuisine is one of the most sought after in the restaurant business in Russia. The very first associations with Caucasian cuisine are saturation, a lot of meat and vegetables, spices, divine taste. Pilaf, satsivi, kharcho, achma, chakhokhbili, shish kebab - just by listing these dishes, appetite begins to wake up.

Caucasian National food should be cooked on an open fire - this is the most important rule. All products, including even dairy products, such as cheese, are necessarily roasted by Caucasian cooks on a spit over hot coals.

No. 9. The secret of longevity

It is known that almost half of the planet's centenarians live in the Caucasus. Of these, at least half are in the North Caucasus. Scientists - both Russian and foreign have long been exploring the phenomenon of longevity of mountaineers.

One of the fundamental discoveries is this: they live long not because they drink goat's milk or this particular type of wine, in which substances that slow down aging are found, and not because they eat cheese, in which some useful substances are found that strengthen the walls of blood vessels. . They eat and drink, of course. But!

More importantly, they eat exactly the same foods that their ancestors ate. It is to these products that their body has adapted, over many centuries, and sometimes millennia. To this we must add the pure ionized air of the mountains and the sea. It can be said with certainty that such cakes were baked in this village a hundred and three hundred years ago. Also, there is no doubt that a resident of mountain villages drinks from the same source from which 12-15 generations of their ancestors drank.

Highlanders' food is not intended to be warmed up, used the next day (three days, a week). Mostly highlanders eat lamb, goat meat, less often - poultry and beef.

And yet - in the mountains, the humidity is low, so the loss of moisture through the lungs is significant. And dehydration affects the well-being, mood. Therefore, in the diet of the highlanders there is a lot of water, ayran, tan, milk, herbal decoctions. Scientists say that in the mountains you need to drink at least 4 liters. per day.

No. 10. Fewer divorces, more children

Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan are the regions of Russia with the smallest number of divorces. Also, these regions are leaders in Russia in terms of the birth rate per capita. This is facilitated by the strong influence of religion and the reverence for sacred family traditions in the region. Divorce, for example, in Dagestan is the exception rather than the rule. According to tradition, if during a life together a husband utters the phrase “You are no longer my wife!” three times, this means a divorce. In order to "register" it, the spouses go to the imam, who fixes their decision with certain actions.

Interestingly, just over a century ago, the Russian family was one of the largest in the world. In Russia, it was believed that 8 children in a family is regrettably small. It was normal to have 12-14 children. Today, large families are called families from 3 children. But for the modern Caucasus, this is the usual minimum, and like a hundred or two hundred years ago, Caucasian families are among the strongest and largest families.

Well, I would like to finish with one more fact, very significant: Chechnya, Ingushetia and Dagestan are the most sober regions of Russia. For example, in Chechnya, as a result of another major accident in 2016 on the Kavkaz highway, which claimed 8 lives, alcohol fell under the final “tacit ban”. It is known that in Chechnya since 2009 alcohol could be sold only from 8-10 am. In the light of recent events, alcohol sellers in the republic have voluntarily abandoned this activity and it is no longer possible to buy alcohol in the region. Perhaps this was facilitated by the appeal of the head of the Chechen parliament, Magomed Daudov, to businessmen:

“When we rightly equate drunk drivers with terrorists, then we can only speak of those who supply them with alcohol as accomplices of terrorists.”

I think modern Russia has something to learn from the Caucasus. Less alcohol, more sports and respect for elders - it's that simple!

That's all for today! And what Interesting Facts Do you know about the Caucasus? Leave your comments.

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List of attractions that you should definitely visit in the North Caucasus. Top list of natural and man-made wonders of the North Caucasus.

Mountain Elbrus

Mount Elbrus is the most high point Russia. It is located on the border of the Kabardino-Balkarian and Karachay-Cherkess republics. In the powerful glaciers of Elbrus, rivers originate, which form the Kuban River - the most big river in the North Caucasus. Today the Elbrus region is one of major centers skiing, mountaineering and tourism. And at an altitude of 3500 m on the territory of the Mir station, you can visit the highest mountain museum in the world - the Museum of Military Glory of the Defenders of Elbrus and the Caucasian Passes during the Great Patriotic War.

Naryn-Kala fortress

Naryn-Kala fortress is the most ancient fortress in Russia, located in Derbent (Republic of Dagestan). She is 1600 years old. The fortress was built as a powerful defensive complex, which blocked the important trade route- The Great Silk Road, for which a fierce struggle was constantly waged. At present, buildings of different eras have been preserved within the walls of Naryn-Kala: a cross-domed temple, the ruins of the Khan's palace, the Khan's office and even an old underground prison. And if you climb the wall, you can admire the beautiful view of Old city.

The Akhmat-Khadji Kadyrov Mosque is the largest mosque in Russia. It is located in Grozny, on the banks of the Sunzha River. The mosque was built in the classical Ottoman style and was named after the first president of the Chechen Republic. More than 10,000 people can be in it at the same time. This mosque is also called the “Heart of Chechnya”. It is the center of the Islamic complex, including the Russian Islamic University named after Kunta-Khadzhi and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic.

Barkhan Sarykum

A unique sand mountain with a special climate zone is located near the village of Korkmaskaly in Dagestan, at the foot of the Kumtorkala ridge. Its height is 250-260 meters. The area of ​​the dune is three times the size of Monaco. The mountain consists of fine-grained golden sand. The origin of Sarykum is unknown. Interestingly, during strong winds, the shape of the dune “walks” and can change before our eyes.

Dargava necropolis

The Dargav necropolis is often compared to the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. This object is listed by UNESCO. He is located in North Ossetia near the town of Dargavs. The Dargav necropolis has about a hundred stone ground and underground crypts, which served as family tombs for the ancestors of the Ossetians. An interesting fact is that the bodies of the dead were placed in wooden boats, although there is no sea nearby. The microclimate of the gorge favors the natural mummification of bodies.

lotus valley

The North Caucasus also has its own lotus valley. Sounds strange as we have heard about lotuses in Thailand, Vietnam and other countries South-East Asia. It is located on the Taman Peninsula Krasnodar Territory. The Lotus Valley is located on the site of an ancient sunny estuary. In the nineteenth century locals the reservoir was desalinated, the estuary became smaller and appeared in it different kinds fish and plants. The lotus was introduced by biologists and spread rapidly.

Lake Proval

Proval Lake is located at the foot of Mount Mashuk in Pyatigorsk. Previously, it was possible to admire the beauty of the lakes only through holes in the rock, but later a tunnel was laid through which you can go down to healing spring. The lake is filled with turquoise mineral water. The water is healing due to hydrogen sulfide springs located under the lake. Two stone lions are sitting at the entrance to the Failure, guarding the entrance to the cave.

Jeirakh Gorge

The Dzheyrakhsky gorge is located in one of the regions of Ingushetia. It is part of the complex of the Dzheirakh-Assinsky State Historical, Architectural and Natural Museum-Reserve. These are the ancient settlements of Egikal, Khamkhi and Targim, the Christian temple of Tkhaba-Erdy, located near the village of Khairakh. This museum-reserve is one of the largest in Russia. It occupies an area of ​​64,000 hectares, its length from north to south is more than 50 km, from west to east - more than 70 km.

Blue Lakes

Five amazing karst lakes are located between the rocks in Kabardino-Balkaria. In their waters, the mysteries of nature are hidden, which man has not yet fully unraveled. Not a single river or stream flows into one of them, the Lower Lake, although it loses up to 70 million liters of water every day, but its volume and depth do not change at all. The Lower Lake, or Tserik-Kol, is one of the deepest in the region. It is one of the deepest lakes in Europe. It is best to admire them, especially Tserik-Kul, on a clear day. sunny weather when the water is really soft blue. This is due to the content of hydrogen sulfide in it. During the day, the lake can change color up to 16 times - from azure to emerald. But the water temperature in it is constant: no more than +9 ºС - both in winter and in summer.

Watchtowers are a vivid example of the original mountain culture in the North Caucasus. They are located on the slopes of the Main Caucasian Range: on the territory of Ossetia, Dagestan, Ingushetia, Chechnya and Kabardino-Balkaria. The towers carried both a residential function and a defensive one, which is why they were most often tribal guards. Due to enemy invasions, most of these structures have not been preserved. Some of the towers were family. According to custom, the tower had to be built no more than a year, otherwise the family could be considered unsuccessful; it was usually erected near the settlement. These towers symbolize the honor of the family, unity and courage, being the pinnacle of the construction and architectural skill of the highlanders of the North Caucasus.

Dolmens are buildings built from large stone blocks, presumably of a cult nature. About three thousand of them survived in the Caucasus.

Tiled dolmens usually include four walls, a roof and a floor consisting of one large or several smaller slabs. The chamber is rectangular or trapezoidal. There are grooves in the plates, due to which they are all tightly connected. The front plate forms a portal. Composite dolmens are partially or completely assembled from separate small blocks. They have a complex geometric connection. The shape of the chamber is diverse: rectangular, trapezoidal, horseshoe-shaped, round and multifaceted. Trough-shaped dolmens were carved in the thickness of the stone, and then covered with a slab from above. Dolmens-monoliths are entirely carved from one block of stone or in the rock.

One of the most mysterious places Black Sea coast - mud volcanoes. They are located on Taman. Total in this region There are about thirty places where you can take therapeutic mud baths. most famous and beautiful volcano is Karabetova Sopka with a crater size of 1380x860 meters. In all places where therapeutic mud bathing is allowed, special pontoons have been built, thanks to which it is completely safe to take mud baths. These places are very popular among tourists, especially during the summer season.

Another review of the winners of the first stage of the competition Russia 10. Today you will get acquainted with the sights of the North Caucasus Federal District. Three of the ten objects that made it to the second round are located in Ingushetia, the smallest republic in the region and the smallest subject of the Russian Federation.

Among the sights of the North Caucasus there is one special North Ossetian object. This is a complex of Midagrabin waterfalls headed by the Big Zaygalan, whose height is more than 600 meters. This is the only waterfall that appeared in the list of 80 best sights in Russia. Even the handsome man could not continue the fight. Unfortunately, the picturesque valley of waterfalls in the second round holds only 41st place and does not claim to be the 30th finalist. Perhaps the situation will change. In general, the top ten of the North Caucasus is very interesting in terms of original records. The Big Zaigalan waterfall is considered the highest in Europe, the Naryn-Kala fortress is located in the oldest city of the country, Derbent, Elbrus is the highest Mountain peak Russia and Europe, the "Heart of Chechnya" is the largest mosque in Russia, and, finally, Wikipedia says that the Kislovodsk Kurortny Park is the second largest in Europe. Based on the results of the first stage, it is also worth noting the high voting activity in this region, so we will certainly see the North Caucasian sights both in the final of the competition and in the top ten winners.

Sights of the North Caucasus - PHOTOS.

1. Mosque named after Akhmat Kadyrov "Heart of Chechnya"

Located in the center of Grozny, the largest mosque in Russia. The height of the minarets reaches 63 meters. The shrine is located on the territory of a huge park - the Islamic center, which also houses the Russian Islamic University. Kunta-Khadzhi and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Chechen Republic. The park, illuminated by night lights, enchants with its beauty, the "Heart of Chechnya" is one of the most beautiful mosques Europe and the world. Opened in 2008, named after the first president Chechen Republic Akhmat-Khadji Kadyrova, became the architectural prototype Blue Mosque in the Stambul.

2. Vovnushki

Vovnushki is a complex of defensive watchtowers located on two sides of the picturesque gorge of the Guloy-khi River in the Dzheyrakhsky district of modern Ingushetia. They are part of the historical, architectural and natural museum of the reserve. Vovnushki are perhaps the most exotic and striking late medieval buildings in the republic. Three four-storey towers with strong fortress walls and loophole windows fit perfectly into the surrounding landscape, and seem like a natural continuation of the rocks. Unfortunately, the exact date of construction of the towers is not known, but it is well established that they were previously connected by a suspension bridge.

3. Midagrabin waterfalls

The most important among the Midagrabin waterfalls is Big Zaigelan, its height, according to various estimates, is about 750 meters. The waterfalls are fed by melted glacial water, in winter they completely freeze. Often stones and pieces fall from a height along with water. rock therefore, getting too close to the waterfalls is not recommended. The Russia 10 website claims that Bolshoy Zaigelan is the highest waterfall in Europe and the fifth in the world. I don’t know about Europe, but in the world general list with a height of 750, he would be in 18th place, shifting by one step.

4. Elbrus

Elbrus is the highest mountain in Russia, an extinct two-peak stratovolcano. The western peak has a height of 5642 meters, the eastern one - 5621 meters. Both peaks are covered with snow-white ice cap. Many peoples and countries have different names for Elbrus, and they also interpret them differently. For example, the Adyghe name is Kuskhemahu, which means a mountain that brings happiness. The Georgian name Yalbuz is from the Turkic yal - "storm" and buz - "ice". The first ascent to one of the peaks was made in 1829, Elbrus is still very popular with mountain tourists and climbers today. For lovers of this sports tourism well prepared South part slope.

5. Naryn-Kala Fortress

The ancient pre-Arab citadel is located on a high spur of the Dzhalgan Range, built in the 6th century. The complex of fortress walls, the old town and the citadel were added to in 2003. On the territory of the fortress, the remains of a cross-domed church of the 5th century, the oldest in Russia Juma mosque, the ruins of an underground prison and a system of baths have been preserved. According to one version, the Shah named the fortress in honor of his wife Naryn, which means “gentle”. In another interpretation, the translation means "Solar Fortress". From the height of the citadel, a beautiful panorama of the city and the coast of the Caspian Sea appears.

The former aul, now the urban village of Kubachi, is located in the Dagestan mountains at an altitude of 1800 meters above sea level. The settlement, mentioned in chronicles since the 4th century, is known as traditional center artistic metal processing, as well as stone and wood carving. Weapons and chain mail were made here in the Middle Ages. Among the most famous works are a set of bladed weapons kept in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the shield of Alexander Nevsky and the two-horned helmet of Alexander the Great. In addition to unique knives and blades, local craftsmen make beautiful jewelry and engrave silverware.

7. Kislovodsk resort park

The park is a sanatorium territory of rare beauty, intended for treatment by the method of dosed physical activity as walking tours on special routes on flat and mountainous terrain (terrenkur). The area of ​​the park is almost 1000 hectares. The total length of several recreational routes is about 100 kilometers. Anton Chekhov, Mikhail Lermontov, Leo Tolstoy, Alexander Pushkin, famous painters and itinerant artists walked along the Kislovodsk health paths. Work on the arrangement of the park began in 1823, and the first route was organized in 1901. Every year the Kislovodsk resort park is visited by tens of thousands of people from Russia and neighboring countries.

The composition of the Ingush state natural reserve Erzi includes protected landscapes - the Shoan glacier and the canyon of the Assa River. And, of course, the unique historical and architectural tower complex over the Armkhi River. The complex, built in the 17th century, includes the remains of defensive walls, several residential and military towers, the height of which reaches 30 meters. The width of the walls in the lower part reaches 6 meters, towers are built of river stone, without a foundation, right on the rocks. The reserve was established on December 21, 2000; it is one of the youngest reserves in Russia.

This is an abandoned village in the Assinsky Gorge, located on the southern slope of Mount Tsey-Loam. The former settlement is interesting for its preserved ancient dwellings. Numerous buildings were erected here over the course of six centuries, starting from the 12th century. Most of the towers of the village have been dismantled, but there is one completely preserved. On its wall you can see the mysterious figure of a man with arms and legs spread apart. The rest of the dwellings of Egikal are very diverse - of various heights and shapes, with balconies and solar signs painted on the walls. There are also many ancient crypts and Muslim sanctuaries in the village.