The North Caucasus is home to numerous resort towns and villages that make up the magnificent pearl of tourism in Russia. The carefully protected natural area has everything necessary for a wonderful holiday and treatment. There is the purest mountain air, mineral water springs and almost 10 months of sunny days.
The Caucasian Mineral Waters are known as one of the best balneoclimatic resorts in the world. This is one of the most hospitable and environmentally friendly regions of Russia, located in the center of the North Caucasus. There are more than a hundred mineral water springs here, as well as Lake Tambukan with its healing mud. The mild climate, magnificent nature, and mountain-steppe air have a beneficial effect on health. In the region there are popular mud and balneological resorts: Kislovodsk and Zheleznovodsk, Essentuki, Pyatigorsk...
Resort towns in the region for recreation and treatment
In the North Caucasus, each resort has its own exclusive specialization. In Zheleznovodsk, the number of vacationers and people improving their health is more than a million a year. People have been coming here for a long time to enjoy the unique, the only hot springs in Europe with calcium water (temperatures from 37 to 55 degrees).
In Pyatigorsk there are four dozen mineral springs, varying in temperature and chemical composition water. There are more than 20 health centers in the city, which serve about 100 thousand patients. The resort specializes in treatment of gynecological diseases and problems of the musculoskeletal system.
People have come and continue to come from all over the territory for treatment at the Kislovodsk cardiological resort. former USSR. There are seven mineral springs here. The city accounts for slightly less than half of vacationers from total number coming to the Caucasian Mineral Waters.
Essentuki is known for its truly “living” waters, which help get rid of the symptoms of liver and gastrointestinal diseases. Another resort in the North Caucasus is Nalchik with its 18 mineral springs. In health resorts and sanatoriums of the region, they provide assistance to patients suffering from a variety of ailments: skin diseases, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular, nervous systems, musculoskeletal system.
Holidays in the Caucasus Mountains
The Caucasus, located between the Caspian Sea and the Black Sea, is divided into two large mountain systems: the Lesser and Greater Caucasus. Here the mountains are wild and unexplored, and at their foot there are long valleys with pine forests, stormy rivers, alpine meadows. The world of wildlife in the Caucasus Mountains is amazing. There are wild boars and mountain goats, you can see wild bears and leopards.
High in the mountains there are amazingly original villages where you can feel the connection with history hundreds of years ago. Expedition scientists, mountaineers, rock climbers and the most come to the Caucasus different categories tourists from many countries. The local mountains are like a wonder of the world, impressive in their grandeur and beauty.
Holidays in the Caucasus Mountains mean staying in sometimes fantastic landscapes and in an ideal sanatorium-resort area with unique health-improving properties of climate and natural resources. The Caucasus offers a huge list of sports and recreational activities: rafting and trekking, rafting, paragliding, cycling, mountaineering, horseback riding and much more.
Holidays in the mountains can be extreme, active, as well as contemplative, comfortable, surrounded by the prudent service of the local tourist centers. In the North Caucasus there is cozy places for accommodation in which spending time is exceptionally pleasant. The most popular, original and picturesque areas: Elbrus region, Uzunkol, Bezengi, as well as Dombay and Arkhyz. Let's look at the last two in more detail.
Ski resorts Dombay and Arkhyz
The ski resorts of the Caucasus are attractive to everyone who has once visited the mountains. The splendor of snow-capped peaks, fresh air, the shine of the sun are attributes of a winter holiday in the mountains. The harsh beauty of the mountains, breathtaking sunsets, the bottomless proximity of the bright blue sky are remembered for a long time, calling you to come again for the sensations of freshness, freedom, movement and incomparable sensations of every moment.
The most popular mountain resort is Dombay. Climbers, professionals and amateurs come here alpine skiing, ordinary tourists on vacation. A prestigious and very picturesque resort in Russia is geographically located in Karachay-Cherkessia, in the area of the Teberda Nature Reserve. From November to April inclusive, there is a ski season at the modern resort of federal significance. There are trails of varying difficulty levels here. 
On the territory of the Western Caucasus there is the Arkhyz ski resort - unusually picturesque, with oases of untouched nature, which has created fantasy landscapes here. Arkhyz is like a huge bowl of healing air, pure water under the rays of the warm sun. The walls of the “bowl” are mountain slopes with ancient forests, along the edges there are snow-white glaciers and snow. And at the bottom of Arkhyz there is a village of the same name. People come to the resort to enjoy every moment among the colorful alpine meadows, the sound of waterfalls, surrounded by blue glaciers, next to blue lakes...
Contemplative, excursion tourism in the North Caucasus
The North Caucasus and the resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters offer not only active recreation, treatment and wellness opportunities, but also an extensive program of excursion tourism to natural and man-made attractions. The region has developed interesting routes of varying lengths. They cover historical and cultural monuments, modern interesting objects, and natural attractions. Here are just a few of them.
- In the mountains of North Ossetia there is the Tsey gorge. This is an area of evergreen forest, wild rivers, silvery glaciers, allowing you to find harmony and tranquility away from the bustle of the city and the problems of modern life.
- Georgievsky Winery – excursions are organized here with the opportunity to taste a dozen branded wines. In the workshops, tourists see technologies for producing Caucasian drinks. It’s an impressive sight to see wine maturing in large barrels.
- Mountain village of Davgavs and surrounding area (North Ossetia). Unique defensive structures, battle towers several floors high, have been preserved here. Nearby is the historical and archaeological monument " City of dead" - almost a hundred semi-underground crypts made of stone, built between the 9th and 17th centuries.
- Dolphinarium in Kislovodsk - there is a fascinating show with sea animals: white whales, dolphins, sea lions.
- Kurtatinskoe Gorge (North Ossetia) is an amazing, one of the most picturesque in the region, a 50 km long object that houses all kinds of military defensive structures, including a mysterious landmark - the Khilak wall-citadel.
- Trout farm in Kislovodsk - here you can learn about the underwater world of a mountain river, go fishing, and taste dishes from the royal type of fish - trout.
Excursions and new vivid impressions are an excellent addition to the health and active tourism program. Come to the North Caucasus, known as the region of the best sea and mountain resorts of the Russian Federation, famous for its unique history and original present...
The North Caucasus is a place where you can come in any season and enjoy various types recreation. Mountains, sea, mineral springs, lakes and waterfalls - this is what the Caucasus can please a tourist with. Winter and New Year's holidays in this part of Russia have a special flavor. Moreover, winter in the Caucasus is mild and pleasant, and it is rarely very frosty and windy.
Ski holidays in the Caucasus
Winter is the best time for skiers. And holidays in the Caucasus at this time are one of the best active holidays in Russia. The North Caucasus gives you the opportunity to choose slopes to suit every taste: a fashionable holiday in Krasnaya Polyana or a little more modest, but surrounded beautiful landscapes skiing in the Elbrus region or in Dombay. In addition to alpine skiing, you can ride snowmobiles or cross-country skis, or go horseback riding.
In the Sochi region, where excellent infrastructure has been built for the Winter Olympics, vacationers have access to not only mountain slopes, but also numerous entertainment, skating rinks and cinemas, clubs and restaurants. There are no problems with accommodation: you can book a hotel room, you can rent an apartment or a room from local residents. The only problem is the high cost and exceptional popularity of the Sochi ski slopes. If you want to spend the New Year holidays in this part of Russia, then you need to organize your vacation, especially booking a hotel, in mid-autumn.
In the Elbrus region, as in Dombay, there is little entertainment besides direct skiing from the mountains. There are plenty of hotels here, but they are all small and private, so you also need to book them very well in advance, and you shouldn’t expect exceptional service.
By the way, you can relax in the Caucasus Mountains in winter, but without skiing: just stay in an alpine camp or in one of several high-mountain hotels and contemplate the stunning views. Such a vacation will be life-saving for those who are tired of the constant flow of information and need solitude and the opportunity to reflect.
New Year's holidays are fun at the ski resorts of the Caucasus thanks to entertainment programs. Meet New Year on the mountain or on the slope means you will get an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. But there is one caveat: prices for hotels, food and entertainment here soar by the end of December and remain very high throughout January.
Healthy winter holidays in the Caucasus
Caucasian Mineral water, perhaps, the best place in the European part of Russia where you can maximum benefit spend the New Year holidays for health. Numerous sanatoriums provide the full range of their usual services, while each of them tries to do a good job entertainment program for all weekends. A calm and leisurely holiday in the health resorts of the Caucasus may seem boring, but in winter healing effect complemented by magnificent winter landscapes and crystal clear air. Living in Kislovodsk or Pyatigorsk gives you the opportunity to plunge into interesting story these cities, visit on a tour places associated with the names of great Russian writers and public figures.
A wellness holiday in the Caucasus is a wonderful option for a winter family holiday in Russia.
Hiking and car tours in the Caucasus
The Caucasus is replete with hiking trails, and they are accessible all year round. As a rule, simple trekking routes are built so that people walking along them can see maximum beauty with minimal effort. There are such trails both in cities and in remote mountainous areas, so each tourist will choose a route based on the capabilities of his body. For example, you can leisurely spend a whole day in Kislovodsk, walking in the famous Resort Park on the mountain, which offers an amazing view of Elbrus.
Tours to the Chegem waterfalls in Kabardino-Balkaria are extremely popular in winter. The legendary waterfalls of the Chegem Gorge fascinate with their beauty at any time of the year, but in winter they are especially impressive. Frozen water forms ice pillars that look more like giant candles. Excursions to the mountain lakes of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria are also very popular among tourists. However, it is advisable to travel to mountain beauty accompanied by experienced guides.
Combined tours
For lovers active rest combined tours around the North Caucasus are suitable, many offer them travel agencies. Typically, these tours include visits to major cities and a short trip to attractions in the mountains. So, you can visit important historical and cultural places of Kislovodsk and “visit” Elbrus in 6–7 days. The bravest ones can include climbing Elbrus in their tour.
Horseback riding tours are very popular; they are organized in almost every Caucasian republic of Russia. Also interesting are safari tours, during which you can visit several beautiful places in off-road vehicles in a few days. This is the best New Year's holiday for collectors of impressions who want to see as many unique corners of the Caucasus as possible at one time.
The Caucasus is one of the best places for relax in our country. Here you can simultaneously breathe in the mountain and sea air, get incredible emotions from contemplating the majestic peaks and enjoy the sun and sea on the beach.
Those who like sightseeing won't be bored either.
For those who like mountain holidays, the Elbrus region will be the best place. Elbrus having two vertices is highest point in Russia. Its height is more 5500 meters. But not only climbers love this place. Here you can go skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding tours, walks through the winter forest, and excursions are organized.
Main peaks of the Caucasus Mountains:
- Elbrus is a double-headed peak, height more than 5642 meters.
- Dykhtau, height 5204 meters.
- Pushkin Peak, height 5100 meters.
- Kazbek 5034 meters.
Among lovers of winter holidays in the Caucasus mountains they are also in great demand. Dombay, Arkhyz, Krasnaya Polyana. According to reviews from skiers, Caucasian slopes are not inferior to European ones in terms of safety and service. Children and beginner skiers will feel great here, because... they are separated from the flow of trained skiers. On the slopes of the mountains there are cafes, places to relax, and in some places you can even sunbathe on special sun loungers. A few tens of meters from the ski lift you can stay at a hotel for your holiday.
IN summer time The North Caucasus attracts with the opportunity to relax on its amazing beaches. Beaches on the Black Sea coast invite you to the following cities:
- Anapa
- Gelendzhik
- Adler
- Tuapse
Don't forget about Dzhugba, Gagra, Pitsunda. The resort towns of Dagestan are located on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The variety of beaches is amazing. Here you will find equipped beaches for those who love comfort and service, and wild corners of the sea coast, untouched by the influx of tourists, where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the azure sea, rocky cliffs, and simply relax in solitude. A lot of entertainment for lovers of outdoor activities is offered in these parts. Various water attractions, water parks, zoos, dolphinariums, an aquarium, boat rides and jet ski rides will not leave either children or adults indifferent.
Extreme holiday
You should not ignore this type of recreation as extreme. For example, the extreme attraction of the Adler region is Skypark. Here you can cross the suspension bridge stretching across deep gorge between the mountains, swing on a giant swing that is located at a height, jump from a bridge on a rope, climb a climbing wall. In the North Caucasus, lovers of extreme sports will find entertainment for every taste.
Worth special mention organizing excursion tours around the North Caucasus. For example, a trip to the Chegem Gorge, which is located in Kabardino-Balkaria, will delight you with an unforgettable experience.
Here you can see famous Chegem waterfalls, which are good not only in summer, but also in winter. Frozen ice streams resemble giant candles.
The famous Blue Lakes are also mesmerizing with their beauty, the deepest of which is the Lower Lake.
Its approximate depth is 368 meters. There is a diving center on this lake.
The famous waterfall "Maiden's Braids" located slightly away from the road to the Terskol Peak observatory. This waterfall got its name because unusual shape, which resembles a girl’s loose hair. This attraction is often visited by tourists and climbers who train before climbing the main Caucasian peak- Elbrus. You can fish and catch Eisenam trout on Lake Kazenoy-Am, which is located in a mountainous area on the border of Dagestan and the Chechen Republic. This is a lake unique in its beauty, covered in many myths and legends.
Kazbek
In the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, the most famous landmark is Mount Kazbek. Kazbek attracts climbers from all over the world. But you don’t have to be a climber to enjoy the mountain scenery; all this is accessible to ordinary, unprepared people. In addition, in this part of the republic, excursion routes pass through the Uastirdzhi monument, the Davgas necropolis, the Mykalgabyrt sanctuary, the Dzivgis cave fortress, and the Midagrabin waterfalls.
The Republic of Dagestan also offers a rich excursion program. It is impossible not to visit the sandy dune of Sary-Kum, the Sulak canyon, which in its depth ranks second in the world, the village of Gunib, famous for the fact that in times Caucasian War The famous Imam Shamil was captured here.
Derbent
Separately, I would like to say about Derbent - the most ancient city Russia. This is one of the main attractions of the North Caucasus.
This city is more than 2000 years old. Lovers of antiquity will enjoy an excursion to the Naryn-Kala fortress, the main attraction of Derbent. It was built in the 6th century AD.
Very often people come to Derbent with an important mission - to rock an ancient stone cradle. Women who want to have a child come here from neighboring republics and cities. It is located in the Kirkhlyar cemetery among the sarcophagi. The special spirit of Derbent is conveyed by its mahals. The ancient quarters are very colorful. Here you can easily become a witness or participant in some Caucasian custom; according to reviews from tourists, this leaves the most favorable impressions.
You can travel through the entire Republic of Ingushetia in just a few days, but the positive emotions and energy received here will be enough for several months to come. There are medieval fortresses and towers here: Vovnushki, Tsori, Furtoug, Erzi, Targim, Egikal, Khamkhi. If you find yourself in Ingushetia at the beginning of July, you can visit a mulberry grove, which bears fruit at this time.
In the Chechen Republic the most beautiful place is the Argun Gorge. In ancient times, caravans from Chechnya to Georgia passed through this gorge. At the intersections of the main roads there are watchtowers, which were built by the inhabitants of the gorge in order to protect against the attacks of nomads. Now the territory of the gorge is a nature reserve, in which, in addition to historical towers of the 10th-18th centuries, unique flora and fauna are concentrated, there are cave grottoes, ground burial grounds, castle complexes and family crypts, ancient sites and tombs. Excursions around the Argun Gorge take place in the crypt dwellings of the 10th-15th centuries: Khoysky, Khimoysky, Pakochsky, Maistinsky and Tsekaloysky. Excursions to the mountains of Chechnya are an exciting and unforgettable journey.
On the right bank of the Argun River there is the Guchan-Kale tower, 17 meters high. One of Tamerlane’s commanders called it “winged” for its inaccessibility and remoteness.
In addition to natural and historical attractions, the capital of the Chechen Republic, the city of Grozny, deserves special attention. The complex is located here high-rise buildings“Grozny City” and the “Heart of Chechnya” mosque named after Akhmat-Khadzhi Kadyrov, which became one of the leaders of the “Russia-10” online voting, in which Russians chose the 10 best attractions of our Motherland.
We should not forget that the North Caucasus is one of the best places for therapeutic and restorative holidays, because it was not for nothing that in the recent past these places were called the “all-Union health resort”. Those who have undergone treatment in the clinics of the Caucasian Mineral Waters leave only positive reviews, because people’s health improves significantly after a complex of all procedures.
Essentuki
The Essentuki resort is famous for its drinking sources. The famous mineral water of the same name is known throughout the world thanks to its healing properties. There are several balneological clinics here, where they specialize in the treatment of gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders.
Pyatigorsk and Zheleznovodsk
Hot springs and springs attract vacationers to the sanatoriums of Zheleznovodsk, most of which specialize in the treatment of the urinary and digestive systems. Pyatigorsk hospitals are considered multidisciplinary resorts; almost all diseases are treated here. It’s not for nothing that the great Russian poet Mikhail Lermontov described this place with delight. In this city, his memory was immortalized by building a memorial at the site of his duel with Nikolai Martynov on the northwestern slope of Mount Mashuk.
Kislovodsk
Another city in the ecological resort region of the Caucasian Mineral Waters is Kislovodsk. Local hospitals specialize in treating the endocrine, respiratory, genitourinary, cardiovascular, nervous and musculoskeletal systems of the body. In general, for those who want to relax with benefits for their health, Caucasian Mineral Waters is the best place.
Caucasian kitchen
In the North Caucasus, tourists will never have to worry about where to eat well. Caucasian kitchen presented here in all its diversity. Many restaurants and small cafes, often family businesses, offer delicious dishes at any time of the day. Having visited the North Caucasus once and seen the grandeur of its mountain peaks, you want to come back here again and again.
We were in Sochi in winter. We rode on Krasnaya Polyana. I liked everything, the slopes were prepared, the service was excellent, the prices were the same as in Europe.
: snow-capped peaks and bottomless gorges, lush meadows and scatterings of stones, wild rivers, stunning waterfalls and lakes with their power - deep and cold, with turquoise water, they reflect the endless sky with white clouds. Great romance!
If you have been to the Caucasus, you will return there again and again. Mountains attract with their grandeur and inaccessibility, cold detachment and independence. They reveal their secrets only to the bravest and most determined. The Caucasus takes your breath away, intoxicates your head and wins your hearts.
- this is the delight of the panorama of the Caucasus mountains from the saddle of the pass, this is a riot of emotions and delight on your own after completing the route, the opportunity to prove to yourself and others that you can overcome yourself, go through all the difficulties of the hike, this is a way to understand your thoughts and feelings, lead put your thoughts in order and understand what you want from life.
The Caucasus is multifaceted. It splashes near the foot of the Caucasus Mountains - warm and gentle. There is a subtle aroma of oranges in the air, and figs and exotic persimmons ripen on the tree branches. How great it is, after the hardships of a hike, to plunge into the sea waves, lie on the warm sand, and bask in the rays of the hot sun.
Peaks of Dombay. Karachay-Cherkessia
It’s wonderful to feel yourself in the atmosphere of southern hospitality. Walk through the streets of the resort town, where colorful national music sounds from every window.
And also... The Caucasus is Olympic victories and memorable places. You should definitely visit them after your hike.
Active recreation in the Caucasus provides various opportunities for self-expression: good workout for amateurs physical activity, psychological recovery for the tired modern city, the enormous health benefits that come from clean air, protected nature and excellent ecology.
Active recreation in the Caucasus mountains- it is also an expansion of horizons. The Caucasus is the intersection of ancient caravan routes, the cradle of many peoples and civilizations, a rich history and unique culture. Any place in the Caucasus is filled with the spirit of antiquity. The most ordinary stone can turn out to be a historical landmark.
Caucasus Mountains. Krasnaya Polyana
There are three large protected ecological zones in the Caucasus. Holidays in the Caucasus Mountains are an opportunity to visit the territory of nature reserves, see the life of animals in natural environment. Mountain tours and chamois, Caucasian Brown bear and several dozen more representatives of the animal world you can see on the mountain trails of the Caucasus. Relict plants of the Colchis and Jurassic periods, endemics of the Caucasus - all this diversity will immerse you in amazing world flora and fauna of the Caucasus Mountains.
Holidays in the Caucasus Mountains -This is a complete immersion into the world of virgin nature, a touch of its innermost secrets!
Lovers wildlife They won’t be able to deny that a summer vacation in the mountains is something unforgettable. Only there can you feel a real sense of awe, completely imbued with a sense of peace and purity, which is so lacking in the city. If you have never been to a mountainous area, then you may be wondering - vacation in Ural mountains ah or the Caucasus - what is it? What can you do there? “Popular about health” will try to tell you a little about the specifics of recreation in the foothills of the Caucasus and the Urals, and will also help you decide on the choice of route.
What is remarkable about holidays in the Caucasus??
The Caucasus attracts tourists with its splendor. Its mountain peaks are always covered with snow, and the air here is crystal clear. Once you breathe it in, you want to feel it filling your lungs again and again. The most popular tourist routes are Arkhyz, Teberda, Krasnaya Polyana, Dombay and Elbrus region, Caucasian Mineral Waters.
All these places are exceptionally beautiful and unique - here you will see mountain rivers filled with a wide variety of fish, canyons, lakes, and valleys with horses grazing on them. The foothills of the Caucasus are home to many wild animals; they live here in their natural environment, moving absolutely freely. Numerous mountain villages are also beautiful, where the indigenous people can be treated to delicious national dishes.
Health improvement in the Caucasus mountains in summer
There are many sanatoriums, boarding houses, camp sites and guest houses in the Caucasus Mountains. If you want to improve your health during your vacation, then feel free to go to the Caucasian Mineralnye Vody sanatorium-resort area. The sanatoriums of Kislovodsk, Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk and Pyatigorsk offer an extensive health program. Cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, digestive system, organs of vision, infertility and more. The recreation program includes not only medical procedures, it’s not for nothing that you chose the Caucasus Mountains - there is something to see here. Vacationers have the opportunity to visit various interesting places- “Honey” waterfalls, Mount “Ring”, where Lermontov loved to walk, visit the mountain turquoise lakes. Popular activities in the Caucasus Mountains include horseback riding, mountain hiking, and kayaking down mountain rivers.
There are many boarding houses in the resort areas of the Caucasus Mountains. They are located so that they offer a magnificent view of the mountain peaks, they have a high-level service, and the prices for vacations are completely different. Even people with modest incomes can choose for themselves some kind of budget holiday option in the private sector or guest house, and at the same time enjoy beautiful views and experience the greatest pleasure surrounded by wild nature.
Summer holiday at the foot of the Ural Mountains - features
The Ural mountains are beautiful and majestic. They, like a huge wall, separate Europe and Asia, and they extend all the way to the Arctic Ocean. Those who are accustomed to the local unstable climate relax here with special interest. Residents of Tyumen, Chelyabinsk, Kurgan and other nearby regions are frequent guests in areas near the Ural Mountains. But those who live further south do not always tolerate local temperature changes and prolonged rains in the summer. If you are not afraid weather, feel free to go to the mountainous terrain of the Urals - here you will see the real splendor of nature. If you prefer warmer summers and a mild climate, go beyond the Ural ridge. The local climate is drier and similar to continental.
Holidays in the Ural mountains are not only about walking through dense impenetrable forests and thickets in search of mushrooms and berries. This includes diving, rafting, kayaking, catamaran trips, mountain hiking, and the high-quality service of the local boarding houses and guest houses. In the Urals you will also find the opportunity to improve your health in local sanatoriums; there are many of them here. Recovery will take place on top level– in addition to all kinds of medical procedures, the oxygen-enriched clean mountain air will make its contribution to the well-being of vacationers. Walking through the local forests alone will help cleanse the lungs and bronchi, due to the fact that the air is literally saturated with essential oils plants and trees.
Fans of active recreation will also not be bored. Almost all boarding houses and tourist centers offer vacationers all kinds of active entertainment - cycling, roller skating, football, paintball, sauna, horse riding, tennis, etc. Children will also find a lot of activities for themselves - almost every sanatorium or boarding house has children's animators, playgrounds , educational games. For women, the recreation program includes visiting rooms with SPA treatments and massages. A vacation here will recharge you with energy for the year ahead, and the impressions received there will never disappear from your memory.
Relaxing in the mountains in the summer is something that hundreds of thousands of people dream about. Families living in megacities expose their health to enormous stress due to unfavorable environmental conditions and constant nervous tension. Having visited the mountainous regions of the Caucasus or the Urals, many people say that there is no trace of stress left, and instead they feel an extraordinary surge of energy and a desire to accomplish great things.