The History of Elbrus in Verkhniy Baksan

Verkhniy Baksan is closely connected with the history of ascents of Elbrus. In the second half of the 19th century, all ascents of the two-peaked Elbrus began from Verkhniy Baksan. A monument to the first climbers of Elbrus is dedicated to Killar Khashirov, a Kabardian, and Akhiy Sottaev, a Balkar, who climbed the two summits in 1868 and 1874, respectively.

Another memorial relief in Verkhniy Baksan commemorates A. Pastukhov, the first Russian mountaineering researcher and military topographer. The two memorial sites emphasize different things: one recalls specific summit ascents, while the relief commemorates a person known as a mountaineering researcher and military topographer. Together, they connect the history of the ascents with the commemoration of mountain research and military topography.

Landscapes and Trails in the Kabardino-Balkaria Republic

The Kabardino-Balkarian State High-Mountain Nature Reserve manages a protected area in the Cherek and Chegem districts of the Kabardino-Balkaria Republic. The protected area extends along the Greater Caucasus and the Lateral Range of the Caucasus, and includes the headwaters of the Cherek-Balkarsky, Cherek-Bezengisky and Chegem rivers. The reserve’s natural environment is therefore shaped by both mountain ranges and river headwaters.

There are four tourist routes in the reserve: “Mizhirgi,” “Shaurtu,” “To the Bezengi Glacier” and “To the Narzan Mineral Spring.” The “Mizhirgi,” “Shaurtu” and “To the Narzan Mineral Spring” routes, as well as the “Zhiginzhi Waterfall” and “Bezengi Glacier” sections of the “To the Bezengi Glacier” route, operate from May to October and are intended for visitors of different ages. The “Bezengi Glacier – Lake Boran-Köl” section operates from July to August. Check with the reserve in advance to confirm which routes are currently open and whether permits are required.

The “To the Bezengi Glacier” route is 26.1 km long and takes three days. Its final section crosses the Bezengi Glacier (Ullu-Chiran), has a difficulty grade of II and may only be traversed with a mountain guide. The three-day duration refers to the route; a mountain guide is required for the final section. Along the route, visitors can experience the altitude zones, diverse landscapes, and flora and fauna of the Central Caucasus. Possible wildlife sightings include Caucasian tur, bearded vultures, griffon vultures, golden eagles, Caucasian black grouse and other bird species; the blooming of the Caucasian rhododendron is also among the natural sights visitors may encounter.

The Elbrus ski resort in the Kabardino-Balkaria Republic has 20 km of slopes of varying difficulty and three gondola lifts. Wide red, blue and green slopes are suitable for skiers and snowboarders of different skill levels. An artificial snowmaking system provides a consistent snow cover on the slopes; seasonal operations may vary. The upper Garabashi station is located at an altitude of 3,847 m and can be reached via three gondola-lift sections. Check current operating conditions before planning your visit.

Another scenic feature of the Kabardino-Balkaria Republic is the Chegem Gorge. It narrows into a canyon with steep walls up to 300 m high; the Su-Auzu waterfall wall is a major attraction there.

Discover more destinations: Chegem Pervyy, Maiski, El'brus, Prochladny, Eltyubyu, Chegem Vtoroy, Terskol, Aushiger.

See the regional travel overview: Kabardino-Balkaria Republic.