Three Gorges of Kabardino-Balkaria and the Majestic Elbrus

Atazhukin Garden

Atazhukin Garden is the green heart of Nalchik. The park was founded in the 19th century and spans more than 200 hectares, making it one of the largest parks in the North Caucasus. The observation deck offers a wide panorama of the city, foothills, and the snow-capped ridges of the Caucasus.

Opening hours: 24/7 Time for sightseeing: 180 minutes

Address: 26 Shogen-tsukov Avenue, Nalchik

Website: nalchik-park.ru

Resort Park of Nalchik

A park with sculptures. One of the gems of the park is the Resort Lake — a smooth water surface that reflects the towering mountains and drifting clouds like a mirror. The lake is especially beautiful in the morning, when a light mist forms over it. The park is equipped with cycling paths, Nordic walking routes, and cozy gazebos for picnics. It also hosts open-air concerts, craft exhibitions, and Caucasian sweet fairs.

Opening hours: 24/7

Address: 26 Shogen-tsukov Avenue, Nalchik

Website: nalchik-park.ru

Terrain Route “1000 Steps”

A journey through forests and cliffs. The “1000 Steps” route begins at Resort Lake and leads through the slopes of Maly Kizilovka to the summit with stunning views. The route features resting areas with benches where you can catch your breath, drink some water, and enjoy the nature around. At the summit, you will be rewarded with an unforgettable panorama: the entire city of Nalchik and the endless expanses of Kabardino-Balkaria stretch before you.

Opening hours: 24/7

Address: Nalchik, City Park

Art Center Madina Saral'p

A place where the stories of an entire nation come to life. On the first floor of the center, there is a rare collection of Adyghe national costumes: rich outfits with golden embroidery, velvet dresses, ancient belts, and daggers. The guides at the center passionately explain how the fabrics were made, how the patterns were woven, and why certain designs were a privilege of the nobility. On the second floor, the atmosphere is filled with contemporary art.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:30 am-6:30 pm

Time for sightseeing: 60 minutes

Address: 2A Lermontov Street, Nalchik, Russia

Website: madinasaralp.com

Lake Gizhgit

One of the gems of the Elbrus region The length of Gizhgit exceeds one kilometer, and its width reaches 500 meters at some points. According to some sources, the depth of the lake is up to 30 meters. The history of this natural spot is unique: the lake was formed after a dam was built, blocking the course of the Gizhgit River. Over time, nature and human intervention created a harmonious landscape here.

Opening hours: 24/7

Time for sightseeing: 120 minutes

Address: Elbrus District, 2.5 km west of the village of Bylym

Cheget Meadow

A ski resort in the Elbrus region Cheget Meadow is located at the foot of the mountain of the same name, one of the most beautiful peaks in the Caucasus Ridge. In summer, Cheget blooms with alpine meadows: colorful carpets of flowers and the murmur of mountain streams. In winter, the meadow transforms into a ski capital, covered with fluffy snow. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are hiking trails leading to glaciers and mountain passes. For those who just want to enjoy the views, cafes with open terraces offer enchanting views of Elbrus. Opening hours: 24/7 Time for sightseeing: 120 minutes

Opening hours: 24/7

Time for sightseeing: 120 minutes

Address: Elbrus District, Terkol village settlement

Azau Meadow

The highest point of civilization at the foot of Elbrus Azau Meadow is located at an altitude of 2,300 meters. Azau is the place where hundreds of climbers begin their journey to the summit. Here, snow and ice meet the grasses of alpine meadows. The infrastructure of the meadow is well-developed: hotels, equipment rentals, cafes, and restaurants are all available. The cable car to Azau offers fantastic views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. Those who enjoy hiking can go higher to admire the nearby glaciers.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:00 am-9:00 pm

Time for sightseeing: 180 minutes

Address: Coordinates: 43.26632033919034, 42.47825145721436

Website: resort-elbrus.ru

Mount Elbrus

The great guardian of the Caucasus Elbrus is not just a mountain; it is an ancient stratovolcano. Its two peaks — the western (5642 m) and the eastern (5621 m) — resemble twin brothers connected by a wide ice plateau. The summer trails of Elbrus attract climbers from all over the world who dream of conquering Europe’s highest peak. In the winter season, skiers and snowboarders flock here: steep descents, sparkling snow, and the purest air make skiing here truly unforgettable.

Opening hours: 24/7

Time for sightseeing: 120 minutes

Address: Elbrus District

Aktoprak Pass

The pass is located at an altitude of about three thousand meters. In summer, the high-altitude meadows bloom with carpets of alpine flowers. The nature here is almost untouched by humans: you can see rare birds, goats grazing on the slopes, and if you're lucky, hear the distant roar of waterfalls. For outdoor enthusiasts, Aktoprak offers a true challenge: the trekking routes here require endurance, but each step is rewarded with stunning panoramic views.

Opening hours: 24/7

Time for sightseeing: 160 minutes

Address: Coordinates: 43.459412034124206, 43.018665026399795

Fly Chegem Paragliding Launch

A favorite spot for paragliders from all over Russia. Paragliding jumps are available for both experienced pilots and beginners tandem with an instructor. This is a chance to see the Caucasus from a bird’s-eye view. In addition to flying, visitors can try the zipline — a long cable car ride across the gorge.

Time for sightseeing: 120 minutes

Address: Chegem District

Website: flychegem.ru

Fardyq-Keshene: The City of the Dead

“The City of the Dead” This ancient necropolis at the foot of the cliffs has been preserved since the Medieval period. Each mausoleum is unique: some are adorned with intricate bas-reliefs, while others impress with their austere lines.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:00 am-9:00 pm

Time for sightseeing: 120 minutes

Address: Chegem District, Eltyuby village settlement

Chegem Waterfalls

A place where the Chegem River breaks through vertical cliffs The tallest waterfall reaches 60 meters, turning a solid rock wall into a transparent curtain of falling water.

Opening hours: 24/7

Time for sightseeing: 120 minutes

Address: Chegem District

Lower Blue Lake

The deepest karst water body in Russia Its crystal-clear water shimmers with hues ranging from azure to deep blue, depending on the time of day and weather. The uniqueness of Blue Lake lies in its depth: 292 meters, and this is still not the final value, as underwater research continues.

Opening hours: 24/7

Time for sightseeing: 180 minutes

Address: Cherek District, Babugent village settlement

Kabardino-Balkarian High Mountain Nature Reserve

A world of rugged beauty Here rise the legendary peaks: Dykhtau, Gestola, Shkhara, and Djangitau. At an altitude of over 3,000 meters, the air is crystal clear, and the sounds of the elements — wind, water, and stone — blend into a single mountain song.

Opening hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 am-9:00 pm

Address: Coordinates: 43.06611094745857, 43.372030050949945

Website: zapovednik-kbr.ru

Archaeological and Tourist Complex “Upper Balkaria”

A synthesis of pristine nature and unique architecture. The journey here is an adventure in itself. A winding old cart road, once carved into the mountain slopes, leads to a village seemingly hidden from the world. Upper Balkaria is home to stone towers, fortresses, and the ruins of ancient settlements. Address: Cherek District, Upper Balkaria village settlement, Tauleva St.

Time for sightseeing: 240 minutes

Address: Cherek District, Upper Balkaria village settlement, Tauleva St.