Location: Kabardino-Balkar Republic
Top Things to do in Kabardino-Balkar Republic
Top Restaurants in Kabardino-Balkar Republic
What to do and see in Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Russia: The Best Places and Tips
The Kabardino-Balkar Republic (Russian: Кабарди́но-Балка́рская Респу́блика, Kabardino-Balkarskaya Respublika; Kabardian: Къэбэрдей-Балъкъэр Республикэ, Ķêbêrdej-Baĺķêr Respublikê; Karachay-Balkar: Къабарты-Малкъар Республика, Qabartı-Malqar Respublika), or Kabardino-Balkaria (Russian: Кабарди́но-Балка́рия, Kabardino-Balkariya), is a federal subject of Russia (a republic) located in the North Caucasus. As of the 2010 Census, its population was 859,939 on 12,500 square km. Its capital is Nalchik.
Restaurants in Kabardino-Balkar Republic
1. Mount Elbrus
Overall Ratings
5 based on 247 reviews
Reviewed By B9245GKbenr
We climbed Mount Elbrus with 7 Summits Club, who were excellent. They were good value, provided good accommodation on and off the mountain, good food, transport and transfers - everything for an all-in reasonable price. Theirs guides and staff were great too, mostly speaking passable or good English. On the mountain, they made sensible but safe decisions - e.g. on summit day, the conditions deteriorated quite quickly but, whilst a number of other groups turned back, our guides consulted and decided it was safe to carry on. We successfully summited when, had we been with another company, we would not have done. We never felt unsafe however.
The best part was that 7 Summits Club allowed 2 of us to carry our skis up to the top and ski down. Whilst incredibly tiring on the way up, the 7.5km of ski descent was awesome!
After Kilimanjaro, the next most achievable of the 7 Summits.
2. Nalchik Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 125 reviews
Reviewed By Eman A - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Arriving Nalchik, the very 1st thing to do was talking a walk in the park.
what a park, i can say it's the greatest park i had ever been to. Amazingly HUGE, filled with different types of trees, flowers, and Fountains.
at the end of the park, there is a lake and above it a hill, that hill has Sausrouqa Statue. we used a cable car to get up there, and when i reached there , the view of all Nalchik was just breathtaking !
It's really a great place to spend time in, for couples, families, friends, and old people.
3. Mount Cheget
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By Aaberg - Aarhus, Denmark
Most people walk to the top to start getting acclimatization for the climb to Elbrus. If its a clear day there are some nice views over the valley and my Elbrus!
4. Chegem Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Reviewed By StaziaChamisal - Taos County, New Mexico
The steep canyon walls were draped in many Waterfalls. Local artisans sell their creations. Incredibly photogenic and the food was delicious! Further up into the head of the canyon ancient and mysterious towers stand watch over the valley and green grazed meadows. I was warmly welcomed into a family's home and I was deeply touched by the hospitality of my host and hostess village!
5. Verhnyaya Balkariya Tourisr Complex
Overall Ratings
5 based on 49 reviews
Reviewed By 70ava - Beijing, China
It is more than an hour drive from the city toward the great Caucasus Mountains, where every valley has its own charm The upper part of the canyon is especially magnificent - make sure you stop inside the long tunnel and go out to have a look at the original old road. The canyon in this place is simply spectacular. The village itself - Upper Balkariya - is amazing. Lots of agriculture, interesting architecture, lovely people and excellent food. The top prize is the short hike to the beautiful watch tower from the 16th century - from which you have the best view of the whole area including part of the Caucasus Mountains. It is there that you appreciate the area. Look for the other watch tower on the other side of the valley as well as the modern one story mosque. If you wish to eat - and I strongly suggest you do - avoid the Caravan restaurant (with its caged bear and lion). Instead, eat at the other one which is located 2 buildings away. They serve only local products and their food is amazing as is the setting and the service, Prices are cheaper than Nalchik and the food is much better.
Avoid weekends.
6. Polyana Narzanov
Overall Ratings
4 based on 76 reviews
7. Waterfall Devichi Kosy
Overall Ratings
5 based on 36 reviews
Reviewed By Claire A
Beautiful Western ridge of Caucasus, Feeling like in the Alps with low costs. Stunning views, no words to describe. This was our first day of acclimatization. Beautiful! Beautiful! Beautiful! Highly recommended.
8. Blue Lake Chirik-Kyol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By Стиви Й - Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
Место просто уникальное. Природа - неописуемые красоты, даже пытаться описать не буду, это можно только увидеть. Еще не избалованные трафиком местные жители непосредственны и очень доброжелательны, еще не научились обманывать туристов на каждом шагу. Всё очень и очень душевно. Вкусная еда - правда, количество блюд минимально - но все очень вкусное. Что же до гостиниц - то стоит приготовиться к тому, что уровень застыл где-то в позднем СССР. В гостинице, где мы жили даже не было крепления лейки душа не стену - приходилось держать рукой. Но всё это с лихвой компенсируется красотами и чистой, искренней доброжелательностью. Кстати - цены застыли примерно на том же уровне. На 500 рублей в день можно в течении недели наесть себе дополнительных 10 кг.
Теперь о дайвинге (видел упоминания о нем в других отзывах). Я туда ездил специально ради него. Погружения на Голубом - это как некоторый этап. Однако - не для всех, требуется определенный уровень, не ниже CMAS Two Stars или PADI AOWD. Да и конфигурация - сухой костюм обязателен, температура воды круглый год +9. Из-за высокого содержания сероводорода - в озере никто не живет. Но дайвинг просто неописуемый - "летишь" вдоль скалы как горный орел. А под тобой - Бездна! Дайв-центр - самого высокого уровня, раньше ориентировался только на технодайвинг, кроме компрессора есть и мешалка, мешают не только найтрокс, но и тримиксы. Сейчас рады приветствовать и рекриационщиков, как я - тут интересно нырять всем, глубины до 40 метров тоже содержат кучу красивых видов.
Резюме - место очень интересное. Стоит посетить!
9. Gedmish Waterfalls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By StaziaChamisal - Taos County, New Mexico
Like visiting a realm of an elven King! A mystic sound of the cascades entranced me as I gazed wonderment at the caves behind the Waterfalls! The horsemen had their Kabardian horses tied to be photographed and also rented them for rides and photos. Wool hats and mountain garments, wood carvings, pottery and many interesting local souvenirs, postcards were on display. My guide and I savored the delicious cheeses, breads and savory fire roasted meat and fish that the ladied sold next to the falls.
10. Cheget Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 19 reviews
Reviewed By TMR1004 - Valley Forge, Pennsylvania
The hike up from Terskol to the Cheget Observatory is a beautiful and popular hike that can also be a great acclimation hike in preparation for Elbrus. The views, both down into the valley and also of the twin cones of Elbrus can be stunning on a clear day. And because the “trail” is really a dirt road, the grade is usually only moderate. Of course if you are coming from sea level like myself, the 7000 ft altitude at the start of the hike alone can have you breathing fairly hard. I was not able to get good information on this hike before doing it so I thought I would provide some for those who might have interest.
Trailhead – In the town of Terskol on the main road (RT A158). If you are driving from Cheget toward the ski lifts for Elbrus there is a new church on your left hand side as you are driving through the small town of Terskol. Directly across from this church on the other side of the road is a dirt road heading north. This is the start of the hike. The elevation here is 7100 ft.
Length of “Trail” – 8 km (5 miles) one way from the trailhead to the Observatory gates at the top (10,050 ft)
Elevation Gain – 2950 vertical feet elevation gain
Guides – You do not need a guide to hike this trail. You simply follow the dirt road to the top. A few other dirt roads do turn off from the “main road” but they are smaller. It is easy to stay on the main trail (road). The only reason you might want a guide is that there are places where you could “shortcut” the road by crossing through the alpine meadows. The terrain this way can be much steeper but the upside is that in July and August you will be walking waste high through an explosion of wildflowers.
Landmarks along the trail – at 5km there is a large waterfall on your left. A short 100 meter long trail leads you to the base of the falls and its cooling mists. This is a great place to take a break, have lunch, etc. It is also the best source of water that I saw along the trail in case you want to refill your bottles. Purification is recommended. At the 7km mark (1 km from the top) you will pass a wooden cabin on your left and at 8km you will come to the gates of the Observatory at the top.
Distance Elevation
Start 0 km 7100 ft
Waterfall 5 km 8970 ft
Cabin 7 km 9760 ft
Observatory 8 km 10,050 ft
Added Bonus – I did this hike to help acclimate for my ascent of Elbrus. But what I walked away with was so much more. As I have mentioned the views were stunning and the wildflowers gorgeous, but what I enjoyed most were the people I met along the way. There were a few other groups of foreigners doing what I was doing but the majority of the people I met were Russians. Athletes and soldiers training, couples walking hand in hand, artists sketching and painting in oil, and my favorite, parents with their kids walking together, all enjoying the simple pleasures of nature and family. It was a glimpse of rural Russia at its best. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
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