Captive of the Caucasus: the best places to relax body and soul in the North Caucasus

If you, like us, want to show interest in new places where you can relax your body and soul, organize a digital detox, gastro tour or all at once, read the article about the adventures of our gossip column editor. Luck ended in the North Caucasus, and he unexpectedly became the hero of a holiday romance with all the consequences – unjustified expectations, falling in love and warm affection.

A fascinating journey began with the cliché “You must be careful not to be stolen by the local horsemen”. However, expectations were not met, and no one missed me (yes, they call it action), because these traditions are far behind, and young people can approach it quite casually if the girl really likes it. don’t be aware.

Then our relations with the North Caucasus moved, as it usually happens, to the stage of falling in love, which few of the protagonists expected. But it so happened that I fell in love with its nature, atmosphere of solitude, gastronomic luxury and, of course, digital detox, maybe there would be no chemistry.

Well, the final stage is a warm love that draws back to these places. And what exactly these places are, I will tell now.

Pyatigorsk, Stavropol Territory

To begin with, perhaps it is worth putting the stereotypes that grandmothers impose on us in a distant box and discover something new in the Stavropol Territory. Mineral healing waters and sanatoriums, of course, dominate here, but this is not the reason why we and the rest of the young people who are increasingly visiting these areas, rush here.

There are many other reasons: beautiful weather in all seasons, large-scale events, one of which is a big three-day bike festival in Pyatigorsk, and, of course, the natural and cultural treasures that every resort in the Stavropol Territory is rich in. . Just for the latter, I aspire here as a fan of Lermontov’s stories. In Pyatigorsk there is everything that will give you the opportunity to touch the life story of Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov: places for walking, the last ball and the tragic death in a duel. Also a chance to feel like a hero of his works – the “Aeolian harp” gazebo described by the poet has been preserved here, where an impressive view of the city, the academic gallery and even Princess Mary’s house is from the “A”. Hero of Our Time” opens. Walking can be tiring, but it’s sure to inspire. And after that, you can dive into the hot springs exhibited by another historical place – Lermontov’s Grotto.

In short, rest in Pyatigorsk can be both informative and therapeutic. True, you should give up your strength for a trip to the Hot Mountain, where the ledge holds a huge stone eagle, and also, do not be too lazy and climb the cable car over Mount Mashuk – this point will be the last point of the journey to the places of Mikhail Lermontov.

Resort “Elbrus”, Kabardino-Balkarian Republic

We are used to perceiving Elbrus only as a ski resort, but this is not entirely correct. And it is a pity that so little can be said about the magic of Kabardino-Balkaria, which surrounds you with rocks and hidden Blue Lakes.

Maybe the real chemistry between us was formed here. When you arrive in the Elbrus region, you are disconnected and completely connected with nature. At first this can be alarming, but after a few hours you get used to the absence of endless searches and start enjoying the beauty, fresh air and incredible starry sky. It is surprising that the Elbrus region has not become a center of attraction for all local self-knowledge coaches. Although this is probably even better – ordinary travelers like me have the opportunity to enjoy solitude, plunge into Caucasian culture in local institutions and finally find the harmony that we so unsuccessfully tried to find among the skyscrapers of the capital.

However, even this cannot be compared to what you feel on the highest mountain in Europe that can be reached by the funicular. And even the bad weather and snowfall that we entered with the group during the climb does not change the fact that the world is perceived differently from there. You are no longer in control of your life, but nature, the power of which we stubbornly ignore.

If you still prefer active types of rest, you will find everything your heart desires in the region of Elbrus. It attracts skiers, snowboarders, hikers, climbers and mountaineers and also offers helicopter and ATV rides. In addition, the Baksan Gorge is rich in natural attractions that make the Elbrus region even more attractive. Believe me, the impressions of Azau and Maiden’s Spit waterfalls, lava flows in the Terskol valley, mineral water in the Narzanov Glade will be remembered by you for a long time, if not forever.

Arkhyz Resort, Karachay-Cherkess Republic

Another place that we think is underestimated by many. For many years, the resort of Arkhyz has been popular with climbers, rock climbers and alpine skiers, as it has the status of an all-season resort and all-Russian alpine skiing competitions, including championship level, cup and championship, are held here every year. of Russia.

However, those who are not from the above (that is, us) skip it in vain. Imagine my surprise when I, who is a lazy person and doesn’t want to freeze especially on mountain slopes, found suitable activities there as well. These include excursions to ancient temples, a trip to the observatory, and hikes to glacial lakes whose beauty is truly mesmerizing. Sofia water surface, of course, is worth admiring from afar, rising to the height of Arkhyz with the help of a funicular.

But I’m afraid this view won’t be enough for you to ride a horse, so you’ll definitely want to try the forest eco-path that runs down from the top station of the Milky Way cable car. Romantic. For such a three-hour walk, you can get acquainted with the world of animals living in the territory of these ridges, meditate and finally forget about the fuss that surrounds you more often than you would like. We recommend that you take your first trip along the eco-path with a guide, otherwise there is a risk of turning in the wrong direction and getting lost.

And it seems that when several days of stories about a holiday romance with the picturesque places of the North Caucasus came to an end, we realized that we forgot to mention the main thing – gastronomic luxury and hospitality of living people. in these places. Here, perhaps, you will be fed all sorts of dishes of various peoples of the Caucasus: Armenian stuffed, Georgian khinkali, Azerbaijani kyuftas and, of course, do not forget about the national pies of Karachay-Cherkess and Kabardino-Balkaria – hychins. . Local table traditions are briefly and very clearly described by an inscription on the wall of one of the restaurants: “Skinny people are easier to miss, be safe, eat khychin.”