The status of a World Heritage Site was given to the inaccessible highlands, practically untouched by human activity, which once served for royal and grand ducal hunts, and now have the status of the Caucasian Biosphere Reserve. The mountain-forest massif, which in addition to the reserve includes several smaller specially protected natural areas, with a total area of about 300 thousand hectares, lies in the western part of the Greater Caucasus in the upper reaches of the tributaries of the Kuban - the Malaya Laba and Belaya rivers.
The area, distinguished by its pronounced altitudinal zones (deciduous forests, coniferous forests, crooked forests, mountain meadows, nival belt), is recognized as one of the most extensive mountain forest reserves in Europe. Forests occupy at least 60% of the area here. These are beech, oak, maple, hornbeam, chestnut, fir, spruce and other species. In total, more than 3 thousand species are noted in the local flora, half of which are vascular plants, with every third of them defined as endemic, and every tenth as a relict of previous eras. About 250 species of birds have been recorded in the protected area, including rare predators nesting here - golden eagle, bearded vulture, osprey, griffon vulture, etc. Among about 80 species of mammals, the largest ones stand out: bison, Caucasian red deer, Western Caucasian tur, Caucasian subspecies of brown bear , wolf.
The local herd of bison, numbering several hundred heads, is of particular value. It is known that this massive wild bull was previously very widespread in Europe and the Caucasus, but then was completely exterminated: in the early 1920s. The last free-living individuals were shot. Only the adoption of emergency measures, and above all the establishment of the Caucasian Nature Reserve in 1924, made it possible to revive the almost extinct animal. True, the genetic purity of the mountainous Caucasian subspecies has now been lost and the basis of the modern herd is made up of hybrids - Belovezhsk-Caucasian bison and bison.
In general, more than 6 thousand species of plants and animals have been recorded in the territory, which makes it a unique center of biodiversity not only on the scale of the Caucasus, but throughout Europe. At the same time, many species are recognized as rare and endangered and are listed in the Red Book of Russia, and some in the International Red Book.
More than a dozen three-thousand-meter peaks are concentrated in the reserve and its surroundings. Here you can see many bizarre rocks and deep gorges, unique weathering forms, waterfalls (up to 250 m high), and alpine lakes. These include various karst formations in limestone - caves, wells and cavities with underground rivers, lakes and waterfalls (including a 15-kilometer underground under Mount Fisht). These are also dozens of mountain glaciers, trough valleys, cirques, tarns, and moraines.
The exceptional landscape and biological diversity of the Caucasus Nature Reserve and its surroundings allows us to assert that this area is highly representative of a much larger area - the entire Greater Caucasus.
And the Lagonaki plateau, 2- Krasnaya Polyana area, 3- Arkhyz district, 4- Marukha-Aksautsky district, 5- Dombay and Teberda area, 6- Gwandra area.
Western Caucasus called the part of the Greater Caucasus west of the Elbrus peak. The length of the Main Caucasus Range (MCR) in this section is about 440 km. The highest peak of the Western Caucasus is Dombay-Ulgen (4046 m).
To the east of the Kardyvach mountain cluster along the GKH lies the state border of the Russian Federation: first with Abkhazia, and then with Georgia. The territory adjacent to the GKH is a border zone, to visit which a pass is required.
Districts
Approximately half of the Western Caucasus (215 km) from Anapa to the Lagonaki Plateau is covered with forests. The belt of subalpine meadows appears here only on the tops of the highest mountains. In this part of the Western Caucasus in Goryachy Klyuch area Children's (school) walking tours are often held. To the west of the railway, which crosses the GKH and connects Tuapse with the flat regions of the Krasnodar Territory, the peaks do not exceed 1000 m in height. The highest are Tkhab (921), Pochepsukha (910), Agoy (994).
Near Fisht there are two more high mountains: 4 km north of Fisht is the peak of Pshekho-su (2744), and 3 km east of the latter is the peak of Oshten (2804). To the north of Pshekho-su and Oshten lies the treeless Lagonaki plateau, which is a highland with heights from 2000 to 2400 m. Its width from west to east is ~ 13 km, and from north to south ~ 10 km.
Agepsta (3257) in May. View from the Aishkha pass. Photo by A. Lebedev
Fishta region and Lagonaki plateau very popular among tourists and climbers. Here you can carry out wall climbs and easy hikes. Quite often this area is used for mountain and hiking trips during the May holidays. Rafting competitions are traditionally held on the Belaya River in the Guzeriplya region.Further, as you move to the southeast, the height of the GKH increases, and the size and number of glaciers increase.
IN Krasnaya Polyana area in the GKH or in its short northern spurs the peaks of Chugush (3238), Pseashkho (3256), Tsakhvoa (3345) are located. In the Gagrinsky ridge in the upper reaches of the Mzymta, the peak of Agepsta rises (3257). The largest glaciers in the Krasnaya Polyana area reach a length of one and a half kilometers.
There are many lakes here, the most famous of them are Kardyvach, Damkhors (Damkhurts), Mzi, lakes in the Imeretinka valley. The Mzymta River, like the Belaya River, is very popular among water tourists. These technically intense, but short rivers are especially attractive for short training trips, including during the May holidays.
The Krasnaya Polyana area is widely known as a ski resort. In 2014, the Winter Olympics are planned to be held in Krasnaya Polyana.
The entire high-mountainous area adjacent to the GKH, starting from the Lagonaki plateau (in the north-west) and ending with the mountain node near Lake Kardyvach in the upper reaches of the Mzymta (in the south-east), belongs to the Caucasian State Natural Biosphere Reserve. This limits the possibility of freely holding various mountain sports events.
The one to the southeast is freer in this regard. Arkhyz district. The highest peaks in this area are Pshysh (3790), Sofia (3637) and Amanauz (3530). The largest glaciers Amanauz and Bugoichat reach a length of 2.6 km. An extensive network of ridges - the northern spurs of the GKH and the Side Range, a segment of which in the Arkhyz region is called the Abshira-Akhuba ridge, allows you to plan a variety of mountain hikes.
Lake of Love over the Arkhyz pass
The Arkhyz region is a lake region. Dozens of beautiful lakes are scattered in the gorges and valleys of Arkhyz. Along with lakes of dammed origin, such as Kyafar and Chilik (in the Abshira-Akhuba ridge), there are many lakes of glacial origin. The most famous lakes are in the upper reaches of Atsgara (Zagedan lakes), Chilik, Kyafar, Agur, Sofia and Dukkinsk lakes, Lake Love, Belkau-Kel and Chabakly-Kel in the Morg-Syrty tract.
One of the valleys of the Arkhyz district is subject to the regime of the Teberda State Reserve. This is the valley of the Kyzgych River.
East of Arkhyz lies Marukha-Aksautsky district. It covers the valleys of the Marukha and Aksaut rivers. Here rise the sharp peaks of Karakaya (3893), Marukhbashi (3800) and Aksaut (3910) with rocky routes up to 5B grade.
In the Aksaut valley there is the largest glacier in the Western Caucasus - Dzhalovchatsky. Its length is 6.1 km, area 6.8 sq. km, the height of the end is 2310, the height of the firn line is 2920. Another large glacier, Marukhinsky, descends into the Marukhi valley. Its length is 4.0 km, area 3.3 sq. km, end height 2490, firn line height 2950.
Next to the East Dombay area(and Teberdy) is widely known as a ski resort. And it is also the birthplace of domestic mountaineering. In 1934, in the picturesque Dombay meadow, the first tourist and mountaineering camp of the Society of Proletarian Tourism and Excursions (OPTE) appeared in Dombay. And in 1936, 10 mountaineering camps were already operating in Dombay.
From the Alibek Pass in the west to the Chuchkhur Pass in the east (both in the northern spurs of the GKH), the highest and most famous peaks of the Western Caucasus (listed from west to east): Ertsog (3863), Belalakaya (3861), Sofrudzha (3780) surround the Dombay Glade in a grandiose horseshoe. , Amanauz (3760), Dzhuguturlyuchat (3896), Ptysh (3688), Dombay-Ulgen (4046).The peaks of Amanauz and Dombay-Ulgen are known for their 6A class rock walls.
To the east, beyond the peaks of Buulgen (3918), Khakel (3645), Klych-Karakaya (3677) and Klukhorkaya (3500), the GKH sharply decreases to the Klukhor Pass (2782), through which the Military-Sukhumi Road passes from Russia to Abkhazia. This ancient caravan route (marked on a 14th-century Venetian map) was completed as a wheeled road in 1903. In the early 50s of the XX century. There was a planned walking tourist route along the Military-Sukhumi Road; it was no longer possible to travel along the road then. After the armed Georgian-Abkhaz conflict of 1992-1993. through traffic on the road is closed.
The Dombay region, together with the adjacent territories in the north in the Teberda River basin, belongs to the Teberda State Reserve.
The largest glaciers in the region (listed from west to east) Alibeksky, Belalakaysky, Sofrudzhu South, Sofrudzhu North, Amanauzsky, Buulgen, Khakel are inferior in size to the Dzhalovchatsky glacier in the Aksauta valley.
Table 1. Glaciers of the Dombay region.
The vast and reserve-free territory adjacent to the GKH between the Klukhorsky pass in the west and Elbrus in the east is usually called Gwandra district. This area includes the valleys of the Daut River, the Uchkulan River and its sources Mahar-Su and Gondarai, the Uzunkol River and the upper reaches of the Kuban. In the Uzunkol valley there is a mountaineering camp of the same name, therefore the part of the Gvandra region, including the Uzunkol valley and its sources Myrdy and Kichkinekol, is often called Uzunkola district. The highest peaks in the Gwandra region are Dalar (3988) and Gwandra (3985).
Many travelers associate the Caucasus Mountains with incredible power. Indeed, not everyone obeys them. It is still unknown how this name came about, which has become familiar to many residents of Russia and the CIS. But many facts are known about these great mountains.
Where are the Caucasus Mountains
The territory of the mountain system, stretching for 1,100 kilometers, occupies areas from the northwest to the southeast. The Caucasus Mountains start from Anapa (Black Sea) to the Absheron Peninsula, located on the coast of the Caspian Sea.
Location of mountains on the map
Coordinates:
- 42°30′00" north latitude;
- 45°00′00"E longitude.
The Caucasus Mountains are divided into three sectors:
- West.
- Central.
- Oriental.
The widest part of the Caucasus Mountains is Elbrus (about 180 kilometers).
The highest peak of the Caucasus Mountains
Elbrus is one of the most famous peaks not only in Russia, but also in Europe. This is the highest mountain in the Caucasus, reaching 5,642 meters. Elbrus is known for its developed tourist infrastructure, so people from different parts of Eurasia come here. There are numerous shelters at the disposal of travelers. Shelters first appeared here in the 1910s. There are also many cable cars. First of all, Elbrus is famous for its ski slopes. But many travelers who want to climb also come here.
View of the highest peak
Elbrus is considered relatively difficult to conquer. However, there are different routes. Some are suitable even for beginner climbers with an average level of physical fitness. But there are also very difficult paths that not everyone can take. The sad statistics of the conquest of Elbrus are known, which indicate 80% of accidents throughout the Elbrus region. Among the dead climbers are novice tourists and experienced climbers. Even masters of sports died on the formidable Elbrus. The danger of climbing lies in the difficulty of acclimatization on the slopes of the peak. There is also a real threat of falling into a crevice covered with snow. Travelers are advised to enlist the help of a guide who is experienced enough to help them understand the terrain.
The most famous route is the route along the southern slope. It is usually called classic. It is lightweight and corresponds to category 1B. The ascent takes no more than 10 days, so even taking into account acclimatization, almost all travelers successfully reach the peak of Elbrus. The route along the northern slope has a difficulty category of 2A. Difficult to climb up to 2,000 meters. The route along the eastern edge has a difficulty category of 2B, the most difficult routes to conquer Elbrus have difficulty categories of 3A and 5A. Accordingly, this is the northwestern edge and the western shoulder along the southern wall. You can walk these routes only with the help of special equipment and with the proper experience.
Relief of the Caucasus Mountains
The Caucasus Mountains are folded. Their formation is associated with volcanic activity. It is believed that the Caucasus Mountains were formed approximately 23 million years ago.
Beautiful relief of the Caucasus Mountains The common name Greater Caucasus actually refers to several ridges that rise from north to south, forming stepped mountains. The smallest is the Pasture Ridge, after which the Rocky Ridge gradually rises, then you can see the Advanced Ridge, on which such famous peaks as Elbrus and Kazbek are located. In the south is the Transcaucasian Highlands, and in the north and northeast is the Lesser Caucasus. Scientists argue that the Caucasus has not always been like this, and therefore will change in the future.
Its formation was a series of real natural disasters. Over the long centuries of slow changes followed by monstrous eruptions and catastrophic events. It is believed that the formation of the Caucasus Mountains began in the second half of the Paleozoic. Then the so-called Russian platform collided with the mainland of Laurasia.
Earthquakes still remind us of volcanic activity. At the beginning of the current millennium, powerful earthquakes occurred, the intensity of which reached 7 points according to Richter. The catastrophic events of 1988 claimed the lives of 25 thousand people in Armenia.
Climate of the Caucasus Mountains
The climate of the Caucasus Mountains differs significantly between the highlands and foothills, and also varies by latitude. As the traveler gets closer to the sea and gains altitude, he will definitely feel the temperature drop. The northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Range are usually colder than the southern ones, the difference in temperatures is approximately 3 degrees. A sharply continental climate reigns in the territories of the Lesser Caucasus.
Diverse climates create diverse landscapes Precipitation is also unevenly distributed. There are significantly more of them in the west than in the east. Altitude distribution played a significant role in this regard. There is traditionally more precipitation in the mountains than in the lowlands. The driest regions are the northeastern and southern ones in the Lesser Caucasus. The driest part remains the northeastern sector of the Caspian lowland (no more than 250 millimeters per year). A lot falls in the western part of the Caucasus. In a year, a minimum of 1,000 millimeters can fall here, and a maximum of 4,000 millimeters. Moderate precipitation falls in the eastern and northern parts of the Caucasus Mountains (600–1,800 millimeters). The greatest amount of precipitation occurs in Meskheti and Adjara (approximately 4,000 millimeters per year).
Snowfalls often occur in the Caucasus. When climbing in winter, travelers should take into account that it will be easier to climb on the windward side of the slopes - the amount of precipitation is much less. However, powerful winds blow here. Snowfalls are rare in the Lesser Caucasus, since it is isolated and the surrounding slopes act as a natural barrier to air masses carrying moisture. At the same time, snow cover in the mountains can reach a height of 30 centimeters. But even more snow falls in the Greater Caucasus; avalanches occur constantly throughout the winter and even at the beginning of spring. Snow cover can reach 5 meters in height in some areas.
Natural areas of the Caucasus Mountains
The diversity of natural zones of the Caucasus Mountains and landscape directly depends on the heights and the presence of large bodies of water. Many biomes of great biological, tourist and recreational value are spotted everywhere. On the territory of the Caucasus there are both subtropical and high-mountain areas with their inherent alpine meadows and steppes. Alpine meadows and steppes are mainly found in the south. A forest belt is developed on the northern slopes. Moreover, if spruce and fir trees grow in the north-west, oak and hornbeam predominate in the strict direction to the north. Forests grow up to 3,000 meters. Next comes the permafrost zone. The southeastern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains are also rich in forests, with maple and beech joining hornbeam and oak. Even more amazing is the flora in the southwest, where mixed forests can be found.
Minerals of the Caucasus Mountains
The Caucasus is rich in mineral resources. Oil, gas, coal, non-metallic and non-metallic minerals are mined here. Caucasian Mineral Waters are known throughout Europe and Russia.
Coal deposits are not rich, the largest amount of them is concentrated on the territory of Georgia. Peat is widespread. The largest deposits are located in the Colchis Lowland. Peat is used for fuel and plays an important role in the chemical industry; paraffin, tar, ammonia, and wax are obtained from it. Among the ore minerals in the Caucasus, the most common are copper, zinc, cobalt, and tungsten. Gold, iron, and molybdenum are being mined. Iron ores are widespread and have been developed since the times of the USSR; the largest deposit is located in Azerbaijan. A special feature of the deposit is the possibility of mining ore with a high iron content (up to 45%).
Thanks to its beautiful nature, the Caucasus attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists Manganese ores are no less widespread. The richest is the Chiatura deposit (Georgia). The Caucasus Mountains can truly surprise you in terms of reserves of non-metallic minerals. This is a real treasure trove containing such valuable raw materials as marls (a cement-forming mixture). Marls are processed at specialized plants; a particularly large amount of these non-metallic minerals is processed in Novosibirsk. It is in the Caucasus that the loam necessary for brick production is mined.
In addition, quartz sand, which lies deep underground, is mined here. Quartz has formed over millions of years into huge strata containing approximately 95% of the valuable non-metallic fossil. Roofing shales, which are clayey rocks, are widespread. They are used as a building material.
The Caucasus is rich in ornamental stones. Marble, obsidian, jasper, agates, amethyst, and marble onyx are mined here. The wealth of the Caucasus is known throughout the world. Recently, agates have gained wide popularity because they impart various mystical properties. Meanwhile, their color is truly captivating and confirms that nature is the best artist. Rock crystal is mined in the Greater Caucasus, but high-quality rock crystal is no longer sufficient for industrial scale, so its mining is gradually losing its importance.
History of exploration of the Caucasus Mountains
The territory of the Caucasus has attracted people since ancient times. There is information that confirms that back in the 6th century BC. The Greeks lived here and established their colonies. In the 1st century, the Roman Empire became interested in the Caucasus. The Romans invaded here, conquering the Greek colonies and began a confrontation with the Parthian state (present-day Iran). Seneca, Tacitus, and Pompey wrote about the Caucasus at different times. Gradually, the natural riches of these lands began to attract other kings, including Armenians. Ancient times are a thing of the past, and Byzantium replaced the former empires. The Byzantine emperors led the conquest of the North Caucasus, they were attracted by natural resources, many longed to see these territories annexed to the Byzantine kingdom. Centuries passed and only in the 18th century, when the rule of the Russian Empire was established in the Caucasus, a more substantive study of this amazing region began.
The beauty of the Caucasus Mountains Significant contributions were made by figures from the Imperial and St. Petersburg Academy of Sciences. Among them are such researchers as P. Butkov and I. Blaramberg. Russian officers Fadeev, Dubrovin, and Tornau also visited the Caucasus. In their works they described in detail not only nature, but also the customs of the local population. Caucasian studies gradually began to develop, and local educators became of no small importance.
Flora of the Caucasus Mountains
The Caucasus is a region rich in nature. The flora of the region is incredibly diverse. There are over 6,000 plants in the Caucasus. This is an order of magnitude more than in the entire territory of the European part of the former USSR. The human influence here is nevertheless noticeably strong. This is confirmed by the Western and Middle Ciscaucasia, occupied by arable land.
The Caucasus is known for its relict broad-leaved forests growing in the Colchis Lowland region. Previously, the Colchis lowland was completely occupied by forest, but constant deforestation led to disastrous consequences. Only small areas of alder forests remained in the area of the Kura Depression. In the area of the Talysh Mountains there are also relict forests, which are classified as Hyrcanian or Talysh type. Many areas of both the Greater and Lesser Caucasus remain valuable grazing lands, attracting farmers from various surrounding states.
The Caucasus has alpine meadows with characteristic flora Many plants were brought to the territory of the Caucasus from other countries. Now they have taken root well and are part of the natural areas of the Caucasus Mountains. The influence of semi-deserts remains; subtropical plants are common in the northern part.
Fauna of the Caucasus Mountains
Even more surprising is the fauna of the Caucasus, which is capable of demonstrating no less diversity than the flora. Animals that have become familiar to the Russian Plain are common in Western and Middle Ciscaucasia. Representatives of the fauna of the semi-deserts of Central Asia have spread to the Terek-Kuma Lowland. The main representatives of the Caucasian fauna live in forests and highlands, among them there are endemics listed in the Red Book. The most common animals are mountain goats and wild boars; wild bears are less common, and the Caucasian leopard is recognized as the rarest. In recent years, a decline in lynx numbers has been noted. Now there are no more Caspian tigers and Asiatic lions left. The European bison also became extinct. There is a great variety of arachnids (about 1,000 species of spiders). Birds are widespread, and the influence of the south can be seen here, as evidenced by the huge diversity of southern species. Representatives of the fauna of Asia Minor live in the mountain steppes. Unfortunately, anthropogenic activities have played a negative role on the animal world even in modern times. Therefore, several reserves with environmental status have now been established in the Caucasus.
The Caucasus Mountains are full of interesting facts:
- For example, it was in the Caucasus that the famous kefir was invented, which is very popular in Russia.
- The Caucasus Mountains have only two five-thousanders. These are Elbrus and Kazbek. Therefore, despite all the formidability, they are not considered the most difficult system to conquer.
- There are over 2,000 glaciers on the territory of the Caucasus Mountains, their total area exceeds 1,400 square meters. km.
- The Caucasus Mountains are one of the most populated mountain systems on the planet. Fifty different nationalities live here, many of them speaking several languages.
- The area occupied by the Caucasus Mountains can cover the entire Tajikistan.
- Here is one of the deepest caves on the planet - Krubera-Voronya. Its depth reaches 2196 meters.
- The most common tree is pine.
- Another natural attraction is the Zeygalan waterfall, which has a height of 600 meters. This is perhaps the highest waterfall in Russia.
- The Caucasus Mountains are located on the territory of several countries, namely Russia, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan and Abkhazia.
- The Caucasus Mountains are an example of a natural barrier, while distinguishing climatic zones of subtropical and temperate types.
Natural objects of the Caucasus Mountains
There are many rivers in the Caucasus, all of them belong to the Caspian, Black and Azov seas. Most mountains are characterized by features inherent in mountains. They are distinguished by high flow speed, which makes them unfreeze during the onset of winter cold. Rivers and lakes are fed by melting glaciers and eternal snow. Regular rains also contribute. Sometimes this leads to significant floods that can last for six months. Floods occur especially often in the spring, when seasonal snow begins to melt. On the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, the flood lasts no more than 4 months. Rivers that are located in areas that do not have permanent snow cover are characterized by the presence of floods. They feed from rainfall, partly from rapidly melting snow.
There are many rivers and other bodies of water in the Caucasus Groundwater also supplies rivers. Of all the rivers in the Caucasus Mountains, only three are navigable:
- Kura;
- Rioni;
- Kuban.
However, many rivers are necessary for farming. With their help, forests are floated and soils are irrigated. Some rivers are used for hydroelectric power.
Lakes have different origins. For example, in the highlands of the Greater Caucasus (Central and Western sectors), lakes of karst origin have become widespread. Karst lakes are located in the territories of the Front Range. Near the Colchis Lowland there are lakes that were formed due to the accumulative process. The largest lake here is Sevan, which is of great importance for the tourism sector. Each of the lakes of the Caucasus Mountains represents an entire ecosystem with picturesque landscapes and excellent tourism potential. Over the centuries, the lakes of the Caucasus have been praised by writers, artists, journalists, travelers and even politicians.
Speaking about the volcanoes of the Caucasus Mountains, it should be noted that they are usually divided into dormant and extinct. At the same time, active tectonic activity continues, which often threatens residents of nearby cities. Elbrus is traditionally considered the main volcano, although it last erupted 1,000 years ago. Hot mineral springs remind of its former glory; hot gases still burst out from the slopes of the peak.
That is why volcanologists are still paying close attention to the activity of Elbrus. Another famous volcano, Beshtau, is an order of magnitude lower than the formidable Elbrus. Its height is only 1,400 m, and it is also famous for its hot mineral springs. Volcanologists classify Beshtau as a failed volcano. During the lifting phase, it simply did not have time to form. No less famous is the Mashuk volcano, near which the great Russian writer M. Yu. Lermontov lived.
Caves and gorges occupy a special place in the Caucasus. Many historical events, legends and mysteries are associated with the gorges of the Caucasus. No less amazing are the numerous valleys of the Caucasus Mountains. On the territory of Dagestan you can see and visit gorges such as Rakhuni and Akhtychaya. In Ingushetia there are gorges that turn into works of art with the onset of winter. The waterfalls freeze, the moisture lying on the rocky slopes turns into ice and glistens beautifully in the sun. Dzheirakha is considered one of the most famous gorges. It was used for protection from enemies; now tower villages are still preserved there.
Caucasian tours are a local symbol There are also many gorges in Chechnya that were used during military operations. The Argun Gorge is notorious, considered one of the longest in the Caucasus. Its approximate length is 120 km. The Chechens themselves consider the main thing to be the Ushkaloi towers, which are located in comparative proximity to the Argun Gorge. This attraction is inextricably linked with him for them. The towers, like the gorge itself, are open to the public.
The Stavropol Territory also has interesting gorges. For example, Berezovskoye, which is located near Kislovodsk. Birch trees grow here, and the valley itself is a picturesque area. Alas, the Berezovsky Gorge no longer has its former beauty - the detrimental influence of human activity has taken its toll. In the Alikonovsky Gorge you can see Honey Falls. The guides tell all travelers arriving here about the romantic legend of the castle of deceit and love. In Kabardino-Balkaria there is the Chegem Gorge, nicknamed the “city of the dead”. It will be especially interesting to those who are partial to archeology. There are graves preserved here from ancient times. The most popular remain the crypts of those who belonged to a noble family. In the same region is the Baksan Gorge, which still causes a lot of controversy among historians. Some argue that several peoples lived here in the past.
Finally, something should be said about the gorges of Karachay-Cherkessia. Here is the Mahar Gorge, which is considered one of the most pristine. People really rarely visited here, so the nature has been preserved almost untouched. In the Uchkulan Gorge there is a museum of ethnography, where you can listen to the history of the formation of the Karachay people. The valley of the Amanauz gorge acquired a mystical atmosphere. The rays of the sun rarely penetrate here, but the darkness only adds to its beauty.
Sights and tourism of the mountains
We can talk endlessly about tourism in the Caucasus Mountains. How much do mineral waters cost? They are considered one of the main riches of the entire Caucasus. Thanks to such resorts as Matsesta, Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk, the Caucasus became famous throughout Europe and Russia. All mineral springs can be divided into three groups. The first include hydrogen sulfide sources, which help treat rheumatism. The latter have been known since ancient times. These are Karmadon springs, located in the northwest of Kazbek peak. Hot springs heat up to 60°C. With their help, you can treat gastrointestinal, skin, and urological diseases. Now here is the Karmadon resort, where several comfortable holiday complexes have been built for travelers. The third group includes the most numerous sources containing carbon dioxide. Anyone who has heard of the Caucasus at least once knows them. These springs are called Narzan.
However, the Caucasus Mountains are known not only for their mineral waters. There are also many freshwater springs here, which also have healing powers. These mountains are known for the stunning beauty of their landscapes; you can appreciate them by going on one of the tours. This can be a jeep tour that allows you to look around the surroundings of different countries and look at ancient monasteries or a tour of local valleys, exploring the Elbrus region, fortifications or climbing one of the peaks.
It is impossible to ignore the Caucasus Nature Reserve, which has the status of a state natural reserve. This is the largest reserve of all that exists in the Caucasus. It affects several subjects of the Russian Federation at once, is located on the borders of two climatic zones, and is considered the largest mountain forest reserve in Europe. Covers an area of over 280 thousand hectares. Most of it is concentrated in the Krasnodar Territory. UNESCO has recognized the Caucasus Nature Reserve as a biosphere reserve. Walking around the area, you can see a variety of animals. Turks, deer, martens, bears, wolves, foxes and many others live here. Sometimes you can see entire clusters of aurochs that flock together in flocks, which helps them avoid encounters with predators. These animals have become a symbol of the Caucasus Nature Reserve; their powerful horns serve as reliable protection and help in the fight. Caucasian Turs are excellent rock climbers, capable of reaching great heights.
Tourism is very popular here Even more impressive are the mountain bison - powerful animals that also move in packs. It is very rare to find a bear in the Caucasus Mountains that is very different from the typical Russian bear in its coloring. The best time to visit the Caucasus Nature Reserve is from January to April. Summer and the period from September to October are also good.
The Caucasian Nature Reserve is well equipped. It has excellent infrastructure, so tourists come here from all over the world. It is one of the most famous nature reserves in all of Russia. There are visitor centers and museums here; you can not only walk around the reserve on foot, but also use the services of horses. Horseback riding is an honorable activity among Caucasians.
In addition to the Caucasus Nature Reserve, there are several other interesting protected areas in the mountains. These include the Teberda, North Ossetian, Kabardino-Balkarian, and Erzi reserves. Each of them has many years and even decades of history. Each has its own unique corners, so trying to cover all the reserves in one tour is pointless. It is better to try to study each separately. Now employees often resort to reducing the tourist area to reduce anthropogenic impact. However, this is necessary to preserve such important natural areas for the whole world.
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The Caucasus Nature Reserve is the main part, the core, of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site (nomination “Western Caucasus”) (UNESCO World Natural Heritage Certificate dated December 4, 1999) November 30, 1999. The nomination “Western Caucasus” was adopted at the XXIII Session of the World Heritage Committee UNESCO Heritage Site in Marrakesh (Morocco), becoming the fifth Russian site to be awarded this status. The nomination unites the territory of the Caucasus State Natural Biosphere Reserve, the Bolshoy Thach Natural Park, the natural monuments “Buiny Ridge”, “Upper Reach of the Pshekha and Pshekhashkha Rivers” and “Upper Reach of the Tsitsa River”, reaching a total area of 301,068 hectares, of which 103,267 hectares are located on the territory Republic of Adygea. The inclusion of a number of protected areas of the Western Caucasus in the World Natural Heritage List is recognition of the uniqueness of the natural complexes of this region.
The work on nominating the Caucasus Nature Reserve was carried out by scientists from the Caucasus Nature Reserve, activists from the German Nature Conservation Society (NABU), and employees of the Maikop State Technological Institute with the active support of Greenpeace Russia (the headquarters of scientists worked for 3 years). As defined in Article 2 of the World Heritage Convention, natural heritage includes the following: natural monuments consisting of physical and biological formations, or groups of such formations, which form part of the outstanding world heritage from an aesthetic or scientific point of view; geological and physiographic formations and clearly defined zones constituting the range of endangered species of animals and plants that represent an outstanding global heritage from the point of view of science or conservation of natural features; natural sites or clearly designated natural areas that are part of the world's outstanding heritage for reasons of science, conservation, or natural beauty.
The basis for inclusion of such areas in the World Natural Heritage List is its compliance with one or more of the criteria listed below, as well as certain integrity conditions formulated in the text of the Convention. The nomination “Western Caucasus” fully complies with all four criteria, namely: Presents a clear example of the reflection of the main stages in the history of the Earth, including traces of ancient life, serious geological processes that continue to occur in the development of the forms of the earth’s surface, significant geomorphological or physiographic features of the relief . All important geological periods of folding of the Caucasus are represented on the territory of the nomination. The only Triassic anticline of its kind in the area between the Bolshaya Laba and Belaya rivers has no equal in its severity in the Caucasus. A unique geomorphological formation - the Abadzekh gorge in the upper reaches of the Tsitsa River, is a natural vertical section, reaching 1 km in depth and 10 km in length, it characterizes the location of the main geological levels of the Caucasus. The varied topography of the Western Caucasus reflects the movement of an ancient glacier. Thus, trough valleys, moraines, mountain swamps and lakes are common here. Another feature is the rich representation of all karst manifestations of limestone massifs in the northern part of the TVPN. A rich representation of rock outcrops of different ages and compositions: from ancient Precambrian and Lower Paleozoic strata to Jurassic, Cretaceous and Paleogene deposits, also has important paleontological significance. Provides a clear example of important and long-term ecological and biological processes occurring in the evolution and development of terrestrial, riverine, coastal and marine ecosystems and plant and animal communities.
The entire diversity of ecosystems of the Western Caucasus, forming a single natural-territorial complex, has been preserved in their pristine state. Thus, the processes of evolution and speciation occurring here are of great scientific importance not only as an exemplary path of natural development, but also for the regeneration and preservation of similar ecosystems in Eurasia. The historical development of the Earth, the diversity and peculiarities of physical and geographical conditions, a unique set of environmental factors have formed a unique diversity of species with a rich representation of relicts (primarily Tertiary time), regional and local endemics. The Caucasus is a unique center of speciation, which has no equal in Europe and Western Asia. The reason for this is, among other things, the intersection of several biogeographical regions in the Caucasus.
On the territory of the nomination there are several local centers of evolutionary genetic form and speciation, for example: the Fisht-Oshten mountain cluster, the Bolshoy Tkhach mountain massif. The high genetic differentiation of many species common here, located at the edge of their distribution or far from their main range, as well as populations in isolated biomes, have significant evolutionary potential. Includes unique natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic value. Includes natural habitats of great importance and significance for the conservation of biological diversity within them, including habitats of endangered species, which represent an outstanding global asset from the point of view of science and conservation.
The nomination “Western Caucasus” is an integral environmental territory that has never been subject to significant human impact. In terms of its size, it has no equal not only in the Caucasus, but also among the mountainous regions of Europe and Western Asia; contains living spaces necessary for the conservation of many endangered, rare, endemic and relict species of plants and animals, represents a natural and unmodified habitat for the most vulnerable large mammals - mountain bison, Caucasian red deer, Western Caucasian tur, Caucasian brown bear, etc. The protection and restoration of the number of mountain bison living freely in nature can be presented as one of the important objectives of the nomination. Although the aboriginal Caucasian bison were exterminated in the 20s of the twentieth century, after 50 years of selective hybridization and the action of natural selection, today we can talk about a successful example of the restoration of animals that occupied an empty ecological niche. In connection with such significance of the Caucasian Nature Reserve on a planetary scale, conservation work should be developed here at the proper level - protection of the territory, scientific research and ensuring support for the activities of the reserve staff by all segments of the population.
The length (GKH) in this section is about 440 km. The highest peak of the Western Caucasus is (4046 m).
To the east of the Kardyvach mountain cluster lies the state border of the Russian Federation: first with Abkhazia, and then with Georgia. The adjacent territory is a border zone, which requires a pass to visit.
Districts
Approximately half of the Western Caucasus (215 km) from Anapa to the Lagonaki Plateau is covered with forests. The belt of subalpine meadows appears here only on the tops of the highest mountains. In this part of the Western Caucasus in Goryachy Klyuch area Children's (school) walking tours are often held. To the west of the railway, which crosses and connects Tuapse with the flat regions of the Krasnodar Territory, the peaks do not exceed 1000 m in height. The highest are Tkhab (921), Pochepsukha (910), Agoi (994).
Sources
Encyclopedia of tourists. 2014 .
See what “Western Caucasus” is in other dictionaries:
Western Caucasus- Western Caucasus. Dombay. Peak Belalakaya, 3861 m ... Wikipedia
WESTERN CAUCASUS- WESTERN CAUCASUS, part of the Greater Caucasus mountain system, west of Elbrus. Height up to 4046 m (Dombay Ulgen). In the axial part are the Main, or Vodorazdelny, and Bokovoy ridges. Glaciers. Cuestas are developed on the northern slope, karst on the southern slope... ... Russian history
Western Caucasus- part of the Greater Caucasus mountain system (See Greater Caucasus) to the west of the city of Elbrus. The highest point of Dombay is Ulgen (4046 m). In the axial part there are the Main or Vodorazdelny ridges (made of crystalline rocks) and Bokovoy (mainly made of sedimentary rocks... ... Great Soviet Encyclopedia
Western Caucasus- Western Caucasus, part of the Greater Caucasus mountain system, west of Elbrus. Height up to 4046 m (Mount Dombay Ulgen). In the axial part there are the Main, or Vodorazdelny, and Bokovoy ridges. Glaciers. On the northern slope of Z.K., cuestas are developed, on ... ... Dictionary "Geography of Russia"
