Adyl su gorge. Alpine camp "Shkhelda"
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Adyl-Su (Caucasus, Elbrus region)
This short review came about as a result of a request from one of our readers. website tell about the Adylsu gorge.
1. ROAD
It is easier to get to Adyl-Su from Nalchik, you can from the Mineralnye Vody (more planes fly there). Take the bus to the village. Terskol (this is the upper reaches of the Baksan Gorge). The bus usually runs several times a day, it takes about two and a half hours (if from Nalchik) or three and a half hours (if from Minvod). If you find yourself in Nalchik (Minvody) late, and all the buses have already left, there is a tempting option to take a private car (there are a lot of them at the stations and offer themselves). It costs money, but quite acceptable. DON'T AGREE! There were cases, private traders throw (that is, the devils call in at night where they extort money - the witness himself), and in the light of the slave trade that has become popular in the North Caucasus, you can not please Adyl-Su at all. It’s easier to spend the night in any way (there are a lot of hotels in Nalchik, I recommend bed bugs like Alpinist or Russia) and set sail in the morning on public transport.
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Shchurovsky Peak |
20 kilometers after Upper Baksan, the bus will pass through the village of Elbrus (the locals pronounce it with an emphasis on the first syllable). The road within the boundaries of the village of Elbrus will move from the right (orographically) bank of the Baksan River to the left. At the exit from the village, it will cross the bridge back (to the right bank, that is, to the left along the bus).
Immediately after this bridge, a branch of the road to the Adyl-Su gorge departs to the left. The bus will go further to Terskol (a little more than 10 km to it), and your way will be along a good asphalt road up to the Adyl-Su gorge. After about five minutes, on the right in the forest, the houses of the Adyl-Su alpine camp (1800m) will be visible, after another 3 kilometers the road, having made a rather strong climb, will lead to the Shkhelda alpine camp (house by the road - KSP, 2000m). The CSP has all the necessary descriptions. Then, having crossed the bridge over the Shkhelda River, and having passed a couple of loops of the serpentine road, on the right you will see a branch to the former state dacha of some local prince (asphalt, of course, ends). The Elbrus camp is also visible, located in a lowland on the left bank of the Adyl-Su River. The road will cross the bridge to the opposite bank of the Adyl-Su (do not miss the beautiful view to the right - the northern wall of Shkhelda). From the fork at the mouth of the gorge, it's a light 30-40 minute walk here. The same amount remains from here up to the Dzhantugan alpine camp.
Editor's note: Mention should be made of the Shkhelda Gorge. As a rule, based in camps or in the glades of the Adylsu gorge, they climb the peaks of the Shkhelda gorge. Of these, the most popular and famous for their difficult routes are: Shkhelda, Chatyn, Shchurovsky Peak, Ushba.
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2. GORGE and MOUNTAINS
Base (or at least throw things) in Adyl-Su is best in the Dzhantugan alpine camp. There are a lot of people in the gorge, including random ones, so tents (if you live below the snow) must be guarded. The Dzhantugan camp consists of two "territories" - "Lower Dzhan" is located 6 km from the mouth of the gorge and consists of several different-sized houses, some of which are completely neglected. From Nizhny Dzhan there is an excellent view of the Kashka-Tash glacier and the peaks of Free Spain (4200m) and Bzhedukh (4270m). To the left of Free Spain is the Kashka-Tash pass (it is not visible), and even to the left is the ice cap of the Ullu-Kara peak (4302m). The three peaks mentioned are located in the GKH (Main Caucasian Range). A short spur descends from Ullukara in the direction of the valley with peaks of Germagenov Peak (3993m) - the one to the right - and Chegetkara (3667m).
A 10-minute walk along the road from Nizhny Dzhan, bypassing the strong Nekantui stone, is located Upper Dzhan. In the early 1990s, it was perhaps the most comfortable camp in the gorge (outdoor pool, sauna, shower on the floor, hot water and toilets in the rooms, gym, etc.). Now it all depends on the season. It happens that the camp does not work at all and you can only settle in Lower Dzhan, having agreed with the watchmen. The situation with border guards, Svans and other subtleties is better to request closer to the season. All approaches to the top go through the Upper Dzhan.
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Jantugan |
Below the end of the Dzhankuata tongue, about an hour's brisk walk from Upper Dzhan, is the Green Hotel meadow. There are two glaciologists' houses there and there are usually a lot of tents. Having passed from Dzhan in the direction of the Green Hotel, a view of the northern walls of the mountains located to the right of the top of Dzhantugan will soon open. First, the peak of Bashkara (4241m) will open, and then Ullu-Kara, which is even more to the right (already mentioned). The glacier, fed by ice collapses from these walls, is named Bashkarinsky. From there there are routes to Bashkara (6A), Ullukara (4B and 5A - dangerous due to landslides). From there there is also route 4B to Jantugan. Heard it's tough. The easiest route to Dzhantugan (2A) is through the Dzhantugan pass. Passing through the same pass to the Dzhantugan plateau and bypassing Dzhantugan from behind, you can reach the bridge between Dzhan and Bashkara. From there there is 3B to Bashkara and 3A to Dzhan (this 3A is not interesting at all). There are 2 routes 3B on Dzhan in the forehead (when viewed from the side of the camp). A ridge goes from Bashkara towards Georgia, almost without going down and ending with Gadyl peak (4120m). You can see it if you go up to the Dzhantugan pass, from there they walk on the left along a long ridge (3A).
Looking from the Dzhantugan plateau, it is clear that Gadyl and Bashkara are the same mountain, which the Svans called Gadyl, and the Balkars called Bashkara. Everyone sees what he sees. Traverse Bashkara-Gadyl is 4A. Looking from the valley, behind the peak of Gumacha, a high mountain is visible in the distance, similar to a slightly turned spade. This is Cheget-Tau-Chan, standing in the upper reaches of the neighboring Adyr-Su gorge. There is a 2A (snowy peshkodral) on it along the ridge, entry from the False Gumachi pass. This marrut was climbed by Freshfield himself as early as 1888 AD. You can go there for fun and to see the mountains belonging to the Adyr-Su gorge - the northern wall of Ullu-Tau is visible in the neighborhood, Adyrsu-Bashi, Dzhailik are visible. The GKH line runs along the peaks of Bzhedukh - Free Spain - Ullukara - Bashkara - Dzhantugan - Gumachi - Ullu-Tau-Chan.The Adyl-Su ridge extending from the GKH is low, does not have complex peaks (maximum 2B) and includes the following peaks (in order of distance from Gumachi): Trapeze (already mentioned), VIA-Tau (3820m, from the words of the Military Engineering Academy) , Koi-Avgan (3877m), Druzhba (3875m), Adylsu-Uzlovaya (3820m), Kurmychi (4050m) and Andyrchi (3913m). From the side of the Adyl-Su gorge, as a rule, they visit Gumachi (three 1B), Trapeze (two 2A), VIA-Tau (1B, two 2A, 2B) and Kurmychi (1B, 2B). You get little aesthetic pleasure from climbing the peaks of the Adyl-Su ridge. Having passed from the upper gate of the Upper Dzhan for about 100 meters in the direction of the Green Hotel, and turning to the left, the path will sharply go up a steep grassy slope. After 4-5 hours of monotonous ascent along this path (if with a load and without acclimatization) you go to the All-Union Central Council of Trade Unions (about 3800m), from which the opposite side of the gorge looks great - including the upper reaches of the Kashka-Tash glacier and Free Spain. Approximately 2/3 of the ascent to the pass, the trail passes successively two slope flattenings, one from the other in 10-15 minutes of walking. The upper flattening is called School or Sandy nights. The pass of the All-Union Central Council of Trade Unions leads to the Kurma gorge, which descends into the Baksan gorge. The pass is located in the Adyl-Su ridge and separates the already mentioned peaks of Kurmychi and Andyrchi. Behind the pass there is a circus formed on the right by the spurs of the peak of Kurmychi - the peaks of May Day (3900m) and Aviation (4000m) and on the left - the peaks of Andyrchi - the peaks of the Mongolian People's Republic (Mongolian People's Republic).
MNR - three beautiful rocky peaks (SW 3810m, C 3820m, NE 3830m) with a full range of difficulty categories from 1B to 4A (from the circus) and 4B (from the side of Baksan). From the circus there are routes to the peak of May Day (4B), Aviation (1B, 4B), Kurmychi (1B along the ridge from the All-Union Central Council of Trade Unions and 2B from the circus head on over the ice). It is better not to go to Aviation on 4B. The route is illogical. I know only two groups that tried to go there, and both returned without finding a route. They hardly go to Andyrchi (from the All-Union Central Council of Trade Unions pass - not categorized), on the opposite side from the circus (from the Baksan gorge) there is 3B. On the MPR, I recommend the SW summit (closest to the All-Union Central Council of Trade Unions) - 2B (left) or 4A (frontal). This route 4A is called "Konfetkoy" in the area - in good weather dry climbing in shoes is a pleasant relaxation for those who are a fan of rocks. There is mix 3A on the same MNR SW (on the right). Once I went 3B to the MPR Central - from the circus along the buttress.
On opposite side the gorges are most often visited by Chegetkara, Germagenov and Volnaya. With the exception of one or two routes 4A going to Chegetkara from the side of the Bashkarinsky glacier, all other approaches start from the bridge over the Adyl-Su River near Upper Dzhan and further along the path leading to the crest of the right (orographically) moraine of the Kashka-Tash glacier. After 30-40 minutes of slow ascent, the trail will lead to a large stone, from which the branch of the trail departs to the left, to the Tury Lakes (about half an hour before them). If you go straight, you will soon be able to go down to the glacier in the zone of cracks (there is an excellent place for ice climbers, competitions are held). Without going down to the glacier and going up the moraine for at least half an hour, the path will lead to overnight stays on the Ryzhykh Rocks. The rocks themselves are reddish in color - a little to the side. Further, the path goes along the edge of the glacier in the direction of its upper reaches.
They go free from the plateau, some have time to go from Dzhantugan in a day from camp to camp. From overnight stays on the Yellow Rocks, they go 2B to Germagenov Peak along the ridge - they say it is one of the longest 2B in the Caucasus. Rising from the Turiye Lakes in the direction of Chegetkara, you get to the Chegetkarinsky glacier. The glacier descends from the saddle between Chegetkara and Germagenov Peak. From the glacier there are 4A and 3B on Chegetkara and a strong ice 3B on Germagenov. From the saddle - 2B to Chegetkara (rocks) and ice 3A to Germagenov. The descent from all these routes is through the saddle.
Route 4A to Chegetkara seemed to me not at all interesting, although it was my first four. I think that 3B is not particularly attractive to her either. It is very easy to get lost on the descent from Chegetkara. You should rappel exactly in the direction of the saddle, even if the rappel loops pull a little to the right (when looking down from the top). On the right there are concrete verticals, although some kind of 2B goes very close to the saddle. Once there, on our descent, the rope did not slip through - someone had to climb up through the cornices, correct the knot. It's good that the free horses didn't go very far.
3. ACCLIMATIZATION (before 5B on Free Spain).
3.1.
I would go "Konfetka" (4A) to the Mongolian People's Republic (SW). Although this route goes from the bottom from camp to camp (Jantugan), without acclimatization it will be an unnecessary strain. Therefore, fate itself orders to lock up at the All-Union Central Council of Trade Unions with a tent (for 1-2 nights) and go to warm up Kurmychi (1B on foot or ice 2B), and the next day - "Konfetka". As a result, acclimatization will be excellent (overnight at 3800 plus Kurmychi - a relatively high peak in the area), and there will be an opportunity to warm up technically. In addition, as fallback options (in addition to "Candy"), a full menu of route categories on the MPR is available. In addition, if there are rumors in the gorge about possible attacks by robbers from Svaneti, the proposed routes are the most remote from the border and therefore safe.
3.2.
I would choose another acclimatization option not quite traditional - I would lock myself up on the Dzhantugan plateau with a tent for 2 nights, and from there I would go 2A Cheget-Tau-Chan and then 3B Bashkar.
Photo 1.
From Tyrnyauz to Neutrino, then radials to Cheget, Adyl-Su and Adyr-Su.
Some kind of verbal rubbish .. In fact, these are just the next stages of our bike tour in Kabardino-Balkaria ...
Photo 2. 
This is how we saw Tyrnyauz when we descended from the pass.
For half a day I climbed with local stalkers, scrap hunters, through the mines and ruins of the Mining and Processing Plant. This was a previous post.
Here, below, little is left of the plant, soon everything will be razed to the ground and in time everyone will forget that once this enterprise gave life to the whole city.
Now the city looks somewhat abandoned.
Photo 3. 
Zhenya and I parted ways.
He must have been in Neutrino for a long time, but I'm stuck with these stalkers. We had to hurry, it was getting dark, there was no time even to take a picture of the city, only the billboard at the exit could not pass by.
Photo 4. 
Neutrino is a small village of scientists.
Here is the Baksan Neutrino Observatory (BNO) - a physical observatory for the study of neutrinos.
The underground facilities of the observatory are located in two tunnels 3670 m long under the Andyrchi mountain (the tunnels lead towards the peaks of Andyrtau (3937 m) and Kurmutau (4045 m)
Photo 5. 
Having driven along the Neutrino, it is hard to imagine that there are such gigantic structures underground here.
On the surface, everything is very prosaic - ordinary panels, small shops and shops in the style of a selmag, the inhabitants say there are 200 people left.
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Although there are new residents.
This apartment in the 90s, when it cost a penny, was bought by a Muscovite, Zhenya's friend.
Now here is a kind of base for skiers-snowboarders, and he himself works as a guide in winter, leads groups to the mountains.
Photo 9. 
Of course, the equipment is still the same ..
Here we ate, washed and slept off after the first two weeks of travel, it was high!
In the hut, to put it mildly, a creative mess, but what a view from the balcony!
Photo 10. 
Photo 11. 
We went to get our passes to the frontier post in the village of Elbrus, which is only 4 kilometers from here.
With passes, the frost came out. Zhenya received it without problems, and I applied with a Russian passport, and I came from abroad to receive it. In short, they promised to make a new one in a couple of days.
Well, this time is just enough to visit the neighboring gorges of Adyl-Su and Adyr-Su.
And getting to Cheget is not a problem at all, we were there that evening.
Photo 12. 
Photo 13. 
At sunset, the slopes lit up with a warm light - a blunder!
I used to be here only in winter, I'm trying to remember where we rode here.
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Photo 15. 
Below are the familiar outlines of camp sites, only against an unusual green background.
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Photo 17. 
The next day we went to Adyl-Su.
First, the road goes along the stormy Baksan.
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Then along its tributary, the river of the same name.
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On the way we meet an impressive anti-avalanche cannon.
Photo 23. 
The road to Adyl-Su goes through the alpine camp, the checkpoint where you need to show a pass, the Baumanka camp. Then the road ends, leaving only a small trail.
It makes no sense not only to go further, but also to drive bicycles, we decide to hide them in the bushes and walk.
Photo 24. 
We reach the Green Hotel. In fact, there is no hotel here, it is a huge clearing at the foot of the glacier, where climbers camp with tents, there is even a bathhouse. Along the way, we had to cross a river.
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Photo 28. 
On the way back we climbed on foot to the Kashkatash glacier. The sun quickly drove us back into the forest. It's time to go back, you can't shoot much in such heat.
Photo 29. 
From here, from the moraine of the glacier, a good view of the entire gorge opens up.
I will tell you about the Kashkatash glacier next time. And there will be beautiful cards at sunset with a stormy mountain stream. Click and Subscribe so you don't miss out!
A long time ago I heard from my dad the magic, mysterious word "Shkhelda". I saw this mountain range in photographs, read about it and knew that despite its relatively low altitude (4100-4300 meters above sea level), it is even more difficult than Elbrus in terms of climbing. Shkhelda (translated from the Kabardino-Balkarian "lingonberries") you just need to see to understand that you are in love with her forever.
It is through the Adyl-Su gorge ("Red Water" in the lane from Turkic, or "Beautiful River" in the lane from Balkar) that you can get to Shkhelda and most of the alpine camps that survived in Kabardino-Balkaria after the collapse of the USSR (I don’t take calculation of "Bezengi" and "Ullu-Tau"). There are several of them - right at the turn into the gorge, 200 meters from federal highway, mountain base "Adyl-Su", after 3 km - the mountaineering camp "Shkhelda", even further - "Dzhantugan". From this gorge, the road leads to the border with Georgia, so there is a border checkpoint along the way. We went to the "Shkhelda" alpine camp on the basis of our passports and Dasha's birth certificate, but in order to move on, we need a pass.
The Adyl-Su gorge is one of the most beautiful in the Elbrus region and is famous as the Mecca of Soviet mountaineering. To see at least the main part of its beauties, you need fast transport, a certain amount of money, as well as time (I think a couple of days, but this is offhand). We didn’t have all this, so all that we had in the half-day that remained before leaving for Nalchik was to walk along the path towards the Shkheldinsky massif. But even that was enough for us to want to come back.
View of the Baksan gorge from the Adyl-Su gorge.
Pine forest in Adyl-Su.
We turned into Adyl-Su immediately after, and spent the whole afternoon there. Asphalt road gradually gains height immediately starting from the turn from the federal highway, along it along the banks of the Adyl-Su river goes hiking trail. The "Forest Fairy Tale" trail, which I mentioned above, passes right there. Starting in the park of the Elbrus village, it turns from the Baksan Gorge to Adyl-Su and passes through various natural attractions - you can admire the mountain river, powerful pine trees, beautiful flowers, thickets of raspberries and lingonberries, huge mossy boulders, find out what birds live here and etc. For a long time we could not understand what kind of thoughtful signs ("Garden of Rocks", for example) accompany our path, until it dawned on us that we were walking along an ecological path. I think it's a great idea to show schoolchildren the beauty native land, instill a love for nature and for one walk in the fresh air.
It is not for nothing that the Adyl-Su river is nicknamed "red" - it is filled with narzans with a high iron content, which is why the stones at the bottom of the gorge have acquired a reddish hue. Several springs are encountered along the trail.
Brook along the way.
Memorial plaque about the deceased boy who died in the mountains (can be read, clickable).
A snowfield flowing directly across the road into the Adyl-Su River.
The road forks right after the checkpoint. The main one goes further, deeper into the gorge, and we turned right, to the Shkhelda alpine camp, which is located on the banks of the river of the same name and at the entrance to the gorge named after it. The mountain camp was not "dozing" at the moment of our arrival: it was deserted and quiet, and only a light at the entrance to the dining room illuminated a small circle on the concrete floor. From the window of the second floor, a peppy grandfather looked out.
Alpine camp does not work! he said. - The first race is only from May 15th.
- What can you see here in an hour and a half?
- Yes, Shkhelda, of course. No, you won’t reach the glacier, - the old man said, looking critically at our family. - You need a pass there, and you won’t have time in an hour. But you will see the mountain from afar.
Danya fulfills the norms of "TRP for dads".
Pull-ups with weighting in the form of a baby. It is complicated by the fact that it is necessary not to wake the child.
Danya as the devil.
Old-school equipment hung on a boulder in an alpine camp - probably to teach or inspire ungrateful descendants.
The path from the alpine camp turns sharply into the Shkhelda gorge and passes in some places through rather obscure places for passing them with a child - there are unpleasant cliffs. The trail is very well trodden (still, so many generations of climbers have passed here), but we came across a section with a snowfield flowing into the river, we had to go along it. Vegetation changes dramatically - from dense pine forest the path breaks out into an open space above the forest zone, there are already crooked birches and thorny bushes. The slopes are prone to avalanches. There are constantly signs in memory of the dead climbers - many were taken by Ushba, the routes to which also begin here.
A cliff along the edge of which the path passes. Below the river Shkhelda.
On the path.
Snowdrop flowing into Shkhelda.
First view of Shkhelda.
A fat slug that crawled across our path.
The rhododendron has not bloomed yet.
Commemorative plaques.
Grandpa was right. We did not reach the glacier in an hour and a half, but according to the map, it was not that far from us. We ran into a sign "Stop!", immediately after which the path dived into a cliff, and then again rose steeply on its other side. The control time for turning back is 19:00, the clock is already 19:20, the sun is setting, and we are still having a snack and taking pictures. Dasha woke up after a long trip and walks with "legs", there is no time for feats and forced marches.
Here we followed the recommendations of the stand and stopped.
From afar, we could see only part of the Shkhelda massif, but the unexpectedly fine weather more than compensated for everything. Every line on the snow-white sheet of steep walls was visible, graceful curves, toothy peaks against the blue sky. Shkhelda is indeed a beauty. Words cannot convey this, and my photographs very, very remotely reflect reality. Just go there, you won't regret it.
The couloir that blocked our path behind a sign. We decided not to go any further.
You can read more about the sights of the Adyl-Su gorge at the link.
Epilogue
Of course, we didn't have enough time. Of course, you can get stuck in the Elbrus region - sometimes for a lifetime, it is so attractive. If you make a request "attractions of the Elbrus region", helpful Google or Yandex will give out a lot of links for every taste - and for lovers skiing, and for lovers of mountaineering, and just trekking, and for lovers mineral springs And historical monuments, for lovers of botany and biology, glaciology and geology, for children, teenagers, adults, pensioners. But I would like to end with this.
I would like to remind you that despite the accessibility, the Elbrus region is a national park, and a certain regime of nature management, or rather, even nature conservation, is established by law here. An environmental fee (50 rubles or so) is paid for being present in the park, but this does not help save it from the onslaught of civilization and the carelessness of people.
When you come here by car, you rush along the beautiful banks of the Baksan, admiring the peaks and admiring the views from the window. But if you walk, then you see that the river banks, and sometimes the slopes of the mountains, are simply littered with garbage - beer cans, napkins, bottles, plastic, even toilet bowls (!). I consider it barbaric to come / come to national park, yes, in general, anywhere, and leave behind at least a piece of paper.
Elbrus is not just a national park. This is the place where mountains live and where you can not only see them, but also feel them. Therefore, please, when going on a date to the mountains, behave politely and try to take care of them.
The beauty of the Elbrus region makes tourists from different parts of the country come here every year. One of the most popular places in this region is the Adyl-Su gorge. It is located between the Yusengi and Adyl ranges. The gorge is beautiful at any time of the year. In the warm months, sharp peaks rise above it, covered with a white snow cap. They blend wonderfully with the green valleys. In winter, the gorge turns into a snow kingdom with ice slopes sparkling in the sun.
Description
Adyl-Su in translation from the Balkar language means "beautiful water". A mountain river of the same name runs along the bottom of the gorge. Its turbulent stream makes its way through the rocks and stone screes. There are narzan springs in its mouth. It is they who leave a bright orange coating on the stones. The reason for this is that water contains a large amount of iron.
For the first time in the Adyl-Su gorge, tourists are amazed at the noise standing here. This is the roar of a raging stream breaking through landslides and stone embankments. Literally in a few minutes, visitors get used to the noise, starting to distinguish between the singing of birds and the rustle of a beautiful forest. The length of the gorge is about 15 kilometers.
The road runs along the river. It offers breathtaking views of the mountains. On the right side the gorge is overgrown with pine forest. Majestic trees exude a pleasant and very beneficial aroma for the respiratory system. There are berry fields in the forest. Huge bushes of rose hips, gooseberries, meadows of raspberries and lingonberries. Sometimes the pine forest is replaced by deciduous. It is especially loved by mushroom pickers. During the season, you can find a large number of porcini mushrooms, saffron mushrooms, boletus and boletus.
The trail winds a lot. She then rises to the open area, then again takes travelers directly to the river. The path leads directly to the Kashkatash glacier in the Adyl-Su gorge. A huge block is striking in its size. Even this natural attraction people began to use for entertainment. Ice climbing is practiced here. Moreover, training is carried out both in winter and in summer. The impressive height of Kashkatash in the Adyl-Su gorge does not allow people without special training and skills to take part in the process. The place is very dangerous, because there are many kinks and cracks in the glacier. You can climb it only with an instructor along a pre-planned and proven route.
The glacier fills the lake, also located in the Adyl-Su valley. They call the reservoir Bashkarinsky. It was formed as a result of melting snow, which broke away from the glacier in the late 30s of the last century. The depth is 33 meters. The lake is filled with clear blue water. Its temperature is always low. However, this does not stop tourists who decide to freshen up during the hot summer months after a long walk through the canyon.
Alpine camp Adyl-Su
Tourists often call the flat, gently sloping top of the gorge a "green hotel". Several alpbases are located on it at once. It is from this place of Adyl-Su that the routes leading to the mountains begin. Alpine camp "Adyl-Su" remains one of the most popular among them. It is located at an altitude of 1850 meters above sea level. Not far from it are the famous Narzan springs. Alpine camp not only gives shelter to athletes, but also trains beginners. Experienced instructors work here, they prepare people, and also lead them along the simple routes of the Elbrus region.
All the necessary equipment is rented at the camp. It is worth remembering that not all people are allowed to climb. Therefore, there is a medical control service on the territory that monitors the condition of all climbers setting off along routes of varying complexity. Alpine camp Adyl-Su works in the gorge both in winter and in summer. Guests are accommodated in comfortable rooms or rent separate cottages.
How to get to the Adyl-Su gorge?
The path to the gorge is not close. From major cities The easiest way to get to the Elbrus region is by plane. You need to fly to Nalchik. From the city you need to go by public transport or by taxi to the village of Terskol. It's the closest to the gorge locality. From it, you can continue the journey either on foot, or come to the "green hotel" by taxi.
The Adyl-Su Gorge has long been one of the favorite places from photographers, climbers and freeriders. The first are delighted with the majestic beauty of these places, the second strive to conquer the mountain peaks, on which the snow never melts, and the third - to go down from these peaks on skis and snowboards.
The Adyl-Su Gorge is located in Kabardino-Balkaria and belongs to the Elbrus region, an area where almost every skiing fan dreams of visiting, not to mention freeriders and heli-ski fans. For them, Adyl-Su is of particular interest - the number of mountain peaks with untouched "powder" is in the tens, the snow on their slopes lies until the summer, and the length of the descent can reach 6 km. Among the numerous routes laid along the Adyl-Su gorge, there are both very difficult and quite simple ones, including completely tourist ones that do not require special climbing skills or high skiing skills.
What else can you do in the Adyl-Su Gorge?
List additional services varies depending on where you choose to live. Most alpine camps offer entertainment familiar to many - sports grounds, equipment rental, gazebos for barbecue, saunas, excursions, and so on.
When does the ski season start in the Adyl-Su Gorge?
The duration of the season in the Adyl-Su gorge depends only on natural factors. Usually, enough snow for skiers falls by November, and you can ride in the mountains until summer. The climate in the gorge is quite mild, there are almost no serious frosts in winter and there are many sunny days, but in the mountains the situation is changing - the thermometer drops lower and lower, the avalanche danger is growing, so you should not go alone to conquer the mountains, there is a risk of not returning alive and healthy .
How to get to the Adyl-Su gorge?
First, you need to get to Nalchik or Mineralnye Vody, where planes from Moscow and other cities often fly. Then, take a bus to the village of Tereskol and get off after leaving the village of Elbrus, before reaching the village of Tegenekli. A good paved road leads to the gorge, along which you will have to walk to the desired camp. From Nalchik to the entrance to the gorge, it takes about 2.5 hours, from Mineralnye Vody– approximately 3 hours.
By car from Nalchik along the A158 road to the turn into the gorge and further to the destination. From Mineralnye Vody, first go along the E50 highway, then turn onto A158 (in Baksan) and then move along the same route.
How much does it cost to stay in the Adyl-Su Gorge and where is the best place to stay?
There are no hotels in the usual sense of the word in the Adyl-Su gorge. It is proposed to live in alpine camps, where there are one or two capital buildings with amenities on the floor or even on the street. At the very beginning of the gorge, the Adyl-Su alpine camp is located; tourists are waiting for a 2-storey building with meals and double rooms for 1,500 rubles. per day. The next in the direction of travel is the Shkhelda alpine camp, where you can stay in a hotel, cottages, houses or tents.
The cost of living in "Shkhelda" starts from 1,800 rubles. (and food too). Similar prices are in the Elbrus camp, but the famous Dzhantugan has become the sports base of the Moscow State Technical University named after N.E. Bauman, so it is now problematic to stay there. Closest to mountain peaks“Green Hotel” is located - a large meadow, from where climbing starts and where those who want to live as close to Nature as possible pitch tents.
At the turn to the Adyl-Su gorge, there are several more comfortable hotels with noticeably different prices. For example, the Sky Elbrus hotel offers 2-bed standard rooms for 7,800 rubles. per day, and in the hotel "Peak of Europe" a similar room costs from 1,100 rubles. and there are options with renting a bed for 400 rubles.