Prokhladnensky District: Terek Cossacks and the Malka floodplain

• Yekaterinogradskaya is home to two 18th-century monuments: the Church of Euthymius the New and the triumphal arch.
• The local history museum offers excursions on the history, customs, and traditions of the Terek Cossacks.
• The stele commemorating the 200th anniversary recalls the founding period of 1772–1792.
• The natural monument along the Malka covers 80 hectares; organized ecotourism and excursions are permitted provided the special protection regime is observed.

The 18th-century monuments provide a visible connection to the history of the place: Yekaterinogradskaya is home to the Church of Euthymius the New and the triumphal arch. The stele commemorating the stanitsa’s 200th anniversary offers another point of reference in time. It recalls the founding period of 1772–1792.

The local history museum complements these themes with excursions on the history, customs, and traditions of the Terek Cossacks. The program also covers wedding customs, folklore and choreography, spiritual customs, and material culture. The subject matter thus ranges from community traditions to cultural expressions and objects. If you are planning an excursion, check the latest times and organizational requirements in advance.

The natural monument “Poyma reki Malka, mezhdu selom Kuba i stanitsey Soldatskaya” covers 80 hectares. Its full name refers to the Malka floodplain between the village of Kuba and the stanitsa of Soldatskaya. Organized ecotourism and excursions are permitted in this protected area, provided the special protection regime is observed. The protection framework is therefore an integral part of planning such an outing: follow the natural monument’s applicable rules when taking part in activities.

In the broader travel destination of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, the Kabardino-Balkarian State High-Mountain Nature Reserve manages a protected area in the Cherek and Chegem districts. The protected area stretches along the Greater and Side Caucasus ranges and includes the upper reaches of the Cherek-Balkarsky, Cherek-Bezengiysky, and Chegem rivers.

The nature reserve has four tourist routes: “Mizhirgi,” “Shaurtu,” “To the Bezengi Glacier,” and “To the Narzan Mineral Spring.” The routes “Mizhirgi,” “Shaurtu,” and “To the Narzan Mineral Spring,” as well as the “Zhiginzhi Waterfall” and “Bezengi Glacier” sections of the “To the Bezengi Glacier” route, operate from May to October and are intended for visitors of different ages. The graded “Bezengi Glacier – Lake Boran-Köl” section operates from July to August. Before setting out on a specific tour, check its current status and conditions with the reserve; you should also check with them about permits.

The “To the Bezengi Glacier” hiking route is 26.1 kilometers long and takes three days. Its final section crosses the Bezengi Glacier (Ullu-Chiran), is graded II, and may only be traversed with a mountain guide. Along the route, visitors can experience the elevation zones, landscape diversity, and flora and fauna of the Central Caucasus. Possible wildlife sightings include Caucasian tur, bearded vultures, griffon vultures, golden eagles, and Caucasian black grouse; the Caucasian rhododendron may also be seen in bloom.

The Elbrus ski resort offers a different focus: it has 20 kilometers of slopes of varying difficulty and three gondola lifts. Wide green, blue, and red runs are suitable for skiers and snowboarders of different skill levels. An artificial snowmaking system maintains consistent snow cover on the slopes; its seasonal operation may vary. The upper Garabashi station is at an altitude of 3,847 meters and can be reached via three gondola-lift sections. Check current operating information before planning specific days on the slopes.

Discover more destinations: Nalchik, Elbrus District, Chegemsky District.

What topics does the local history museum in Yekaterinogradskaya cover?

The excursions cover the history, customs, and traditions of the Terek Cossacks, including wedding customs, folklore, spiritual customs, and material culture. Check the latest times and organizational requirements in advance.

What should visitors keep in mind on trips to the natural monument along the Malka?

Organized ecotourism and excursions are permitted provided the special protection regime is observed.

When do the nature reserve routes operate?

Several of the routes and sections mentioned are scheduled to operate from May to October; the “Bezengi Glacier – Lake Boran-Köl” section runs from July to August. Check the current status and conditions with the reserve.

For the broader travel overview: Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria.