Verkhniy Baksan – Monuments to the History of Elbrus

Verkhniy Baksan is home to a monument to the first climbers of Elbrus and a relief honoring A. Pastukhov. In the second half of the 19th century, all ascents of the two-peaked Elbrus began from this place.

The monument to the first climbers is dedicated to Killar Khashirov, a Kabardian, and Akhiy Sottaev, a Balkar. They climbed the two peaks in 1868 and 1874, respectively. These dates place the dedication in the history of Elbrus; the connection to the place is broader still: in the second half of the 19th century, all ascents of the two-peaked mountain began from Verkhniy Baksan.

A. Pastukhov is the subject of another monument. The relief in Verkhniy Baksan is dedicated to the first Russian mountaineer and researcher and military topographer. Together, the tributes to the first climbers and to Pastukhov reflect the town’s historic role as a starting point for ascents of Elbrus. They give the place a distinct cultural and historical focus without conflating today’s regional attractions with its history.

In the broader 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 area stretches along the Greater and Side Caucasus and includes the headwaters of the Cherek-Balkarski, Cherek-Besengijski, and Chegem rivers. Four tourist routes are named “Mizhirgi,” “Shaurtu,” “To the Bezengi Glacier,” and “To the Narzan Mineral Spring.”

The season for “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, runs from May to October; these options are intended for visitors of different ages. The categorized “Bezengi Glacier – Lake Boran-Köl” section operates from July to August. The “To the Bezengi Glacier” route is 26.1 kilometers long and takes three days. Its final section crosses the Bezengi Glacier, also known as Ullu-Chiran, is rated difficulty II, and may be traversed only with a mountain guide. Check the reserve for current status and access conditions before setting out.

The route connects different elevations and landscapes of the Central Caucasus. Wildlife that may be spotted includes Caucasian tur, bearded vultures, griffon vultures, golden eagles, and Caucasian black grouse; the flowering of the Caucasian rhododendron is also noted. These are possible experiences along the route, not guaranteed sightings.

In the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, the Elbrus ski resort offers a different focus from the multi-day hiking route: it has 20 kilometers of slopes of varying difficulty and three gondola lifts. Wide red, blue, and green slopes are suitable for skiers and snowboarders of different ability levels. An artificial snowmaking system keeps a reliable snow cover on the slopes. The upper Garabashi station is at an elevation of 3,847 meters and can be reached via three gondola-lift sections. Check current operating conditions before traveling.

Culture and landscapes are also part of the broader destination. The Museum of the Defense of the Elbrus Region in Terskol displays original Soviet and German weapons and equipment, wartime photographs, documents, and personal belongings of participants in the battles for the Caucasus heights in 1942–1943. Guided tours include a visit to the exhibition and an observation platform with panoramic views of the battle areas; check current visiting and tour conditions before your visit. In the Chegem Gorge, the valley narrows into a ravine with steep walls up to 300 meters high. The Su-Auzu waterfall wall is a major attraction there.

Discover more destinations: Tegenekli, Prokhladny, Terskol, Eltyubyu, Chegem Pervyy, Chegem Vtoroy, Nalchik and Aushiger.

Who is the monument to the first climbers dedicated to?

It is dedicated to Killar Khashirov, a Kabardian, and Akhiy Sottaev, a Balkar. They climbed the two Elbrus peaks in 1868 and 1874, respectively.

When are the listed routes and sections open?

“Mizhirgi,” “Shaurtu,” “To the Narzan Mineral Spring,” and the listed sections are open from May to October. The “Bezengi Glacier – Lake Boran-Köl” section operates from July to August. Check the reserve for current status.

What should I know about the “To the Bezengi Glacier” route?

The route is 26.1 kilometers long and takes three days. Its final section crosses the Bezengi Glacier and may be traversed only with a mountain guide. It is rated difficulty II; check current access conditions before the hike.

See the broader travel guide: Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria.