Karachay-Cherkess Republic

• Teberda, Dombay and Arkhyz are resort towns in the republic.
• The Arkhyz Resort has 16 ski slopes, ranging from green runs for beginners to black runs for particularly experienced skiers. The ski season is listed as running from December to April; seasonal operating details may vary.
• Walking, horseback riding and driving routes to waterfalls, lakes, mountain passes and cultural sites are listed for various locations.
• The region’s natural wealth includes hundreds of waterfalls and more than 400 lakes. More than 400 mineral springs are also known in the republic.

From Teberda, a route designated for walking and horseback riding leads past the Dzhamagat mineral springs and over the Epchik Pass to the Duut Gorge. Its designation is based on a government resolution from 2008. Another walking route leads from Teberda to Shumka Waterfall. Walking routes from Dombay are listed to Chuchkhur Waterfall and to Alibek Glacier and Lake Turye. These destinations offer different starting points for planning: for example, you can focus on a waterfall or on a glacier and lake, without assuming a specific walking time.

Mount Mussa-Achitara can also be reached from Dombay on foot or by cable car; cable car operations may change seasonally. A walking excursion from Teberda leads to the central estate of the Teberda Nature Reserve, with its museum and enclosures. Check the current visitor rules for these stops in advance.

Around Arkhyz, the listed routes differ both in their destinations and in how you travel. Walking destinations include the Sofia Lakes. A route to the Sofia Gorge is designated for walkers, horseback riders and cars; a walking and horseback riding route leads to Lake Oymatly-Dzhagaly. A hike from the Arkhyz Resort to the mountain lakes of Zaabishirya, located beyond the ridge, is also described. Check local conditions and access before planning these routes.

The Arkhyz Resort’s 16 slopes range from green to black runs, covering different difficulty levels. Children aged four and older can ski under the supervision of experienced instructors. Ask the operator about current lesson options. Slopes for evening skiing are also available; check with the operator for the current status of evening sessions as well.

All cable cars at the Arkhyz Resort operate in summer. The “Mlechny Put” and “Lunny Express” cable cars take visitors to a viewpoint on the southern slope, at an elevation of 2,240 metres above sea level. As seasonal operations and visitor access may change, it is advisable to confirm them before travelling. This makes it possible to compare the resort’s seasonal options with its listed hiking routes without assuming a specific operating schedule.

The republic’s government recommends visiting the Nizhny Arkhyz Gorodishche, a temple complex dating from the 9th and 10th centuries. The Nizhny Arkhyz church complex comprises the North, Central and South churches. Check current access options before your visit.

The Shoana Church and Senty Church are also among the republic’s cultural and historical resources. Both are located in the Karachay District and were built in the early and mid-10th century, respectively. A route designated for walking and horseback riding leads from Karachaevsk to Mount Shoana and the Shoana Church. Another route, designated for horses and cars, leads from Karachaevsk to Nizhnyaya Teberda and the Senty Church.

A driving route from Karachaevsk via Zelenchukskaya to Nizhny Arkhyz is also listed. Its destinations include the Christ images, the churches of Nizhny Arkhyz and the SAO RAN Observatory. The republic’s cultural and historical resources also include the Adiyukh Gorodishche. Together, these places show how nature and culture can be treated as different areas of interest when planning a trip.

Discover more destinations: Dzhaga, Teberda, Dombay, Karachaevskiy Rayon, Kamennomostskiy, Cherkessk, Khabez, Arkhyz, Khasaut-Grecheskoye, Krasnyy Vostok, Psemen, Prikubanskiy rayon, Zelenchuksky District, gorod Karachaevsk, Zelenchukskiy rayon, Ust-Dzhegutinsky District and Malokarachaevskiy rayon.

Can children learn to ski at the Arkhyz Resort?

Children aged four and older can learn to ski under the supervision of experienced instructors. Ask the operator about current lesson options.

Which cable cars take visitors to a viewpoint in summer?

“Mlechny Put” and “Lunny Express” run to a viewpoint on the southern slope, at an elevation of 2,240 metres above sea level. Confirm seasonal operations before your trip.

Which churches are part of the Nizhny Arkhyz complex?

The church complex comprises the North, Central and South churches. The republic’s government recommends visiting the Nizhny Arkhyz Gorodishche; check current access options in advance.

For the main travel overview: Russia.