Discover Predgorny District: Cossack Homesteads, Yutsa and Thermal Springs

Cultural offerings include two Cossack homesteads, one in the stanitsa of Borgustanskaya and one in Sadovoye. Yutsa is known for hang gliding and paragliding; a centre for ultralight aviation is also operating there. A convent stands on Mount Dubrovka, and the “Suvorovskiy No. 1” thermal springs are in Suvorovskaya. Annual potato festivals are held in Borgustanskaya.

The Cossack homestead in the stanitsa of Borgustanskaya introduces visitors and guests of the Caucasian Mineral Waters to traditional Cossack culture, ways of life and customs through an exhibition. The folk group “Volnaya kazachka” also performs theatrical programmes, including “Kazachya yarmarka,” “Starinnye posidelki,” “Vstrecha kazakov iz pokhoda” and “Posvyashchenie v pripisnye kazaki.” The programmes present Cossack customs, ways of life, music and culture.

Visitors can also try their hand at traditional crafts: in the pottery workshop, they can learn about traditional Cossack crafts under guidance. The exhibition, stage programmes and crafts offer different ways to experience local traditions. As current arrangements should be confirmed with the operator, check the details directly with them before visiting.

Yutsa is considered Russia’s best-known and most visited hang-gliding site, as well as the “cradle” of Russian paragliding. The village is also home to an operating centre for ultralight aviation. The site’s reputation and the centre are two different points of interest for air-sports enthusiasts; confirm specific activities before visiting.

The “Suvorovskiy No. 1” thermal springs are in the stanitsa of Suvorovskaya. Check access arrangements in advance before visiting. The convent “Svyato-Georgievskiy zhenskiy monastyr” stands on Mount Dubrovka and welcomes Orthodox pilgrims. Check the current visitor rules before your trip.

Annual potato festivals are held in the stanitsa of Borgustanskaya. As specific dates and the programme for each festival are important for planning, it is advisable to check them before your trip.

The “Zhar-ptitsa” Cossack homestead in Sadovoye offers entertainment programmes for adults and excursions for school groups. Other offerings include puzzle games, Cossack games and tea ceremonies featuring local dishes. If you have a particular programme in mind, ask about current arrangements in advance.

Stavropol Krai offers additional points of interest beyond the local attractions of Predgorny District. In Kislovodsk, the Narzan Gallery is in the city centre at the entrance to the spa park. The 19th-century building is an architectural monument and a cultural heritage site of federal significance. Visitors can sample three types of Narzan there: general, dolomite and sulfate Narzan. Check the current conditions for tastings before your visit. Kislovodsk National Park is divided into the Lower, Middle and Upper parks; the Lower Park begins in the city centre.

Also in Kislovodsk, Lermontov Rock lies on the southern edge of the city, in the Olkhovka Gorge near the settlement of Narzanny. Since 1961, it has been a natural monument of regional significance and part of the Mikhail Lermontov State Museum-Reserve. Mount Koltso is a rock formation on a spur of the Borgustan Range. Weathering and erosion created an opening through it measuring 8 by 10 metres.

Mount Mashuk is located almost in the centre of Pyatigorsk. At its western foot, Mikhail Lermontov and Nikolai Martynov fought their duel in 1841; Russia’s first monument to Lermontov was unveiled in Pyatigorsk in 1889. The ecological trail on Mount Strizhament has a well-maintained path and information boards. As conditions on site may change, check the trail’s condition before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Mineralnye Vody, Yessentuki, Petrovsky District, Predgorny District, Stavropol, Zheleznovodsk, Sovetsky District, Kislovodsk.

What does the Cossack homestead in Borgustanskaya showcase?

The exhibition presents traditional Cossack culture, ways of life and customs. It is complemented by theatrical programmes from the folk group “Volnaya kazachka” and a pottery workshop where visitors can try their hand at crafts under guidance. Ask the operator about current arrangements.

What is Yutsa known for in air sports?

Yutsa is considered Russia’s best-known and most visited hang-gliding site and the “cradle” of Russian paragliding. The village has an operating centre for ultralight aviation; confirm in advance which activities are currently available.

What does Sadovoye offer school groups?

The “Zhar-ptitsa” Cossack homestead offers excursions for school groups. Other offerings mentioned include entertainment programmes for adults, puzzle and Cossack games, and tea ceremonies featuring local dishes.

Are potato festivals held in Borgustanskaya every year?

Yes, the potato festivals are held annually. Check the specific date and current programme before your trip.

For the broader travel overview: Stavropol Krai.