What to see in the vicinity of Nalchik: nearby attractions, excursions

Natural attractions Architectural beauties Stories and tips Where to stay Interesting excursions

If you choose Nalchik and its surroundings for your next vacation, you can be congratulated on your excellent choice. Indeed, the capital of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria is a beautiful, hospitable, “green” city. A resort city - here you can not only breathe mountain air and walk along health paths, but also take healing baths in local sanatoriums.

You can also arrange an excellent excursion program for yourself. Mountains, lakes, waterfalls, gorges, gorges, wild rivers, incredible canyons - this is all Kabardino-Balkaria. As well as historical beauty: ancient villages, ruins of fortresses and defensive towers from the Middle Ages have been preserved in the region. By the way, Nalchik will be a very convenient starting point for exploring all these beauties. From the capital of the republic you can reach waterfalls, mountain routes and magnificent lakes in 1–2 hours. What not to miss while relaxing in Nalchik and its surroundings, read in our guide.

Mountain Kabardino-Balkaria Photo: © Victor Bashkir

Where to go in the vicinity of Nalchik: natural attractions

When you have walked along the alleys of Nalchik parks, tasted mineral water and taken all the memorable photos, you can hit the road. The main reason to come to Kabardino-Balkaria is its magnificent nature. She will not leave indifferent fans of everything beautiful.

National Park "Elbrus"

The main natural heritage of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria is the Elbrus region national park. On its territory there are picturesque gorges, alpine lakes and meadows, mineral springs, ski slopes, majestic rivers and waterfalls. And also incredible mountain peaks, the highest in Russia and Europe. People come here to admire Elbrus , and perhaps to conquer this proud beauty a little.

Most of the park is virgin forest. Not only the usual deciduous and coniferous trees grow here, but also endemics from the Red Book. You can get to know them by walking along the tracks on foot, ordering a horse ride or a jeep ride. A cable car is also at your service; it will take you to a dizzying height of +3750 meters above sea level.

Guests can visit the Elbrus ski resort - from November to March people go skiing here, and in the warm season they walk along numerous trekking trails. They will lead you to waterfalls, lakes, mountain passes and valleys, and mineral springs. If you want to come here for a few days to explore the sights of the national park without haste, stay in the village of Terskol .

Ski resort "Elbrus"

The Elbrus ski resort, located on the southern slopes of the mountain of the same name, is also interesting. It starts from the Azau glade, and is included in the list of the most popular all-season resorts in our country. You can come here throughout the year: from November to April for skiing, and from May to the beginning of autumn, walking trails with fantastic views await resort guests.

The Elbrus ski complex is represented by seven slopes. Their total length is 11 kilometers, there are blue, red and black trails. The tourist infrastructure is excellent: hotels, cafes, restaurants, shops, equipment rental points. Come to the village of Terskol with the whole family and have a great rest.

Aushiger Hot Springs

Have you come to Nalchik to not only enjoy the beautiful nature, but also have a great rest? This is not difficult to do. Just 25 kilometers from the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria are the Aushiger hot springs. Their waters come from a depth of 4000 meters, reaching approximately +40...50 °C at the outlet.

Several thermal complexes were built on the basis of the Aushiger springs. Hotels, cafes, outdoor pools and baths welcome visitors all year round. Please note: Aushiger thermal waters are suitable for both oral and bathing. They relieve stress, fatigue, treat ailments and rejuvenate the body.

Chegem Gorge

Your great Caucasian adventure can begin in the vicinity of Nalchik. Literally 40-50 minutes on a normal quality road - and you are there, admiring the magnificent Chegem Gorge. This place is beautiful and accessible regardless of the season. The cleft in the rocks, which the Chegem River formed with its flow, stretches 3 kilometers in length. Its width in some places is only 15–20 meters, and the rocks go up 300 meters.

The impressive sight fascinates travelers, but the Chegem Waterfalls deserve special attention - many water streams along the rocks. In winter they freeze, and you feel like you are traveling through the kingdom of the Snow Queen. By the way, you can travel and explore the beauty of the Chegem Gorge for more than one hour (or even one day). So, pay attention to the ancient watchtowers, ruins of ancient temples and fortresses. The City of the Dead in the village of Eltyubyu is also very interesting.

And of course, in the Chegem Gorge, a place of attraction for tourists, the infrastructure is well developed. There are many improvised counters with souvenirs and snacks, photo zones, cafes and hotels, and convenient viewing platforms. The Chegem Gorge should definitely be added to your wishlist of beauties in the vicinity of Nalchik.

Blue lakes of Kabardino-Balkaria

Even if you have not yet been to Kabardino-Balkaria, you have probably seen photographs of this picturesque place. Just imagine: solid mountains covered with emerald forests, and against their background there are five lakes with azure water. This is not a wonderful dream, this place exists in reality - the Blue Lakes of Kabardino-Balkaria. The lakes are called “blue” not for the sake of advertising; the water in them is truly a beautiful azure color. The water surface plays especially well in sunny weather. The route to them has long become the most popular tourist destination in the vicinity of Nalchik.

What are the Blue Lakes? These are 5 reservoirs of karst origin, in the Chereksky region of the republic. You will spend only one hour on the road from Nalchik. All reservoirs are located within a radius of two kilometers. These are the two Upper Blue Lakes, the Lower Lake, the Secret and the Dry Lake.

The route can be built this way: see the Lower Blue Lake, then Lake Secret. After 500 meters you will be greeted by the Upper Blue Lakes. If you wish, you can have lunch on the shores of the lakes, drink mountain tea with honey, or even stay in a hotel for a few days. The route to the Blue Lakes is all-season; you can come here either as a family with small children or as a group of young people - it’s interesting and tireless.

Read more: Blue lakes of Kabardino-Balkaria

Blue Lakes Photo: © Victor Bashkir

Bezengi Gorge

Blue lakes and Chegem waterfalls are well-known attractions. But if you dream of seeing something more unusual, hidden from the eyes of mass tourists and even exclusive, pay attention to the Bezengi Gorge. This is a great route for lovers of mountains, because you will get to know an incredible series of five-thousander peaks. It is not for nothing that they call it the “Little Himalayas”; all climbers in the country dream of these places.

Although, these days, the magnificent views of Bezenga are available not only to climbers. It’s easy to get to the Bezengi camp by road, and various walking routes start from there. You can choose the length and difficulty level that suits you. Try to see the Bezengi glacier, this is one of the most beautiful places in the Caucasus.

Springs and tract Djily-Su

But if you need to choose just one place in Kabardino-Balkaria that you can visit, let it be the Djily-Su tract. A true natural wonder of the entire Caucasus, Djily-Su is home to magnificent open spaces, hot springs, and impressive waterfalls. Experienced tourists say that all the wonders of Djily-Su cannot be seen in one day; it is better to stay overnight here. True, the tourist infrastructure here is not yet developed; you will have to spend the night in a tent. But you are guaranteed a complete break from civilization!

What to see in Djily-Su? Walking routes, vivid views of the surrounding expanses, and the road to Djily-Su itself are already a tourist attraction. Don't miss the mineral springs, especially the famous Narzan Djily-Su. But the main reason why people come here is the fantastic waterfalls. Their noise and power are so high that often a cloud of spray reaches hundreds of meters around.

The most famous waterfalls are called Sultan and Karakaya-Su. The height of Sultan is 40 meters, Karakaya-Su is 25. Both waterfalls are full-flowing, majestic, incredibly beautiful. They are frequent visitors to the lenses of photographers and fans of social networks.

Read more: Springs and the Djily-Su tract

Waterfall in Djily-Su Photo: © olgazav59

Park "Valley of Narzans"

Getting to know Djily-Su can be combined with a visit to another interesting site, the Narzan Valley Park. Here you can not only walk, relax, dine in the fresh air, but also taste mineral water directly at the source. The Narzan Valley is located in a very picturesque place, surrounded by rocky mountains.

The park is surrounded by greenery of coniferous forests, offering excellent views. The valley got its name thanks to springs of one type; there are more than twenty of them. The water in these springs is healing and rich in many microelements. The area is nice, well-groomed, there are both landscaped pump rooms with mineral water, and cafe services - you can have lunch or drink a cup of aromatic herbal tea.

Parks, streets and buildings

Nalchik Park

Address: ave. Shogentsukova, 26 Phone: 8(8662) 42‑20-57, 8 (8662) 42‑33-85 Website: https://park-nalchik.ru Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00-18:00

Founded in 1847, the orchard was originally intended to house officers of the Nalchik fortress. Seedlings of various trees (plums, apples, pears) were imported from Georgia and Crimea. Well-received seedlings grew into a worthy garden.

In 1920, the park was transformed - it was supplemented with other plants, making it an area for urban recreation. Now there are walking alleys here, the territory is taken under protection. It changed its name several times: it was “Kabardinsky”, “Stalin Park”, but the current name is Nalchik Park.

Planted trees were delivered from different countries in Europe and Asia. The park is located on 250 hectares of land and contains rare tree species (for example, ginkgo, Japanese paulownia, needle oak).

There is a drinking gallery on the territory of Nalchik Park. Employees will tell guests of the city how and at what time to drink Narzan, offering the drink in different temperature conditions - hot, warm, cold.

Central Green Market

Address: st. Tolstogo, 86 Opening hours: Mon-Sun 8:00-18:00

It was formed opposite the entrance to Gorky Square; active trade has always been carried out at this place. The entrance to the market is decorated with a white arch with sculptures. The style of the statues is similar to the famous capital VDNKh: a peasant girl holding a sheaf, and a shepherd with a lamb.

Almost all products on the market are of our own production. Meat and milk, cottage cheese and sour cream, eggs and pastries are always fresh. Many traders make these products themselves and bring them for sale every morning. Even the candies that filled the confectionery counters.

Nalchik Zoo

Address: Dolinsk microdistrict Telephone: ,, 8 (8662) 42-63-90 Website: https://zoonalchik.ru Opening hours: daily, 9:00–18:00 Cost: children 100 rubles, adults 150 rubles.

A living corner of nature in the city appeared in 1927. The Nalchik Zoo adequately presents a group of felines: cheetahs, pumas, tigers, lions. Also, city guests who visit the zoo will see bears, gorillas, monkeys and macaques.

In the spring of 2021, the zoo was crowded with visitors: the grand opening of Swan Lake took place on the territory of the reserve. Literally within three months, most of the zoo’s territory was transformed: a lake for waterfowl appeared in the center, additional enclosures for raptors were built, and the central alley was landscaped.

There is a children's playground around the lake where little guests can frolic for free. There is a cozy summer cafe.

Square "Nut Grove"

Address: st. Karashaeva Opening hours: 24 hours a day

Almost all the trees in the grove are about 70 years old. Seedlings were imported from Dagestan and the Black Sea coast. Mostly walnuts grow here, but there are also conifers, larches, rowan trees, birches and various shrubs. The territory of the grove occupies more than 12 hectares, of which 11 hectares belong to the green zone.

This beautiful cultural recreation area is so far the only one in the city. Of the 650 trees and 1,160 shrubs, the leading place is occupied by the walnut orchard.

What to see in the vicinity of Nalchik: architectural beauty

Do you really like man-made objects, or, simply put, architecture? In the vicinity of Nalchik there are wonderful monuments to human skill, both ancient and modern.

Archaeological complex Upper Balkaria

If you want to travel back in time without the help of a time machine, go to the village of Upper Balkaria. Here you will find a real open-air museum - ancient fortifications, beautiful towers, the Zylgi-Kala fortress, the city of the dead with burials from the Middle Ages.

However, Upper Balkaria will appeal not only to fans of architectural mysteries. All these buildings rise against the backdrop of an incredibly beautiful natural landscape. Tourists call another local attraction the old mountain road - a narrow serpentine over an abyss. Nowadays it is no longer used, but it still makes an impression on travelers.

Castle Chateau Erken

Do you want to surprise your friends and bring back a photo from your vacation in Nalchik with a real castle in the background? Nothing could be simpler. Just 25 kilometers from the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, an elegant building awaits you - modern, but stylized as Renaissance palaces. This is Chateau Erken.

The elegant castle is located on the surface of the lake, with a bridge leading to it. Ducks and swans swim around, and it’s worth taking a walk along the shore of the lake to admire different views of the castle. The prefix “château” is not accidental here: the estate has vineyards, and wine is produced at the castle. You can walk around Chateau Erken either independently or in the company of a guide. You can also order a tasting tour. Or have lunch at a local cafe - very cozy, according to reviews from travelers.

Chateau Erken Photo: © Victor Bashkir

City of the Dead in Eltuby

Are you thinking about what else to see in the vicinity of Nalchik, and want to see something unusual and even mysterious? Travel to the village of Eltyubyu, one of the cradles of life in the Caucasus. The first settlers appeared here many thousands of years ago, and in the early Middle Ages, the residents of the village founded their own necropolis.

There are several similar ones in the Caucasus; such cities of the dead have already become part of the local culture. The earliest burials date back to the 10th century, and there are a total of 8 crypts of the dead on the territory of the city. The most interesting for historians to study are the octagonal crypts with a pyramidal roof. Don’t miss Eltyubya’s ancient stone houses, medieval Svan tower and ruins of cave temples.

Founding history

Scientists associate the origin of the city’s name with the word “nal”, which means “horseshoe” translated from the Kabardian and Balkar languages. And indeed, if you look at the location of the settlement from a bird's eye view, the city, surrounded in a semicircle of mountain peaks, very much resembles the shape of a horseshoe.

Nalchik is divided into small areas with the following popular names:

Mountain.
Center.
Arrow.
Calm.
Distortion
Volny Aul.
Oak trees.
Alexandrovka.
Resort "Dolinsk".

In 2005, new territorial divisions appeared - Kenzhe, Khasanya and Adiyukh.

Travel around the administrative center is provided by three types of transport:

trolleybuses;
by bus;
public and minibus taxis;
by rail.

Nalchik (the city is located in the south of Russia), according to various sources, was built as an outpost by General Ermolov in 1724–1943. Gradually, the erected fortress acquired economic and residential buildings, in which by 1971 about 3 thousand people lived.

The small settlement was actively growing and by 1921, when the settlement received city status, it had approximately 5 thousand inhabitants.

In 1941–1943 Soviet troops carried out the Nalchik-Ordzhonikidze military operation, as a result of which a significant part of the city practically ceased to exist, so great was the destruction.

However, the capital of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic was restored by the efforts of its inhabitants - true patriots who sincerely love their homeland, the blessed land on which their ancestors lived and their descendants were born.

A terrible tragedy that affected the indigenous people of the republic occurred in 1944, when, by order of the USSR State Defense Committee, 37,713 Balkars were forcibly evicted to the regions of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan for their alleged participation in collaborationist formations. The repressions carried out led to the death of a large number of innocent people.

This action was subsequently recognized as genocide of the people, people were completely rehabilitated with the restoration of all civil rights.

Residents of the capital of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic sacredly honor and cherish their historical/cultural values and traditions; scientists are constantly working on the revival and preservation of the national epic.

Routes around Nalchik in stories and tips from tourists

So, you have decided on the destination for your next vacation - this is Nalchik and its surroundings. An excellent choice, the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria is very generous in its beauty - both natural and created by human genius. What not to miss in Nalchik and its environs, where to take a walk, have lunch, relax, buy souvenirs, read the materials of our authors. Their stories, advice, routes, photo albums invite you to hit the road!

You will find interesting routes around Nalchik in city guide
A fresh overview of the beauties of Kabardino-Balkaria is offered by Viktor Bashkir in the story “Ah, leave unnecessary disputes”;
How to get to the Djily-Su waterfalls and what not to miss along the way, read Maria Penina’s essay “Be careful, you can fall in love...”;
Impressions about the resorts of Kabardino-Balkaria await you in Tatyana’s material “Two very different days in the Caucasus Mountains”;
Natalia’s rich review “Three in one - Elbrus, Bermamyt, Djily-Su or an exciting jeep tour.”

All reviews about holidays in Kabardino-Balkaria on Turister.Ru

Population

The population of Nalchik reaches 240,131 people, which puts the capital of the Kabardino-Balkaria in this indicator at 79th place among 1,117 cities in Russia and 1,497th place in the world ranking. In terms of national composition, the top three are Kabardians (49.25%), followed by Russians (28.77%) and Balkars (12.16%).

The rest of the group includes Ossetians, Chechens, Ukrainians, Georgians and Armenians. Despite such diversity, the residents of the city and the republic are distinguished by great tolerance, respect for their own and others’ customs and traditions, and a friendly and hospitable attitude towards city guests.

Where to stay in Nalchik

Are you planning a trip to Nalchik and its surroundings, and have you already decided on entertainment and excursions? This means that all you have to do is solve the issue of placement - there will be no problems with this. Moreover, regardless of your list of places to visit, it is convenient to stay in Nalchik. And from here you can make exciting excursions around the outskirts of the capital of the republic.

A traveler with any requirements and vacation plans will find excellent accommodation in Nalchik. If you don't need to save money, book a hotel room. Here you can not only relax, but also improve your health. Hotels and sanatoriums in Nalchik often host spa centers, thermal pools and medical offices. What is important is that the price tag for such services is quite small.

Do you prefer active recreation, with a backpack on your back? Book a room in a guest house or a bed in a hostel, it’s convenient and inexpensive. Also in the hostel you will find a company of like-minded people - you can not only save money, but also make interesting acquaintances.

Or rent an apartment. These options are especially good for large groups of friends, or families with small children - the kitchen will be at hand around the clock.

Hotels in Nalchik
Guest houses
Apartments, apartments
Hostels for budget tourists

Don't forget about another way to save money while traveling. This is booking accommodation on Booking.com with cashback.

Read more: Cashback promotion on Tourister.Ru

Modern objects interesting to visit

Nalchik is a cozy, spacious city surrounded by greenery, the hallmark of which is Atazhukinsky Park, which occupies 173 hectares. Founded in 1847 as an orchard, it became the main recreation place for residents and guests of the city. Named in honor of its founder, the Kabardian prince Atazhukin, the park represents the well-deserved pride of the republic.

The park has luxurious flower beds, which are the constant concern of talented florists, a variety of attractions have been built for children and adults, and cafes with national and European cuisine have been opened.

Restaurant "Bochka"

One of the paths of Atazhukinsky Park will certainly lead to a unique structure - a huge barrel, inside of which there is a 2-story beer restaurant.

It is impossible to deny yourself the pleasure of taking a selfie in front of this truly unique structure, then going to an amazing gastronomic establishment to quench your thirst with a glass of fresh foamy drink and taste the taste of national dishes.

Restaurant "Sosruko"

This is a monumental object, without visiting which no acquaintance with Nalchik is complete. The architectural complex, erected on Mount Malaya Kizilovka, is a structure made in the form of the head and outstretched hand with a torch of an ethnic hero - the hero Sosruko.

The observation deck located in front of the restaurant offers a magnificent panoramic view of the area from a height of 600 m. The spectacle is literally mesmerizing.

Museums of Nalchik

Nalchik (the city is located in a region that is quickly gaining ratings in terms of tourist attendance) is of undoubted interest in terms of its historical development. You can get acquainted with the culture, way of life, traditions and customs of the peoples inhabiting the republic by visiting museums of republican significance.

The most popular facilities include the following institutions:

State United Museum of the KBR (Gorky St., 62).
House-Museum of Marko Vovchok (Dolinsk).
Memorial Museum-Apartment of A. A. Shogentsukov (Gorky St., 35);
Panorama Gallery (Shortanova St., 40).
Art Center Madina Saralp (Lermontov St., 2-a).
Police Museum (Moskovskaya St., 10, building 2).

Art Center Madina Saralp, Nalchik
The “Upside Down House” Museum, the Einstein Museum of Entertaining Sciences, and the Memorial to Victims and Repressions of 1944–1957 are of undisguised interest to tourists and travelers. (Kanukoeva St.).

Theaters of Nalchik

The cultural life of the city is represented by three theaters:

Kabardinsky Drama Theater named after A. Shogentsukov on the street of the same name.
Republican Puppet Theater on the street. Kulieva.
State Musical Theater on the street. 400th Anniversary Square, in which the Russian Drama Theater is located. M, Gorky.
Green open air theater in Atazhukinsky Park.
Variety Theater on the street. I. Armand.
Balkar State Drama Theater named after. K. Kulieva on the street of the same name.

Green Theater in Nalchik
Performances staged in the national language are always accompanied by Russian translation.

Temples of Nalchik

Representatives of almost all world religions live in the CBD. The authorities of the republic treat all believers with due respect and allow the necessary traditional rituals to be performed. Confessional institutions have been built in the city, representing not only religious, but also well-deserved architectural interest.

The original building is a mosque, made in a high-tech style, very unusual for this kind of building. A curious fact is that the façade of the building does not comply with religious canons requiring prayers to be sent towards Mecca.

However, this deviation, which arose due to the need to build a mosque in accordance with the requirements of the city general plan, was compensated for by the prayer hall located on the second floor.

The Cathedral of Mary Magdalene was built entirely with donations from parishioners. The Byzantine style was chosen for the two-story building with an area of 800 m². The temple has two tiers, the main relic is the icon of the Matrona of Moscow with the relics of the Saint, as well as Mary Magdalene.

The Church of Semeon the Stylite, erected in 1851 at the personal expense of the captain of the Jaeger regiment V. Khlyupin, was subsequently demolished. In 1943, a temple in the shape of a ship was built in its place. Orthodox icons hang on the walls, painted with the faces of Saints.

Monument to Maria Temryukovna

This memorial, called “Forever with Russia,” is located in the central square of the city. The sculpture of Ivan the Terrible’s wife, née Princess M. T. Idarova, was installed in 1957 in honor of the reunification of Kabarda with Russia.

Outstanding historical figures of Russia (natives of the city)

Badyarov Vladislav Lvovich - musician.
Balov Mukhadin Fitsevich is a Kabardian composer who was the first to set Adyghe folk music to notes.
Baranov Evgeniy Zakharovich is a Russian literary critic and historian, collector of folklore.
Kirshon Vladimir Mikhailovich - Russian Soviet playwright.
Kiseleva Nadezhda Sergeevna - performer of gypsy songs and romances, Honored Artist of the RSFSR, actress of the Romen Theater, known under the pseudonym "Lala Chernaya".
Skorikov Yuri Ivanovich is a Russian Soviet painter, Honored Artist of the Russian Federation.
Temirkanov Yuri Khatuevich - conductor, People's Artist of the USSR, head of the Academic Symphony Orchestra of the St. Petersburg Philharmonic.
Khit Henrietta Leonidovna is a Soviet and Russian anthropologist, one of the founders of anthropological dermatoglyphics in the USSR and Russia.