Karachay-Cherkess Republic: Hiking, skiing and churches

Waterfalls, trails to mountain passes and lakes, and historic churches give the Karachay-Cherkess Republic a variety of reasons to visit. Teberda, Dombay and Arkhyz are resorts in the region. Marked routes lead from these towns to gorges, waterfalls and mountain lakes; in Arkhyz, there are also ski runs and summer cable cars.

Hiking routes and destinations

One route from Teberda leads via the Dzhamagat mineral springs and Epchik Pass to the Duut Gorge. It is marked as a hiking and horseback riding route; the designation is based on a 2008 government resolution. Another hiking route leads from Teberda to Shumka Waterfall. The destinations differ: one route takes you to springs, a mountain pass and a gorge, while the other ends at a waterfall.

There are also a variety of marked trails around Arkhyz. One hiking route leads to the Sofia Lakes. The route to Sofia Gorge is designated for hiking, horseback riding and driving; a hiking and horseback riding route leads to Lake Oymatly-Dzhagaly. You can also hike from the Arkhyz Resort to the Zaabishirya mountain lakes, which lie beyond the ridge. Check current trail conditions and local access before setting out.

Hiking routes from Dombay lead to Chuchkhur Waterfall, as well as to Alibek Glacier and Lake Turye. Mount Mussa-Achitara can be reached from Dombay on foot or by cable car. The route designations for these destinations are based on a 2008 government resolution; cable car operations may vary by season. So check current conditions before making plans.

Skiing and cable cars in Arkhyz

The Arkhyz Resort has 16 ski runs of varying difficulty, ranging from green runs for beginners to black runs for especially experienced skiers. The ski season runs from December to April, although seasonal operating details may vary. Runs for evening skiing are also planned; check with the operator for the current status before planning an evening session.

All cable cars at the Arkhyz Resort operate in summer. The two cable cars take visitors to a viewpoint on the southern slope, at 2,240 meters above sea level. At the resort, children aged four and over can learn to ski under the supervision of experienced ski instructors. Ask the operator about current lesson options, and check seasonal cable car operations and access to the viewpoint before traveling.

Churches and historic sites

Nizhny-Arkhyz Gorodishche is a temple complex dating from the 9th and 10th centuries; the republic’s government recommends visiting it. The church complex includes the North, Middle and South Churches. Plan your visit with current access in mind. Shoana Church and Senty Church in the Karachay District were built in the early and mid-10th century, respectively. Adiyukh Gorodishche is also part of the region’s cultural and historical heritage.

Marked routes also lead to church sites: a hiking and horseback riding route from Karachayevsk leads to Mount Shoana and Shoana Church. Another route leads from Karachayevsk to Nizhnyaya Teberda and Senty Church; it is designated for horseback riding and driving. Both route designations are based on a 2008 government resolution. Check current trail conditions locally.

Plan your stay around your travel plans

The destinations offer different ways to plan a trip: trails to gorges and mountain passes around Teberda, waterfalls and glacier destinations around Dombay, lakes and routes around Arkhyz, and winter sports at the Arkhyz Resort. As an indication of the region’s scale, the natural resources of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic include hundreds of waterfalls and more than 400 lakes; more than 400 mineral springs are also known there. The wide range of options is best narrowed down by focusing on the specific destinations you want to visit.

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

For the main travel overview: Russia.