The morning fog shrouding the slopes of Elbrus, the ringing sound of mountain rivers, and the aroma of freshly baked khichins—all this is the Caucasus. A land where ancient traditions blend with bold modernity, and majestic mountain peaks meet the azure sea.
Arkhyz: Where the Mountains Meet the Sky
Born in Karachay-Cherkessia, Dima absorbed the beauty of this region from a young age. Therefore, for him, Arkhyz is not a glossy resort from tourist brochures, but a part of his personal geography. At an altitude of 1,450 meters above sea level, it seems as if space itself has descended to earth. And it is no coincidence that Arkhyz is home to the Russian Academy of Sciences’ Special Astrophysical Observatory—the largest in Russia. At night, you can observe the stars through a giant telescope. And spend the day strolling through the Nizhne-Arkhyz settlement and experiencing the history of the ancient Alanian temples built as far back as the 10th century.
The pearl of Arkhyz is its modern ski resort: pistes, cozy chalets, and most importantly, the air. It’s so clean and clear that after a few deep breaths, you feel energized. “As a child, I always walked to school along a road with a view of the mountains. As you walk, Elbrus looms ahead, and you dream the whole way—your imagination runs wild, and you get the feeling that anything impossible is possible,” says Dima, recommending a ride on the Milky Way cable car. Just 11 minutes and you’re at the observation deck, offering panoramic views of the resort’s highest peaks—Pshish and Sofia. From there, you can stroll along the Romantics’ Ecotrail or the Alan Path.
Nalchik: A Garden City
The capital of Kabardino-Balkaria greets you with alleys of spreading plane trees and the aroma of shashlik. Here, modernity and tradition harmoniously blend. Nalchik’s main attraction is the Atazhukinsky Garden, spread over an area of 150 hectares. This is not just a park, but an entire ecosystem. Centuries-old linden and sycamore trees line shady alleys, mirror-like ponds reflect the sky and treetops, and flower beds change colors from spring to fall. The perfect place for a relaxing day!
The city generously shares not only beauty, but also flavors. Stop by the local cafes to try khichins (fragrant thin flatbreads with cheese, herbs, and meat) or a hearty lagman. “Every meal here is a ritual, where not only the ingredients are important, but also the warmth of the hands that prepared the dish,” says Dima. And at sunset, visit the observation deck at the tower on Malaya Kizilovka Mountain – the best view of Nalchik opens from there.
Blue Lakes: A Glimpse into the Abyss
Five karst reservoirs with turquoise water lie 60 km from Nalchik. The deepest lake, the Lower Lake, holds secrets: scientists still don’t know if it has a bottom. Locals consider it a place of power, helping them find inner peace. The Upper Lakes are two interconnected bodies of water with gently sloping banks and fresh water. The water is so clear that fish can be seen at a depth of 20 meters. Another lake, the Secret Lake, is hidden in beech thickets. The path to it is challenging, but those who make it should make a wish—it will surely come true. Kel-Ketchen, a canyon with sheer walls up to 170 meters high, is called the Dry Lake. Legend has it that a huge karst sinkhole once held a veritable lake of crystal-clear water, but one day the mountains shook and the water vanished completely.
Tyrnyauz: A Ghost Town with Character
In the heart of the Baksan Gorge, at an altitude of over 1,300 meters above sea level, lies Tyrnyauz—a town where time seems frozen in a dialogue between the past and the present. Once an industrial giant, today it resembles the set of a film about forgotten civilizations. But behind the façade of desolation lies the astonishing energy of a place capable of enchanting even the most seasoned traveler.
Tyrnyauz emerged in the 1930s as a settlement adjacent to the tungsten-molybdenum plant, a strategic enterprise of the USSR. In its heyday, 30,000 people lived here, and schools, cultural centers, and sports complexes were in operation. But in the 1990s, the plant shut down, and the town began to empty. Today, the dilapidated high-rises and abandoned workshops are more than just ruins. They are silent witnesses to an era, whose walls echo the voices of a bygone era. “Walking the streets, you catch yourself thinking: it’s not scary here, but… piercingly beautiful. It’s as if nature is slowly but surely reclaiming the space once occupied by man. This isn’t a place for glossy selfies. People come here for the atmosphere and history,” says Dima.
Maisky: an oasis of tranquility
“I spent my childhood here; my parents and I moved to Maysky when I was six,” recalls Dima Bilan. This small town in Kabardino-Balkaria rarely makes it onto the top tourist itineraries, and completely in vain. Where else, if not here, can you find that authentic Caucasian life without the glitz, but with genuine warmth and flavor? A curious traveler should visit the farmers’ market and hear the amazing stories and legends of this region from the lips of local elders. And while you’re at it, sample the local cheese, honey, and sea buckthorn jam. Those seeking beautiful locations should definitely head to Château Erken. This estate, with its fairytale Romanesque castle and winery, is a popular spot for photoshoots and wine tastings. And for those seeking peace and tranquility, hot mineral springs await at the foothills of the Caucasus.
