The Chegem Gorge is one of the most popular attractions in Kabardino-Balkaria and the Caucasus as a whole. It is here that you can relax wonderfully, admiring the local beauty: picturesque waterfalls, steep ridges and formidable cliffs. A large number of archaeological sites attract historians from all over the world here.
Location
Where is the Chegem Gorge? It is located in the middle of Kabardino-Balkaria: it originates in the north-eastern part of the republic and moves to the north-west, crossing most of all mountain ranges available here. The famous Chegem gorge with several waterfalls is located at the intersection of the gorge and the Rocky Range.
The gorge stretches not far from the A 158 highway and the settlements Bylym, Zhanhoteko and Nizhniy Chegem. From each of them you will need to walk several kilometers to find yourself in the gorge itself or at its top. It should be noted that the mountain paths are rather winding, so experienced tourists recommend taking with you a guide, whose role can be played by any of the local residents.
Features:
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The gorge is well known for its waterfalls, which are located next to each other and have different parameters. In some of them, water flows down in small trickles from crevices in the rocks, while in others it falls in large ribbons of various widths. During the day, the sun's rays turn mist into a bright rainbow that illuminates the most hidden corners of this natural site.
During the winter season, the gorge is filled with ice columns and pillars that resemble stalactites. The walls are composed of several rocks of varying thickness, which over the years have formed this rock formation. The Chegem gorge has a deep bottom, which is located at an altitude of a kilometer above sea level, while the height of the mountains that form it reaches 3 kilometers.
After passing through the gorge, it will become noticeable that the gorge is expanding, the road itself, in this case, will lead tourists to the southern slope of the ridge. This place is called the North Depression Zone due to the poor vegetation, dry climate and complete absence of fauna. Locals claim that this area is cursed and do not recommend anyone stay here for a long time.
Local monuments
The Chegem Gorge, the sights of which are among the oldest in the Caucasus, are best visited in summer. In this case, tourists will be able to visit the Open Air Museum, located in the village of Verkhniy Chegem. This place, according to scientists, has a great historical value for Russia.
In the center of the village there is a watchtower, built about three centuries ago, and next to it there is a “stone of shame”, at which criminals were punished. The Dzhilgi-Su River, which flows into Chegem, was formerly the location of ancient Greek temples; their remains can be seen when examining local rocks. History lovers can also admire the Kala-Tyubu grotto, which is an ancient human site. Next to it are the remains of Lygyt - an ancient city that existed here about 2.7-3 thousand years ago.
The Chegem Gorge is literally surrounded by sights. On the right bank of the river, you can see the walls of an old caravanserai, broken up on a trade route that was once actively used. Near the gorge is Bulungu - the highest settlement in the district, and behind it there is a nature reserve, a pass to which can be purchased for a fee.
How to get there?
One of the most frequent questions that tourists ask when going to the Chegem gorge: "How to get there?" The easiest way to do this is by car, while taking into account that the last gas station is located at the exit of the Chegem settlement, and it is best to stock up on additional fuel.
You can also take advantage of the offers of guides and travel companies, but not everyone can afford it. There is another alternative - public transport. First you need to get to Nalchik, then take a minibus or regular taxi. The route by minibus will take about 40 kilometers, however, from Nizhny Chegem you will have to walk about 15 kilometers (9 of them - to the village of Khushtosyrt). It is easier to use a standard taxi.
Recreational structure
The Chegem gorge and waterfalls annually attract the attention of tourists from all over the world. Not far from this object is Mount Tikhtengen, which in its shape resembles a volcano. Translated from Balkar, the name of the mountain means "Calming Peak", its height is just over 4.6 kilometers. At the foot there is a large pine forest, where the tourist base "Chegem" is located, which operates only in summer.
Next to the tourist center is the Silver Lake; there are also a large number of mineral springs next to it. The local water has healing properties, which is why the people of the Caucasus come here to rest every year. During the summer months, several thousand people can be cured of a variety of diseases here. The local climate is very comfortable; it is dry in sunny days. The sun shines here quite often in summer and winter, warming the valley and the gorge.
Local fauna
Going to the Chegem gorge, the photo of which allows us to conclude about its extraordinary beauty, remember that wild animals are also found here. Mountain goats, chamois, chukaros, hares, lynxes, foxes, wolves and even bears - all of them can be found on the territory of local ridges and gorges.
The forests through which the hiking trails pass are also inhabited. Roe deer, badgers, bears, martens, bison and deer live here. Some animals were specially brought here by employees of forestry farms, and their numbers are constantly monitored by local foresters and gamekeepers. It is recommended to follow safety rules when in the territory of reserves and habitats of wild animals.
Gorge
Where the Chegem Gorge crosses the Rocky Range, there is a gorge - the narrowest part of this natural structure. Some sections of the trekking path have been carved under large canopies of rocks and run alongside the river. There is a constant noise of boiling water.
In the very depths of the gorge there are several waterfalls, some of which flow into Chegem. Locals call this place Su-Auzu, which means “water throat”. Some sections of the gorge are so narrow that you can only walk here one by one. However, without a guide, hardly anyone will be able to walk here on their own.
Conclusion
Now that you know where the Chegem Gorge is, it will be much easier to decide on a place to stay. Prices for excursions are relatively low here and range from 300 to 5000 rubles. If you decide to rest as a "savage", you can try to rent an apartment from the residents of Verkhniy Chegem - they are happy to let tourists in at reasonable prices. Going to Kabardino-Balkaria, remember the local traditions and customs, try to be friendly, and then the inhabitants of the republic will reciprocate you. Enjoy your stay!