Abstract: Caucasian Mineral Waters Caucasian Mineral Waters. Resorts of Caucasian mineral waters Natural complex of Caucasian mineral waters

Caucasian Mineral Waters (Kavminvody, KMV) is a group of resorts of federal significance in the Stavropol Territory, which includes the resort towns of Zheleznovodsk, Essentuki, Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk, and of course, the city of Mineralnye Vody itself. The KMS is a specially protected ecological resort region of the Russian Federation. The region is located in the south of the European part of Russia, almost at the same distance from the Black and Caspian Seas.

In terms of diversity of mineral waters, the Caucasian Mineral Waters region has no equal not only in Russia, but throughout the world. Over 130 sources of mineral waters of 30 types have been identified on the territory of the Caucasian Mineral Waters. By Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of January 17, 2006 No. 14, the cities of Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk, Kislovodsk and Pyatigorsk were given the status of resort cities of federal significance. Every year, more than 700 thousand people are treated and relax at the resorts of Caucasian Mineral Waters.

City of Mineralnye Vody

The city of Mineralnye Vody is a small cozy town in the Stavropol Territory. Despite the name, there are no healing springs in the administrative center of the Mineralovodsk District; all of them are located in neighboring Zheleznovodsk, Lermontov, Pyatigorsk, Essentuki and Kislovodsk. The city serves as a kind of gateway, annually allowing hundreds of thousands of tourists to the resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters. It is here that the largest transport hub in the region is located - an international airport, a railway interchange and a federal highway.

The climate of the city is relatively dry; moist air masses from the Black Sea do not reach here; they are delayed by the Main Caucasus Range. The city of Mineralnye Vody is located mainly in the steppe zone. The magmatic mountain Snake is considered one of the most interesting natural attractions. It attracts tourists not only with its beautiful mountain landscapes and unique flora and fauna. On the slopes there are several holy springs and monuments of the Great Patriotic War, as well as adits and quarries. You can often meet outdoor enthusiasts with climbing equipment. There are several temples and cathedrals in Mineralnye Vody that will be of interest to believers and those who want to get acquainted with the history, culture and architecture of the city. The main religious attraction is the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Among its shrines are the relics of St. Theodosius of the Caucasus, the patron saint of these places.

Kislovodsk

Do you want to get to the “city of 365 sunny days a year”? Then go to Kislovodsk. This is a surprisingly sunny city, surrounded by the picturesque slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, which protect it from strong winds. The famous source of acidic mineral water “Narzan” is located here. Hence the “sour” name of the city - Kislovodsk. It’s worth coming to Kislovodsk just for the resort park alone! This is not just a park, it is a whole amazing planet with beautiful rocks, bubbling waterfalls, green meadows and countless all kinds of plants and animals. The uniqueness of Kislovodsk lies not only in its healing mineral springs and beautiful park areas.

At one time, the most talented people who glorified our country rested and worked here: Pushkin, Lermontov, Tolstoy, Chekhov, Mayakovsky, Gorky, Chaliapin, Rimsky-Korsakov, Glinka, Rachmaninov and others. This is probably why the culture here is no worse developed than in St. Petersburg.

Mount Ring is a favorite place for tourists. It received this name due to the hole that was formed in it by the winds. A magnificent panorama of Kislovodsk opens from the mountain. No less popular are the Honey Falls in the Alikonovsky Gorge. The waterfalls received such a tasty name thanks to the honey-bearing herbs that bloom all summer in this valley. And old-timers say that the main contribution to the sweet name of the waterfalls was made by hardworking bees, who opened their “factory” for producing honey right in the mountain crevices. The famous Lermontov Rock is located in Kislovodsk. At its top there is a platform that ends in a steep cliff. It was this site that was the site of Pechorin’s duel with Grushnitsky in the famous “Hero of Our Time.” I believe you have no doubts left and you will definitely visit this wonderful city!

Pyatigorsk

The largest city is the resort of the Caucasian Mineral Waters region - Pyatigorsk. It was founded after Alexander I signed the famous rescript in 1803. Pyatigorsk lies at the foot of Mount Mashuk at an altitude of 520 meters above sea level. The city is the oldest Russian balneological resort. The emergence of the city of Pyatigorsk is, in its own way, a commercial project. High society traveled abroad year after year, taking a lot of money out of the country. As soon as the Caucasian springs were recognized as healing, it was decided to found a balneological resort on Russian territory, and this project was successfully implemented.

It is best to go on your first trip to Pyatigorsk by tram. Not for the sake of economy, of course, but because the Pyatigorsk tram is an attraction in itself! This is the first electric tram on the territory of modern Russia. Pyatigorsk is a treasure trove of attractions that will not leave you indifferent.

One of them is “Lermontov’s House”. This is not even just one house, this is a whole block of ancient, early 19th century buildings, “mothballed” in time and perfectly preserved to this day. Looking at them, you can imagine what Pyatigorsk looked like almost 200 years ago. In one of these same houses under a thatched roof, on the estate of Major Chilaev, Mikhail Lermontov settled in 1841. In fact, the poet lived in “Lermontov’s house” for only two months - the last of his life. You can honor the memory of the poet by visiting the place of his duel, located on the opposite slope of Mashuk. The monument to Lermontov was erected entirely with public money - it was collected by subscription over several years. The next attraction is the Aeolian Harp gazebo. This is a stone gazebo in antique style on a steep, rocky ledge of Mashuk. At all times, troop observation posts were located on this site, since the approaches to Pyatigorsk are clearly visible from here. Its builders were the architects brothers Giuseppe and Giovanni Bernardazzi.

The location turned out to be so good, and the views of the city and its surroundings from it were so charming that this modest-sized gazebo constantly attracted a lot of visitors. The gazebo is named after the ancient Greek god Aeolus, the lord of the winds. Another outstanding place is the building of the Pirogov Baths hospital, which was built in 1914 on the site of a wooden barracks soldier’s hospital. The outstanding Russian surgeon Nikolai Pirogov demonstrated to doctors of the Caucasian Corps the method of using ether anesthesia for pain relief during surgery in the field. It was in the Caucasus that for the first time in the history of medicine, Nikolai Pirogov began to operate on the wounded with ether anesthesia in the field. The hospital changed its name three times. There are still a huge number of places in Pyatigorsk that are worth visiting. I hope you found it interesting and will definitely want to see them for yourself.

Essentuki

In the steppe valley of the Podkumok River is located the world-famous balneological resort of Essentuki. This is the youngest among the resorts of Caucasian Mineral Waters. Nature has generously endowed this land with amazing healing springs of mineral water that cure diseases of the digestive system, endocrine system, gynecological diseases, diseases of the nervous system, and musculoskeletal organs. Thousands of people come here to improve their health and enjoy the beauty of this land. The waters of the healing salt-alkaline springs “Essentuki-4” and “Essentuki-17” are used for drinking treatment, baths, inhalations, and irrigations. Here they also heal with the help of sulfide silt mud of Lake Tambukan.

Among the most beautiful buildings in the city are the Upper Mineral Baths, designed in the Russian Empire style with Baroque elements. The building of the mud baths is also a real architectural monument. It is decorated with massive columns, sculptures of ancient gods of healing and lions, and beautiful bas-reliefs. The inside of the mud bath is spacious, light, and also full of decorations and mythological sculptures.

The mechanotherapy building, now the Zander Institute, is more than a century old. A beautiful, light, elegant brown-pink building with small turrets and domes on the roof, with wooden carvings and a huge vase above the main entrance - just a real fairy-tale tower. Another interesting place in Essentuki is the three-story former dacha of I. G. Zimin in the Art Nouveau style. Its facade is adjacent to turrets of 2 and 4 floors. Many windows of different sizes and a warm light yellow color give the massive structure a very welcoming appearance.

You can also see the dacha-museum of the famous surgeon Razumovsky, the estate of the Itinerant artist Nikolai Yaroshenko and the dacha of Fyodor Chaliapin. As you can see, you won’t be bored here! On this amazing, friendly land you can improve your health, recharge with vivacity, energy and new impressions, as well as simply relax in the greenery and flowers of the most wonderful parks.

Zheleznovodsk

Zheleznovodsk is the smallest of the listed resorts. There are no other reasons to diminish his dignity. On the contrary, Zheleznovodsk is unique in many respects, since it is a well-known balneological resort of the Caucasian Mineral Waters, located at the foot of Mount Zheleznaya, at an altitude of 570-650 m above sea level, in the valley of the small rivers Dzhamuk and Kuchuk. On the territory of the resort there are over 20 carbon dioxide sulfate-hydrocarbonate calcium-sodium mineral springs (Slavyanovsky, Smirnovsky), which are actively used in the treatment of diseases associated with the digestive and genitourinary systems.

Zheleznovodsk is an ideal resort for those who suffer from kidney and urinary tract diseases; This is the resort's specialization - the main treatment profile. More precisely, one of them. The main treatment profiles of the Zheleznovodsk resort include urological diseases and diseases of the nervous system. Associated profiles include diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, metabolic disorders, ENT diseases, gynecological, pulmonological and dermatological. In addition, in Zheleznovodsk there are several sanatoriums where they treat diabetes mellitus, but - pay attention! - only at an early stage, when sugar-lowering drugs are not yet needed.

Treatment in Zheleznovodsk, of course, is with mineral water. It is used for oral administration, inhalation, baths and other water procedures. Local waters are also bottled - they are produced under the brands “Smirnovskaya” and “Slavyanovskaya”, after the names of the sources. These mineral waters are very popular and are even exported, but few people know that they are bottled in Zheleznovodsk. The Smirnovsky spring is named after Dr. Semyon Alekseevich Smirnov, chairman of the Russian Balneological Society: he cleared this spring, long known to local residents, and studied its properties. Now a fairly large pump room has been erected above the Smirnovsky spring. The Slavyanovsky spring bears the name of its discoverer, the outstanding hydrologist and mining engineer Nikolai Nikolaevich Slavyanov. Above Slavyanovsky there is also a pump room in a classical style.

The oldest source of Zheleznovodsk is Lermontovsky. It was opened in 1810 by Dr. Fyodor Petrovich Gaaz, and the history of the city began with this event. Lermontov actually came to this source, which was still practically undeveloped. As for Dr. Haas, Zheleznovodsk owes him not just “a lot” - without Haas the resort would not exist.

Zheleznovodsk also owes its name, which is not very romantic and resort-like, to Haass, or more precisely, to one of his misconceptions. The reddish-rusty sediment that the doctor noticed around the springs was attributed to the presence of a high concentration of iron in the water. In fact, this is a mistake, and there is relatively little hardware here. But the name stuck, and the cute resort town with unique “healing factors” remained with a name that evoked thoughts more of a mine in the Urals than of relaxation and treatment. Not only the waters and the city became iron, but also the mountain on the slopes of which Zheleznovodsk stands.

It is here that the only natural forest park in the Caucasian Mineral Waters is located, in which plants of the steppe, forest and subalpine zones grow. The climate in Zheleznovodsk is mountain-steppe, moderately dry. Clean ionized air and dense oak, hornbeam and beech forests protect this resort from the sweltering summer heat. There are many active and excursion routes here that introduce you to the unique sights of the Caucasus.

In the Stavropol Territory of the Russian Federation there is a group of resorts united by the common name Caucasian Mineral Waters (abbr. KMV, Kavminvody). Today it is a state-protected resort region, where hundreds of thousands of people not only from Russia, but also from countries near and far abroad come annually for recreation and treatment. This region includes cities such as Pyatigorsk, Essentuki, Kislovodsk, Lermontov, Zheleznovodsk, Mineralnye Vody and Georgievsk - here you will find many attractions.

The Family Suitcase company organizes trips on comfortable buses.

Geographical features of the region and the history of the development of settlements

Russian poets and writers loved places in the CMS area, the most famous of whom is M. Yu. Lermontov, the heroes of whose works often live in these places. In addition to mineral waters, there are many sources of healing mud here, so it is not surprising why today the KMS is well known as a balneological resort. The climate of this area is very favorable, and all tourists who come here in the spring and summer celebrate bright and warm salty days.

Features of the cities that are part of the Caucasian Mineral Waters

Surely many tourists and travelers who want to visit these places would like to know about the features of these cities. Despite the fact that they are all united into one region, each of the resort cities has its own characteristics due to its location. Since the late 90s of the last century, this region began to be actively financed, thanks to which the quality of roads improved, new resort and sanatorium complexes began to be built, and the territory of the cities was significantly improved. So today, when you come to KMS for treatment and recreation, you can count on a great time, and at very reasonable prices.

To appreciate all the attractions of the region, as well as find out where and how you can relax, you should make an overview of the most interesting and attractive cities included in the general resort region of Caucasian Mineral Waters.

This is the most famous city in the Stavropol Territory, from which the history of the region as a balneological resort begins. It was in Pyatigorsk in 1863 that the first balneological society was founded, which included famous scientists and doctors of that time. In the city area there are about 40 healing springs with mineral water, which differs in chemical composition and richness of mineral components. Most of them are concentrated in the area of ​​Mount Mashuk. Due to this, the city of Pyatigorsk received the status of a natural museum of mineral waters.

How to get to Pyatigorsk?

The city does not have its own airport, and the nearest airport is in Mineralnye Vody, which is 25 km away. For this reason, everyone who travels by air takes a ticket to Mineralnye Vody, after which they travel to Pyatigorsk by minibus No. 11, the ticket price of which is only 15 rubles. It should be noted that there is a train between both cities, which can take you to your destination in just 45-50 minutes.

Bus No. 223 also runs from the station square of Mineralnye Vody to Pyatigorsk, the price of which is 45 rubles. The most expensive way to get there is by taxi, the price of which is 700 rubles or more. You can travel from Moscow to Pyatigorsk by the Moscow-Kislovodsk train, which departs daily from the Kazan railway station. The price of a compartment ticket is about 4 thousand rubles. You can also go by bus, which will be cheaper (2 thousand rubles), but the travel time will be 25 hours.

Main attractions of Pyatigorsk

The city is very green, as there are a large number of trees, shrubs and flower beds. The most important place for city residents to walk is the Tsvetnik Central Park, which is over 200 years old.

You should definitely visit the Lermontov Gallery, where the State Philharmonic is currently located. A very striking architectural monument is the open-air museum - the Pyatigorsk necropolis, where many prominent figures who lived and worked in this city are buried.

To enjoy the amazing panorama of the Caucasus Range, you should definitely climb Mount Mushuk, and this can be done by cable car. During the trip, tourists have an excellent opportunity to admire the beautiful scenery.

Cafes, restaurants, hotels

There are a large number of public catering outlets - restaurants and cafes, where you can try local delicacies and dishes of Armenian, Georgian, Azerbaijani and Russian cuisine. Tourists are especially pleased with the polite staff and cleanliness of the restaurants, not to mention the reasonable prices, since the average check is about 300 rubles.

A calmer city in terms of lack of pretentiousness, which is the closest neighbor - Pyatigorsk, the distance to which is only 3 km. Apparently, after just 15-20 years, both resorts will merge into one and create a single conglomerate. There are much fewer tourists here than in other cities of the KMS, so it is more suitable for a calm and measured holiday. It is worth noting that it is in this city that the most mineral waters are located, which differ in composition and taste, and therefore Essentuki is called the “Pearl of the Caucasus”.

How to get to Essentuki?

The nearest airport is located in Mineralnye Vody, which is 35 km away, but both cities are connected by bus and minibus, so there are no problems getting to your hotel. Every day, trains depart from Moscow from the Kursky and Kazansky stations to Kislovodsk, which pass by Essentuki. Ticket prices range from 2.2 thousand to 5 thousand rubles, depending on the type (reserved seat, compartment, SV).

For those who prefer to travel by bus, you should know that the Moscow-Essentuki bus departs daily to Essentuki from the South Gate bus station, and the ticket price is 2 thousand rubles. If you travel by private car, choose the Don or Elista highway, the length of which is approximately the same.

How can you relax in Essentuki?

Given the presence of numerous springs with mineral water, many balneological resort sanatoriums have been built in Essentuki, where people come for relaxation and treatment from all over Russia. Anyone can buy and try mineral water, and this can be done at special bottling points. By the way, in Essentuki there is a Big Lake where swimming is allowed, so everyone can sunbathe and take water treatments in the summer. Essentuki water treats a variety of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system, musculoskeletal system and skin rashes.

Among the attractions of Essentuki are:

• Nikolaev baths
• Shopping gallery
• Oreanda observation gazebo
• Weeping Grottoes - springs with mineral water
• Drinking gallery "Pentatesyachnik"

Many tourists who have visited and drank the water in Essentuki, after rest, can unmistakably distinguish the water of “Essentuki-4” from “Essentuki-17”, and “Essentuki-2” from “Essentuki-20”.

Cafes, restaurants and hotels

Prices in Essentuki restaurants are moderate, so you can have lunch and a delicious meal for only 250-300 rubles. Those with a sweet tooth can be advised to visit the famous Nefertiti confectionery-cafe, where they will offer not only delicious coffee, but also a variety of confectionery products. If we talk about hotels and inns, there are not too many of them, but those that are available are quite enough to accommodate visiting guests.

The city is distinguished by the fact that it is the smallest of all that are included in the CMS, but is often mentioned in the works of Russian writers and poets. The city is located at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level, so it is surrounded by interesting relict forests, many species of trees of which are listed in the Red Book. A unique mountain-forest microclimate, beautiful picturesque views of the surrounding area, and the presence of mineral water springs are what attract tourists to this city.

Zheleznovodsk is one of the most famous and popular cities in the Stavropol Territory, where people come not only for recreation, but also for balneological treatment. This place is also called “tiny Switzerland” because, in terms of climatic and natural conditions, Zheleznogorsk is really very close to the Alpine resort area. The air in the vicinity of the city is saturated with beneficial ions and oxygen, so those who suffer from respiratory diseases are recommended to come here.

How to get to Zheleznogorsk?

There are no direct bus services to the city, but this does not prevent you from getting to your destination with a transfer in Mineralnye Vody, from which you can get to Zheleznogorsk by minibus No. 107. Ticket price - 50 rubles. If you come from Pyatigorsk, you should take minibus No. 134, where the price is 40 rubles. If you travel by car from Moscow, first choose the Don highway. When you reach the village of Pavlovskaya, you should turn onto the Caucasus highway.

Hotels and resorts

Considering that Zheleznogorsk is a small city, there are only about 10 hotels that offer their services to tourists and guests. The most famous is the German House hotel, where you can rent apartments in the range from 2.5 to 8 thousand rubles/day. However, in addition to this, there is a private market, where you can rent an apartment for just 1.2 thousand rubles per day. But there are many more sanatoriums here, but you can only get into them with a voucher. If a person does not have chronic or other serious diseases, getting into a sanatorium will be problematic.

The main advantage of the resort town of Kislovodsk is, of course, Narzan - water with a specific taste, containing a large volume of sulfate-hydrocarbonate elements. The city was founded at the beginning of the 19th century by soldiers under the command of General A.P. Ermolov, who ordered the construction of a resort park here. For several decades, the park remained the largest in all of Europe. Today Kislovok is a well-maintained resort town that delights guests with its beautiful streets and small, neat and well-kept houses.

You can not only drink Narzans, but also take baths from them, since water has a positive effect on the human body, treats numerous skin diseases, ailments of the gastrointestinal tract, musculoskeletal system, and nervous system. Some of the most famous places worth visiting in Kislovodsk include the following:

• Resort Park
• Theater and Concert Hall named after. V. Safonova
• Literary and Musical Museum
• Chaliapin's dacha

Vacationers often come here to take part in health walking – health paths. The purest mountain air and abundance of greenery allow you to easily cover many kilometers.

The largest city that is part of the CMS, that is why a sightseeing tour of the entire region usually begins with it. There is a Central Railway Station, where trains from major Russian cities, including Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kazan, arrive daily. There is also an airport that receives dozens of planes every day, so we can confidently call the city of Mineralnye Vody the main transport artery of the CMS.

Today it is one of the most visited resort towns in the entire Stavropol Territory, although it should be noted that there is not a single natural spring with mineral water on the territory of the city. On the station square, tourists are greeted by a large sculpture of an eagle cast from real bronze. This is a symbol of victory over diseases, since the city has many sanatoriums and clinical centers that accept people for spa treatment. You should definitely take a photo with the eagle in the background, as the pictures are very impressive.

Sights of Mineralnye Vody

While walking around Mineralnye Vody, it is worth visiting the memorial complex dedicated to the defenders of the fatherland, which looks very impressive. It will also be interesting to see the Tersky Stud Farm, founded in 1880 by Count S. A. Stroganov, where you can not only admire the noble animals, but also ride horses.

The “Old Steam Locomotive” monument is also unusual, against which anyone who wants to photograph themselves in the most interesting places of the city can also take a photo. Other attractions include the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Music College named after. V.I. Safonov and St. Nicholas Church.

Hotels and restaurants

Taking into account the fact that Mineralnye Vody is a large city, there are several dozen hotels and guest houses located here. Among the largest hotels, we should highlight the Imperial, ArtHall, Hermes, Olympus and Europe. Despite the fact that room prices here start at 3 thousand rubles, the level and quality of service is always at its best. These same hotels have their own restaurants, where you can try delicious dishes not only of Russian, but also of Armenian, Georgian and Azerbaijani cuisine.

Excursion tours along the CMS

In 2018 it will be possible to sign up for a trip to these places. The route is being developed.

conclusions

Concluding the review of the Caucasian Mineral Waters region, it should be noted that, if desired, every tourist can easily take a sightseeing tour visiting all of the above cities. The only thing is that for this it is best to book a sightseeing bus, especially since the places here are very beautiful and passengers will enjoy admiring the beautiful panoramic views.

Caucasian Mineral Waters (Kavminvody, KMV) is a collection of cities of federal significance located in the north central part of the slopes of the Caucasus Mountains. The conglomerate of resorts is successfully located between the Black and Caspian seas on an area of ​​more than 500 thousand hectares.

The lands are widely known for hundreds of unique beneficial springs that can cure a range of ailments. In addition to water resources, there is a unique lake Tambukan, rich in deposits of life-giving mud.

The possessions of the KMS cover the lands of three regions of our country:

1. The Stavropol Territory unites the health resort cities of Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk, Kislovodsk, Lermontov, and Mineralnye Vody.
2. Kabardino-Balkaria with Lake Tambukan with silt mud and the Narzan Valley.
3. Karachay-Cherkessia is considered to be the place of origin of the formation of water sources.
4. A conglomerate of cities combines all healing resources into a huge artesian basin with gravel waters. That is why Caucasian Mineral Waters is considered the most environmentally protected area in Russia.

The surroundings of the KMS are characterized by a soft, temperate mountain-steppe microclimate. The health resorts are located just 85 km from Elbrus, the highest point in Europe. The highest snowy peak of the mountain can be seen from almost anywhere in the region. On the Kavminvody, among the flat steppes, there are also mountains: , Byk, .

The sloping terrain is covered with dense oak and shady forests. The proximity of the snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus Range? on the one hand, the CMS, and deserts with steppes off the coast of the Caspian Sea, on the other, cause a temperate continental climate. Due to the fact that it is formed in valleys protected from the winds by mountains, health resorts are also considered to be climatic.

Main cities of the CMS

Caucasian Mineral Waters is a unique resort and sanatorium area, where there are real natural storehouses of waters of different composition and healing properties. In total, CMS include about 130 sources, and just over 90 of them are used for medical purposes. The largest underground deposits of carbon dioxide are distributed over the territory of four administrative units:, and.

This list can safely be considered a unique health resort not only in Russia, but throughout the whole world. There are about one and a half hundred sanatoriums here, which are equipped with special diagnostic equipment for mineral treatment. Every year approximately 700 thousand tourists visit Kavminvody. Vacationers are also attracted by mountain peaks, endless valleys with dense vegetation, fresh alpine meadows, azure waterfalls, blue rivers, as well as clean air with rich aromas of resins and pine needles.

Essentuki

A balneological drinking low-mountain resort located at an altitude of about 600 m above sea level. The city is surrounded by mountains of different heights, due to which a contrasting microclimate prevails here with dry, hot summers and rainy, frosty winters. Throughout the resort town there is a magnificent view of Mount Elbrus and the main Caucasus ridge.

The subsoil of Essentuki is rich in sodium carbonate chloride-bicarbonate waters. The most popular of them: “Essentuki-4” and “”.

Even in the depths of these lands, carbonic hydrogen sulfide springs of medium mineralization flow. The resort is suitable for treatment with drinking water and external procedures (baths, irrigations).

People with diseases should rest here:

• digestive tract;
• duodenum;
• liver;
• biliary tract (viral hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, chronic cholecystitis);
• metabolism (obesity);
• endocrine (early stage diabetes).

Zheleznovodsk

The city is literally considered the pearl of the Kavminvod. The acclimatization zone here has a huge amount of heat, and the nature is of extraordinary beauty. Due to the city's location in the mid-Alps, a mountain forest microclimate predominates. The weather is mild in winter and cool in summer. Zheleznovodsk is surrounded by the slopes of Mount Beshtau and Zheleznaya, on which dense beech and oak forests grow. In the mountainous surroundings there are endless health paths for walking, which provide a healing effect due to calculated physical activity.

As for deep-sea sources, the same type of sulfate-hydrocarbonate calcium-sodium waters of low mineralization predominate. They are used for drinking and external balneological procedures. The springs flow cold and hot, and there are also bitter-salty mineral waters. Water from the Smirnovsky and Slavyansky springs is bottled.

The resort is indicated for people with diseases:

• gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, gastric ulcer);
• duodenum;
• kidney;
• urinary tract.

Kislovodsk

The city has a temperate climate of low mountains, suitable for the treatment of diseases of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, respiratory organs (including bronchial asthma). Scientists have proven that prolonged exposure to the sun in Kislovodsk in the summer can slow down the development of atherosclerosis and hypertension. Winter here is dry and clear. The area can be distinguished by the stability of atmospheric pressure, which has a very good effect on the healing process.

The deposits of Kislovodsk are represented by the world famous Narzan spring with bubbling carbon dioxide boiling water, which is useful in the form of baths and drinking. Kislovodsk Narzans belong to sulfate-hydrocarbonate magnesium-calcium sources. Their main difference is the amount of mineralization. In total, there are 3 types of waters: Main, Dolomite and Sulfate Narzan.

People with illnesses should come to Kislovodsk:

• circulatory system;
• heart disease;
• cardiac ischemia;
• angina pectoris;
• hypertension (first 11 stages);
• diseases of the nervous system;
• cerebral atherosclerosis;
• respiratory tract diseases (outside the period of exacerbation).

The resort is located in the center of the KMV on the slopes of Mount Mashuk. The peculiarity of the city lies in the huge variety of healing procedures. Carbon dioxide, nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide, saline-alkaline and radon waters of complex ionic compositions, as well as sulfide mud of Lake Tambukan, accumulate here. Silt mud has a strong bactericidal effect and also contains a large number of organic compounds, methane and hydrogen sulfide. In addition to balneotherapy, climatotherapy, aerotherapy, balneotherapy and radon therapy are widely developed here. Bottled water is bottled under the names “Mashuk-19”, “Goryachevodskaya” and “Pyatigorskaya Canteen”.

Indications for visiting the health resort:

• diseases of the peripheral nervous system;
• problems with the musculoskeletal system;
• diseases of the digestive tract;
• skin diseases (eczema, neurodermatitis, psoriasis);
• diseases of the cardiovascular system (atherosclerosis, Buerger's disease);
• female inflammatory processes;
• polyneuritis.

Remarkable places of Kavminvod

Caucasian Mineral Waters is also famous for its interesting open spaces. A large number of hospitals, sanatoriums and pump rooms are located in architectural monuments that were built in the 19th and 20th centuries. For example, some of the amazing buildings that deserve attention are the neoclassical mud baths named after Semashko in the city of Essentuki, the Central Gallery for Drinking Treatment in the neo-Gothic style and the Main Narzan Baths in the Art Nouveau style at the Kislovodsk resort.

It is impossible to mention places near Pyatigorsk and Kislovodsk without the beloved poet Mikhail Lermontov, who repeatedly mentioned the Caucasian Mineral Waters in his works. In the KMV, you should definitely visit the “Ring” mountain in Kislovodsk, as well as the “” gazebo in Pyatigorsk. Here is located and, and next to it Martynovsky, as well as the first burial place of the poet.

The surroundings of Kavminvod are rich in picturesque natural places. Here you will see the incredibly beautiful mountains of Beshtau, Mashuk, as well as the snow-capped peak of the highest point in Europe -. You can also enjoy endless breathtaking landscapes of forests, rivers and waterfalls. Don’t forget to visit the Narzan Valley, because 20 water sources, different in composition, emerge from it at once.

How to get to KVM

A plane flies to Mineralnye Vody from Moscow. Flight time is 2 hours. Then you can get to the destination city by taxi or minibus.

There is also a budget option - a train with the Moscow-Kislovodsk route; the travel time will be 27-35 hours. Along the route there are stops in all resort towns, with the exception of Zheleznovodsk. To get to this stop you need to get off at Beshtau station and get to Zheleznovodsk by minibus, and the travel time will be only 20 minutes.

Caucasian Mineral Waters located between the Black and Caspian seas, 90 km from Elbrus. In good weather, its characteristic outlines are clearly visible.

The region occupies the southern part of the Stavropol Territory, the heart of the North Caucasus, the northern slopes of the Main Caucasus Range, and is located on the same latitude as the resorts of the Cote d'Azur of France and the Italian Adriatic.

The nature of the North Caucasus is picturesque and unique. Over the course of just a few tens of kilometers from north to south, the steppe plain smoothly turns into a mountain landscape, and the feather grass steppes into luxurious deciduous and pine forests, over which alpine meadows stretch. All this splendor is crowned by the majestic two-headed Elbrus.

The height of the resorts above sea level is from 600 to 1000 meters. The Main Caucasus Range traps the humid air of the Black Sea, creating a favorable healthy climate, warm but not hot summers, and mild winters.

Caucasian mineral waters is a mountain resort, balneotherapeutic, mud and climatic, specially protected, ecological region of the Russian Federation, a single artesian basin of mineral waters of various types and rich in resources. The area of ​​formation of these waters is located on the territory of three subjects of the Federation: Stavropol Territory, Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria.

The uniqueness of the region lies in the exceptional concentration of numerous mineral waters of varied composition, as well as medicinal mud, exotic landscapes that create favorable climatic conditions, and resort complexes with developed infrastructure? structure.

The resort region includes five resort cities: Pyatigorsk, Kislovodsk, Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk and Mineralnye Vody themselves.

The climate, one of the healing factors of the region, is diverse and is formed under the influence of several factors. The continental climate is determined by the foothill nature and proximity of the snowy peaks of the Main Caucasus Range on the one hand, and the proximity of the arid steppes and semi-deserts of the Caspian coast on the other. Research by bioclimatologists from the Pyatigorsk State Research Institute of Balneology has clearly proven that the air of resorts is characterized by high transparency, moderate natural hypoxia, high natural ionization with a low coefficient of ion unipolarity. With a favorable solar radiation regime, this combination allows for all types of climate therapy. The surrounding mountain alpine meadows and resort parks cleanse the air of pollution and enrich the air with healing volatile phytoorganic substances.

The most favorable, according to medical climatology, is the southern zone of the CMS. The climate of Kislovodsk and its surroundings is characterized by a very large number of sunny days, an almost complete absence of wind, low atmospheric pressure, especially in the upper part of the park, partial pressure of oxygen and water vapor, and increased solar radiation. There are only 37 days a year without sun. The area of ​​the remaining cities of the KMS belongs to a climate zone with a lot of heat and moderate precipitation. Cloudy, foggy days with frost are observed mainly in the autumn-winter period, which creates a contrast with Kislovodsk, where it is extremely rarely cloudy at this time.

Therapeutic factors of CMV

1. Mineral waters of various compositions.

   In terms of richness and diversity, the group of mineral springs of the KMS is a rare phenomenon: Narzans in Kislovodsk with its “cold boiling water” seething with carbon dioxide, hot waters of Pyatigorsk and Zheleznovodsk, radon waters in Pyatigorsk, hydrocarbonate-chloride-sodium in Essentuki and others. In a relatively small area there are currently over 130 mineral springs, 90 of which are used for medicinal purposes.

2. Favorable climate in the southwestern part of the region

   This climate is used for climatotherapy, especially in the Kislovodsk resort, throughout the year, and in other resorts - mainly during the warm period.

3. Mud of Tambukan Lake.

   Mud is used for mud therapy at all resorts in the region.

   Tambukan Lake is located 12 km southeast of Pyatigorsk, on the border between the Stavropol Territory and Kabardino-Balkaria. It is small, only 180 hectares, but the reserves of mud amount to more than 2 million tons, which meets the need for medicinal mud in the resorts of Caucasian Mineral Waters for many years and even centuries. The water in the lake is bitterly salty - brine of sulfate-chloride-sodium composition with high mineralization.

   Tambukan has always been mysterious and a little creepy, always striking with its unusualness. Its surface appears black even in calm, windless weather, so clearly visible through the thickness of the water is the layer of that same healing mud lying at the bottom. The lake was first scientifically described in 1773 by I. Güldsnstedt. He called it “Tambi”, which translated from ancient Turkic means “bad, foul smell”: when approaching the lake, a strong smell of hydrogen sulfide hits your nose. Since ancient times, Kabardians knew everything about the healing properties of Tambukan mineral waters and mud. This is evidenced by the remaining traces of baths carved into the stones near the springs, and the remains of primitive wooden and stone bathing facilities from the early Bronze Age.

   The mud and brine of the lake have a pronounced bactericidal effect, so nothing lives in the lake except brine crustaceans. Black plastic sulfide mud has a high content of organic substances, hydrogen sulfide, methane, etc. It consists of fine clay and sand.

Main indications for the treatment of diseases

The first official information about one of the oldest regions of Russia and its mineral springs is contained in the reports of Dr. Schober in 1717. By the highest Decree of Peter I, he was sent to the North Caucasus region in search of “spring waters”. Indications for the treatment of diseases evolved as sources were discovered. Today, CMV is the most diversified resort in the world.

Pyatigorsk The composition of 50 springs represents almost all types of mineral waters in the region. The successful combination of carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, radon springs and mud from Lake Tambukan, a favorable climate and a wonderful natural landscape makes the city the most versatile resort in Russia. All diseases are treated here in a complex: peripheral nervous system, musculoskeletal system, digestive organs, skin, peripheral blood vessels, gynecological and andrological diseases, occupational diseases.

Essentuki. The waters of this resort are often compared to European resorts. It is worth noting, however, that the treatment of patients with diseases of the digestive system has long allowed Essentuki to be recognized as one of the best world resorts in this profile.

Zheleznovodsk City sanatoriums specialize in the treatment of diseases of the digestive system, kidneys and urinary tract.

Kislovodsk Carbon dioxide mineral waters and a mid-mountain climate make this resort a unique place for treating diseases of the cardiovascular system and respiratory tract.