Adyl su gorge. Caucasus on two wheels. Brief description of the route in the Adyl-Suu gorge

Behind the village of Elbrus, the side gorge Adyl-Su (Old Turkic - “Red Water”) leaves to the left, so named because of the narzan springs in the upper reaches of the river, leaving an orange “rusty” mark on the stones due to the presence of a large amount of iron in the drink (one of translation options; another option - "Adyl" - in Balkar - "beautiful, beautiful", "Su" - "water, mountain river"), - one of the most beautiful places Elbrus. The Adyl-Su River is the right tributary of the Baksan, flowing into it near the village of Elbrus. Both the river and the gorge fully justify their name.

The right (upward) slopes of the gorge are covered with pine forests, where dense thickets of gooseberries, wild roses, raspberries, and lingonberries are found.

The beauty of the Adyl-Su gorge, its accessibility, the abundance of various mountain routes made the gorge the glory of the "Mecca" of mountaineering. Adyl-Su gorge - the capital of national mountaineering, which gave the world a constellation of names of climbers on the hardest peaks Caucasus, Pamir and Himalayas.

So, the tourist route along the gorge starts from the Saklya cafe, from the Baksan-Azau highway.

Most of the mountaineering bases of Kabardino-Balkaria (three), a boarding house and a recreation center are located in this gorge. Alp base "Adyl-Su" was built 200 meters from the fork in a pine forest, which previously belonged to the sports society "Lokomotiv". Behind the base there is an open mountain slope, where beginner skiers actively train in winter.

Higher up the gorge, the road goes through the forest: in some places the pine forest is replaced by deciduous (birch, maple, mountain ash, bird cherry), where there are boletus, porcini mushroom, boletus, mushrooms, currants, stone berries, etc.

In winter, there is an avalanche danger in a certain area.

Three kilometers from the fork on a steep slope, the Shkhelda mountain base nestled, which used to belong to the Spartak sports society - the cradle of domestic mountaineering, which raised more than one generation of outstanding mountain climbers of the country.
The Shkhelda River, the left tributary of the Adyl-Su, flows into it immediately after the alpine camp.

Immediately behind the alpbase (to the right) is a short but severe Shkhelda gorge (link) with the Shkhelda river (from Balkar - “lingonberry”), starting on the glaciers of the Shkhelda-Tau peak (4368 m). This is not even one peak, but a massive wall with 4 peaks in the Main Caucasian Range.

The route to the Shkhelda glacier to the glade "Smile of Shkhelda" is very popular among tourists. It runs along the left bank of the river and ends for beginner tourists at the Golden Beach near the Shkhelda glacier. Here you can observe an exceptionally curious natural phenomenon - the entire end part of the glacier bears a thick layer of rock destruction products (the surface of the glacier was covered with rock fragments as a result of a grandiose collapse that occurred in the 60s of the 19th century).

The stone flooring protects the glacier from melting, and therefore it does not retreat, like all the glaciers of the Elbrus region. Large pines have grown on this drift, reaching with their roots the surface of a glacier hidden underground. Along the moraine of the glacier there are routes popular with climbers: to the peaks of Shkhelda and Ushba, to Shchurovsky peak, to Chatyn-Tau. “One of the most majestic and beautiful mountains of the Caucasus is Ushba, which ends with two peaks,” notes the Guide to the Caucasus Mountains of 1904. “Both peaks are in the form of trihedral pyramids and are amazingly beautiful. The higher of them ... differs in more gentle slopes, the second, on the contrary, is steeper. Almost until recently, Ushba was considered completely inaccessible for climbing. In 1888, the Englishman I.G. Kokkin made the first successful attempt to climb the northern peak. In 1903, five German climbers ... climbed the even more inaccessible southern peak.

And up the Adyl-Su gorge, the road after one kilometer, crossing the bridge over the Shkhelda River, leads in a serpentine to a fork. One road, going to the right into the Shkhelda gorge, leads to the Prielbrusye boarding house, a chic three-story building belonging to the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation. But the boarding house accepts, in addition to high-ranking, and ordinary tourists, and it is certainly pleasant and prestigious to relax here.

The road along the Adyl-Su gorge leads to the educational and methodological center (UMC) "Elbrus" (previously the alpine camp belonged to the Ukrainian sports society "Shakhtar"), located, like other alpine bases, on the left bank of the Adyl-Su River, in a cozy meadow, belted with pines, aspens, birches and bird cherry. Previously, the center worked to train mountaineering instructors, specialists for industrial mountaineering, and now it is increasingly working as a regular mountaineering camp. Border guards who serve in the mountains and master mountaineering equipment for their service also conduct training here.

This is followed by a steep climb, and in front of us is an open area, on which there are a number of cafes and barbecues, where you can make a halt. This site is always crowded, lined up in rows sightseeing buses.

At the Elbrus UMC, the asphalt road ends and already in the form of a gravel road passes over the bridge to the right bank of the Adyl-Su. It offers a beautiful view of Mount Shkhelda and the chain of peaks in the Adyl-Su gorge. An avalanche gun platform can also serve as a viewing point. The road is steep, through alpine meadows, rises to the recreation center "Dzhantugan", located in a forest clearing 7 km from the fork of the Baksan Gorge. Cars quietly rise to the base along the road.

You can also go to "Dzhantugan" along the lower hiking trail, here - by the river, a source of narzan makes its way between the stones.

Previously, "Dzhantugan" (from Turkic - "Soul of Tugan") was climbing camp. Belongs to the Moscow State Technical University (MSTU) named after N.E. Bauman. Students and teachers of the university in "Dzhantugan" not only have a rest, but also improve their tourist and mountaineering skills.

From the road, opposite the "Dzhantugan", the "ice laboratory" of all alp bases looks good - the Kashka-Tash glacier (from Balkar - "bald stones") and peaks: Germagenov Peak - 3993 m; Ullu Kara (from Balkar - "Big Black") - 4302 m; Bzhedukh (from Kabardian - "Stole the horn") -4279 m; the peak of Free Spain. Behind the alpbase you can see the peak of Dzhantugan - 3991 m. The road ends in Dzhantugan, and only along the path winding between rocky ledges, scree and boulders, after 1.5 hours of walking you can reach the glacial Bashkarinsky Lake. Behind the lake, the peaks of Dzhantugan and Bashkara are clearly visible. On the right is the Dzhan-Kuat glacier.
There are smaller lakes nearby, formed by the Dzhan-Kuat glacier. In the distance you can see the whitening peaks of Elbrus. After 2-2.5 hours - we are at the climbing shelter, called the "Green Hotel". The "Green Hotel" is a large meadow, covered with thick grass in summer, with a hut for 20 people. Trails leave the clearing to the Gumachi and Koi-Augan-Aush passes, leading to the neighboring Adyr-Su gorge (link) and to the Dzhantugan pass, leading to Svaneti (Georgia).

Throughout the Adyl-Su gorge, up to a dozen small narzan springs gush in the riverbed, which is a pleasant surprise for tourists who have come a long way, especially during the hot season that happens in the mountains (usually: July - mid-August). The duration of the movement from the beginning of the route to the "Green Hotel" is about 5 hours, the return journey will take 3 hours.

Behind the village of Elbrus, the side gorge Adyl-Su (Old Turkic - “Red Water”) leaves to the left, so named because of the narzan springs in the upper reaches of the river, leaving an orange “rusty” mark on the stones due to the presence of a large amount of iron in the drink (one of translation options; another option - "Adyl" - in Balkar - "beautiful, beautiful", "Su" - "water, mountain river"), is one of the most beautiful places in the Elbrus region. The Adyl-Su River is the right tributary of the Baksan, flowing into it near the village of Elbrus. Both the river and the gorge fully justify their name.

The right (upward) slopes of the gorge are covered with pine forests, where dense thickets of gooseberries, wild roses, raspberries, and lingonberries are found.

The beauty of the Adyl-Su gorge, its accessibility, the abundance of various mountain routes made the gorge the glory of the “Mecca” of mountaineering. The Adyl-Su gorge is the capital of national mountaineering, which gave the world a constellation of names of climbers to the most difficult peaks of the Caucasus, the Pamirs and the Himalayas.

So, the tourist route along the gorge starts from the Saklya cafe, from the Baksan-Azau highway.

Most of the mountaineering bases of Kabardino-Balkaria (three), a boarding house and a recreation center are located in this gorge. Alp base "Adyl-Su" was built 200 meters from the fork in a pine forest, which previously belonged to the sports society "Lokomotiv". Behind the base there is an open mountain slope, where beginner skiers actively train in winter.

Higher up the gorge, the road goes through the forest: in some places the pine forest is replaced by deciduous (birch, maple, mountain ash, bird cherry), where there are boletus, porcini mushroom, boletus, mushrooms, currants, stone berries, etc.

In winter, there is an avalanche danger in a certain area.

Three kilometers from the fork on a steep slope, the Shkhelda mountain base nestled, which used to belong to the Spartak sports society - the cradle of domestic mountaineering, which raised more than one generation of outstanding mountain climbers of the country.
The Shkhelda River, the left tributary of the Adyl-Su, flows into it immediately after the alpine camp.

Immediately behind the alpbase (to the right) is a short but severe Shkhelda gorge (link) with the Shkhelda river (from Balkar - “lingonberries”), starting on the glaciers of the Shkhelda-Tau peak (4368 m). This is not even one peak, but a massive wall with 4 peaks in the Main Caucasian Range.

The route to the Shkhelda glacier to the glade "Smile of Shkhelda" is very popular among tourists. It runs along the left bank of the river and ends for beginner tourists at the Golden Beach near the Shkhelda glacier. Here you can observe an exceptionally curious natural phenomenon - the entire end part of the glacier bears a thick layer of rock destruction products (the surface of the glacier was covered with rock fragments as a result of a grand collapse that occurred in the 60s of the 19th century).

The stone flooring protects the glacier from melting, and therefore it does not retreat, like all the glaciers of the Elbrus region. Large pines have grown on this drift, reaching with their roots the surface of a glacier hidden underground. Along the moraine of the glacier there are routes popular with climbers: to the peaks of Shkhelda and Ushba, to Shchurovsky peak, to Chatyn-Tau. “One of the most majestic and beautiful mountains of the Caucasus is Ushba, which ends with two peaks,” notes the Guide to the Caucasus Mountains of 1904. “Both peaks are in the form of trihedral pyramids and are amazingly beautiful. The higher of them ... differs in more gentle slopes, the second, on the contrary, is steeper. Almost until recently, Ushba was considered completely inaccessible for climbing. In 1888, the Englishman I.G. Kokkin made the first successful attempt to climb the northern peak. In 1903, five German climbers ... climbed the even more inaccessible southern peak.

And up the Adyl-Su gorge, the road after one kilometer, crossing the bridge over the Shkhelda River, leads in a serpentine to a fork. One road, going to the right into the Shkhelda gorge, leads to the Prielbrusye boarding house, a chic three-story building owned by the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation. But the boarding house accepts, in addition to high-ranking, and ordinary tourists, and it is certainly pleasant and prestigious to relax here.

The road along the Adyl-Su gorge leads to the educational and methodological center (UMC) "Elbrus" (previously the alpine camp belonged to the Ukrainian sports society "Shakhtar"), located, like other alpine bases, on the left bank of the Adyl-Su River, in a cozy meadow, belted with pines, aspens, birches and bird cherry. Previously, the center worked to train mountaineering instructors, specialists for industrial mountaineering, and now it is increasingly working as a regular mountaineering camp. Border guards who serve in the mountains and master mountaineering equipment for their service also conduct training here.

This is followed by a steep climb, and in front of us is an open area, on which there are a number of cafes and barbecues, where you can make a halt. This area is always crowded, tour buses line up in rows.

At the Elbrus UMC, the asphalt road ends and already in the form of a gravel road passes over the bridge to the right bank of the Adyl-Su. It offers a beautiful view of Mount Shkhelda and the chain of peaks in the Adyl-Su gorge. An avalanche gun platform can also serve as a viewing point. The road is steep, through alpine meadows, rises to the recreation center "Dzhantugan", located in a forest clearing 7 km from the fork of the Baksan Gorge. Cars quietly rise to the base along the road.

You can also go to Dzhantugan along the lower hiking trail, here - by the river, a source of narzan makes its way between the stones.

Previously, "Dzhantugan" (from Turkic - "Soul of Tugan") was a climbing camp. Belongs to the Moscow State Technical University (MSTU) named after N.E. Bauman. Students and teachers of the university in "Dzhantugan" not only have a rest, but also improve their tourist and mountaineering skills.

From the road, opposite the "Dzhantugan", the "ice laboratory" of all alp bases looks good - the Kashka-Tash glacier (from Balkar - "bald stones") and peaks: Germagenov Peak - 3993 m; Ullu Kara (from Balkar - "Big Black") - 4302 m; Bzhedukh (from Kabardian - "Stole the horn") -4279 m; the peak of Free Spain. Behind the alpbase you can see the peak of Dzhantugan - 3991 m. The road ends in Dzhantugan, and only along the path winding between rocky ledges, scree and boulders, after 1.5 hours of walking you can reach the glacial Bashkarinsky Lake. Behind the lake, the peaks of Dzhantugan and Bashkara are clearly visible. On the right is the Dzhan-Kuat glacier.
There are smaller lakes nearby, formed by the Dzhan-Kuat glacier. In the distance you can see the whitening peaks of Elbrus. After 2-2.5 hours - we are at the climbing shelter, called the "Green Hotel". The "Green Hotel" is a large clearing, covered with thick grass in summer, with a hut for 20 people. Trails leave the clearing to the Gumachi and Koi-Augan-Aush passes, leading to the neighboring Adyr-Su gorge (link) and to the Dzhantugan pass, leading to Svaneti (Georgia).

Throughout the Adyl-Su gorge, up to a dozen small narzan springs gush in the riverbed, which is a pleasant surprise for tourists who have come a long way, especially during the hot season that happens in the mountains (usually: July - mid-August). The duration of the movement from the beginning of the route to the "Green Hotel" is about 5 hours, the return journey will take 3 hours.

Traffic schedule

Brief description of the route in the Adyl-Suu gorge

The main part of the route starts from the fork in the road at the turn into the gorge. Adyl-Suu. Altitude 1800 m. Then follow on foot 7 km to the meadow of cats. The first 2.5 km pass along the road going southeast along the Adyl-Suu gorge to the "Shkhelda" a/l Suu." Here the group stops for a short rest. After rest, the group moves on. To the right of the road is the Yusengi ridge, to the left is the Kurma ridge, right in the alignment of the GKH gorge. The Kurma Ridge and Yusengi are spurs of the GKH. To the left along the road is the Adyl-Suu River. A \\ l "Shkhelda" bypass on the road, on the left at the bridge the next stop for rest. Then cross the bridge over the Shkhelda River - the left tributary of the Adyl-Suu River and go further along the road that turns east. The Shkhelda Gorge extends to the south. The road passes over the bridge over the Adyl-Suu and then goes along the right side of the Adyl-Suu gorge, along the southern slope of the Kurma ridge. On the right along the Adyl-Suu River - a \\ l "Elbrus". After 5 km, the road from the fork comes to the a/l "Dzhan-Tuugan". Having passed the camp, you should follow the road to a clearing. The road ends here. After lunch with dry rations, the group returns along the path of ascent back.

Routes

What to take with you on a hike?

As a rule, on a hike, they complain much more often about a heavy backpack than about a lack of things !!! Therefore, it is better to leave everything superfluous at home. Remember that in addition to things, you still have to carry food, a sleeping bag and a tent!

List of personal equipment

Together with the contract, we send the corresponding list of things. Usually there are a lot of questions about it. To do this, just below, there is a section "More".

The equipment lists we send are recommendations! Just because you don't have something doesn't mean you should rush to buy it. Not!

After reading our list, you make your own from the things that you have! If you didn’t find something, then consult with us, and we will tell you what it can be replaced with!

This list is designed for trips up to 1 class. with overnight stays up to -5.

bivouac equipment

1. backpack (from 70l for girls; from 80l for men), rug, sleeping bag (extreme -5/-10 and below) - if available, you can take everything in the club (500 rubles per set).
2. waterproof cape on the backpack (if available)
3. a large plastic bag (about 120 l), dense (for things) - required
4. tourist seat (a piece of tourist rug with an elastic band) is a very useful thing!
5. personal utensils (KLMN) - metal or plastic!
6. work gloves 1 pair
7. sealed matches (tradition) - optional
8. empty plastic bottle (1 -1.5l)

Clothing and footwear
9. sleepwear
comfortable option: Set of thermal underwear “keep warm” (thermal underwear made of synthetic materials works better!) + ordinary woolen socks and a hat;
a budget option:- leotards or warm tights;
- vest (vest or turtleneck or something similar);
- ordinary woolen socks and a hat;
10. storm suit (will help to survive bad weather)
budget option: A cape like a raincoat or “Poncho” - always made of waterproof dense synthetic material such as “bologne” (Never polyethylene and NOT rubberized tarpaulin and NOT a raincoat!);
middle option: Waterproof and windproof hooded jacket and pants (NOT warm, thin, bologna);
practical option: Waterproof and windproof, but breathable jacket with a hood and trousers made of a membrane (water-resistant from 15000 mm). The pants of this set can be simultaneously running (paragraph 11).
11. running suit
o pants made of synthetic materials that dry quickly or do not get wet and breathe;
o shirt with long sleeves and a collar (excellent protection from the sun), or "fleece" if it's cool;
as well as:
comfortable option: Thermal underwear “wicking moisture away from the body” (top - we recommend taking with long sleeves; pants - optional, usually running pants are enough);
budget option: cotton T-shirt or light vest;
12. not to freeze in the evening (the temperature can drop to 0 even in July/August):
o Putting on “sleeping clothes” (point 10);
o Dry running pants on top (point 11), if necessary, a jacket or cape (point 10);
as well as:
o 1 or 2 fleece sweatshirts (or a wool sweater with a neckline);
o warm autumn jacket or down vest;
o warm gloves or mittens.
13. shoes
o walking shoes (trekking boots - high! With a good embossed sole!);
o a change of shoes - sports sandals (with a zippered heel) or sneakers.
14. socks 2-5 pairs (1-2 pairs preferably trekking)
15. underwear
16. bathing suit - (on request and depending on the tour program)
17. Headwear for protection from the sun (Panama, bandana, etc.) - a must!
18. sunglasses
19. gaiters (optional).

Personal care products
20. wash accessories
21. small towel (one!)
22. sunscreen!!!

Special equipment:
23. LED flashlight (headlamp) + spare batteries
24. Hiking MINI first aid kit (very small, compact and light!)
You do NOT need to take a car plastic case with a bunch of medicines!
Take:
o something that only you may need (for example, a certain antibiotic, etc.) or specific drugs that you use, and they are unlikely to be in the group first aid kit!
o something that is hard to take at all: colds (Fervex or Coldrex, nasal drops, etc.); a small plate of corn patches; a pair of plates of activated carbon; a plate of enzymes (panzinorm, festal, unienzym), if there are problems with digestion, an elastic bandage; a small dressing bandage, brilliant green.
25. camera (optional)
26. mobile phone (optional)
27. trekking poles (highly recommended for people with sore joints);

Documentation:
28. Passport - Definitely!
29. Medical insurance policy
30. Emergency Money If this is your first time going on an active tour, be sure to re-read the section.
And most importantly, remember that everything should be as light and compact as possible!

More:

Backpack

For men, the backpack should be at least 80 liters, for women - at least 60. Do not think that buying a small backpack will make it easier. This will only add to your problems with packing things. The backpack should be large, but there may not be enough things in it.

By the way, absolutely all your things should fit INSIDE the backpack. Hanging something outside, you risk losing it or tearing it against the bushes. A rug attached to the side of the backpack will quickly become “shaggy”.

Tent

If you already have a tent and you want to take it on a trip, be sure to write us its characteristics (capacity, weight, etc.).

sleeping bag

If you plan to buy a sleeping bag, then read the recommendations. Sleeping bags can be taken at the club, ask about availability when applying.

Tourist rug (foam, karemat, trapik)

On such rugs, everyone has been engaged in gyms more than once. Their main purpose is thermal insulation, not to miss the cold of the earth to a person. The best option is a traditional rug. They are also available from us, subject to availability.

Telescopic trekking poles

A thing in principle optional, but popular lately. They are something like lightweight folding ski poles that are used when walking. Designed to relieve part of the load from the legs, and also provide two additional points of support. You can get by with one telescopic stick, an ordinary ski stick, or not use them at all.

Storm clothes

If bad weather catches us on the way, and we still need to go to the parking lot, then storm clothes will help keep warm and not get sick. Ideal when:

• Windbreaker jacket from membrane fabrics such as Gore-Tex, which will protect you from wind and rain, and at the same time will not let you sweat due to the “breathability” of the membrane. The jacket must be with a hood. Without a hood, you can easily inflate your head and ears. A normal membrane jacket costs from 2000 rubles. If you are persuaded to take a membrane for 1500, then it is better to buy an ordinary camouflage jacket in overalls for 500 rubles. The easiest option is a raincoat. But it is better to take several of them, as they are quickly torn.
• Waterproof pants just like a jacket, these pants may not let water through, but not breathe (then you can buy them in the same overalls). Either these are good membrane pants, which will also serve as running pants, which will help you lighten the weight of the backpack (the cost of such pants is from 1500 rubles.)

As an option, you can take a raincoat with a windproof suit

Raincoat

The most budget option is polyethylene raincoats. But be prepared for the fact that such a cloak will tear very quickly. It's better to have a couple of spares.

Much better for hiking, special rain ponchos made of durable waterproof fabric are suitable. Such a raincoat-poncho covers both a person and a backpack at once. This allows you to save on buying a separate cape for a backpack.

Cape on a backpack

Do not believe the claims of manufacturers and sellers that their backpacks do not get wet. Only a sheet of iron does not get wet! It can be a separate cape for a backpack or a large rain poncho that covers a person and a backpack at once. The presence of a cape does not negate the need to pack all things in plastic bags! You can do without a cape, only you will need to pack all things hermetically.

Shoes

Depending on the hike, boots or sneakers with a firm, embossed sole may be suitable. Lightweight sports sandals are great as a spare shoe. Shoes before the trip must be broken in - several times to go out in it for training, on a weekend hike. Otherwise, bloody calluses will become your constant companions.

Trousers

The ideal option is lightweight synthetic sweatpants with a mesh lining. Such pants weigh little, dry quickly right on the body, they are not bitten by mosquitoes. But again, it depends on the region and time of year. We do not advise you to take jeans on a hike.- they are heavy, uncomfortable when walking for a long time, and when they get wet they tinder and dry for a long time. It's a bad idea to use wide leather belts like army ones when hiking. Under a backpack, they can easily rub your lower back or literally crush your sides.

T-shirt

A regular T-shirt will do, but a thermal T-shirt made from a special fabric (for example, Polartec PowerDry) is ideal. Clothing made from such fabric most effectively removes sweat from the surface of the body and dries very quickly. As a result, you will feel "dry and comfortable" even under a backpack. The prefix "thermo" does not mean at all that this is a T-shirt with a miracle stove, it just dries quickly.

Warm sweater, sweatshirt

Even in summer you may need warm clothes. In the mountains, the weather changes at lightning speed, you need to be prepared for this. The ideal option is a sweatshirt made of Polartec fabric or plain fleece. A regular wool sweater will also work. Cotton sweaters and other nonsense are categorically not suitable. In shops like "overalls" you can buy a very warm fleece sweatshirt within 1000 rubles. And in stores like Decathlon, and at all for 350r.

Warm hat and gloves

Despite the fact that the hike is summer, a woolen hat and warm gloves will not interfere. Depending on the hike and altitude, the overnight temperature can drop to 0 degrees.

Headdress

In the mountains, increased ultraviolet radiation, so it is necessary to protect the ears, nose and head from the sun. For this, a light panama or a cap is perfect.

Socks

Ordinary cotton socks can be combined with woolen ones. The main thing is that the foot fits snugly in the shoe. There are also special hiking socks. They are made of a material that wicks sweat well, have no seams and fit snugly on the leg. This reduces the likelihood of callus formation. Pleasure is not cheap, but very durable.

Mug, spoon, bowl, knife (KLMN)

Camping utensils should be light, durable and ... roomy. Accordingly, ceramic mugs, cast-iron plates and flat saucers are categorically not suitable for hiking. Disposable tableware is strictly not suitable. No forks needed at all. As for the knife, it should be within the limits of what is permitted (from the point of view of the law, it should not be a melee weapon), especially if you have to go across the border.

Towel

Do not take large terry so-called bath towels. We recommend taking small towels that fold compactly! As an option, a special microfiber tourist towel (quick-drying and highly absorbent fabric), which can absorb moisture 7 times its volume. You can find it in expedition stores. (It costs about 150 rubles).

Empty plastic bottle

In this bottle you will carry water for drinking throughout the day. For this, 1-1.5 liter bottles are best suited. It is convenient to fasten them under the ties on the side of the backpack.

LED flashlight

Believe me, a flashlight will definitely come in handy on a hike! The most convenient option is a headlamp, LED flashlight. It is inexpensive (80-200r) and at the same time extremely convenient. One set of batteries lasts for a LED flashlight for more than 100 hours of glow, while a regular one “eats up” batteries in just a few hours. What you definitely don't need to take on a hike is huge and heavy lanterns like policemen.

First aid kit

A first aid kit should be light and at the same time versatile. Mandatory are peroxide, brilliant green, bandage. Be sure to take a lot of plaster (bactericidal and regular). You will also need cold medicines, activated charcoal and something for the stomach. Elastic bandage and anesthetic ointment will help in case of joint problems. If you need specific medicines for a specific condition, don't forget to bring them (and let us know as well!). In general, take only what you know how to use.

Sunscreen

During the hike, you will be under open sky. And if from the very first day you do not protect yourself from the sun's rays, you risk seriously getting burned. Use a sunscreen with a high SPF of at least 30.

Other hygiene

Girls tend to take a huge arsenal of creams and various cosmetic products on a hike. But in vain - as a result, such a cosmetic bag can weigh a couple of extra pounds. We strongly recommend everyone to minimize the amount of cosmetics and other drugs - if you can not take it, then at least pour it into a small vial. As experience shows, the weight of an ideal cosmetic bag should not be more than 1 kg. But let everyone take on toilet paper - it is never superfluous).

Camera

We immediately warn you that there will be nowhere to recharge equipment on a hike. Therefore, either save batteries or take spare ones. There will be no time to use photo tripods, so you don’t need to take them.

Mobile phone.

Better take. As a rule, there are places along the route where the phone picks up. The instructor will tell you about it. The rest of the time, the phone must be turned off.

Don't take it with you

• Axes, saws. (We will provide you with everything you need)
• Photo tripod - (except for auto and photo tours, as well as tours with porters)
• Boilers, gas burners
• Heavy books and magazines
• Extra food

Hiking schedule

Route cost calculation

A long time ago I heard from my dad the magic, mysterious word "Shkhelda". I saw this mountain range in photographs, read about it and knew that despite its relatively low altitude (4100-4300 meters above sea level), it is even more difficult than Elbrus in terms of climbing. Shkhelda (translated from the Kabardino-Balkarian "lingonberries") you just need to see to understand that you are in love with her forever.

It is through the Adyl-Su gorge ("Red Water" in the lane from Turkic, or "Beautiful River" in the lane from Balkar) that you can get to Shkhelda and most of the alpine camps that survived in Kabardino-Balkaria after the collapse of the USSR (I don’t take calculation of "Bezengi" and "Ullu-Tau"). There are several of them - right at the turn in the gorge, 200 meters from the federal highway, the Adyl-Su mountain base, after 3 km - the Shkhelda mountain camp, even further - Dzhantugan. From this gorge, the road leads to the border with Georgia, so there is a border checkpoint along the way. We went to the "Shkhelda" alpine camp on the basis of our passports and Dasha's birth certificate, but in order to move on, we need a pass.

The Adyl-Su gorge is one of the most beautiful in the Elbrus region and is famous as the Mecca of Soviet mountaineering. To see at least the main part of its beauties, you need fast transport, some money, and also time (I think a couple of days, but this is offhand). We didn’t have all this, so all that we had in the half-day that remained before leaving for Nalchik was to walk along the path towards the Shkheldinsky massif. But even that was enough for us to want to come back.

View of the Baksan gorge from the Adyl-Su gorge.

Pine forest in Adyl-Su.

We turned into Adyl-Su immediately after, and spent the whole afternoon there. Asphalt road gradually gains height immediately starting from the turn from the federal highway, along it along the bank of the Adyl-Su river there is a hiking trail. The "Forest Fairy Tale" trail, which I mentioned above, passes right there. Starting in the park of the Elbrus village, it turns from the Baksan Gorge to Adyl-Su and passes through various natural attractions - you can admire mountain river, powerful pine trees, beautiful flowers, thickets of raspberries and lingonberries, huge mossy boulders, find out what birds live here and so on. For a long time we could not understand what kind of thoughtful signs ("Rock Garden", for example) accompany our path, until it dawned on us that we were walking along an ecological path. In my opinion, it is a great idea to show schoolchildren the beauty of their native land, instill a love for nature and take a walk in the fresh air for one.

It is not for nothing that the Adyl-Su river is nicknamed "red" - it is filled with narzans with a high iron content, which is why the stones at the bottom of the gorge have acquired a reddish hue. Several springs are encountered along the trail.

Brook along the way.

Memorial plaque about the deceased boy who died in the mountains (can be read, clickable).

A snowfield flowing directly across the road into the Adyl-Su River.

The road forks right after the checkpoint. The main one goes further, deep into the gorge, and we turned right, to the Shkhelda alpine camp, which is located on the banks of the river of the same name and at the entrance to the gorge named after it. Alpine camp not the moment of our arrival "dozed": it was deserted and quiet, and only a light at the entrance to the dining room illuminated a small circle on the concrete floor. From the window of the second floor, a peppy grandfather looked out.

Alpine camp does not work! he said. - The first race is only from May 15th.
- What can you see here in an hour and a half?
- Yes, Shkhelda, of course. No, you won’t reach the glacier, - the old man said, looking critically at our family. - You need a pass there, and you won’t have time in an hour. But you will see the mountain from afar.

Danya fulfills the norms of "TRP for dads".

Pull-ups with weighting in the form of a baby. It is complicated by the fact that it is necessary not to wake the child.

Danya as the devil.

Old-school equipment hung on a boulder in an alpine camp - probably to teach or inspire ungrateful descendants.

The path from the alpine camp turns sharply into the Shkhelda gorge and passes in some places through rather obscure places for passing them with a child - there are unpleasant cliffs. The trail is very well trodden (still, so many generations of climbers have passed here), but we came across a section with a snowfield flowing into the river, we had to follow it. The vegetation changes dramatically - from the dense pine forest the path breaks out into the open space above the forest zone, there are already crooked birches and thorny bushes. The slopes are prone to avalanches. There are constantly signs in memory of the dead climbers - many were taken by Ushba, the routes to which also begin here.

A cliff along the edge of which the path passes. Below the river Shkhelda.

On the path.

Snowdrop flowing into Shkhelda.










First view of Shkhelda.

A fat slug that crawled across our path.

The rhododendron has not bloomed yet.

Commemorative plaques.

Grandpa was right. We did not reach the glacier in an hour and a half, but according to the map, it was not that far from us. We ran into a sign "Stop!", immediately after which the path dived into a cliff, and then again rose steeply on its other side. The control time for turning back is 19:00, the clock is already 19:20, the sun is setting, and we are still having a snack and taking pictures. Dasha woke up after a long trip and walks with "legs", there is no time for exploits and forced marches.

Here we followed the recommendations of the stand and stopped.

From afar, we could see only part of the Shkhelda massif, but the unexpectedly fine weather more than compensated for everything. Every line on the snow-white sheet of steep walls was visible, graceful curves, toothy peaks against the blue sky. Shkhelda is indeed a beauty. Words cannot convey this, and my photographs very, very remotely reflect reality. Just go there, you won't regret it.

The couloir that blocked our path behind a sign. We decided not to go any further.

You can read more about the sights of the Adyl-Su gorge at the link.

Epilogue

Of course, we didn't have enough time. Of course, you can get stuck in the Elbrus region - sometimes for a lifetime, it is so attractive. If you make a request "attractions of the Elbrus region", helpful Google or Yandex will give out a lot of links for every taste - and for lovers skiing, and for lovers of mountaineering, and just trekking, and for lovers of mineral springs and historical monuments, for lovers of botany and biology, glaciology and geology, for children, teenagers, adults, pensioners. But I would like to end with this.

I would like to remind you that despite the accessibility, the Elbrus region is a national park, and a certain regime of nature management, or rather, even nature conservation, is established by law here. An environmental fee (50 rubles or so) is paid for being present in the park, but this does not help save it from the onslaught of civilization and the carelessness of people.

When you come here by car, you rush along the beautiful banks of the Baksan, admiring the peaks and admiring the views from the window. But if you walk, then you see that the river banks, and sometimes the slopes of the mountains, are simply littered with garbage - beer cans, napkins, bottles, plastic, even toilet bowls (!). I consider it barbaric to come / come to national park, yes, in general, anywhere, and leave behind at least a piece of paper.

Elbrus is not just a national park. This is the place where mountains live and where you can not only see them, but also feel them. Therefore, please, when going on a date to the mountains, behave politely and try to take care of them.

The Adyl-Su gorge is a tract of the river of the same name. This water stream originates on the top of the Caucasus Mountains, mainly from the melting of the Dzhankuat glacier, and flows through the expanses of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic of Russia. The Adyl-Su River flows along the Elbrus region and is a tributary of one of the largest rivers in this region - the Baksan.

The beauty of it natural object attracts many tourists. The Adyl-Su gorge, the photo of which we present in our article, is located between the Adyl and Yusengi ridges. The length of the crevice between the mountain peaks is 15 km. In this way, the water flow moves from the very peaks of the Main along the entire Baksan valley to its mouth.

Description of the gorge

The beauty of nature is difficult to convey in words, this must be seen. This place is especially beautiful in summer, when the slopes of the surrounding mountains are covered with green grasses with flowering plants. Then they resemble alpine meadows. The smell in the air at this time is unusual. The sharp tops of the rocky mountains surround the valley from all sides. The glaciers that stretch their outgrowths into the Adyl-Su gorge are dissected by breaks from melting and sparkle white against the green background of vegetation.

Here in the natural expanse you can meet grazing mountain goats or sarn. Several peaks look at the fault at once, so many climbers start their ascents from this point, because sportsmen call the Adyl-Su gorge a "green hotel". Although translated from Kabardino-Balkarian, adyl means "beautiful, beautiful", suu means "river".

There are many streams and small lakes on the territory, which periodically fill up due to the melting of glaciers and snow caps of the surrounding peaks. The area is covered with a magnificent pine forest, which is also interesting to explore, passing along the narrow paths of the forest.

Authorization permission

But just to look at the beauty of this place will not work. The Adyl-Su Gorge in the Elbrus region is located just on the border between two states: Russia and Georgia. To pass through the border zone, you need to get a pass. This procedure is free, but it takes time. It is better to order it in advance on the Internet, through the site border service Russian Federation. There is a sample application. They will write it to the checkpoint where the tourist will subsequently receive it.

If you have already arrived at the place, then you can do this at the border office. You have to wait three days. During this period, you can plan a visit to other natural attractions, which are in abundance here. Some climbers or rock climbers, at their own peril and risk, start a journey without any permits. You can, of course, do so, if you are not afraid of meeting with border guards and you have time to find out all the details. Without a pass, it is allowed to go only to "Dzhantugan". So everyone should decide for himself this question for himself, but the best option all the same, he will arrange everything according to the law, as it should be, so as not to spoil such an amazing adventure as climbing the mountains with unnecessary delays and troubles.

How to get there

You can fly to the Elbrus region through the airports of Nalchik and Mineralnye Vody (liners from most cities in the country fly there), but it is more convenient to get to the place of travel from Nalchik. From airports or bus stations, you need to transfer to buses, minibuses or take a taxi to get to the nearest village to the gorge called Terskol. It is located in the upper

dangerous acquaintances

It is best to get by public transport, since, according to witnesses, there are cases when private traders offer their services very cheaply, and then they bring them into dark nooks and crannies and extort money, knowing that tourists take a lot of money with them on vacation. Also dangerous are meetings with strangers who can capture and sell the traveler into slavery, especially if he is on his own way. In order not to risk your freedom and life, as well as to keep your cash safe and sound, it is better not to use the services of strangers. If you missed the last bus in the Elbrus region, then it is better to stay overnight at the Nalchik hotel, and in the morning calmly, without risks, get to the place by bus.

"Green Hotel"

The peaks of the Adyl-Su gorge form a beautiful valley, which is one of the most impressive places in the Elbrus region. Since an asphalt road approaches this place, it is the most accessible for most lovers of conquering mountain heights. There are four camps for climbers in the valley, which from this "green hotel" go to various mountain routes developed by instructors.

From the mouth of the gorge there is a good road to the Elbrus camp, but a dirt road already stretches higher, which will lead travelers to the rest of the "green hotel" camps. There are "Adyl-Su", "Shkhelda", "Dzhantugan".

The terrain is flat and great for stopping hikers and climbers. A little higher up the mountainside, near the edge of the Dzhankuat glacier, there is also a camp, but it is the base of glaciologists, scientists and students who study eternal ice, their physical properties and the impact of glaciers on our planet.

Glacier

On Mount Dzhantugan (translated from Balkar means "birth of the soul"), which starts from the gorge, there is a glacier, dotted with breaks and crevices. This is a very dangerous place where it is better not to be even for experienced climbers, not to mention ordinary amateurs. wildlife. Directly from the camp in the tent camp of the "green hotel" you need to go through the gorge with the Adyl-Su water stream. From the trail you can see such peaks of the Elbrus region: Bashkara - 4241 m, Dzhantugan - 3991 m, Chatyn - 4368 m, Ushba - 4710 m, Gumachi - 3805 m, Caucasus peak - 4037 m.

The Kashka-tash glacier hanging over the ledge of the mountain fills Lake Bashkarinskoye in the summer in the Adyl-Su gorge. Although the water is cold, you can refresh yourself in the summer heat in the clear water of a transparent lake.

A few words about the reservoir

The water bowl was formed in the late 30s of the last century as a result of the melting of "dead" ice that fell off the glacier. Now the volume of the lake is 800 thousand cubic meters of water, and its depth is 33 meters. It is not the only one on the mountain. Due to the melting of the glacier, new depressions and cracks are constantly formed, filled with water. So far, they have not been mapped yet, but this will happen soon, as moraine lakes grow more and more every year.

There is no surface runoff from the lake, but scientists consider it one of the most dangerous places in the Elbrus region. More than once, the force of the water mass filling the lake has made itself felt by breakthroughs and the formation of mudflows. The very first collapse occurred in 1958-1959. The cause of such a disaster was the breakthrough of the grotto in the body of the glacier and the erosion of the ice dam.

Adyl-Su Gorge: Mudflow

Let's first understand what a mudflow is and why a mudflow is dangerous. During the melting of snow or a glacier and due to numerous precipitations in the spring-autumn period, a mudflow or (in Arabic) can suddenly form. Water along the road picks up fragments of stones, rocks, has a high concentration of mineral particles and soil.

Mudflow is a rather thick layer of water. Although its promotion lasts only a couple of hours, it has a terrible destructive power. Mudflow velocity ranges from 2-6 m/s. In the course of the current, he can lay a deep channel. Usually these are either dry places or small streams. After such a disaster, mountains of dirt and stones are left, which subsequently harden.

The mudflow has a frontal part, a huge shaft that moves forward, demolishing all objects in its path. There are streams consisting of several shafts replacing each other. Such a force of heavy water is accompanied by serious changes in the riverbed.

Mudflow danger

In the Adyl-Su gorge, mudflows come down quite often, especially in recent years. Everyone suffers from such a formidable force: people die, cars, roads, entire villages are washed into the water, the gas pipeline suffers. The power of mudflows was also recognized by some tourists who were trapped. The authorities are constantly organizing rescue work. Several towers with observers have been built, who are trying to anticipate the formation of a mudflow.

But, unfortunately, this is not always possible. More often, a collapse occurs with such explosive force that the sound travels for many kilometers. In early September 2017, a mudflow descended into the Baksan gorge of Adyl-Su, three cars with people were washed away by a mass of traffic during the failure of the route, people died, the gas pipeline broke, several villages were left without gas. Authorities evacuated people by helicopter.

Tourist groups were cut off from the rest of the world, including children. locals they said that they had never seen such a powerful mudflow in their lives. The road was washed away in several places, bridges were destroyed.

Adyl-Su Gorge has long been one of the favorite places for photographers, climbers and freeriders. The first are delighted with the majestic beauty of these places, the second strive to conquer the mountain peaks, on which the snow never melts, and the third - to go down from these peaks on skis and snowboards.

The Adyl-Su Gorge is located in Kabardino-Balkaria and belongs to the Elbrus region, an area where almost every skiing fan dreams of visiting, not to mention freeriders and heli-ski fans. For them, Adyl-Su is of particular interest - the number of mountain peaks with untouched "powder" is in the tens, the snow on their slopes lies until the summer, and the length of the descent can reach 6 km. Among the numerous routes laid along the Adyl-Su gorge, there are both very difficult and quite simple ones, including completely tourist ones that do not require special climbing skills or high skiing skills.

What else can you do in the Adyl-Su Gorge?

The list of additional services varies depending on the chosen place of residence. Most alpine camps offer entertainment familiar to many - sports grounds, equipment rental, gazebos for barbecue, saunas, excursions, and so on.

When does the ski season start in the Adyl-Su Gorge?

The duration of the season in the Adyl-Su gorge depends only on natural factors. Usually, enough snow for skiers falls by November, and you can ride in the mountains until summer. The climate in the gorge is quite mild, there are almost no serious frosts in winter and there are many sunny days, but in the mountains the situation is changing - the thermometer drops lower and lower, the avalanche danger is growing, so you should not go alone to conquer the mountains, there is a risk of not returning alive and healthy .

How to get to the Adyl-Su gorge?

First, you need to get to Nalchik or Mineralnye Vody, where planes from Moscow and other cities often fly. Then, take a bus to the village of Tereskol and get off after leaving the village of Elbrus, before reaching the village of Tegenekli. A good paved road leads to the gorge, along which you will have to walk to the desired camp. From Nalchik to the entrance to the gorge it takes about 2.5 hours, from Mineralnye Vody - about 3 hours.

By car from Nalchik along the A158 road to the turn into the gorge and further to the destination. From Mineralnye Vody, first go along the E50 highway, then turn onto A158 (in Baksan) and then move along the same route.

How much does it cost to stay in the Adyl-Su Gorge and where is the best place to stay?

There are no hotels in the usual sense of the word in the Adyl-Su gorge. It is proposed to live in alpine camps, where there are one or two capital buildings with amenities on the floor or even on the street. At the very beginning of the gorge, the Adyl-Su alpine camp is located; tourists are waiting for a 2-storey building with meals and double rooms for 1,500 rubles. per day. The next in the direction of travel is the Shkhelda alpine camp, where you can stay in a hotel, cottages, houses or tents.

The cost of living in "Shkhelda" starts from 1,800 rubles. (and food too). Similar prices are in the Elbrus camp, but the famous Dzhantugan has become the sports base of the Moscow State Technical University named after N.E. Bauman, so it is now problematic to stay there. Closest to the mountain peaks is the "Green Hotel" - a large clearing, from where climbing begins and where those who want to live as close to Nature as possible pitch tents.

At the turn to the Adyl-Su gorge, there are several more comfortable hotels with noticeably different prices. For example, the Sky Elbrus hotel offers 2-bed standard rooms for 7,800 rubles. per day, and in the hotel "Peak of Europe" a similar room costs from 1,100 rubles. and there are options with renting a bed for 400 rubles.