sailboat water tank repair

Privacy Guaranteed - your email is never shared with anyone, opt out any time.

Kabardino-Balkaria

• Part of a series on the Circassians Адыгэхэр Circassia

Kabardino-Balkaria ( Russian : Кабарди́но-Балка́рия ), officially the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic , [note 1] [10] [11] [12] is a republic of Russia located in the North Caucasus . As of the 2021 Census , its population was   904,200. [13] Its capital is Nalchik . The area contains the highest mountain in Europe, Mount Elbrus , at 5,642   m (18,510   ft) . Mount Elbrus has 22 glaciers that feed three rivers — Baksan , Malka and Kuban . The mountain is covered with snow year-round.

Natural resources

Administrative divisions, demographics, vital statistics, ethnic groups, external links.

The republic is situated in the North Caucasus mountains, with plains in the northern part. The republic shares an international border with Georgia .

• Area : 12,500 square kilometers (4,800   sq   mi)
• internal : Stavropol Krai (N/NE), North Ossetia–Alania (E/SE/S), Karachay–Cherkessia (W/NW)
• international : Georgia ( Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti , Zemo Svaneti ) (S/SW)
• Highest point : Mount Elbrus (5,642   m)
• Maximum N->S distance : 167 kilometers (104   mi)
• Maximum E->W distance : 123 kilometers (76   mi)

Kabardino-Balkaria is traversed by the northeasterly line of equal latitude and longitude.

Major rivers include:

• Terek River (623   km)
• Malka River (216   km)
• Baksan River (173   km)
• Urukh River (104   km)
• Chegem River (102   km)
• Cherek River (76   km)
• Argudan River
• Kurkuzhin River
• Lesken River

There are about 100 lakes in the Republic, none of which is large. Just over half (55) are located between the Baksan and Malka Rivers, the largest each of an area of no more than 0.01 square kilometers (0.0039   sq   mi) . Some of the lakes are:

• Tserikkel Lake (area 26,000   m 2 ; depth 368   m)
• Lower Goluboye Lake
• Kel-Ketchen Lake (depth 177   m)
• Upper Tserikkel Lake (depth 18   m)
• Sekretnoye Lake
• Tambukan Lake (area 1.77   km 2 ; depth 1.5 to 2   m), partially within Stavropol Krai.
• Mount Elbrus (5,642   m), a volcanic mountain and the highest peak in Europe , Russia , and the Caucasus

Other major mountains include:

• Mount Dykhtau (5,402   m)
• Mount Koshtantau (5,151   m)
• Mount Shkhara (5,068   m)
• Pushkin Peak (5,033   m)
• Mount Mizhergi (5,025   m)

Kabardino-Balkaria's natural resources include molybdenum , tungsten , and coal .

The republic has a continental-type climate.

• Average January temperature : −12   °C (10   °F) (mountains) to −4   °C (25   °F) (plains)
• Average July temperature : +4   °C (39   °F) (mountains) to +23   °C (73   °F) (plains)
• Average annual precipitation : 500–2,000   mm.

It is known that modern-day Circassians also called Kassogs were inhabiting Kabardino Balkaria since at least the 6th century BCE, then known as Zichia. [14] On 1 July 1994 Kabardino-Balkaria became the second republic after Tatarstan to sign a power-sharing agreement with the federal government, granting it autonomy. [15]

The head of government in Kabardino-Balkaria is the Head . The current Head is Kazbek Kokov . [16] The legislative body of the Republic is the Parliament comprising 72 deputies elected for a five-year term. [3] [17]

The republic adopted a new constitution in 2001 which prevents the republic from existing independently of the Russian Federation. [18]

• Nalchik (Нальчик) (capital)
• Baksan (Баксан)
• Prokhladny (Прохладный)
• Baksansky (Баксанский)
• Chegem (Чегем)
• Chereksky (Черекский)
• Tyrnyauz (Тырныауз)
• Leskensky (Лескенский)
• Maysky (Майский)
• Prokhladnensky (Прохладненский)
• Terek (Терек)
• Nartkala (Нарткала)
• Zolsky (Зольский)

Population : 904,200   ( 2021 Census ) ; [13] 859,939   ( 2010 Russian census ) ; [19] 901,494   ( 2002 Census ) ; [20] 759,586   ( 1989 Soviet census ) . [21]

Life expectancy : [22] [23]

Note: TFR 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 source. [26]

Kabardino-Balkaria includes two major ethnic communities, the Kabardins (Circassians), who speak a North-West Caucasian language , and the Balkars who speak a Turkic language . According to the 2021 Census , [27] Kabardins make up 57.1% of the republic's population, followed by Russians (19.8%) and Balkars (13.7%). Other groups include Cherkess (3.0%), Turks (1.9%), Ossetians (0.8%), Romani (0.5%), and a host of smaller groups, each accounting for less than 0.5% of the total population.

According to a 2012 survey which interviewed 56,900 people, [30] 70.8% of the population of Kabardino-Balkaria adhered to Islam , 11.6% to the Russian Orthodox Church , 3.8% were non-Orthodox Christians , and 1.8% followed Adyghe (Kabardian) folk religion and other indigenous faiths. In addition, 12% of the population declared to be " spiritual but not religious " and 5.6% was atheist or followed other religions, including Jehovah's Witnesses . [30]

• Caucasian Avars
• List of the Chairmen of the Parliament of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic
• Minor hydro-electric plants of Kabardino-Balkaria
• Mount Imeon
• ↑ Russian : Кабарди́но-Балка́рская Респу́блика , romanized :   Kabardino-Balkarskaya Respublika ; Kabardian : Къэбэрдей-Балъкъэр Республикэ , romanized:   Ķêbêrdej-Baĺķêr Respublikê ; Karachay-Balkar : Къабарты-Малкъар Республика , romanized:   Qabartı-Malqar Respublika

Related Research Articles

Nalchik is the capital city of Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia, situated at an altitude of 550 meters (1,800 ft) in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains; about 100 kilometers (62 mi) northwest of Beslan. It covers an area of 131 square kilometers (51 sq mi). Population: 247,054 (2021 Census) ; 240,203 (2010 Russian census) ; 274,974 (2002 Census) ; 234,547 (1989 Soviet census) .

Tyrnyauz is a town and the administrative center of Elbrussky District of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Russia, located on the main road leading to the Upper Baksan valley area and on the main climbing route for Mount Elbrus. Population: 21,000 (2010 Russian census) . Tyrnyauz is the largest town in the Baksan Valley and an essential provisioning point for trips into the Elbrus region.

Prokhladny is a town in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Russia, located on the Malka River, 60 kilometers (37 mi) north of Nalchik. Population: 59,601 (2010 Russian census) ; 61,772 (2002 Census) ; 57,084 (1989 Soviet census) .

Terek is a town and the administrative center of Tersky District of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Russia, located on the right bank of the Terek River, 59 kilometers (37 mi) east of Nalchik. Population: 19,170 (2010 Russian census) .

Baksansky District is an administrative and a municipal district (raion), one of the ten in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Russia. It is located in the north of the republic. The area of the district is 829.58 square kilometers (320.30 sq mi). Its administrative center is the town of Baksan. As of the 2010 Census, the total population of the district was 60,970.

Chegemsky District is an administrative and a municipal district (raion), one of the ten in the Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Russia. It is located in the central and southwestern parts of the republic. The area of the district is 1,503.32 square kilometers (580.44 sq mi). Its administrative center is the town of Chegem. As of the 2010 Census, the total population of the district was 69,092, with the population of Chegem accounting for 26.1% of that number.

Elbrussky District is an administrative and a municipal district (raion), one of the ten in the Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Russia. It is located in the western and southwestern parts of the republic. The area of the district is 1,850.43 square kilometers (714.46 sq mi). Its administrative center is the town of Tyrnyauz. As of the 2010 Census, the total population of the district was 36,260, with the population of Tyrnyauz accounting for 57.9% of that number.

Leskensky District is an administrative and a municipal district (raion), one of the ten in the Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Russia. It is located in the southeast of the republic. The area of the district is 523.06 square kilometers (201.95 sq mi). Its administrative center is the rural locality of Anzorey. As of the 2010 Census, the total population of the district was 27,840, with the population of Anzorey accounting for 23.5% of that number.

Maysky District is an administrative and a municipal district (raion), one of the ten in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Russia. It is located in the east of the republic. The area of the district is 384.76 square kilometers (148.56 sq mi). Its administrative center is the town of Maysky. As of the 2010 Census, the total population of the district was 38,625, with the population of the administrative center accounting for 69.3% of that number.

Prokhladnensky District is an administrative and a municipal district (raion), one of the ten in the Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Russia. It is located in the northeast of the republic. The area of the district is 1,342 square kilometers (518 sq mi). Its administrative center is the town of Prokhladny. As of the 2010 Census, the total population of the district was 45,533.

Tersky District is an administrative and a municipal district (raion), one of the ten in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Russia. It is located in the east of the republic. The area of the district is 893.12 square kilometers (344.84 sq mi). Its administrative center is the town of Terek. As of the 2010 Census, the total population of the district was 51,220, with the population of Terek accounting for 37.4% of that number.

Urvansky District is an administrative and a municipal district (raion), one of the ten in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Russia. It is located in the east of the republic. The area of the district is 458 square kilometers (177 sq mi). Its administrative center is the town of Nartkala. As of the 2010 Census, the total population of the district was 71,782, with the population of Nartkala accounting for 44.2% of that number.

Zolsky District is an administrative and a municipal district (raion), one of the ten in the Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Russia. It is located in the western and northwestern parts of the republic. The area of the district is 2,124 square kilometers (820 sq mi). Its administrative center is the rural locality of Zalukokoazhe. As of the 2010 Census, the total population of the district was 48,939, with the population of Zalukokoazhe accounting for 20.1% of that number.

Baksan is a town in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Russia, located 24 kilometers (15 mi) northwest of Nalchik on the left bank of the Baksan River. Population: 60,445 (2021 Census) ; 36,860 (2010 Russian census) ; 35,805 (2002 Census) ; 28,767 (1989 Soviet census) .

Chegem is a town and the administrative center of Chegemsky District of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Russia, located 10 kilometers (6.2 mi) north of Nalchik, at the elevation of about 470 meters (1,540 ft). Population: 18,019 (2010 Russian census) .

Maysky is a town and the administrative center of Maysky District of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Russia, located 40 kilometers (25 mi) northeast of Nalchik, the capital of the republic. Population: 26,755 (2010 Russian census) .

Nartkala is a town and the administrative center of Urvansky District of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Russia, located 25 kilometers (16 mi) northeast of Nalchik. Population: 31,694 (2010 Russian census) .

Anzorey is a rural locality and the administrative center of Leskensky District of the Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Russia. Population: 6,551 (2010 Russian census) ; 6,931 (2002 Census) ;

Kashkhatau is a rural locality and the administrative center of Chereksky District of the Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Russia. Population: 5,295 (2010 Russian census) ; 5,211 (2002 Census) ; 4,412 (1989 Soviet census) .

Zalukokoazhe is a rural locality and the administrative center of Zolsky District of the Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Russia. Population: 9,859 (2010 Russian census) ; 9,276 (2002 Census) ; 6,110 (1989 Soviet census) .

• ↑ Law #13-RZ
• ↑ Constitution of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Article   136
• 1 2 Constitution of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Article   91
• ↑ Constitution of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Article   78
• ↑ Official website of the Head of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. Biography Archived October 28, 2014, at the Wayback Machine (in Russian)
• ↑ "Об исчислении времени". Официальный интернет-портал правовой информации (in Russian). Archived from the original on June 22, 2020 . Retrieved January 19, 2019 .
• 1 2 Constitution of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, Article   76
• ↑ Official throughout the Russian Federation according to Article   68.1 of the Constitution of Russia .
• ↑ "Head of Kabardino-Balkarian Republic reported to the President on the situation in Mount Elbrus region" . President of Russia . September 2, 2017 . Retrieved February 17, 2020 .
• ↑ "Russia's federal constituent entities" . Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation . Retrieved February 17, 2020 .
• ↑ Skutsch, Carl (November 7, 2013). Encyclopedia of the World's Minorities . Routledge. ISBN   978-1-135-19388-1 .
• 1 2 Russian Federal State Statistics Service. Всероссийская перепись населения 2020 года. Том 1 [ 2020 All-Russian Population Census, vol. 1 ] (XLS) (in Russian). Federal State Statistics Service .
• ↑ Kazhdan, A. P.; Talbot, A-M. M.; Cutler, A.; Gregory, T. E.; Ševčenko, N. P., eds. (1991). The Oxford dictionary of Byzantium . New York: Oxford University Press. ISBN   0-19-504652-8 . OCLC   22733550 .
• ↑ Solnick, Steven (May 29, 1996). "Asymmetries in Russian Federation Bargaining" (PDF) . The National Council for Soviet and East European Research : 12.
• ↑ Путин опять увольняет губернаторов, а на их место назначает однофамильцев или бывших губернаторов. А-а-а! Как не запутаться? Вот шпаргалка . Meduza (in Russian) . Retrieved September 26, 2018 .
• ↑ Constitution, Article   94.
• ↑ Bell 2003 , p.   78.
• ↑ Russian Federal State Statistics Service (2011). Всероссийская перепись населения 2010 года. Том   1 [ 2010 All-Russian Population Census, vol.   1 ] . Всероссийская перепись населения 2010   года [2010 All-Russia Population Census] (in Russian). Federal State Statistics Service .
• ↑ Federal State Statistics Service (May 21, 2004). Численность населения России, субъектов Российской Федерации в составе федеральных округов, районов, городских поселений, сельских населённых пунктов   – районных центров и сельских населённых пунктов с населением 3   тысячи и более человек [ Population of Russia, Its Federal Districts, Federal Subjects, Districts, Urban Localities, Rural Localities—Administrative Centers, and Rural Localities with Population of Over 3,000 ] (XLS) . Всероссийская перепись населения 2002   года [All-Russia Population Census of 2002] (in Russian).
• ↑ Всесоюзная перепись населения 1989   г. Численность наличного населения союзных и автономных республик, автономных областей и округов, краёв, областей, районов, городских поселений и сёл-райцентров [ All Union Population Census of 1989: Present Population of Union and Autonomous Republics, Autonomous Oblasts and Okrugs, Krais, Oblasts, Districts, Urban Settlements, and Villages Serving as District Administrative Centers ] . Всесоюзная перепись населения 1989   года [All-Union Population Census of 1989] (in Russian). Институт демографии Национального исследовательского университета: Высшая школа экономики [Institute of Demography at the National Research University: Higher School of Economics]. 1989 – via Demoscope Weekly .
• ↑ "Демографический ежегодник России" [ The Demographic Yearbook of Russia ] (in Russian). Federal State Statistics Service of Russia (Rosstat) . Retrieved June 28, 2022 .
• ↑ "Ожидаемая продолжительность жизни при рождении" [ Life expectancy at birth ] . Unified Interdepartmental Information and Statistical System of Russia (in Russian). Archived from the original on February 20, 2022 . Retrieved June 28, 2022 .
• ↑ Russian Federal State Statistics Service Archived April 12, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
• ↑ "Официальные статистические показатели" (in Russian).
• ↑ "Каталог публикаций::Федеральная служба государственной статистики" . Archived from the original on March 24, 2013.
• ↑ "Национальный состав населения" . Federal State Statistics Service . Retrieved December 30, 2022 .
• ↑ "население кабардино-балкарии" .
• ↑ "ВПН-2010" . Archived from the original on December 25, 2018 . Retrieved December 22, 2011 .
• 1 2 3 "Arena: Atlas of Religions and Nationalities in Russia" . Sreda, 2012.
• ↑ 2012 Arena Atlas Religion Maps . "Ogonek", № 34 (5243), 27/08/2012. Retrieved 21/04/2017. Archived .
• Bell, Imogen (2003). The Territories of the Russian Federation 2003 . Europa Publications. ISBN   1-85743-191-X .
• Совет Республики Парламента Кабардино-Балкарской Республики.   Закон   №13-РЗ   от   4 августа 1994 г. «О государственном гимне Кабардино-Балкарской Республики», в ред. Закона №13-РЗ от   13 апреля 2015 г   «О внесении изменений в статьи   2 и   4 Закона Кабардино-Балкарской Республики "О государственном гимне Кабардино-Балкарской Республики"». Вступил в силу   18 августа 1994 г. Опубликован: "Кабардино-Балкарская правда", №148, 12 августа 1994 г. (Council of the Republic of the Parliament of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic.   Law   # 13-RZ   of   August   4, 1994 On the State Anthem of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic , as amended by the Law   # 13-RZ of   April   13, 2015 On Amending Articles   2 and   4 of the Law of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic "On the State Anthem of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic" . Effective as of   August   18, 1994.).
• Парламент Кабардино-Балкарской Республики.   №28-РЗ   1 сентября 1997 г. «Конституция Кабардино-Балкарской Республики», в ред. Закона №40-РЗ от   19 октября 2015 г.   «О поправках к Конституции Кабардино-Балкарской Республики». Вступил в силу   со дня официального опубликования. Опубликован: "Кабардино-Балкарская правда", №177, 9 сентября 1997 г. (Parliament of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic.   # 28-RZ   September   1, 1997 Constitution of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic , as amended by the Law   # 40-RZ of   October   19, 2015 On the Amendments to the Constitution of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic . Effective as of   the day of the official publication.).
• Дударев, В. А.; Евсеева, Н. А. (1987). И. Каманина (ed.). СССР. Административно-территориальное деление союзных республик (in Russian). Moscow. {{ cite book }} : CS1 maint: location missing publisher ( link )
• (in Russian) Official website of the Head of the Republic
• Pictures of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic
• BBC News . Kabardino-Balkaria Profile

Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria: More than Mt. Elbrus!

If you’ve traveled to the North Caucasus before, there is a good chance you’ve already been to Kabardino-Balkaria, and you didn’t even know it!  Kabardino-Balkaria lies in the center of the North Caucasus region, is home to Mt. Elbrus, but more than that is a treasure chest of travel possibilities.  Here is our guide to traveling through the republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, or 9 travel tips to this beautiful land:

1. How do I get there?

Kabardino-Balkaria hosts a large number of both foreign and Russian travelers every year, and has an improving infrastructure able to handle the incoming masses.  Let’s start with the obvious.  You might be a mountain climber or skier coming to enjoy the slopes of Mt. Elbrus.  That means you’re likely arriving on an airplane to Russia.  Here are your travel options:

A. Plane – We advise you fly into the Mineralni Vodi (MRV) airport in the Stavropol Region, which is about 45 minutes from the border of Kabardino-Balkaria.  MRV is the largest airport in the North Caucasus, and has daily direct flights to and from all 3 airpots in Moscow (SVO, DME, and VKO), direct flights from St. Petersburg, and several international flight routes as well, including from Istanbul, Dubai, Greece, Tel Aviv, and Bishkek.  The MRV airport has a growing infrastructure and is the most obvious choice to fly into if going to Elbrus.  From MRV, it’s a 2 hr. drive to Nalchik, and a 3.5 hr. drive to Mt. Elbrus.

That being said, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, Nalchik (NAL), also has a small regional airport with a daily flight to/from Moscow as well as weekly flights to Istanbul. As is to be expected in most smaller, regional airports around Russia, the service standard at a small airport like this will be minimal.  As a result, we recommend you flying in and out of MRV if able.  It’s a 2 hr. drive to Elbrus from Nalchik.  You can also fly into other regional airports which are 2 hrs. from Nalchik, such as OGZ in North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz) or IGT in Ingushetia (Magas).

B.  Car/Public Transport – If you have a car, are using a taxi, or are hitch-hiking your way to Kabardino-Balkaria, the region is accessible by a variety of roads and vehicles.  A major Russian federal highway E50 runs through Pyatigorsk into Kabardino-Balkaria, and can take you towards Mt. Elbrus, Nalchik, and deeper into the North Caucasus.  There are daily mini-buses, or “marshrutkas”, that travel to Nalchik from Pyatigorsk, Vladikavkaz, Grozny, and Magas, if you’re coming from a neighboring republic.  From the main Nalchik bus station, there is a marshrutka that goes to Terskol (i.e. Mt. Elbrus) daily around 12:30 pm; for that matter,  marshrutkas run daily into every valley of this beautiful republic.  For the seasoned international traveler, you can drive from the country of Georgia up the famed “Georgian Military Highway” through the heart of the Caucasus Mountains, cross the border into Russia at the “Verkhni Lars” border stop, and be in Nalchik in about 2.5 hours as well. 

Anyone traveling on their own should download the “Yandex” taxi app, which is Russia’s version of Uber, and has a very user-friendly app with affordable prices.  In smaller villages/towns where Yandex’s service doesn’t reach, just ask a local and they’ll direct you to a friend or relative who can taxi you where you need to go!

C.  Train – Kabardino-Balkaria is also very accessible by the famous cross-country Russian train system if that’s your preferred method of travel.  Almost all trains to the North Caucasus pass through Mineralni Vodi in the Stavropol region to the north, so make sure wherever you are coming from, Mineralni Vodi is one of the stops.  Despite Nalchik having a train station, the city is about 45 minutes from the main railway route that runs diagonal through the North Caucasus, and as a result it’s a bit convoluted to get a train directly to Nalchik.  That being said, the town Prokhladni is a regular stop on trains going to/coming from Baku, Makhachkala, Grozny, Nazran, and Vladikavkaz, so you can always hop off there and find your way by public transport or taxi.

2.  What are the best places to stay?

This list could get exhaustive, fast. 🙂  Let’s first look at an overview of the republic’s geography, followed by hotel recommendations:

A. Nalchik – This is the capital city of Kabardino-Balkaria, with a population of around 250,000.  Nalchik is growing and new, modern hotels are being built regularly.  Here are some of our recommendations:

-Modern and comfortable:  Azimut , Butik Otel

-Budget with less frills:  Hotel Rossia , Korona

You could comfortably spend a week in Nalchik, while doing day trips into Kabardino-Balkaria’s beautiful mountain valleys.

B.  Baksan Valley – This is the most traveled road in Kabardino-Balkaria, the road to Mt. Elbrus.  If you have questions about its safety because of travel warnings, please see our detailed blog here of the drive to erase any doubts or fears.  Needless to say, because of the draw of Mt. Elbrus, there are a huge variety of lodging options at the end of this valley, from 4-star to mid-range to budget to hostel.  Here are just a few we’ll recommend from our experience:

-Modern and comfortable 4-star-ish:  Azau Star , Kristall 139

-Budget with less frills 3-star-ish:   Laguna , Povorot

If you’re a mountain climber with your sites set on the summit of Elbrus, you’ll have to spend at least 3-4 nights at Elbrus’s famous base camp at 13,000 feet.  The “barrel huts” are not easy to book directly with, and we highly recommend you do your climb (and hence, have your bookings handled) through a trusted climbing company.  Here are two shelters at base camp we recommend:

-Modern and comfortable:  Leaprus

-Budget with less frills:  Heart of Elbrus Lodge

If you’re interested in climbing Mt. Elbrus and staying in these barrel huts, click  here  to see our climbing itineraries, pricing, and group dates.

C.  Chegem Valley – Chegem Valley is the adjacent valley to Elbrus’s Baksan Valley, and is famous for its beautiful waterfalls as well as being Russia’s top paragliding location.  The “ Paradrome ” has modest accommodations for those wanting to get to know this beautiful valley for a longer period of time.

D.  Upper Balkaria, or Cherek Valley – This is another beautiful mountain gorge not too far from Nalchik.  There is an authentic lodging complex in Upper Balkaria called Tau-El, with amazing local food for meals as well.

E.  Border Zone lodging – Several of Kabardino-Balkaria’s mountain gorges run into the border zone with neighboring country Georgia, i.e. an area that foreigners cannot enter without a special permit from the local government (often taking 2 months to receive).  There is a famous mountaineering lodge in Bezengi Valley, where several generations of Russian mountain climbers have honed their craft in the Caucasus Mountains.  Perpendicular to Baksan Valley (about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus) is Adyr-Suu Valley, where there is a lodge for back-country skiers to stay, while trying their hands (and feet!) on the untouched snow of that valley.  Both these valleys require border permits for foreigners, but are possible to access for the more adventurous!

3.  Top cities to visit?

Most locals would agree that Nalchik is the main city of significance to visit in Kabardino-Balkaria, but let’s be honest, even more would say, “Just go to the mountains!”  Tirnauz is the capital of the Elbrus district, and is an interesting town to spend some time in, with its unique location in the mountains and place in Soviet history as a once-booming mining town.  The main thing to consider in visiting Nalchik and other cities in the lowlands, is the chance to experience Kabardian culture and food.  Whereas the deeper you go into the valleys, the more you’ll encounter Balkar culture and food.

4.  Best local foods to try?

There are 3 types of food that come to mind, when spending time in Kabardino-Balkaria:

A. Khychiny – This is one of the staple national dishes of the Balkar people, and what you’ll inevitably be served if guests of local Balkars.  It’s a thin buttery flat bread, sometimes cooked with fillings of cottage cheese, fresh greens, or potatoes.  It is often slathered in butter, but wow is that some tasty greasy goodness! 🙂

B.  Shashlik – Shashlik is a MUST for any visit anywhere in the North Caucasus!  Most people would agree that it’s the national food of the entire region.  Shashlik is meat shish kabobs; while pork and turkey can be found in some parts of the Caucasus, lamb or chicken are the preferred shashlik meats of choice in Kabardino-Balkaria. 

C.  Soup – No matter where you are in Russia, you’re sure to find a local soup that people love.  Kabardino-Balkaria is no different.  Especially in the winter months in the mountain valleys, there’s nothing better than to come inside from the cold weather and warm your body up to a bowl of hearty Caucasus soup.  Whether Georgian kharcho or local Balkar lakhman, make sure to try your hand at one of these soups with a side of fresh baked bread/lavash!

5.  Top Hole-In-The-Wall restaurants:

Of course, for a republic of this size, we’re bound to leave at least a few great local joints off our list, but here are a few to get you started. ***Note:  Restaurants in the North Caucasus are much better known for their food than their service, so prepare for tasty food, but manage your expectations about service:

-Elbrus – Kogutai Restaurant at Mt. Cheget – While this isn’t a hole-in-the-wall restaurant per se, it’s one of many to choose from in the Cheget tourist village, and we have found them to provide consistently good food and service.  Kogutai has a nice interior, and maybe most important, an English-language menu with good pictures. 🙂  There also is a nice outdoor patio with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

-Nalchik #1 – Tameris Restaurant – This is a cafe with a relaxed atmosphere in the capital Nalchik.  Local tour company Elbrus Elevation has taken foreign groups there on multiple occasions and always had good experiences.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 3. 

-Nalchik #2 – Cafe-Bar Oasis – You have to know where this restaurant is to find it, but once inside, you won’t regret it!  There is a unique cafeteria-style ordering process, that includes several dishes being cooked on the spot once ordered.  You can sample local Kabardian dishes here.  The seating area is very modern and a pleasant atmosphere to have a meal in.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 2. 

-Upper Balkaria – Tau-El Restaurant – This is the restaurant part of the Tau-El Tourist Complex in Upper Balkaria.  Whether spending the night or just passing through, make sure to stop here for a meal!

6.  Must-See Sites

This republic is so chock full of “must-see” destinations, it’s impossible to narrow the list down.  Here are just a few suggestions to get you started: (***Mt. Elbrus is a no-brainer and we’re assuming that’s on your list)

A. El-Tyubu and Paradrome – This is an amazing area towards the end of Chegem Valley.  Many tourists visit the famous Chegem Waterfalls and don’t drive any further down this gorge, which really is a shame.  El-Tyubu is a picturesque Balkar village with several historical sites to see, including some ancient mausoleums.  The real gem of the area, though, is the Paradrome , which is Russia’s premier paragliding destination.  The combination of the scenic surrounding mountains and constant winds produces almost daily conditions to sail through the beautiful Caucasus sky.  Highly recommend!

B.  Upper Balkaria – Also known as Cherek Valley, the entire drive to the actual village of Upper Balkaria is one big destination.  First, you can spend time at the 3 consecutive “ Blue Lakes ”, one of which is one of Russia’s deepest lakes with an underground spring.  Then, the drive itself becomes an adventure, as you pass by steep rock walls with a huge drop-off on the other side.  If you’re able to walk this part of the road, that is a bonus!  Once you’ve made your way through the valley walls, the region opens up into a beautiful panoramic view.  Many years ago, there were multiple villages in this region, but they’ve since been condensed into one main village.  You can see some of the ancient Balkar towers that their ancestors used to live in as well.

C.  Djili-Suu – Although hard to pronounce and not easy to get to, Djili-Suu is one of those places in the North Caucasus that people rave about that you “have to” visit.  It’s actually on the North side of Mt. Elbrus, and more accessible from the Mineral Waters region (2 hrs. from Kislovodsk).  The base camp for Elbrus climbers summiting the mountain from the North side is at Djili-Suu.  This area is famous in Russia for its numerous natural healing springs, as well as unique climate conditions that make for beneficial, long holidays for seeking a respite from their daily grind.  There are wide swaths of land available for camping, with probably the most unrivaled views of Mt. Elbrus in the North Caucasus.  Make sure to check this out!

7.  Off-the-beaten path destinations

A. King’s Waterfalls (Tsarskie), or Gedmisht – Probably the valley in Kabardino-Balkaria with the least amount of hype is the Malka Valley, which is the northernmost valley and mainly runs through the Kabardian lowlands.  At the point where the villages end, though (Khabas), the asphalt turns into dirt and the hills start to rise, culminating with the incredible King’s Waterfalls, or as one friend put it, Avatar Waterfalls.  These stunning waterfalls are best visited in the early summer, when everything is lush green and the water flow is strong, with many streams of water flowing down the earth’s surface.  The different colors are incredible and it’s hard to look away.  Once you’ve enjoyed the waterfalls, enjoy a meal of shashlik at one of the nearby lunch huts.  Having an off-road vehicle is ideal to visit these falls, but worth the time and effort!

B.  One-seater chair lift at Elbrus – As the infrastructure at Mt. Elbrus has modernized, some of the more “authentic” experiences have gone to the way-side.  This is one experience still available, though!  From the 2nd (11,000 ft.) to 3rd level (12,500 ft.) of Mt. Elbrus (whether skiing, going to base camp, or just touring), there is a single-seater chair lift for 100 rubles each way (less than $2).  This is an amazing experience if you have the time.  It’s 8-10 minutes each way, and a surreal experience of the majestic Caucasus mountain range surrounding you, skiers silently passing you by underneath, and in general enjoying the silent expanse of nature all around.  The chair lifts are from the Soviet times and so it feels like something from a different era.  For mountain climbers, the newer group cable car gives better access to most of base camp, but several huts are pretty close to this chair lift, so it still may be a good option for you.

C.  Abandoned Mines above Tirnauz – Tirnauz is about 1 hr. from Mt. Elbrus, and a town everyone drives through to and from the mountain.  Although today it looks old and half-abandoned, it was a booming mining town in the 20th century.  About a 45-minute drive above the city with an off-road vehicle, you can see the remains of the mining operations.  Learning about this history combined with the breath-taking views of the Baksan Valley and even into Georgia, you’ll wonder why more people aren’t visiting this place.  This is a great spot to see eagles soaring in the sky, as well as admire the Soviet city plan of Tirnauz from above.

8.  What do I need border zone passes to visit?

In Russia, any area within 5-10 km of a neighboring country, without a clearly delineated border (i.e. in the mountains) is considered a special border zone, and patrolled by Russian border guards.  This area IS accessible to all Russian citizens with their passports, but is NOT legally accessible to foreign citizens UNLESS you have a special permit from the FSB (Federal Security Bureau).  These permits are accessible, either through a tour operator or local friend, but require you to submit your application 45-60 days in advance.

Areas in Kabardino-Balkaria that are worth a visit if you have a border zone pass:

A.  Bezengi Wall – This is at the end of the Bezengi Valley, and holds a place of lore among Russian mountain climbers.  Many mountain guides go through training in this valley.  Five of the Caucasus Mountain’ range’s highest seven peaks are a part of the Bezengi Wall, so you can imagine the draw it has for climbers. There are great areas for trekking and camping in this area. 

B.  Adyr-Suu Gorge – This remote valley runs perpendicular to Baksan Valley and is about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus.  It’s marked at the entrance by a relic of the past, a car lift from Soviet days that auto-cranks your car (and you) about 50 meters up the mountain.  After 45-60 minutes of driving on gravel road, the gorge opens up into a flat valley with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.  The Adyr-Suu Alpine Lodge is at the end of this valley and where back-country skiers base out of during the acclimatization phase of their Mt. Elbrus ski tours.  This is truly a place where you can experience untouched powder!

C.  Mt. Cheget (Elbrus) – Cheget is a neighboring mountain to Mt. Elbrus and where many climbers will acclimatize, both at its base and while doing some hikes.  It also is famous in Russia for its free-ride terrain for more experienced skiers.  Standard access to the chair lifts and mountain are available to all (i.e. mountain climbers don’t need to worry about accidentally crossing into the zone), but anyone wanting to summit the peak of Cheget OR visit the beautiful Cheget Lake needs a border permit. 

Foreigners violating the border zone areas is considered a serious offense in Russia; make sure to do your due diligence if wanting to visit one of these areas!  We highly recommend using a local tour operator and always traveling with a local person if visiting one of these areas.

9.  Any cultural “do’s” or “don’t’s” to be aware of

Kabardino-Balkaria is a fascinating republic with a combination of traditional and modern society.  The more you interact with local people, the more you’ll see a mixture of Muslim faith, post-Soviet mentality, and ancient local traditions all wrapped together.   

Kabardians mainly live in the lowlands (Nalchik, Baksan, and lowland villages), while Balkars primarily live in the mountain valleys (Elbrus, Chegem, Upper Balkaria, etc.).  There is a large population of Russians in the region as well.  Foreigners visit every area of the region regularly, and so local people are used to and will welcome your presence.

Come with an open mind to learn about these peoples, their traditions, and their land.  You won’t regret your trip to Kabardino-Balkaria!

***Want to learn more?  Here are several self-published resources from the podcast “ CaucasTalk ” related to Kabardino-Balkaria:

– Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria (audio version of this blog)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 1)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 2)

– Interview with Local Elbrus guide

– Climbing Elbrus: Interview with American guide

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 1)

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 2)

– Skiing in the North Caucasus (Elbrus and more)

READY TO EXPERIENCE KABARDINO-BALKARIA FOR YOURSELF?

Where to find us.

• +1 704-810-4296
• [email protected]
• 1578 Pine Creek Rd., Gastonia, NC 28056

Travel Information

• We no longer offer travel services to Russia. See Caucasus Quest Tours for new destinations
• Is it Safe to Travel to the Caucasus in 2024?
• Climbing Kazbek & Kilimanjaro: Comparing two 5,000+ meter peaks
• How to Train to climb Mt. Kazbek in Georgia

Our Elbrus Climbing Tours

• Climb Elbrus South Route
• Climb Elbrus North Route
• Climb Elbrus & The Capitals
• Climb Elbrus & The Caucasus

Russia Cultural Tours

• Capitals of Russia
• Lake Baikal on Ice
• Delightful Dagestan
• Heart of the Caucasus

ALL Travel Services to Russia and Mt. Elbrus have been indefinitely suspended as of Feb. 2022.

Explore our new tour branch Caucasus Quest to climb Mt. Kazbek (5,054 meters) in Georgia or for immersive cultural touring experiences in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

• Forums New posts Unanswered threads Register Top Posts Email
• What's new New posts New Posts (legacy) Latest activity New media
• Media New media New comments
• Boat Info Downloads Weekly Quiz Topic FAQ 10000boatnames.com
• Classifieds Sell Your Boat Used Gear for Sale
• Parts General Marine Parts Hunter Beneteau Catalina MacGregor Oday
• Help Terms of Use Monday Mail Subscribe Monday Mail Unsubscribe

Aluminum water tank repair?

• Thread starter Chris & Lenore
• Start date May 15, 2016
• Forums for All Owners
• Ask All Sailors

Chris & Lenore

Our spring surprise this year was a leak in one of the fresh water tanks. Seems to be about a pint a day at this point in time. The leak is from somewhere under the tank, not the fittings. Removing the tank requires destruction of woodwork that I'd rather avoid. I'm curious of the thoughts on repairing? It's an aluminum tank and as you can see in the pictures there are a few pitted spots but (to me) it doesn't look that bad. I did a fairly extensive web search and found several people who sanded/wire brushed and then brushed on a couple coats of West System or a product called "Beercoat" (for brewing tanks). Both products are supposedly safe for potable water although I have yet to see this claim on the West System site. Anyway, these people claimed that 6 to 10 years later the tanks were still leak free. Or the other alternative is to cut up the tank to remove it and fit a Plastimo bladder in the space. The bladder up here in "the land of price gouging" is under $150 for the 39 gal model. Thoughts? Anyone on this forum repaired an aluminum water tank without removing it? Chris  

Attachments

Buy sheet aluminum 2'×1' cut open top sand wire brush paint on 3m 5200 it's only thing I found fix leeks in aluminum tanks  

Cut the top off and drop in a bladder? Leave the rest of the tank in place if you do not want to destroy the wood.  

Chris Patterson

I didn't repair this one, it's out of the I.P. I've got torn all to hell right now. The new one is from Ronco. Thanks 5200..  

• This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies. Accept Learn more…