“Better mountains can only be mountains that you have not yet visited,” a well-known song sings. Indeed, people who are passionate about mountains are looking for their own, unique routes - laying new ones and visiting already explored ones. IN New Year when you can rest for a long time, allow yourself new experiences. You can go to the Russian north - the beautiful and harsh Kola Peninsula, mountain range Khibiny or go to ski Turkey, where the winter is snowy and mild - the resort of Palandoken is not harsh at all, is -5 degrees for a Russian person - this is frost? Or maybe you will fly to Rosa Khutor - one of the best Russian resorts? The choice is yours!

Ski routes:

Northern pleasures: rest in Murmansk Big Vudyavr

The Kola Peninsula is called the "Polar Hollywood" because of the beautiful and cinematic landscapes. Bolshoy Vudyavr - the highest mountain resort in the North-West of Russia in the city of Kirovsk Murmansk region equipped with modern lifts. The tracks of the Big Woodyavr will be of interest to snowboarders, lovers of cross-country and alpine skiing. Excursion snowmobile tours are carried out from Bolshoi Vudyavr - training for 1-2 days, the price is from 8000 rubles; tourist for 1-2 days, price from 9000 rubles; extreme from 1 to 4 days, cost from 12,500 rubles. Keep in mind that the region has a polar night from December 15 to 28, when bright twilight lasts a maximum of 4 hours a day. The northern lights can be seen from August to April, so in your winter travel you will definitely become a witness to it. Khibiny is a natural landmark of the Kola Peninsula in itself, a large mountain range, its geological age is about 390 million years.

How to get there: Moscow is separated from Murmansk by 1800 kilometers. Flight time is 2 hours, 30 minutes, tickets cost from 2800 rubles. The train ride will take 1 day, 13 hours, the ticket price is 4600 rubles - reserved seat, from 5600 rubles compartment. Murmansk is located 200 kilometers from Bolshoy Vudyavr, so it is more convenient to come to the nearest cities of Kirovsk or Apatity. An air ticket to Kirovsk costs from 6 thousand rubles, you will have to spend 2 hours in flight. You can get to Kirovsk by train in 1 day, a ticket for a reserved seat can be found for 2900 rubles, in a compartment from 4500 rubles. The plane Moscow - Apatity on the plane costs from 6000 rubles.

Where to stay: from the hotel "Severnaya" in the center of Kirovsk to the "Bolshoy Vudyavr" about 1 km; a daily free shuttle service is available. Prices for a room per day start from 2700 rubles. Recreation center "Forest" on the shores of Lake Imandra, seven kilometers from the city of Apatity. The houses are designed for 4-5 people, their price is from 6000 rubles per day. It is also possible to stay in a small private hotel (1000 rubles per day) or at a recreation center. Services for the delivery of housing to tourists are common among local residents, for example, an apartment of 32 sq.m. costs 23 euros per day.

From January to February, a 5-day tour costs from 35,000 rubles per person.

Duration: unlimited number of days.

What to take with you: be sure to take a set of changeable warm clothes and shoes with you, be sure to wear thermal underwear, a hat, sunglasses, ski masks. Take a good camera with a wide-angle lens for shooting the Northern Lights. Ski equipment can be rented on the slope, for example, a set of skis for 1 hour will cost 500 rubles, you need to set aside 17,000 as a deposit. Take cash with you, because it’s not possible to pay with a bank card everywhere.

Ski holidays in Switzerland: Zermatt

Zermatt is a picturesque alpine village, located almost on the border with Italy, which annually attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. Zermatt has repeatedly received the title of the most the best resort in the Alps. Go to the resort to ride skiing, relax in spa centers and take pictures of the Matterhorn pyramidal peak - the most famous peak in Europe. In the mountains, you can go on panoramic excursions to Rothorn, Gornegrat and the Matterhorn itself. Every mountain has a breathtaking view. You can relax a bit in mountain restaurants. The famous cafes of the resort offer black caviar, the freshest oysters and champagne literally next to the slopes, but the town also abounds in affordable cuisine: pizza and pies from the oven, berry fruit drinks and homemade beer.

Interestingly, the use of cars is prohibited in Zermatt, you can only move on electric vehicles.

How to get there: air tickets Moscow - Bern cost from 8000 rubles, the flight time is 3 hours, 50 minutes. Flight Moscow - Geneva will cost the same, the duration of the flight is similar. You can get to Zermatt from other cities in Switzerland by train, you can save money by buying tickets online 2-3 days before departure, from Geneva to Zermatt and the train takes 3 hours, 50 minutes. Switzerland and Russia are currently not connected by rail, if you wish, you can go to Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Paris, Berlin, and then get to Zermatt from there.

Where to stay: inexpensive hotels and hostels in Zermatt ask from 3 to 5 thousand rubles per night, 12-18 thousand rubles will have to be paid for a double room of hotels of a higher category, the most luxurious accommodation options will cost from 32,000 rubles per night.

Approximate tour cost per person: 5 days in Zermatt on Christmas (flight + accommodation) cost from 50,000 per person, a tour in January for 7 days will cost 49,000 rubles per person. Two weeks from the end of December will cost 71,000 per guest.

Duration: from 5-14 days.

What to take with you: to travel to Switzerland, you need a visa, its cost is from 2500 rubles, the processing time is from 7 days. The monetary unit of the country is the Swiss franc (CHF), in 1 franc there are 100 centimes. 1 CHF = 59.37 RUB (1 USD = 0.98 CHF, 1 EUR = 1.15 CHF). At ATMs, transaction fees can reach 15%. It is convenient to bring euros to Switzerland or exchange rubles for francs while still in Russia. Bring sunglasses, ski masks, comfortable and warm clothes and shoes.

Lake Louise resort in Canada

Lake Louise (Lake Louise) is one of the most picturesque resorts in Canada, it is located on the territory national park Buff in the Canadian Rockies, Alberta. The reserve is famous and popular all over the world, tourists go there to swim in hot springs and admire the alpine landscapes, mountain streams, dense coniferous forests, majestic peaks, grandiose waterfalls and beautiful lakes. The ski resort of Lake Louise got its name from the beautiful reservoir, which was previously called the Emerald, and later got its name in honor of the beautiful Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria and wife of the Governor of Canada. Ski resort located on four peaks, the total length of the tracks is 113 kilometers, the highest point is 2367 meters. An adult ski pass for one day will cost $99, for a child - $38, for seniors and teenagers - $77.

How to get there: you can fly from Moscow to Toronto with a transfer in New York (you need a transit American visa). The flight time is 15 hours, the cost of a one-way ticket is 24,500 rubles. From Toronto to Lake Louise is another 3000 kilometers, the plane flies to Calgary for 4 hours, the ticket costs from 22 thousand rubles. From Calgary to Banff National Park, another 110 kilometers, by car along Highway 1. From Moscow to Vancouver you can fly for 26,000 rubles, travel time 21 hours, change in Los Angeles. From Vancouver to Calgary 970 kilometers, the trip by car will take about 10 hours, by plane - 2 hours. In Vancouver, renting a car for 7 days will cost from 13,800 rubles, in Calgary it will cost 1,000 rubles more.

Where to stay: representative hotel Chateau Lake Louise on ski resort costs from 14 thousand rubles per night. Within 18-20 kilometers from the resort, you can spend the night comfortably for 3,000 rubles. In the city that gave the name to the park, in Banff (60 kilometers from the resort), you can find offers to spend the night in a hostel for 1750 rubles + free breakfast. On average, a Banff hotel room will cost 4,000 rubles.

Approximate tour cost per person: a week trip to Lake Louise will cost 60-75 thousand rubles per person (the price includes the price of tickets to Canada for two from Moscow, the road to the resort, hotel accommodation, three meals a day, ski equipment rental and a ski pass).

Duration: 7 days.

What to take with you: A visa and a medical policy are required for the entire duration of the trip. The cost of a visa is 4600 rubles + an additional service fee is paid - 1800 rubles. The minimum visa processing time is two weeks. The monetary unit of the country is the Canadian dollar (CAD), in 1 dollar 100 cents. Course: 1 CAD = 46.4 RUB (1 USD = 1.25 CAD, 1 EUR = 1.47 CAD). It is desirable to change money in banks, there are no commission fees, do not accept requests for an exchange "from hand to hand" - this is a scam.

The best French ski resort Chamonix

A ski resort with history, very popular and in demand today, located on the border of two countries, France and Switzerland - this is Chamonix! Here in 1924 the first Winter Olympic Games were held. Almost a hundred years have passed since then, and this resort has not disappointed outdoor enthusiasts. On the contrary, Chamonix adequately maintains its high status and attracts guests from all over the world with its infrastructure that meets all modern safety requirements, slopes for all categories of skiers and a wide selection of lifts. Chamonix ski resort on the western slopes of the famous Mont Blanc offers a flexible system of subscriptions and discounts. For example, a Mont Blanc Unlimited weekly pass will cost about 18,000 rubles, the price includes skiing on all slopes, an open-air skating rink, a swimming pool and a museum. The budget option will be Chamonix Le Pass, which operates in three ski areas and costs about 15,000 rubles for a week. If you wish, in Chamonix you can go to the Alpine Museum, ride a unique alpine tram.

How to get there: flight Moscow-Geneva (flight time 3 hours, 40 minutes, round-trip ticket costs from 14 thousand rubles). From Geneva to Chamonix, the distance by bus / car is about 90 kilometers (a ticket costs from 1300 rubles), by train - a distance of 70 kilometers, but you will have to get there with transfers in Bellegarde-sur-Valserin and Saint-Gervais, the price is almost 2000 rubles. An individual transfer from Geneva airport to Chamonix will cost 12,600 rubles for a company of 3-4 people.

Where to stay: the most economical option is a hostel with a room for six people (from 2000 to 3000 rubles per night). Another a budget option- yurts for several people, the price is from 8 to 12 thousand rubles. Hotels cost from 7 to 21 thousand rubles per day.

Approximate tour cost per person: a trip from Moscow to Chamonix for 6 days costs 48200 rubles, for 8 days 54000, for 12 days 105000 rubles (the price is per person, flight and hotel accommodation).

Duration: from 6 to 12 days.

What to take with you: The currency of the country is Euro (EUR), in 1 euro there are 100 cents. Course: 1 EUR = 68.27 RUB, it is better to take the previously exchanged cash with you. A profitable choice for shopping in France is Mastercard and a bank account in euros, the most wasteful is the “ruble” Visa. Take sunglasses, ski face masks, comfortable and warm clothes and shoes, and a set of thermal underwear to the ski resort. If a festive Christmas or new year's dinner- you will have to find a place in your suitcase for a dress and a pair of shoes.

High class in the mountains of Sweden: Åre

Ore is a famous ski resort in Sweden, it includes four villages with punctual bus service and five ski areas on an equal footing. You can stay in any of settlements Duved, Tegefjell, Ore Byu and Ore Bjornen, you can ride everywhere. The ski season can last from mid-November to mid-May. Åre is often compared to the Alps in terms of quality of services and picturesque nature, but in terms of cost, Scandinavia certainly wins. Several days a week from December to April you can ski at night at no extra charge. The ski pass is valid in any of the four areas of Åre. Children under 7 ride for free if you bring a helmet for them. In Ora, the Tannforsen waterfalls are beautiful, the cathedrals and churches of Duveds Kyrka are interesting.

How to get there: a direct flight Moscow - Östersund is available on New Year and Christmas, the rest of the time you have to choose the airport in Stockholm. A flight to Östersund in December costs about 25 thousand rubles per person in both directions with one change. A direct flight to Stockholm will cost 12,000 rubles round-trip. From Stockholm to Ore 630 kilometers, this distance can be covered by bus or car in 8-9 hours or by plane in 1 hour. The train takes about 10 hours, the ticket costs from 3000 rubles.

Where to stay: Ore hotels are equated with international three-star hotels, they are often referred to as "mountain hotels" and offer rooms with bunk beds quite regularly. The cost of double rooms in Ore starts from 6,000 thousand rubles per night, sometimes the price includes free breakfasts and dinners.

Approximate tour cost per person: a week tour in Ore per person will cost around 60 thousand rubles, the price includes airfare and the road to Ore, hotel accommodation, three meals a day (an economical lunch will cost at least 600 rubles, a dinner for two with alcohol costs about 4500 rubles, ski pass 1 day - 400 CZK, plus rental of ski equipment.

Duration: 7 days.

What to take with you: a visa is required to enter Sweden (registration from 35 euros and an additional consular fee from 21 euros + medical insurance). Take a set of warm clothes with you (hat, mittens, boots, jacket), be sure to wear fleece thermal underwear and a windproof ski suit. Exchange rubles for Swedish krona in advance (the exchange rate for the winter of 2018 will be approximately 72-73 rubles per unit. You can also pay with a MasterCard bank card, when paying, the currency is automatically converted.

Turkish Ski Holiday: Palandoken

Palandoken is a modern ski resort in Turkey, located a few kilometers from Erzurum. The Turkish national team trains on the slopes of this mountain, there are gentle slopes for children and beginner skiers, and there are slopes of increased difficulty. Best time to visit - from December to March, the average winter temperatures are not high: about -5, -7 degrees. The resort has instructors who speak Russian. A nice feature of the Palandoken resort is that the price of the tour includes flights, accommodation, meals, swimming pool and massage. Erzurum can be reached by bus in just 30 minutes, in the city you will see the most important sights of the ancient city: the majestic fortress-citadel, the Ulu Mosque, the Chifte minareli madrasah.

How to get there: from Moscow to Erzurum more than 2000 kilometers, a flight with a transfer to Erzurum is possible (6000 rubles one way, 10 hours on the road). You can fly to Turkish cities, and from them to get to the resort. For example, a flight from Istanbul will take 2 hours, costs from 3,000 rubles, a ticket from Ankara will cost 1,500 rubles, and you will have to spend a little more than an hour on the flight.

The journey by bus from Ankara will take 13 hours, from Istanbul - 19 hours, from Antalya - 20 hours, 40 minutes, the ticket price is about the same, from 2 thousand rubles.

Where to stay: two-star hotels in Palandoken offer rooms from 1000 rubles. “triples” cost from 3 thousand rubles, “fours” from 4000, “fives” are available for 5, 6, 7 thousand rubles per day. Alternatively, you can stay overnight in Erzurum, the prices will be about the same.

Approximate tour cost per person: a week trip per person in December (flight and accommodation) in a four-star hotel will cost from 65,000 rubles, FB + meals, equipment rental: $ 20 per day, ski school training: $ 60 for 1 hour. Two weeks will cost 120,000 rubles per person.

Duration: 7-14 days.

What to take with you: The country's monetary unit is the Turkish lira (TRY), in 1 lira there are 100 kuruş. Course: 1 TRY = 15.65 RUB (1 USD = 3.73 TRY, 1 EUR = 4.38 TRY). We advise you not to change all the money at the same time, because the exchange rates in Turkey fluctuate. Take with you sunglasses or a mask, a set of warm clothes (hat, mittens, boots, jacket), fleece thermal underwear and a windproof ski suit. Perhaps your trip will take you to the sea, so take light clothes and swimwear with you.

American Dream: Winter Vacation in Aspen

Aspen is a famous city - a very popular ski resort in the state of Colorado (United States of America). A single huge complex includes four zones, which together form 200 kilometers of slopes, a common ski pass and a bus, with free travel. Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Aspen Snowmass are considered separate zones. An hour from Aspen, you're in Glenwood Springs, a year-round spa resort with the world's largest hot spring pool. In the same area, be sure to visit the protected White River or Maroon reservoir. Young skiers will be interested in Tube Town (Snowmass), where for about 2000 rubles you can use tubing as much as you want. A paintball center is also open there (the cost of shooting is about 5,000 rubles). In Buttermilk, the Western-style fort is worth a visit with the whole family.

How to get there: you will have to get to Aspen with transfers, there are two options. You can fly to New York, a direct flight from Moscow costs 24,000 rubles, you will spend 9 hours, 55 minutes on the road. Domestic flight New York - Aspen for 23 thousand rubles, duration 6 hours, also with a transfer in Denver. The trip by car or bus will take two days. From Denver, the bus takes 6 hours, the ticket costs from 2000 rubles. The second option - you can fly a direct flight to Los Angeles, the ticket price is from 27,000 rubles. You will get from the City of Angels to Aspen by bus in almost a day, a ticket from 6,000 rubles, by plane - 4 hours of flight for 16,300.

Where to stay: in Aspen there is a huge selection of hotels: luxurious 5 * for 24,700 (a night for two) to more modest "kopeck pieces" - 3,000 rubles and "three rubles" - 7,000 rubles. Most hotels in Aspen Mountain, and in order to spend the night in the Highlands or Buttermilk, you need to book a room in advance.

Approximate tour cost per person: a week in Aspen in winter will cost about 90-100 thousand rubles per person (the price includes the price of tickets to the USA from Moscow and back, the road to the resort, hotel accommodation, three meals a day, rental of ski equipment).

Duration: unlimited number of days.

What to take with you: Since September 1, 2017, interviews for obtaining a non-immigrant visa to the United States are held only at the US Embassy in Moscow, so take care of preparing the necessary documents in advance. In America, it is equally convenient to use cash (The country's monetary unit is the US Dollar (USD), in 1 dollar 100 cents. Rate: 1 USD = 58.46 RUB) and credit cards. Commission at ATMs - 1-2% of the amount. Take with you sunglasses or a ski mask, a set of warm clothes (hat, mittens, boots, jacket), thermal underwear and a windproof ski suit will come in handy.

Ski Bulgaria: holidays in Bansko

Bansko is located in Southwestern Bulgaria - a resort town at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, an altitude of 925 meters above sea level, snow cover lasts from November to May. The price of a ski pass for one day for adults is about 2,000 rubles, 6 days - 12,000, 13 days - 25,000 rubles, discounts are provided for young skiers and students. The exact date of the founding of the city is not known, but scientists believe that Bansko already existed during the Roman Empire. One way or another, the architecture of Bansko of the 17th-19th centuries is interesting ( Old city), on narrow streets there are houses made of stone and wood. The Church of the Holy Trinity, built during the Ottoman yoke, is interesting. An open-air skating rink operates in the center of Bansko in winter, many hotels have their own mini water parks with pools and thermal baths. public transport not in Bansko, it is convenient to travel around the city by taxi (prices from 300 to 400 rubles).

How to get there: air tickets from Moscow to Sofia will cost in December from 5 to 11 thousand rubles one way, in January and February - from 6 to 8 thousand rubles. Flight time is 2 hours, 55 minutes. From Sofia to Bansko 155 kilometers (2 hours on the road), they can be overcome by train (ticket about 10 euros), bus (ticket about 8 euros) or taxi (about 100 euros). Renting a car for a week will cost about 5,000 rubles. For driving while intoxicated, a fine of 35,000 rubles is provided.

Where to stay: Bansko has a huge selection of housing, the prices are quite reasonable. You can stay in the "five" - ​​a night will cost from 3000 rubles, there are options even cheaper - you can spend the night in the Old Town from 800 rubles to 2000 tr. If you want to cook on your own, choose rooms with your own kitchen. There is a category of spa hotels with a variety of wellness treatments for the whole family.

Approximate tour cost per person: 7 nights in a quadruple double room will cost approximately 31,000 rubles per person, all-inclusive meals. Two weeks will cost 60,000 rubles. Accommodation only with breakfast - price for 7 days - 20,200 per person, 10 days - 42,000 rubles.

Duration: from 7-10 days.

What to take with you: when visiting Bulgaria, Russian citizens must provide a visa costing 3,100 rubles) and insurance. The monetary unit of the country is the Bulgarian lev (BGN), in 1 lev there are 100 stotinki. Course: 1 BGN = 35.07 RUB (1 USD = 1.67 BGN, 1 EUR = 1.96 BGN). For comfortable rest on the ski slopes, stock up on warm and comfortable clothing: hats, mittens, shoes, windproof jackets and trousers. For the solemn meeting of the New Year, you can grab a suit - for men, for ladies, an elegant dress and a pair of your favorite shoes.

The Caucasus is one of the best places for relax in our country. Here you can simultaneously breathe in the mountain and sea air, get incredible emotions from contemplating the majestic peaks and enjoy the sun and sea on the beach.

Fans of sightseeing will also not be bored.

For those who like mountain holidays, the Elbrus region will be the best place. Elbrus, which has two vertices, is the most high point Russia. Its height is more 5500 meters. But not only climbers like this place. Here you can go skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding tours, walks in the winter forest, and excursions are organized.

The main peaks of the Caucasus Mountains:

• Elbrus is a two-headed peak, the height is more than 5642 meters.
• Dykhtau, height 5204 meters.
• Pushkin Peak, height 5100 meters.
• Kazbek 5034 meters.

Fans of winter holidays in the Caucasus mountains are also in great demand Dombai, Arkhyz, Krasnaya Polyana. According to skiers, Caucasian slopes are not inferior to European ones in terms of safety and service. Children and beginner skiers will feel great here, because. they are separated from the flow of trained skiers. On the slopes of the mountains there are cafes, places for recreation, in some places you can even sunbathe on special sunbeds. A few dozen meters from the ski lift you can stay at the hotel.

In the summer, the North Caucasus attracts with the opportunity to relax on its amazing beaches. On the Black Sea coast, beaches in the cities are invited:

• Anapa
• Gelendzhik
• Adler
• Tuapse

Do not also forget about Dzhugba, Gagra, Pitsunda. On the shores of the Caspian Sea are located resort towns Dagestan. The variety of beaches is amazing. There are equipped beaches for those who love comfort and service, and wild corners of the sea coast, untouched by the influx of tourists, where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the azure sea, rocky cliffs, and just relax in solitude. A lot of entertainment for outdoor enthusiasts is offered in these parts. Various water attractions, water parks, zoos, dolphinariums, an oceanarium, boat trips and jet skiing will not leave indifferent either children or adults.

Extreme vacation

Do not ignore such a type of recreation as extreme. For example, the extreme attraction of the Adler region is skypark. Here you can go through suspension bridge, stretched through a deep gorge between mountains, swing on a giant swing, which are located at a height, jump from a bridge on a rope, climb a climbing wall. In the North Caucasus, fans of extreme types of recreation will find entertainment for every taste.

Worth noting organization excursion tours in the North Caucasus. For example, a trip to the Chegem Gorge, which is located in Kabardino-Balkaria, will delight you with unforgettable impressions.

Here you can see famous Chegem waterfalls which are good not only in summer, but also in winter. Frozen ice streams resemble giant candles.

The famous Blue Lakes fascinate with their beauty, the deepest of which is the Lower Lake.

Its approximate depth is 368 meters. There is a diving center on this lake.

The famous waterfall "Maiden's Braids" located a little away from the road to the observatory "Peak Terskol". This waterfall got its name from unusual shape which resembles the flowing hair of a girl. This attraction is often visited by tourists and climbers who train before climbing the main Caucasian peak - Elbrus. You can go fishing and catch Eizenam trout on Lake Kazenoy-Am, which is located in a mountainous area on the border of Dagestan and the Chechen Republic. This lake is unique in its beauty, covered with many myths and legends.

Kazbek

In the Republic North Ossetia Alania The most famous sight is Mount Kazbek. Kazbek attracts climbers from all over the world. But, it is not necessary to be a climber to enjoy the mountain scenery, all this is available to ordinary unprepared people. In addition, in this part of the republic excursion routes pass through the Uastirdzhi monument, the Davgas necropolis, the Mykalgabyrt sanctuary, the Dzivgis cave fortress, the Midagrabin waterfalls.

The Republic of Dagestan also offers a rich excursion program. It is impossible not to visit the sand dune of Sary-Kum, the Sulak Canyon, which ranks second in the world in terms of its depth, the village of Gunib, famous for the fact that during the Caucasian War the famous Imam Shamil was captured here.

Derbent

Separately, I want to say about Derbent - the most ancient city Russia. This is one of the main attractions North Caucasus.

This city is over 2000 years old. Fans of antiquity will enjoy an excursion to the Naryn-Kala fortress, the main attraction of Derbent. It was built in the 6th century AD.

Very often people come to Derbent with an important mission - to shake an ancient stone cradle. Women who want to have a child come here from neighboring republics and cities. It is located in the Kirchlyar cemetery among the sarcophagi. The special spirit of Derbent is conveyed by its magals. The old quarters are very colorful. Here you can easily become a witness or a participant in some Caucasian custom, according to tourists, this leaves the most favorable impressions.

The Republic of Ingushetia can be traveled in its entirety in just a few days, but the positive emotions and energy received here will last for several months ahead. Medieval fortresses and towers are located here: Vovnushki, Tsori, Furtoug, Erzi, Targim, Egikal, Khamkhi. If you are in Ingushetia in early July, you can visit the mulberry grove, which just bears fruit at this time.

In the Chechen Republic the most beautiful place is the Argun Gorge. Caravans from Chechnya to Georgia passed through this gorge in the old days. At the crossroads of the main roads there are watchtowers, which were built by the inhabitants of the gorge in order to protect against nomadic raids. Now the territory of the gorge is a reserve, in which, in addition to the historical towers of the X-XVIII centuries, unique flora and fauna are concentrated, cave grottoes, ground burial grounds, castle complexes and family crypts, ancient sites and tombs are located here. Excursions in the Argun Gorge are carried out through the crypt dwellings of the 10th-15th centuries: Khoysky, Khimoysky, Pakochsky, Maistinsky and Tsekaloysky. Excursions in the mountains of Chechnya is an exciting and unforgettable journey.

On the right bank of the Argun River there is a Guchan-kale tower, 17 meters high. One of the commanders of Tamerlane called it "winged" for its inaccessibility and remoteness.

In addition to natural and historical sights, the capital of the Chechen Republic, the city of Grozny, deserves special attention. There is also a complex of high-rise buildings "Grozny City" and the mosque "Heart of Chechnya" named after Akhmat-hadji Kadyrov, which became one of the leaders of the Internet voting "Russia-10", in which Russians chose the 10 best sights of our Motherland.

Do not forget that the North Caucasus is one of the best places for medical and recreational recreation, because it was not for nothing that in the recent past these places were called the “all-Union health resort”. Those who have undergone a course of treatment in the clinics of the Caucasian Mineral Waters leave only positive feedback, because the state of health of people is seriously improving after a complex of all procedures.

Essentuki

The resort of Essentuki is famous for its drinking springs. The famous mineral water of the same name is known all over the world for its healing properties. Several balneological clinics are located here, where they specialize in the treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and metabolism.

Pyatigorsk and Zheleznovodsk

Hot springs and springs attract vacationers in the sanatorium of Zheleznovodsk, most of which specialize in the treatment of the urinary and digestive systems. Pyatigorsk hospitals are referred to as multi-profile resorts; almost all diseases are treated here. No wonder this place was enthusiastically described by the great Russian poet Mikhail Lermontov. In this city, his memory was immortalized by building a memorial at the site of his duel with Nikolai Martynov on the northwestern slope of Mount Mashuk.

Kislovodsk

Kislovodsk is another city of the eco-resort region Caucasian Mineral Waters. Local hospitals specialize in the treatment of the endocrine, respiratory, genitourinary, cardiovascular, nervous and musculoskeletal systems of the body. In general, for those who want to relax with the benefit of their health, Caucasian mineral waters is the best place.

Caucasian kitchen

In the North Caucasus, for a tourist, the question will not arise of where you can eat well. Caucasian cuisine is presented here in all its diversity. Many restaurants and small cafes, often family-run, offer mouth-watering dishes at any time of the day. Having visited the North Caucasus once and seeing the greatness of its mountain peaks, I want to come back here again and again.

Were in Sochi in winter. Ride on Krasnaya Polyana. I liked everything, the slopes are prepared, the service is on top, the prices are the same as in Europe.

STAVROPOL, 25 January. /TASS/. Winter resorts The North Caucasus is familiar to many Russian lovers of skiing. However, for those who prefer a more relaxing holiday, there is also something to do here. Local sanatoriums and recreation centers in winter offer for less money than in the high season, improve their health, breathe clean mountain air, visit the highlanders and get acquainted with the culture of the peoples of the Caucasus. Read more about holidays in the resorts of the North Caucasus during the off-season in the TASS material.

Lean Treatment

At the ski resorts of the North Caucasus, there is a peak in attendance in winter. According to the Federal Agency for Tourism, during the New Year holidays, the record was set by the ski resorts of Karachay-Cherkessia, which is famous for "Arkhyz" and "Dombai", - 120 thousand people were accepted here (an increase of 50% compared to last year), Kabardino- Balkaria with its the famous Elbrus about 60 thousand people visited during the holidays. At medical resorts in winter, on the contrary, the season is considered low - according to the Ministry of Tourism and Health Resorts of Stavropol, sanatoriums and hotels in the region were filled by 43.4% during the New Year holidays. During the New Year holidays, 143 thousand tourists visited the region, in general, Stavropol receives more than 1.4 million people a year.

But the low season becomes an advantage for thrifty tourists - during this period, sanatoriums reduce the cost of tours. For example, many sanatoriums of the Caucasian Mineralnye Vody introduce special promotions until the end of April - beginning of March: a ticket can cost an average of 10-30% cheaper. There are proposals where the cost of living is almost halved. At the same time, along with savings in winter at local resorts, you can improve your health after long New Year holidays or trips to foreign sea resorts.

“People like to come after the New Year holidays very much,” said Evelina Valuyskaya, spokeswoman for the Kislovodsk company Resort Management, adding that tourists who had previously been on vacation in warm countries. - The difference in climate, time zones. People rest there, but sometimes you need to heal."

Most of the resorts of the North Caucasus are located in places where the sun often shines even in winter, for example, in Teberda, this is in Karachay-Cherkessia. “There are a lot of sunny days here, the area is comfortable for people with lung diseases, the air is cleaner in winter, plus a coniferous forest. All these factors are very beneficial. In the North Caucasus, two territories are engaged in the treatment of bronchopulmonary diseases - Teberda and Kislovodsk, but we have less saturation with various particles in the air than in Kislovodsk, ”said Ali Uzdenov, deputy chief physician of the Teberda sanatorium.

Even an ordinary walk in the resorts of the North Caucasus becomes a medical procedure. Terrenkur - a way to combine the useful with the pleasant, one of the oldest is located in the Nalchik resort. “This brand of Nalchik appeared in 1979 and was then the only one in the North Caucasus. Soon, the health path became a favorite vacation spot for many local residents and guests of the city, it was called “1000 steps” or “Health Path,” the Ministry of Resorts and Tourism of Kabardino-Balkaria reported, recalling that the length of the health path exceeds 2.6 km.

On a visit - in every house The winter Caucasus is also suitable for those who want not only to relax, but also to learn something new - winter allows a leisurely acquaintance with the local culture without queues and summer heat. For example, in Kislovodsk, a tourist can try to book a room where composer Sergei Prokofiev, poets Vladimir Mayakovsky and Sergei Yesenin stayed at different times. It is located in the Narzan sanatorium, and in winter it is more likely that the room will be free.

»This room is still functioning, people stay there, of course, in modern (for that time - TASS note) interiors, but in the same room. In 2017, there was an action - Mayakovsky's poems were read from the balcony of this room, as the poet himself once read poetry. The buildings of many sanatoriums are architectural monuments, they are very interesting, there is where to take pictures," Valuyskaya explained.

Another opportunity is to get acquainted with the traditions and customs of local peoples. It is better to look for national flavor in the guest houses of local residents, who can best tell about the culture of their people. So, in Dagestan in 2017, about 40 guest houses were opened. In Ingushetia, for the development of rural tourism, an Association of Guest Houses in the mountainous part of the republic was created, now it unites about 10 houses. In each of them live ordinary families who are ready to receive guests.

“There is such a practice that a guest will be received in any house, in general, any resident can take a tour, in the mountainous part of the republic there are more than a thousand objects. But if before we just walked around the village and asked where to stay, now we we help,” said Aina Tyufyakova, a representative of the Association from Ingushetia, adding that hospitality is a tradition of the Ingush people, there are even certain rules on how to receive guests.

“For example, in the first three days a guest cannot be asked where he came from, why he came, etc. The guest is accommodated in the best room with the best furniture, which, as a rule, family members tried not to enter. If the guest stayed overnight - in the evening, the owner of the house came out and guarded the house so that nothing happened to the guest, otherwise the family would be stigmatized," Tyufyakova said.

Recreation without skiing An important feature of the Caucasian resorts is the compact location of the regions. Arriving, for example, in Kabardino-Balkaria, you can easily go on an excursion to neighboring regions - see the family towers North Ossetia, ancient temples of Karachay-Cherkessia, literary places on the Caucasian Mineralnye Vody.

Also, in any of the republics, a tourist can expand his gastronomic knowledge, in some sanatoriums they even arrange special programs dedicated to national cuisine. “In the sanatorium Chaika during the New Year holidays, for eight days, vacationers were introduced to the national dishes of the region. They were waiting for festive dinners with elements of national cuisine. Balkarian, Kabardian, Georgian, Russian cuisines alternated, ”an example was given in the Ministry of Resorts and Tourism of Kabardino-Balkaria.

An interesting and active holiday for tourists in winter is offered by resorts even without ski slopes. So, in the sports and tourist complex "Kezenoy-Am" in Chechnya, you can go ice skating. “Lake Kezenoy-Am is located at an altitude of about 1900 meters, it is equipped with a skating rink. In winter, the lake freezes by 60-70 centimeters, a fence is installed, lifeguards are on duty. Now the lake is already frozen, people come to go skating, hockey teams train,” explained Asset Madaeva, director of the Kezenoy-Am hotel complex.

The North Caucasus is a land of unforgettable impressions, ideal for relaxation. Sea, beautiful landscapes, Mountain peaks, the cleanest transparent rivers, azure lakes, mineral waters, sights of local peoples - all this makes the rest interesting and you want to come back here again and again.

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Rest in the North Caucasus

To tourist pearls Caucasus can be attributed to:

• , Anapa and Sochi - resort cities in Krasnodar Territory on Black Sea coast the North Caucasus with a mild climate and many interesting excursions;
• comfortable boarding houses of Lazarsky and Divnomorsky sandy beaches for family holidays;
• Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk and Pyatigorsk with their hot springs and drinking springs with healing properties;
• Elbrus region, Krasnaya Polyana and Dombai with opportunities for outdoor activities - mountain walks, rafting on mountain rivers.

Rest in the North Caucasus is diverse and suitable for any tourist

If you decide to relax on the seashore - choose Adler or Anapa. Here you can spend your time bathing and getting a beautiful bronze tan. For lovers of extreme recreation, there is a banana ride for lovers of swimming and parachuting if you want to admire the city and the sea from a bird's eye view.

Thanks to the preparation of cities for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi and its environs, many interesting places for excursions and walks.

The Olympic Park is one of the most important facilities built in preparation for the 2014 Olympics. This is a huge complex of buildings, including several stadiums and ice palaces. All the greatness of these structures is difficult to convey in words. Walking through the park and seeing all its sights will take you all day. You can rent bicycles and electric bikes and ride through the park with a breeze.

For lovers of extreme recreation, Sochi Park was built in the Olympic Park. This is a huge amusement park, you can spend the whole day walking through it and visiting all the attractions in this park. But it's not just a park attractions:

• fountains;
• ponds;
• the village of Baba Yaga;
• candy house

and other interesting things will bring you back to childhood.

From Adler and Sochi you can book an excursion to Abkhazia and enjoy the nature of the mountains of the North Caucasus. You can buy a ticket for a sightseeing bus and take a quiet walk near waterfalls, caves and monasteries. Or choose the so-called jeeping - a walk in open jeeps along mountain roads.

The most popular destination is the excursion to the lake Ritsa. This lake is surrounded by mountains on all sides and is located at an altitude of almost a thousand meters above sea level. The beauty of this lake and the nature around is breathtaking! The peculiarity of jeeping to Lake Ritsa is that it is not easy to drive to the lake by car. You visit many waterfalls and lakes, apiaries and tunnels on the way to Ritsa.

The road to Lake Ritsa passes through the Stone Bag or the Yupshar Canyon. The road passes through a rocky crevice more than two hundred meters high. Due to the height of the rocks and a very narrow gap, only a narrow strip of sky is visible from the canyon and it gives the impression of being inside a stone bag.

Behind Yupsharsky canyon there is a tunnel in the mountain. This is amazing - how much resources and effort were spent to build this tunnel! Immediately behind it are the waterfalls of Men's and Maiden's Tears. Each waterfall has its own legend. A trip along the edge of a mountain road over an abyss will take your breath away and add adrenaline to your vacation. And also a trip to Lake Ritsa includes a visit to the largest waterfall in Gegsky. Next to this waterfall you will feel like a bug.

Review of a tourist about visiting this waterfall:

and now, the waterfall is getting closer and you begin to understand that a person is a grain of sand compared to the power of mother nature

While relaxing in the Caucasus mountains and traveling along mountain roads, it takes your breath away not only from fear, but also from the beauty that surrounds you. Green mountain cliffs, peaks reaching into the sky and obscuring the sun, sparkling blue Lakes- you will never forget this.

There is a ski resort not far from Adler. Here you can visit the cable car and enjoy a bird's eye view of the plains, hills and mountains. Do not forget to bring warm clothes with you - the difference between the bottom terrace and the top point of the cable car can reach ten degrees. The cost of lifting depends on the number and height of lifts. In summer, you can visit three lines of the main cable car and two chairlifts. The highest point of the ascent - Rose Peak - 2320 meters above sea level - will give you a stunning view of the snowy peaks of the mountains surrounding it and the plains, on which you will see herds of sheep.

Fans of walking in the park and getting acquainted with the rich fauna should visit the Riviera Park in Sochi. It is huge, on its territory there are a huge number of different plants, statues, a dolphinarium, an oceanarium, rides and many other entertainments. A visit to this park will take a whole day and you may not even have time to get acquainted with all its sights and features.

Where else can you go to relax in the North Caucasus?

For lovers of relaxation in the mountains of the North Caucasus, avid tourists are advised to visit Kabardino-Balkaria. Here is the city of Tyrnyauz - the highest city in Russia. It is located in the Elbrus region - the main resort area of ​​the republic. It is on the way to, and many climbers dream of conquering this mountain.

In the North Caucasus, you can relax in the All-Russian health resort - Kislovodsk - mineral springs, many sanatoriums and historical places make this city attractive for tourists. One of the main attractions of Kislovodsk is, of course, the narzan gallery. This, one might say, is a symbol of Kislovodsk. In the narzan gallery you can taste several types of mineral water. A plus is the unique architectural structure of the building - made of limestone, with galleries, baths and a pavilion above the well. The buildings are over a hundred years old. This is a federal monument.

Kislovodsk - and health and fun and inexpensive.

In Kislovodsk there is another cable car of the Caucasus. The route is more than 1,500 meters long and passes through the Kurortny Park, whose area is almost 1 thousand hectares. Many different shrubs and trees were brought to the Kislovodsk park. Among them were exotic species. If you decide to take a walk in the park, be sure to visit the Air Temple. Locals say that it is here that the most healthy air in the entire resort is. Max Height lifting a cabin on the Kislovodsk cable car 250 meters above the ground.

Ingushetia

If you are interested in getting acquainted with the historical sights of the North Caucasus, turn your eyes towards Ingushetia. In the Dzheirakh region, you can visit many interesting objects: a temple, tower complexes and fortresses, which seem to have been erected on a rock with the help of a miracle. Tower complexes are one of the main attractions Dzheyrakhsky district. In ancient times, every family considered it their duty to build a tower.

But not every family had the means to do so. There are several types of towers - residential, combat and crypts. Residential towers reach a height of 10 meters, combat towers up to 20. During the construction of such towers, many nuances were taken into account. For example, its construction should not have taken more than a year. If the family did not meet this deadline, the tower was dismantled or it remained abandoned. During the Stalinist repressions, during the eviction of the people, such towers were destroyed so that the inhabitants had nowhere to return. But many of them survived and amaze their descendants.

Reserve

Numerous tourists from all over Russia are attracted by 85,000 hectares of a protected area on the northern slope of the Caucasus Mountains, which amaze with the diversity of plant and animal species. Here you can meet the Caucasian morning with huge saber-shaped horns, a huge bison, which was hardly preserved due to mass extermination. Wild boars, wolves, roe deer bears, Caucasian deer - all these animals can be found in this reserve.

There are more than 30 narzan springs on the territory of this reserve - if you didn’t manage to visit Kislovodsk, here you compensate for this. All rivers flowing through the territory of the reserve originate from glaciers on the tops of the Great Caucasian Range. Here is a well-known village Dombai. In winter it is a wonderful ski resort, and in summer you can enjoy the pure mountain air filled with the aroma of local flowers.

In addition to getting to know the local flora and fauna, you can ski or climb to the top of Elbrus - if your preparation allows.

Rest in the North Caucasus is useful and stunning! Sea, mountains, skiing, nature - everyone will find something to their liking. Numerous reviews of tourists will help you find the best vacation option. And everyone wants to come back here!

Russian winter is a fabulous time for lovers of this season. In Russia, winter itself is a huge and famous attraction. After all, when foreigners hear the word Russia, they are automatically programmed with a picture of Russian nature with huge snowdrifts and bitter frosts. In addition, in the onset of the crisis, many refused to travel abroad and decided to take a closer look at the expanses of their homeland. And by the way, not in vain. We also have something to see. What are bewitching northern lights, riding the famous Russian troikas, dog sleds and fast snowmobiles. We will analyze in detail where and what in Russia you can choose for a full-fledged winter trip.

This greatest creation of nature has long established itself as a great place to relax in winter and summer. It is famous for its size and age, it is about 25 million years old. In winter, many travel companies provide an exciting vacation for any tourist to taste. These are ski tours, and trips on the Khivus (a high-speed amphibious hovercraft) on the ice of Lake Baikal, quad bikes, buggies, dog teams, because it is not for nothing that they have recently been gaining momentum in Baikal tourism. Also, tourists are waiting for helicopter tours, ice diving, hunting and fishing, visiting caves.

In addition, this amazing lake will be a real attraction for children and corporate parties. Tour operators include in their programs a lot of interesting entertainment programs. Who else in their life will be able to play golf on the ice of the lake?

Holidays on Lake Baikal are becoming more and more popular among active travelers every year. There is something to see, something to inspire and support a healthy spirit. A trip to Olkhon Island will help in this, where you can see rocks, the Shaman stone and the Devil's finger, Cape Shaman, Petroglyphs, Mount Yord and many other natural and historical monuments. After all, the most valuable sights were given to Baikal not by history and culture, but by nature.

Rest in Karelia is wonderful at any time of the year, and especially in winter!

Rest in Karelia is wonderful at any time of the year, and especially in winter! This picturesque place will not leave indifferent any tourist. In amazing Karelia, there is an opportunity to test yourself for hardening - wallowing in the snow after burning steam in a fragrant fir-wood bathhouse, fun riding on cheesecakes, skiing, and how without an active safari on Husky dogs or on reindeer sleds. Karelia is rich in a variety of game and fish, which will impress fishermen and hunters. And what could be better and more comfortable than accommodation in a wooden house by the fireplace, with fragrant thyme tea and Karelian honey?

For those interested sightseeing tours there is an opportunity to organize a trip to the main attractions: Cape Runopevtsev, the Sacred Grove, the ethnographic museum, the 200-year-old Karelian house, etc.

Do you want to ignite adrenaline in your blood? Then choose Prielbrusye. Elbrus is the highest (5642 meters) peak in Russia and is a cone of a volcano. From ancient times to the present day, this mountain has been attracting travelers, scientists and climbers. Many peoples considered this mountain sacred, to this day it keeps riddles and secrets that defy explanation and refutation. It is known that even Hitler was looking for the famous and mysterious Shambhala in these places. This mountain is considered the mountain of wisdom, the mountain of the Gods, the father of all mountains, the mountain of the blessed, and among other things, it is incredibly beautiful.

Do you want to ignite adrenaline in your blood? Then choose Prielbrusye.

The famous ski resorts "Cheget" and "Azau" are located in the Elbrus region. The world-famous tracks of Cheget and Elbrus, covered with snow even in summer, compete with any ski resort in the world. The total length of the ski slopes is more than 35 km. On the roads leading to the peaks, you can enjoy the power of majestic landscapes, slopes, mountains.

Among other things, the resort is famous for its delicious Caucasian cuisine, the recipes of which have been passed down from generation to generation.

The Dombai resort is located in the most beautiful place, surrounded by the chains of the North Caucasus mountains, whose height fluctuates almost 1.500 meters above sea level, which makes it perfect place for ski lovers.

Dombai today is high-class comfortable hotels and hotels, as well as a developed infrastructure for a good rest for extreme lovers and excellent service that meets all service quality standards.

The best place for skiing in the Dombay ski resort is the southwestern slopes of Mount Mussa-Achitara. Dombai has all the conditions for heli-skiing (helicopter landing of skiers and descent from the top of the mountains), from which you get incomparable pleasure, as well as freeride (off-piste routes from the upper station of the 5th stage of the chair lift).

For the past 10 years Dombay has been hosting major snowboard festivals. And for lovers of tourist walks, walking and horseback riding routes are provided here along the beauties of local landscapes.

Veliky Ustyug is a unique opportunity to get acquainted with ancient city Russia, plunge into fairy world and find out how the main wizard of the country, Santa Claus, lives.

The city is located on the banks of the Sukhona River in the northeast of the Vologda Oblast. It is rich in its ancient monuments bearing centuries of history, numerous temples, churches, cathedrals and monasteries. Houses made in an unusual old Russian style surprise and amaze with their architectural beauty no less. But the main attraction of the city is the magical estate of Santa Claus. The magnificent carved tower of Santa Claus, rides and slides, horseback riding, a journey along the Trail of Fairy Tales, walks through a magical winter forest - all this awaits you in Veliky Ustyug. Not only children will be delighted, but also parents.

You can also visit no less exciting events: numerous attractions, game programs with interesting theatrical performances, all kinds of rides: from hills on an inflatable sleigh, on a snowmobile, in a sleigh with horses, on a train and in a very exotic way - riding on a Russian stove - all this will be an extraordinary continuation of a fun holiday in the estate of Father Frost. An unforgettable experience can also be obtained in a small zoo. There are many northern animals and birds here.