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Caucasus mountains, mountain range, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan,
and southwest Russia, considered a boundary between Europe and Asia.
The Caucasian ridge extends for 1200 km from the East to the West,
from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea, and for 180 km from the South
to the North. The mountain chain separates Russia from the Caucasian
region. The Greater Caucasus is generally divided into three parts:
West, Central and East Caucasus. The boundaries of these territories
run along meridians that cross Mt Elbrus (5642 m) in the West and Mt
Kazbek (5033 m)
Mountains are composed of granite and
crystalline rock. Some volcanic formations and many glaciers are
found throughout the range.
It is between these two giants that
the major part of the most beautiful mountains lies. The central
valley along which flows the river Baksan has many
side valleys, leading to the most famous and beautiful peaks of the
Caucasus, such as Donguz-Orun (4492), magnificent ridges of Shkhelda
(4300m), Tchatyn (4368), the legendary Ushba (4710m) and of course
Mt Elbrus (5642m), the highest summit of the Caucasus.
Access. Mineralnye Vody airport is the main point to
start Caucasus trip. Good pavement road connects airport with Baksan
valley. Usually it takes 3h30 to make this route which is 180km
long.
Food. Mostly Balkarian people prefer simple food
consists of meat, some vegetables, soupes. In the shops you can buy
most of the food you will need on a climb like chocolate, cereals,
tins with meat or fish, but do not expect to buy here special
mountain food. You can also make stop in the towns on your way from
airport to Baksan valley and buy some food
there.
Accommodation. There are few big hotels in
Baksan valley, but mostly they were built years ago and still
awaiting for renovation. Also Baksan region posesses couple of
private hotels, which are not so big but managed with better
attention. As well you can rely on a wide choice of private houses
and flats.
Money. The main currency is Russian Rouble,
which is about 28 roubles per one Dollar or 34 Roubles per
EURO. You can find money exchange office in Hotel «Terskol», Terskol
village. |
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