Kabardino-Balkaria Reserve is located in the territory and Cherek Chegem district of Kabardino-Balkaria Republic of the Greater Caucasus and the side ridges in the upper reaches of the rivers Cherek-Balkaria, Cherek, Chegem and Bezengi.

The reserve is divided into five divisional forest areas - in the number of large valleys, separated by rugged mountain ridges - Haznidonskoe, Sukanskoe, Upper Balkaria, Chegem and Bezengi. The bulk of the territory is covered by high mountains.

The reserve is the only alpine nature reserve in Europe. In the reserve are the main peaks of the North Caucasus, the average height of 3910 m, are concentrated half of all glaciers, including all the largest number of which is 152, and the total area of ??290 square meters. km. The largest glaciers of the Caucasus and Europe are Bezengi, Dykh Tau, Tsanner, Shaurtu, Kysh car. The thickness of the ice in the middle parts up to 300-350 m. The glacier is the largest glacier Bezengi Caucasus and Europe, its length is 17.6 km, the area of ??36.2 sq. km. In people it is called Ice King Caucasus.

The reserve contains all the five thousand meters of the North Caucasus, in addition to Elbrus and Kazbek (Kysh Kara-5210 m, Jang-Tau 5049 m Koshtan Tau 5152 m Dykh Tau 5204 m, 5153 m peak of Pushkin).

The reserve is covered by a network of rivers originating from the numerous glaciers. The main waterways are the rivers Chegem, Cherek-Balkaria, Cherek-Bezengi bitch-Suu Haznidon.

Excursions/Tours

«to the glacier Bezengi». Starting from the academic hospital, is on the high mountain path leading to the glacier Ulla-Chiran (Bezengi), is considered one of the largest glaciers of the Caucasus, where the grotto glacier Bezengi sees one of the largest of the mountain rivers of northern part of the Central Caucasus - Cherek Bezengi . The trail ends at the mountain Boran kosh. On the perimeter trail information boards describing the natural and biological features of the area, are equipped with two stops, observation tower.

Part of the trail «to the glacier Bezengi» It comes from the beginning of the trail in the north-west up the hill on the left and right banks of the creek Xu suu (vertical water beams). Length of trails 380 m, elevation 110 m. The trail ends at the waterfall «Xu Chuchhur» (Literally - vertical waterfall - bulk.) In height more than 30 meters. Next to the waterfall on the northern slopes are thickets of rhododendron and cowberry. The opposite slope is covered by more xerophytic vegetation, where there are Juniperus Sabina and ordinary and grass cover is mainly represented by fescue motley. Xu Creek Suu literally dug a deep channel, and nearby slopes are formed from the remnants of old debris fans and moraine deposits. The upper part of the trail at the waterfall coming out to the terrace of the moraine of the glacier retreated Bezengi, with a magnificent view of the glaciers Bezengi (Ulla-Chyran) and Mizhirgi and on Bezengi gorge.

The route introduces the high-altitude zone, as you can see «five thousand meters» Caucasus landscape diversity, flora and fauna of the highlands. Here you can watch the Caucasian tour - endemic to the Caucasus, birds of prey (bearded, griffon vulture, golden eagle) and for the Caucasus Ular, Caucasian grouse and partridges.

«Mizhirgi». Starting from the academic hospital (CAT) and runs along the mountain path, three kilometers can be seen Turye lake where going tours. The trail extends to the foot of the glacier Mizhirgi.

The route introduces the landscape diversity, altitudinal zones, flora and fauna of high mountains and glacier Mizhirgi.

«seltzer source». Starting from Checkpoint cordon Chegem, goes along a forest road on the mountain-forest zone further along the mountain meadows, the endpoint is narzan source.

The route introduces the landscape attractions of flora and fauna of the Chegem forest, it gives the opportunity to try the unique natural seltzer.