Approximately 250 million years ago, two powerful lithospheric plates - the Eurasian and African-Arabian, as if floating in the ocean of terrestrial magma - began to converge. About 60 million years ago (at the beginning of the Paleogene), this process accelerated. However, even 12 million years ago, on the site of the plains of the Caucasus, there were sea lagoons, above which chains of low folded mountains towered in some places - a prototype of the future Caucasus Range. About 10 million years ago, the Arabian plate began to break away from the African and quickly move north. All the structures of the marginal seas of southern Eurasia began to be pushed to the surface along with a thickness of mineral sediments, large masses of stone with magma outcrops (volcanoes). About 5 million years ago, that stage of the formation of the mountains of Europe began, after which they basically acquired the appearance familiar to us today. As a result of a sharp uplift of the earth's crust, the mountains of the Greater Caucasus first reached 2.5 km in height, and after another one and a half million years (during the Quaternary period) they grew in their central part to 4-5 km. The Caucasus is a young mountainous country, the Caucasus Mountains continue to "grow" today.

MAIN CAUCASUS (Watershed) RIDGE (GKH)- a continuous mountain range stretching for more than 1100 km from the northwest to the southeast from the Black Sea (Anapa region) to the Caspian Sea (Mount Ilkhydag northwest of Baku) divides the Caucasus into two parts: Ciscaucasia (Northern Caucasus) and Transcaucasia (South Caucasus). The Main Caucasian Range separates the basins of the Kuban, Terek, Sulak and Samur rivers in the north and the Inguri, Rioni and Kura rivers in the south.

The mountain system, which includes the Main Caucasian Range, is called the Greater Caucasus (or the Greater Caucasian Range). There is also the Lesser Caucasus - this is a vast highland located south of the Rioni and Kura valleys and directly connected with the uplands of Western Asia.

The Caucasian Range can be divided along the length from west to east into seven parts:

Traditionally, the Greater Caucasus is divided into 3 parts:

• Western Caucasus (from the Black Sea to Elbrus)
• Central Caucasus (from Elbrus to Kazbek)
• Eastern Caucasus (from Kazbek to the Caspian Sea).

The highest is the middle part of the Caucasus Range (between Elbrus and Kazbek), its highest peaks are concentrated here. On the territory of Georgia, these are peaks Dzhangitau(5085 m), Shkhara(5068 m), Kazbek(5034 m), Tetnuld(4869 m) and Ushba(4690 m).

The Caucasian ridge is not distinguished, so to speak, by “passability”; only on its western and eastern extremities are there convenient and low passes, quite accessible all year round for communication. Throughout the rest of the length, with the exception of the Mamison and Cross passes, the paths through the ridge in most cases represent pack or even hiking paths, partly completely inaccessible for use in the winter season. Of all the passes, the most important is the Cross (2379 m), through which Georgian military road.

SIDE RIDGE- This is a mountain range of the Greater Caucasus, stretching from the north side parallel to the Main Range. Unlike the Main Caucasian Range, the Side Range does not represent a single continuous chain of mountains, but is divided into independent mountain ranges by transverse faults. The side ridge is separated from the Main Caucasian ridge by a deep intermountain depression - a depression that runs along the fault line of the earth's crust. The main attraction of the Side Range is the presence of the highest mountains in the central part of the Greater Caucasus (Mount Elbrus (5642 m) and Mount Kazbek (5034 m)).

The basis of the ridge is made up of mounds of various types of shale, and part of the mountain ranges is strewn with granite. In the western part, the ridge is composed of Paleozoic and Triassic sedimentary rocks, in the central part - Upper Proterozoic and Paleozoic crystalline schists and granites, in the eastern part - Jurassic shale. The ridge part is characterized by alpine landforms. This area is perfect for studying the processes of natural occurrence of new breeds. There are alpine meadows on the massifs of the Great Range, and significant glaciation in the central part.

BEZENGI WALL- This is a 13-kilometer mountain range, the highest section of the Main Caucasian (Dividing) Range, between the Tsanner Pass (3887 m) in the west and the Dykhniaush Pass (3836 m) in the east. Steep, almost sheer slopes, with snow masses hanging over them, often breaking down to the surface of the Bezingi glacier. Climbers call this wall the Lesser Himalayas. The Bezengi region can be considered the "heart" of the Greater Caucasus. It contains the largest glaciers and the highest peaks of the Caucasus.

Of the 7 "five-thousanders" of the Greater Caucasus, 5 peaks are concentrated in the Bezengi region, of which two peaks are located on the territory of Georgia. The peaks of the Lateral Range - Dykhtau (5205 m), Koshtantau (5152 m), Mizhirgi (5019 m) and the peaks of the GKH (on the territory of Georgia) - Shkhara (5203 m) and Dzhangitau (5085 m). Also here are the peaks of Katyntau (4974 m), Gestola (4859 m), Yesenin peak (4346 m), Lyalver (4355 m) and on the territory of Georgia Shota Rustaveli Peak(4859 m) and Tetnuld (4869 m). Traverses of 5B and 6A category of complexity were laid along the Bezengi wall.

SVANET RIDGE- a mountain range in Georgia and an advanced range of the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus. The length of the ridge is 85 km, the highest height is Mount Laila(4009 m). The ridge is composed of shales and quartzites. The crest of the ridge is occupied by glaciers with a total area of ​​about 30 km². On the slopes - alpine meadows, turning into coniferous and beech forests. At an altitude of 2600 m, there is already constant snow. The northern slopes of the ridge face the valley of the upper reaches of the Inguri River (the historical region of Upper Svaneti), the southern slopes face the upper reaches of the Tskhenistskali River (the historical region of Lower Svaneti). Upper Svaneti is an alpine picturesque valley, known not only for its luxurious mountain landscapes, but also for its architectural treasures. There are still preserved towers of the 9th-12th centuries and stone Orthodox churches.

LECHKHUMSKY RIDGE- a mountain range in Georgia and an advanced range of the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus. The length of the ridge is about 60 km, the highest height is Mount Samertskhle(3584 m). The ridge is composed of porphyrites, shales, in the northeast - flysch. The ridge is covered with subalpine and alpine meadows, beech and dark coniferous forests. Northern and Western steep slopes The ridge faces the valley of the Tskhenistskali River (the historical region of Lower Svaneti), the southwestern slopes are located in the historical region of Lechkhumi. The southern and eastern gentle slopes face the valley of the Rioni River (the historical region of Racha).

RACHINSKY RIDGE- a mountain range in Georgia and South Ossetia, in the central part of the Greater Caucasus on the south side. The highest height - Mount Lebaurismta(2862 m). The Racha Range separates the basins of the Kishelta, Tsata, Bolshaya Liakhvi in ​​the east and Jochiara, Jodzhora and Rioni in the west. The karst is widely developed (the Shaori basin - a karst field - has been turned into a picturesque reservoir - Lake Shaori). Beech and dark coniferous forests, subalpine and alpine meadows grow on the slopes of the ridge. The Tkibul coal deposit is located near the southwestern spurs. Near the northeastern - Kvaisskoe deposit of lead-zinc ores.

EGRIS(also referred to as Odishi or Megrelian) RIDGE- a mountain range in Georgia on the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus, stretching parallel to the Main Caucasian Range between the Inguri and Tskhenistskali rivers (70 km long and 32 km wide). The highest peak of the ridge - Mount Chitagwala(3226 m). The mountain slopes are covered with broad-leaved oak and beech forests, which give way to picturesque alpine meadows at an altitude of more than 2000 meters. It has a unique climate and easy climbing.

KARTLI RIDGE- a mountain range in Georgia, on the southern slope of the Greater Caucasus, located between the rivers Pshavskaya Aragvi and Iori. The length of the ridge is over 100 km. Heights reach 3000 m in the north. The ridge is composed mainly of sandstones, marls and shales. The slopes are covered with beech and oak forests. On the peaks (north and center of the ridge) there are mountain meadows.

KHOKH RIDGE- part of the Lateral Caucasian Range, passing through the territory of Georgia and Russia (North Ossetia). From the Ossetian language "khokh" is translated as "mountain". The Khokhsky Range runs north of the Main Caucasian Range, separated from it by the Trusovsky Gorge. The ridge is cut by the Ardon and Terek gorges. Highest point - Mount Kazbek(5034 m). It also includes mountains: Siveraut (3767 m), Dzhimara (4780 m), Maylihokh (4598 m) and glaciers: the northern slope - Midagrabin, Mayli, Chach, Devdoraksky; southern slope - Abana, Mna, Savitisi. The ridge is rich in mineral springs, which is why it was nicknamed the “Valley of the Narzans”.

TUSHETSKY (Perekiteli) RIDGE- a mountain range in the eastern part of the Greater Caucasus (stretches parallel to the lower Dividing Range), located between the Andiyskoye Koysu and Argun rivers. The ridge runs along the border of Georgia, Ingushetia, Chechnya and Dagestan. The length of the ridge is 80 km. Highest point - Mount Tebulosmta(4493 m). The ridge is composed of shales and sandstones of the Lower Jurassic age. On the slopes - alpine and subalpine meadows. There are glaciers on the highest massifs. The ridge is named after the ethnographic group of Georgians - Tushins.

KAKHETSKY (Zivi-Gombori) RIDGE- a mountain range in Georgia, in the southern part of the Greater Caucasus. The ridge serves as a watershed for the Iori and Alazani rivers. The length of the ridge is about 120 km (starts from Mount Borbalo (3296 m)). The geological continuation of the ridge is the Tsivi-Gombori ridge, above (to the north) of which the Kakheti valley stretches. The maximum height of the ridge - Mount Lagaismta(2506 m). The ridge is composed mainly of sandstones, marls, and shales. The slopes are covered with broad-leaved forests and shrubs. At an altitude of 2000 m - mountain meadows. In the lower parts of the slopes - vineyards.

TRIALETSKY RIDGE is a mountain range in Georgia on the right bank of the Kura River (west of Tbilisi). Its length is 150-200 km, width is about 30 km. Highest point - Mount Shaviklde(2850 m), translated from Georgian - "Black Mountain". Other peaks are Sakvelosmta (2803 m), Arjevani (2757 m), Dalitsavaryatag (2708 m), Ortatavi (2513 m), Kenchakaro (2320 m) and Kvajvari (2280 m).

The ridge was formed by volcanic activity of the Paleogene era and is composed of flysch and volcanic rocks. The Trialeti Range serves as a major watershed. On the slopes of Trialeti, such rivers as Khrami, Gujaretistskali, tributaries of Tedzami, Algeti, Digmistskali and Vere originate. The Trialeti ridge is covered mainly with deciduous forests (oak, hornbeam, beech). In the western, higher part, there are coniferous (fir, pine, spruce) and mixed forests. There are many small lakes hidden in the forests. On the southern slopes of the ridge there are meadows.

LIKHSKY (Suramsky) RIDGE- the ridge of the Georgian-Imereti and Meskhi mountains, located on the territory of South Ossetia and Georgia. The Likh Range is the only continuous watershed range connecting the Greater Caucasus with the Lesser. The highest point is Mount Lokhoni (1926 m). The ridge begins at the peak of the Zikari (2206 m) of the Main Caucasian Range, then goes southwest and, adjoining the latitudinal chain (the northern outskirts of the Lesser Caucasus), divides the Kura and Rioni basins, dividing Transcaucasia into two parts, very different in climate, vegetation and other parameters - eastern and western (watershed of the Black and Caspian Seas). The Likh Range is composed of granites and chalk rocks. Basically, the ridge is covered with forest.

Until the 20th century, the Likh Range was also known as the Wakhan Range. Previously (during the time of the Russian Empire), the Transcaucasian Railway passed through the Likh Range near the Suram Pass (949 m), located in the middle part of the range. It was an important road from Imereti to Kartli (from Kutaisi province to Tiflis). In 1980, the construction of the Surami tunnel was completed, so today the railway passes through it.

SAMSAR RIDGE- this is a plateau-like watershed of the basins of the right tributaries of the Kura - the Paravani River (from the southeast, south and west) and the Khrami River (from the northeast and north). The ridge stretches for 75 km from the highest point of the Trialeti Range - Mount Shaviklde (2850 m): 25 km to the east (in this part of the watershed there is a mountain lake Tabatskuri) and then 50 km to the south to Lake Sagamo (Tumangel) on the Paravani River. Highest point - Mount Samsari(3284 m) - located between the lakes Tabatskuri and Paravani (the largest lake in Georgia). Other peaks are Shavnabad (2929 m), Chareli (2652 m), Tavkvetili (2582 m) and Mshralimta (2481 m).

The plateau of the Samsar watershed, 3000 m high, is of volcanic origin and is composed mainly of trachyte lavas of brick-brown or black color. Many huge jagged craters rise here, devoid of vegetation, like most of the ridge. At the bottom of the craters, fields of snow turn white, sometimes not having time to thaw over the summer, and lakes surrounded by snow cornices, in the water surface of which the "fingers" of the volcanic remnants surrounding them are reflected. Between the gentle ridges and ridges of the upland steppes, the mirror surfaces of many lakes also glisten. All lakes feed groundwater and partly by precipitation. Some of the lakes have a flow to the east - to Lake Paravani, some - to the northeast - to the Khrami River.

The climate on the plateau is the most severe in Georgia: summers are short and cool, winters are unusually cold for Transcaucasia (frosts here reach 25-35 degrees). There are no forests here at all. The slopes are covered only with mountain-meadow (marsh) or mountain-steppe vegetation.

MESKHETI RIDGE- a mountain range in Georgia, occupies the northern territory of the Lesser Caucasus. The length of the ridge from the west (from the Adjara coast) to the northeast is about 240 km. The highest height - Mount Mepistskaro(2850 m). The Meskheti Range is one of the ranges along which the watershed between the Black and Caspian Seas passes. The ridge is composed of volcanogenic and flysch sedimentary rocks. There are also many karst formations here. On the slopes, broad-leaved and dark coniferous forests are not uncommon, and at an altitude of more than 2000 m, subalpine and alpine meadows, which in warm time years serve as excellent pastures. It is one of the ridges along which the watershed between the Black and Caspian Seas passes. The slopes of the ridge are covered with dense dark coniferous and broad-leaved forests, as well as alpine meadows (at an altitude of more than 2000 m). In the warm season they are excellent pastures.

SOMKHET RIDGE- a mountain range on the territory of Georgia and Armenia, located in the middle part of the Lesser Caucasus. From Georgian "Somkhetian" means "Armenian". The length of the ridge is 75 km. The maximum height is Mount Lalvar (2543 m). The ridge is dissected by the transverse gorge of the Debed River, composed of basalts, andesites, sandstones and limestones with granitoid intrusions. The ridge has gentle slopes in the western part and steep slopes in the eastern. The northern slope of the ridge is covered with forest, the southern slope is dominated by mountain steppe with sparse shrubs. Also, a deposit of copper ores (Alaverdi) was discovered on the southern slope. Also, a deposit of copper ores (Alaverdi) was discovered on the southern slope. The ridge is a watershed of the basins of the tributaries of the Mashavera, Khrami and Shulaveri rivers, as well as Dzoraget-Debsd.

JAVAKHET RIDGE (Javakhk, Kechut ridge or wet mountains)- a mountain range located on the territory of Georgia and Armenia. The length of the ridge is about 50 km. The highest peak - Mount Achkasar(3196 m) is located on the territory of Armenia. The Javakheti Range was formed at the site of the split tectonic plate a chain of numerous volcanoes that were active during the Quaternary period. Now there are several volcanoes that are active from time to time.

The name "Wet Mountains" is associated with the climate of these places - there is a lot of precipitation here. Humid air promotes the growth of many types of aquatic plants. Tall grasses, due to the constant supply of water, cover almost the entire foot of the ridge. The vegetation is characteristic of mountain steppes, subalpine and alpine meadows. On the ridge (on the slopes of the oldest volcano) the large mountain rivers Tzakhkashen, Ghukasyan and Chichkhan originate.

ARSIAN RIDGE- a mountain range in southern Georgia and eastern Turkey (the northwestern framing of the Armenian Highlands). Its northern part is included in the mountain system of the Lesser Caucasus and in the east borders the upper reaches of the river called Adzharistskali (this is the right tributary of the Chorokh River). The southwestern part of the ridge ends at the confluence of two rivers - Chorukh and Olta. The total length of the ridge is about 150 km. Max Height - Mount Arsiyan(3165 m). The ridge is composed of shales and sandstones, which alternate with volcanogenic strata.

The Georgian part of the Arsian Range passes through the historical and geographical region called Adjara (the administrative center of the region is the resort town of Batumi). Due to its nature and location, the Arsian Range retains moisture coming from the sea. The flora and fauna of the area is quite diverse and has a positive effect on health. Fir-spruce, beech-chestnut and beech forests grow here, as well as alpine meadows.

SHAVSHET RIDGE- a mountain range in the south-west of Transcaucasia, on the border of Georgia (Adjara region) and Turkey. The length of the ridge is about 65 km. Highest point - Mount Kheva(2812 m). The ridge is composed of sandstone and volcanic formations. Plateau-like surfaces predominate. Broad-leaved and spruce-fir forests and evergreen shrubs grow on the slopes of the ridge. On the ridge - subalpine and alpine meadows. On the slopes of the ridge there are tourist bases, resort parks and sanatoriums. Travelers love this area for the fresh mountain air, the beauty of nature and the unique opportunity to combine outdoor activities with treatment and healing of the body.

PONTIC RIDGE (Pontic Mountains or North Anatolian Mountains) is a mountain system in northern Turkey, stretching along the southern coast of the Black Sea, from the mouths of the Yeshilyrmak River to the mouths of the Chorokh River and the peak of Karchal (3428 m), which is considered the eastern tip of this mountain system. The Pontic Mountains are also known as the "Parkhar Mountains" in local Turkish and Greek. The term "Parhar" comes from a Hittite word meaning "high" or "summit".

The length of the Pontic Mountains is 976 km, the width is 303 km. Highest point - Mount Kachkar(3931 m). The chain stretches approximately from east to west, parallel and close to the southern coast of the Black Sea. Then it expands to the northeast into Georgia and to the west into the Sea of ​​Marmara.

Many short spurs, heading north and covered with dense forests, rest against the sea and form gorges along which small rivers flow; the southern slopes and spurs of the ridge are mostly treeless. The Pontic Mountains reach their highest height in the eastern part, where snow lies all year round. Passes through the Pontic Mountains are few and rather difficult. In the eastern part, the Pontic Mountains are cut through by the Chorokh River. The northern slopes are covered with dense forests, mainly conifers. The eastern part is covered with mixed forest.

Climbers say that there is a special silence in the mountains, which has a magical sound, it beckons to itself and makes you conquer the peaks of the mountains with even greater passion.

Georgia has been famous since ancient times for its beautiful mountains and peaks, with routes that are difficult to access. The Internet portal "Sputnik Georgia", which is celebrated every year on December 11, presents the TOP-7 famous and most difficult mountains of Georgia.

1. Shkhara - height 5,193.2 meters

The highest peak in Georgia. Located in the Svaneti region. Shkhara was first climbed by Soviet climbers in 1933. At the foot of the southern slopes of Shkhara, at an altitude of 2,200 m above sea level, there is the village of Ushguli in the Mestia region of Svaneti, which is included in the list world heritage UNESCO.

2. Kazbek or Mkinvartsveri - height 5,033.8 meters

It is an extinct stratovolcano. Located on the border of Russia and Georgia. The last eruption supposedly occurred in 650 BC. It was formed, according to experts, 805 million years ago. Approximately at an altitude of 3800 m, on an 80-meter rock wall in a cave, there is an ancient Georgian monastery of Betlemi (Bethlehem).

3. Ushba - height 4690 meters

One of the most famous mountains of the Caucasus. It is located in the Svaneti region. From the Svan language "ush" means trouble, "ba" means mountain. That is, a mountain that brings misfortune. It is called the killer mountain or the ghost mountain. It was this mountain that became those who wanted to conquer it.

4. Tetnuldi - height 4,869 meters

Mount Tetnuldi. Photo SITE "MOUNTAIN SKIING IN GEORGIA"

It is located in the Samegrelo Zemo Svaneti region. There is a legend that Mount Ushba is in love with Mount Tetnuldi, which is why she hides from Ushba, covering her face with fog.

A resort of the same name is being built on the slope of the mountain, the ski slope of which will be the longest in the Caucasus - 9.5 kilometers.

5. Diklosmta - height 4285 meters

A mountain range in the eastern part of the Greater Caucasus on the crest of the Snegovoi Ridge, which is natural border Chechnya, Dagestan and Georgia. Translated from Georgian: "Mta" - mountain, "Diklo" - one of the oldest villages in Tusheti, located at the foot of the mountain.

On the northern slope of the mountain, the construction of the Veduchi ski resort has begun.

6. Banguriani - height 3,838 meters

A mountain in the village of Mestia in the Samegrelo Zemo-Svaneti region. It was the favorite mountain of the "Tiger of the Rocks", the famous Georgian climber Mikhail Khergiani, the windows of his native house overlooked Banguriani.

7. Shoda - height 3,609 meters

A mountain on the southern slope of the Main Caucasian Range. The main local treasure is rock crystal. Alpine and subalpine plants grow at an altitude of 1900-2000 meters.

On the territory of Georgia there are several the highest peaks Main Caucasian Range. These are peaks (5085 m), Shkhara (5068 m), (4869 m), Shota Rustaveli Peak(4859 m), Ushba(4690 m), (4009 m) are located in the Svaneti region (north-west of Georgia), (5034 m) - in the Mtskheta-Mtianeti region (north-east of Georgia), (4493 m) and (3296 m) - in the Tusheti region (Kakheti region).

JANGITAU (5085 m / Svaneti)

The two-headed peak, located in the center of a unique 13-kilometer mountain range, known as the Bezengi Wall (the central part of the Main Caucasian Range, on the border of Russia (Kabardino-Balkaria) and Georgia). Dzhangi Main - 5085 meters high, Dzhangi East - 5038 meters. Dzhangitau is the highest mountain peak in Georgia and the fourth highest in the Caucasus. Dzhangitau translated from Kabardino-Balkarian means "New Mountain". Stormy rivers flow from the slopes of Dzhangitau, eternal glaciers from above. There are also many gorges and caves, most of which are filled with water.

The mountain is incredibly popular among climbers, many athletes regularly conquer the summit, not being afraid of the difficulties of climbing and the dangers that lie in wait on the winding and narrow paths. Routes 4B-5A of difficulty category were laid to the top, and the traverse of the Bezengi wall (5B), the winter version (6A) also passes through it. The first ascent to the summit was made by John Kokkin in 1888.

SHKHARA (5068 m / Svaneti)

The second highest mountain peak in Georgia (6th category of difficulty) in the central part of the Main Caucasian (Dividing) Range. It used to be that the height of Shkhara was 5203 m. But according to the latest topographic data, this height turned out to be not accurate, and at the moment the top of Shkhara has a height of 5068 meters (this is 17 meters lower than the top of Dzhangitau Glavnaya, with a height of 5085 meters above sea level). Shkhara in Georgian means "Striped".

Mount Shkhara is located on the border of Svaneti (Georgia) and Kabardino-Balkaria (Russia) and is part of a unique 13-kilometer mountain range known as the Bezengi Wall. The Shkhara massif is composed of granites and crystalline schists. The slopes are covered with glaciers, on the northern slope - the Bezengi glacier, on the southern slope - the Shkhara glacier, from which the Inguri River partially originates.

Shkhara is a very popular object for mountaineering. It consists of the Main (5068 m), Western (5057 m), South-Eastern (4630 m), Eastern and Southern (4380 m) peaks. The first ascent of Shkhara was made in 1888 by W. Almer, J. Kokin and K. Roth. Soviet climbers first climbed Shkhara in 1933. The easiest and most popular route from the Russian (northern) side to Shkhara Glavnaya is 5A along the “crab” - the route along the NE ridge (D. Kokkin, 1888). They climb and descend along the same route when they walk the traverse of the Bezengi wall.

Attractions: at at the foot of the southern slopes of Shkhara, at an altitude of 2200 m above sea level, there is the highest mountain village in Europe - Ushguli village included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

KAZBEK (5034 m / Khevi region)

This is an extinct stratovolcano (also considered a dormant stratovolcano), the easternmost "five-thousander" of the Caucasus, located in the eastern part of the Central Caucasus, on the border of Georgia with Russia (North Ossetia), in the eastern part of the Khokhsky ridge. The last eruption occurred in 750 BC. e. The height of Kazbek is 5034 m. The mountain is covered with eternal snows and valley glaciers with a total area of ​​135 square meters. km. At the foot of the famous river Terek flows.

Kazbek has two peak-cones covered with snow caps: eastern (5034 m) and western (5025 m). They are connected by a saddle ridge (5005 m). In the vicinity of the peak, pink-gray and black porous deposits of andesite, lava flows that descended along the eastern and southern slopes into the Darial Gorge are clearly visible. Under the andesite layer lies the main massif of Kazbek, consisting of shale rocks and the so-called low-temperature minerals.

Lava eruptions from the Kazbek crater throughout its geological history, the total length of which is about 8 million years, alternated with glaciations. Mountain cirques and valleys formed as a result of this process serve as a bed for modern glaciers descending along the southern, eastern and northern slopes. On its way, the glaciers in some places form grandiose icefalls, dissected by cracks up to 60 m deep. Gergeti glacier(aka Ortsveri and Chkheri). To the north-west from the Mailinsky plateau into the Genaldon gorge flows in a grandiose icefall miley glacier. To the north with a turn to the northeast from the Kazbek plateau moves Chach glacier. The largest glacier Kazbek leaves the plateau to the northeast - Devdorak, to the east from the Kazbek massif a narrow abano glacier.

Georgians call this mountain "Mkinvartsveri" - "Ice peak". The Chechen and Ingush name of the mountain is "Bashlam" - "Melting Mountain" ("bash" - melt, "lam" - mountain). The Ossetian name of Kazbek is "Urskhokh" - "White Mountain". There is a version about the origin of the name "Kazbek" early XIX century, a certain prince Kazbek owned a village at the foot of the mountain, his name became the name of the village. And the Russians also called this mountain Kazbegi (researcher V. A. Nikonov).

Kazbek experiences strong temperature fluctuations, heavy precipitation (rain, hail, snow and hoarfrost). A cold alpine climate dominates here, solar radiation is high. The weather on the slopes of Kazbek, in the highlands is extremely changeable and capricious: even in summer on sunny days, thick, dense clouds can form in a short time, sometimes bad weather lasts up to 3-5 days. On average, at altitudes of about 2000 m in the zone of alpine meadows in January - about -8 ° C, in August (the warmest month in this part of the Central Caucasus) + 13 ° C.

Conquest of Kazbek

The Georgian writer of the 18th century, Ioann Batonishvili, in his essay “Kalmasoba” writes that the Mokhevian Joseph (the Mokhevians are a small local Caucasian people) “climbed to the top of Kazbek, which no man had set foot on”. The personal doctor of the Georgian king Erekle II (1720-1798) reported on the failure of a certain Georgian priest to penetrate the treasures of the ancient monastery, hidden in a cave. We are certainly talking about the monastery of Betlemi (Bethlehem), located at an altitude of 3900-4100 m in a rocky wall, where one could penetrate only by climbing up an iron chain thrown out of it (both the chain and treasures - icons, ancient books, coins of the 15th century - were indeed found there in 1948).

In 1811, students of Dorpat University F. Parrot and M. Engelhardt (future professors), on behalf of the government, carried out an orometric leveling of the Caucasus and reached the snow line. But they did not have the strength to climb to the top. However, Parrot did not give up and soon set out again to storm the summit with four soldiers. Altitude sickness and a snow storm forced them to return, but Parrot and Engelhardt were able to compile the first sufficiently complete mineralogical atlas of Kazbek.

In 1844 Colenati, corresponding member Petersburg Academy Sciences, accompanied by five local residents, made a new attempt to conquer the summit: he climbed 500 m above Parrot, it remained to go another 500 m (the most difficult part of the ascent), but again bad weather forced this group to return.

Officially, the English climbers D. Freshfield (he was 23 at that time), V. Moore and K. Tukker are considered the first conquerors of Kazbek. This happened in 1868. They started the ascent, accompanied by an experienced Swiss guide F. Devoissou and four local residents, but the ambitious British climbed to the top without them.

The first Russian to climb Kazbek was climber V. Kozmin, accompanied by four local residents. This happened in 1873.

The beginning of the scientific study of the mountain can be considered 1889, when the military topographer A. V. Pastukhov compiled topographic map region. The 60-year-old Ossetian guide Tepsariko Tsarakhov reached the summit with him. The researchers erected a red flag on top, which in good weather could be seen through binoculars in Vladikavkaz. Pastukhov explained the installation of the red flag by the fact that no other flag would be so clearly visible against the background of shining snow and a blue sky. As a result, the red flag flew for a very long time in front of the townspeople, until severe winds tore it to pieces. It is surprising that Pastukhov and his people survived during this journey: storms and downpours pursued them all the way.

In the same 1889, a sports record was set for climbing Kazbek by two groups of foreign climbers: the ascent took them 12 hours. 45 minutes, descent - 4 hours and 15 minutes, while Pastukhov spent three days on this (foreigners followed the path of D. Freshfield).

The first woman to climb Kazbek through the Devdorak Glacier in 1900 was the Russian climber MP Preobrazhenskaya. Over the next 20 years, she climbed Kazbek eight more times. She owns the first descriptions of routes around the peaks of Kazbek along firn fields and glaciers. She was also the organizer of the first meteorological observations on Kazbek. In 1912, on her initiative, a meteorological booth was installed on the top of the mountain.

Especially frequent and massive ascents to Kazbek became after the October Revolution. Great importance for the development of mountaineering in Georgia, they had two expeditions to Kazbek, organized in 1923 by professors of the Tbilisi state university G. N. Nikoladze and A. I. Didebulidze. In 1925, at the head of a large expedition of the Georgian Geographical Society, the outstanding Soviet mountaineer S. B. Dzhaparidze climbed Kazbek. He for a long time studied the slopes of Kazbek and paved the easiest way to its summit along the eastern slope through the Gergeti glacier. Subsequently, mass ascents were made along this path.

In the 20th century, Kazbek was not only conquered many, many times, but mastered by climbers as a “home”, in their language, mountain. However, not all of the ascents of it, even with good preparation and equipment, were simple. Kazbek, like any mountain, has its own account of those who did not return ... Nevertheless, Kazbek continues to remain popular place recreation not only for lovers of mountaineering, but also just for those who want to admire the unusually beautiful mountain nature and see the sights.

Interesting Facts

Many ancient legends are connected with Kazbek. According to Greek mythology, Prometheus was chained to Kazbek as punishment for stealing the Olympic flame. The Chechen legend says that the giant Pkharmat was chained to the mountain, who stole fire for people. The gods punished him by chaining him to the mountain with iron chains. Every evening the bird Ida (prince of all birds) arrives and pecks at his liver. The Ingush, the inhabitants of the village of Gvileti, annually made sacrifices to their pagan gods near Kazbek. According to the beliefs of the Gwiletians, there is supposedly a mysterious cave at the top, in which the young man Kurkaa lies, chained by the gods to a rock for trying to steal fire from the sky for people. He groans in pain as a bird of prey pecks at his heart.

In good weather, the snow cone of Kazbek is visible from the Gergeti glacier. On its white background, a dark rock looms in the form of a high cape separating two glaciers - Gergeti and Abano. In 1811, the traveler Friedrich Parrot, who was trying to climb the top of Kazbek, saw through strong binoculars on this rock, located in the zone of eternal snows, a black opening of the cave. Below the cave, at an altitude of 3520 m, a large stone cross and several gravestones surrounded by an iron fence were found. Nearby stood a black basalt pillar and a pyramid of pink andesite blocks.

There are also earlier testimonies of historians about the caves of Kazbek. In the 18th century, the famous Georgian geographer and historiographer Prince Vakhushti Bagrationi wrote: “Caves are carved in the rock of Mkinvari, which is very high, and they call them Betlemi, it is difficult to climb there: for an iron chain has been lowered from the cave and people climb it.”

In 2004, volcanic ash was discovered in the Mezmayskaya Cave (Krasnodar Territory, Russia) related to the Kazbek eruption, which occurred geologically synchronously with the super eruption of the Phlegraean Fields in Italy (the area northwest of Naples) and the eruption of the St. Anna volcano in the Southern Carpathians about 40 thousand years ago, which caused the onset of a "volcanic winter and caused the extinction of the Neanderthals.

On September 10, 2013, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili conquered the summit of Kazbek. He became the second president involved in mountaineering (after the head of Kazakhstan - Nursultan Nazarbayev - who conquered the Abai peak in 1995 with a height of 4010 meters).

On the side of the mountain from the side of the Darial Gorge (3675 m) there is a weather station built in 1933 (today, unfortunately, not working), part of which has been converted into a hut for those who go to conquer the peak.

Attractions:

The famous Georgian Military Highway (it began to be built at the end of the 18th century, after the signing of the Treaty of St. George in 1783 on the protectorate of the Russian Empire over Georgia; for a long time, the VGD remained the only way from Russia to Georgia and the Caucasus in general)

Church of the Gergeti Trinity at an altitude of 2170 m (XIV century). The church is located above the village of Gergeti (this is part of the village of Kazbegi, which is called Stepantsminda). Here at one time the Cross of St. Nino, the Enlightener of Georgia (IV century), was kept. Although this temple is dedicated in the name of the Holy Trinity, its main holiday is the day of the Assumption of the Virgin - August 28.

The cave monastery of Betlemi is an ancient cave monastery complex, which is located at an altitude of 4100 m on an 80-meter rock wall in a cave. According to the Georgian chronicle “Kartlis Tskhovreba”, this monastery was a repository of shrines and church treasures, into which, in ancient times, monks climbed along a hung iron chain.

Local Lore Museum. And Kazbegi in the village of Stepantsminda.

Glaciers Gergeti, Chach, Devdorak, Mayli. The largest of them is Deadorak (height - 2260 m, length - 7.3 km, area - 7 km 2).

Picturesque gorges: Darialskoe, Khevskoe, Trousseau (narzan springs).

Gwileti waterfall

Arsh fortress and Arsh waterfalls

Cardamom mineral thermal springs (on the northwestern slope, in the valley of the Genaldon River)

Sources of carbonic waters of the “Narzan” type (from the urban settlement of Stepantsminda to the village of Pasanauri).

TETNULD (4869 m / Svaneti)

This is a peak in the southern spur of the Bezengi Wall of the Main Caucasian Range, located in the Upper Svaneti region (Georgia), 2 km south of the peak of Gestola and the border of Russia (Kabardino-Balkaria). 22 km west of the peak is the regional center of Upper Svaneti - the village of Mestia. The height of Tetnulda is 4869 m. The peak is two-headed, composed of ancient crystalline rocks. The glaciers Oish, Nageb (sources of the Enguri), Adish and others flow down from Tetnuld. The total area of ​​the glaciers is 46 km². Tetnuld in Georgian means "White Mountain".

When viewed from any side, Tetnuld is an almost regular pyramid with straight and sharp edges. For the beauty and regularity of forms, the locals call this mountain "Svan Bride". One of these straight faces - the Southeast Ridge - attracted English climbers under the leadership of Douglas Freshfield in 1887 to climb. Thus, Tetnuld is on the list of peaks from which the mountaineering history of the Caucasus began. The climbers of the first Caucasian expeditions chose the highest, most beautiful and interesting peaks, such as Elbrus, Kazbek, Ushba and Shkhara. And of course, they did not ignore Tetnuld.

Tetnuld, located in the southern spur of the Bezengi wall, is connected by a jumper to the peak of Gestola, which is located in the Main Caucasian Range. During the times of the USSR, a route from Russia of 4b category of complexity was compiled through this jumper to Tetnuld, but due to geological changes - subsidence of the glacier - today this path is extremely dangerous, and is officially prohibited. From Georgia (Svaneti region) to Tetnuld there are two most beautiful routes, one of which was passed in 1887 by the Englishman Douglas Freshfield. It was then that the strongest climbers in Europe climbed all the most significant peaks of the Main Caucasus.

Today, climbing Tetnuld is a sport climb middle category difficulties, more difficult than climbing the Laila peak, but much less risky than the program on Ushba or Shkhara. Climbing Tetnuld can be recommended as a transitional link from simple climbing programs to more technical ones. high levels. The location of Tetnuld gives climbers a unique chance to enjoy all the power and splendor of the famous peaks of the Bezengi wall, opposite which Tetnuld peak is located.

PEAK SHOTA RUSTAVELI (4859 m/ Svaneti)

A mountain in the center of the Main Caucasian Range, located on the border of Svaneti (Georgia) and Kabardino-Balkaria (Russia). The mountain is named after the great Georgian poet and statesman of the XII-XIII centuries - Shota Rustaveli. The height of the mountain is 4859 meters. It is considered the ninth highest peak of the Caucasus. For the first time this peak was conquered in 1937. Climbing is best planned for June, July, August and September.

USHBA (4690 m / Svaneti)

One of the peaks of the Greater Caucasus in the Upper Svaneti region, at the very end of the Shkhelda Gorge, 1.5 km south of the border with Russia (Kabardino-Balkaria). Ushba in translation from Svan - "Mountain that brings misfortune" ("ush" - misfortune, misfortune and "ba" - mountain). From the Karachay-Balkarian language - "Mountain with three peaks" ("yuch" - three, "bash" - top, top, head). The Gul and Ushbinsky glaciers flow down from Ushba.

The top of Ushba is two-headed: the South peak (4710 m) and the North peak (4690 m). They are connected by the Ushba jumper or "pipe". This name was not given in vain - even in good weather it is very windy in it. The northern peak was conquered in 1888 by English climbers John Kuklin and Ulrich Elmer. The first ascent to the southern summit was made only in 1903 by a German-Swiss-Austrian expedition led by the German climber Willy Rickmer-Rickmers.

The unusual, disturbing form, the grandiose scale of the walls and the history of conquest created the Legend of the Summit, which the climbers have a formidable name - "The Witches' Sabbath". The mountain is composed mainly of granites and has characteristic steep slopes. On the north side there is a large, completely vertical plane, which is called the “mirror of Ushba”. At one time, the famous Georgian climber Mikhail Khergiani passed the "mirror". Due to its steep profile and unstable weather, Ushba, according to many climbers, is the most difficult peak in the Caucasus (6th category of difficulty) to climb. Sometimes climbing from just hard work turns into a desperate fight for life.

Now Ushba is climbed along many routes that have different categories of difficulty - from 4A to 6A, that is, from "difficult" to "extremely difficult". The base for the ascent is usually the village of Mazeri in the Svan community of Becho. From there, both the ascents themselves and just trekking to the Ushba glacier begin. There are waterfalls and mineral springs along the way. 10 km southeast of the peak is the regional center of Mestia.

Climbers are well aware of the story of how the Georgian prince Dadeshkeliani in 1903 officially presented Ushba to the climber Chenchi von Fikker, a member of the Rickmers expedition. Even the deed of gift has been preserved. They say that the Svans were offended because the prince gave the mountain to a stranger, to which Dadeshkeliani replied: “The mountain stands as it stood, but the woman is pleased.”

LAYLA (4009 m / Svaneti)

The main peak of the Svaneti ridge. Height - 4009 m. The name of the mountain is translated from the Svan language as "Fiery Mountain" (or "Flaming"). It is said that she attracts lightning to herself during a thunderstorm. Perhaps this phenomenon is due to the fact that in this part of the Svaneti Range there are numerous deposits of copper and other valuable metals, including gold. And, of course, when you see this peak at dawn or sunset - a comparison with a blazing fire will come to you by itself - the peak is excellently illuminated by the setting and rising sun, striking the viewer with the whole gamut of purple-pink-scarlet and crimson-red hues. Yes, in the early rays of the rising sun and at sunset, Mount Laila is indeed very attractive. In addition, from the top of Laila, the Caucasus Mountains are visible for 100 km from Dalar to Bezengi. The main Caucasian ridge is visible as if from the side. No other mountain gives such a wonderful view.

Despite the fact that Laila is one of the most accessible and technically simple peaks in the region (climbing 1B-2A difficulty category), it does not yet belong to the class of "hyped" and "worn" peaks. Therefore, you should hurry to take advantage of this opportunity.

For the first time, Laila was submissive to none other than John Kokkin himself, the legendary English climber who made a number of unique first ascents of the most serious mountains of the Greater Caucasus (Ushba, Dykhtau, Shkhara, Tetnuld) at the end of the 19th century. And now the attention of this greatest climber and traveler was attracted by a peak, neither in height nor in complexity comparable to the rest of the giants. In 1891, the most famous German traveler Godfried Merzbacher climbed the top of the South Laila, which had not been conquered until that time. Thus, the low peak of Laila, not burdened with technical difficulties, fell into the annals of world mountaineering in the most fruitful period of its heyday.

TICHTENGEN (4611 m / Svaneti)

Mountain range in the central part of the Greater Caucasus. It is located on the Main Caucasian Range, in the upper reaches of the Chegem River, on the border of Russia (Kabardino-Balkaria) and Georgia. The height reaches 4611 m. The massif is composed of crystalline schists, gneisses and granites. On the territory of Tichtengen, many mountain streams originate, as well as several large glaciers (Zaneri and others). The area covered by ice is about 46.8 km². The massif is impassable, and the roads leading to it are normal condition practically absent.

For the first time, Tichtengen was conquered in 1935 by climbing instructors from TsAGI (Central Aerohydrodynamic Institute named after Professor N. E. Zhukovsky).

TEBULOSMTA (4492 m/ Tusheti)

This is the highest mountain of the Tusheti Range (Eastern Caucasus), located on the border of Georgia (Tushetia) and Russia (Chechnya), between the sources of the Andi Koisu and the headwaters of the Chanty-Argun River. This mountain is also known by the Chechen name Tuloi-Lam.

The top of Tebulosmta is covered with eternal snows. At the top there are glaciers (more than 3 sq. km). The slopes are covered with alpine meadows. The height of the mountain is 4492 meters. Tebulosmta is composed of Jurassic shales, limestones, and sandstones. Rock crystal deposits were found in the bowels. At one time, Druses (a group of intergrown crystals) were found on Tebulosmta, the crystals of which reached a meter in length. In the 19th century, Swiss manufacturers mined crystal here, who, when the Bolsheviks came to power, did not extend the lease and, having walled up the galleries, moved out.

CHAUKHI (3843 m/ Khevsureti)

This is a mountain range located in the historical region of Khevi (Georgia). It is composed of Jurassic shales and sandstones, has rocky exposed steep slopes. The most impressive peaks are North Chaukhi (3843m), East Chaukhi (3644m) and West Chaukhi (3496m), etc. On the slope of Northern Chaukhi there is a glacier (length 1.3 km). At the foot of the peaks are the famous Abudelauri lakes of glacial origin. They are fabulously beautiful and have different colors. One lake is shallow and bright green. The second is deep dark blue (this is the most beautiful of the three lakes, surrounded by thickets of rhododendrons). And the third is white, like milk. The lakes are located at a distance of 1.5 km from each other.

BORBALO (3294 m / Tusheti)

A mountain in a section of the Pshav-Khevsureti Range (the system of the Main Caucasian Range), located on the territory of Georgia. The rivers Iori, Alazani and many tributaries of other rivers originate here, incl. flowing to the north (Andaki - a tributary of the Argun River, Terek basin) and east (Andian Koisu, Sulak basin). To the south of Borbalo, two significant spurs are separated, serving as a watershed, one is the Kartli Range (between the Pshav Aragvi and Iori rivers), the other is the Kakheti Range (between Iori and Alazani). All these rivers belong to the Kura river basin.

Big Borbalo has a height of 3294 m, Small Borbalo is located somewhat to the north (northeast) of the big one. Borbalo (together with Mount Tebulosmta located to the north) serves as the boundary of the geological structure of the Main Caucasian Range; thus, to the west of Borbalo, the mountains are predominantly composed of eruptive rocks (granite, crystalline schist, porphyry, etc.), and to the east, of rocks of sedimentary origin (clay shale and sandstones).

Directly at the foot of Borbalo lie the Alazan-Avtoran valley and the Iora plateau (Shirak steppe). Nearby in the east is the Mtatushetsky Reserve, the Bansky Pass (2928 m) through the Main Range and the resort of Torgvas-Abano (1800-1850 m). In the west - Datvis-Jvari pass (2676 m).

The developed infrastructure and the average level of difficulty of climbing the peak allow even non-professionals to climb Borbalo, which numerous tourists do with pleasure.

The mountains of Georgia have long been considered one of the main components of the sights of the Caucasian country. The peaks of the main Caucasian ridge impress with their landscapes, captivate lovers at first sight. Having visited such places, the soul finds peace, the body is charged with frantic energy, life takes on a new meaning.

A trip to the Caucasus in order to see the Georgian mountains is a great option for a family vacation or an unforgettable vacation. Visiting Georgian settlements in the intermountain regions increases the likelihood of getting acquainted with ancient traditions, because it is here that the village cherishes the instructions of its great-grandfathers.

The location of Georgia stretches to the heights of Abkhazia, resting on the borders of the Russian Federation, covers Dagestan and Azerbaijan. Mountainous Georgia is one of the most beautiful in the world, the highest mountain in Europe and Russia, Elbrus, which is one of the seven parts of the world “Seven Peaks”, spread out here. The height of the creation of nature is impressive - it reached 5642 meters above sea level. The first ascent to the highest point of Georgia was recorded on July 20, 1874. Best time August is marked for visiting villages by tourists, but for walks for most regions of the Caucasus Mountains - from June to September inclusive.

Note! Some of the regions, for example, Tusheti or Khevsureti, are open to tourists for only a few summer months.

In winter, mountainous Georgia invites all residents of Russia and Europe to its wide expanses, ski areas. This village is located on the southern side of the Great Caucasian Range, Kazbegi municipality of Georgia, not far from the Cross Pass (altitude 2150 meters above sea level).

The highest mountain in Georgia - Shkhara

The name "shkhara" is given apparently because the massif often stands out above the crest of the monumental Bezengi wall. Another interpretation is the "ninth peak", but really - counting from the west to increase the height main peak mountains is the ninth.

Settlements located in the intermountain of Georgia

A frequent occurrence is the location of villages, settlements in the foothills of high mountains. Georgians in such areas live modestly, keep a large household, earn money from tourists during the velvet season. Without thinking about hygiene and unhappiness due to possible earthquakes, eruptions of dormant volcanoes, they spend many years of their lives away from European standards. The hospitality of these people is not possible to get tired of being surprised - they are ready to feed, drink and put the first person they meet to sleep. But every second has a large family, which is already difficult to feed!

The most common occupation in the village is sheep breeding, raising cattle, making homemade wines from grown grapes.

It is safe to say that it is here that the most natural product. The intermountain point in the cool seasons has lower temperature marks than in Russia, so it is categorically not recommended to go there at all. The inhabitants of these villages for such periods try to move to roam the plains.

Gergeti Trinity Church

The popular name is "Gergetis Tsminta Samena" - an ordinary medieval church, erected on the edge of a steep mound of red stone. The spire has a prominent dome, the background of smoky mountains creates a bewitching effect. Looking at the church in the direction of Mount Kazbeki, the building is barely noticeable from the valley. The church received this name due to the adjacent village of a similar name. Climbing to the target supposedly takes about 40 minutes, burns a lot of calories. The mountain range on which the Georgian building is located (the only one in Europe) can be overcome not only on foot, but also with the help of a local guide in a Jeep. Such a taxi will unceremoniously give a lift to a certain point where tourists like to take photos most of all.

On a note! If you are going to have a great vacation, you should remember to be careful not to get injuries to the limbs during the hike. For a confident climb to the top of the mountain, it is recommended to have a strong cane with you, which you can lean on in force majeure circumstances.

Conclusion

Georgia is an amazing country, with unforgettable landscapes, diverse. Everything is beautiful here: people, cities and nature - at any time of the year. If you decide to clear your mind, practice various exercises for the body and connect with nature - then you need to go here!

19.09.2015

The impressive height of the Shkhara mountain range is part of the Main (Dividing) Caucasian Range. His geographical coordinates- 43 ° north latitude and 43 ° 1 "east longitude. The peaks of the massif belong to Russia and Georgia. On the territory of Georgia there is the peak of Eastern Shkhara, 4866 meters high, and the mountains Shkhara (5203 meters) and Western Shkhara (5068 meters) are located at the junction of two countries and on their border, they are part of two states.

Mount Shkhara is part of a multi-kilometer (13 km) mountain range called the Bezengi wall, a favorite climbing route. Shkhara did not submit to people for a long time, the ascent to it was made only in 1888 by the Anglo-Swedish team of climbers, now it is one of the easiest and most constantly visited places by climbers. Beginning mountain lovers are trained here, there are also more difficult routes for climbing.

There is a tourist center in the Svaneti National Park, where everyone is offered to conquer several ridge routes of different complexity. Three massive glaciers come down from the peaks of Shkhara, under which granites and crystalline schists settle, from which this landform is composed. Two of them - Shkhara and Khalde, descend towards Georgia, the large Inguri River originates from the first of them, the third glacier called Bashkhaauz gives rise to the rivers of Kabardino-Balkaria.

At the foot of the peak is the second settlement in Europe in terms of height above sea level. This Georgian Svan community under the common name Ushguli consists of four adjacent villages. It lies on the southern slope of the highest mountain in Georgia. A few tens of kilometers from Shkhara is the city of Kutaisi, and the entire map of Georgia is almost continuous mountain ranges.

The word Shkhara is translated as "the ninth peak", and in fact is the ninth in a row in the Main Caucasian Range, if counted from the west. Another version of the origin of the name says that it stands out among other peaks with its shape and multi-peak, translated from the Balkar Ushkhara - “not monolithic”. Indeed, it is dotted with gorges, so it is recommended to climb here only from June to September with equipment and a guide who knows the places well.

Any mountain, even the smallest one, does not forgive arrogance and oversights. What can we say about such peaks as this and other five-thousanders. Only quite recently, in 2013, one of the expeditions almost ended sadly. One of the Polish climbers fell off the rope, his friends had to turn to rescuers for help.

Mount Shkhara [VIDEO]