Among many places on Earth, the territory of the Caucasus is one of the most fabulous. Its high mountains attract travelers, explorers and archaeologists, who regularly discover new finds of global importance. Without exaggeration, the Caucasus can be called a miracle of Russia, but not everyone can conquer it.
Features of the geographical location of the Caucasus Mountains
Even on the map it is clearly visible that the Caucasus Mountains are located between Europe and Asia. Now there is no clear convention that would allow us to attribute the mountain range to Europe or Asia. Geographer Philip Stralenberg was the first to draw the border.
With the approval of the Russian Tsar, starting in 1730, his proposed border separating part of the Caucasus and demarcating its mountains between Europe and Asia is still valid. Following these data, Mont Blanc can be considered the highest point in Europe, and Elbrus is the highest peak in the Russian Caucasus.
What does the name mean
The search for the correct interpretation of the name Caucasus has long been a source of controversy among geographers. One version says that the name has Iranian roots and means “Mount Azov.” But this version has a serious drawback, because in the Iranian-Ossetian language it is impossible to use the word “kokh” (in the meaning of “kav”), since this noun must always appear at the end of the phrase, literally meaning belonging to the mountain. For example, Adai-kokh. The famous historian Pliny said that the name Caucasus literally means “white in the snow.” Other historians started from Sanskrit, but even here researchers found many flaws.
There are versions that connect the origin of the name with the Turkic language. Based on them, one can find that high mountains can be named after the nomads who lived here for a long time, and also act as a gateway. Therefore, it turns out that the Caucasus is a gateway for nomads.
The highest peaks of the Caucasus
There are several large peaks on the territory of the Caucasian ridge. The height of the highest (Elbrus) is 5642 m. The list of all peaks is quite large. Here are just a few of them:
- Elbrus. The highest peak of the Caucasus.
- Dykhtau. Mountain on the Side Ridge.
- Shkhara. The highest mountain in Georgia.
- Dzhangitau. Double-headed and dangerous.
- Costantau. A difficult peak, according to many climbers.
- Pushkin Peak. A very poetic mountain.
- Dzhangitau. Fifth highest in the Caucasus.
- Kazbek. Treacherous peak.
- Mizhirgi Western. The most difficult to conquer among the central part of the Caucasus Mountains.
- Tetnuld. A mountain made of crystalline rocks.
Mizhirgi, which closes the list of “five thousand meters”, has a height of 5025 m.
Features of the mountains of the North Caucasus
This region is a separate geographical area. Its mountains are relatively young and represent a complex system of ridges, conventionally divided into parts. Thanks to magma bursting to the surface, many deposits were formed here, which are now used to extract useful ore. As a result, the region is rich in sedimentary and volcanic rocks.
Where is the highest point of the Caucasus
Elbrus occupied the Lateral Range of the Greater Caucasus and is located in comparative proximity to the main Caucasus Range. Its geographical location makes the climate quite difficult for climbing.
In summer it is humid and cool, even at 2000 meters the temperature can rise to 35°C. After 1000 m it drops by 10°C. In winter there is a lot of precipitation, the snow cover can reach a thickness of up to 80 cm. Therefore, it is recommended to climb from the south side, where there is less snow.
Routes to the highest point of the Caucasus
To conquer the summit of Elbrus, you can use several routes of different categories.
The most popular route remains the one along the southern slope. He was assigned category 1B. This is a fairly simple option for anyone who considers themselves a novice climber, since sections of the path are divided into zero sections of easy difficulty, as well as first and second sections. Thus, the maximum that can be expected from this route to the top is an easy level of difficulty.
A slightly different situation awaits those who choose the northern slope. He has category 2A. If in the first case the ascent will take 7-10 days, then here you will have to be patient, since the duration of the journey increases. In general, route 2A is characterized by the same sections as 1B. Therefore, climbing it to the top will not be difficult.
It will be even more difficult for those climbers who use the routes along the eastern edge and the so-called cross. They have categories 2B, characterized by sections of easy and medium difficulty. As a rule, they require a hook belay. There is also route 3A on Elbrus, which runs along the northwestern edge. This category is characterized by the presence of areas of medium difficulty of ice-snow and rock types. For most novice climbers, this is already a rather difficult test.
The most difficult road awaits those who choose the western shoulder. This is category 5A, characterized by an average steepness of 40 to 60 degrees. It will be really difficult to climb to the top, since rocky and ice-snow sections of grade 5 difficulty await the climber. On this route, conquering the highest point is impossible without setting 20 pitons.
What dangers await travelers on Elbrus
The highest point of the Caucasus is fraught with many threats. And if the death of novice tourists is quite explainable by lack of experience, then the mortality rate among experienced travelers is often puzzling. It has been established that Elbrus is dangerous not because of its routes, but because of its climate and the presence of glacial crevasses. Changes in weather conditions on the mountain occur abruptly and often unexpectedly. Visibility can deteriorate in just 1 hour, and climbers often experience hypothermia. Many travelers experience dehydration and decreased concentration. Even masters of sports have died on Elbrus, and some travelers face dangers after conquering the peak, so descending from Elbrus is not an easy task. When climbing the highest point of the Caucasus Mountains, there is a high risk of injury. The lists of the dead also include those who simply found themselves trapped in ice cracks, finding themselves literally frozen into the cracks.
For all travelers who are planning to climb the highest peak in Russia, there are shelters where you can rest. There is even a small hotel, which is the highest in Europe. It is designed for 40 guests and is a kind of hostel in which you can occupy a bed. The view from the mountain will be a nice bonus.
Kazbek - the highest point of North Ossetia
Among the highest mountains of the Caucasus, Kazbek is one of the most interesting. A lot of research has been devoted to it, and, like other highest peaks, the British were the first to explore this mountain. Let us note that among the explorers of Kazbek, the first to climb its peak was the Russian geodesist A.V. Pastukhov. He was accompanied by a guide of Ossetian origin named Tepsariko, who was 60 years old.
Kazbek is very important for historical research. For example, scientists were able to find out that once there could have been a powerful eruption here, which led to the phenomenon of volcanic winter. It is believed that this phenomenon was the cause of the mass death of Neanderthals.
Kazbek has many attractions. Anyone who reaches the 3,800 m mark will find the beautiful Betlemi Monastery. The monastery has important cultural significance for Georgia. Its name directly goes back to the cave, which is located on the top of Kazbek, at an altitude of 4,100 m. Kazbek has always attracted poets and was considered a sacred mountain. Georgians often called it a shrine of Christians, and the Ingush who came to the Caucasus worshiped pagan deities, making sacrifices to them. The highest point of Mount Kazbek had a significant influence on the spiritual creativity of the mountain peoples of the Caucasus.
A very remarkable myth is about a young man who wanted to get for people the fire that rests in heaven. He was punished for his insolence and chained to a rock, while a predatory eagle pecked at his heart. Obviously, this legend goes back to the myth of Prometheus.
Dykhtau is one of the steepest mountains in the Caucasus
Like the highest mountain of the Caucasus, and like Elbrus, Dykhtau is a proud peak that not every traveler can conquer. Its highest point reaches 5204 m.
The mountain is part of the Kabardino-Balkarian High Mountain Reserve. A special feature of this mountain is the presence of a large number of routes. There are a dozen different paths to choose from to conquer the highest point of the mountain, with the most difficult being category 4A.
Why are Kazbek and Elbrus the most popular among climbers in the Caucasus?
There are many high peaks in the Caucasus Mountains, but it is Elbrus and Kazbek that have become the most popular. Almost everyone who comes here strives to conquer their highest points.
The popularity of Elbrus is due to the fact that it is the highest point in the region, while Kazbek is interesting because of the difficulty of its ascent. If you choose slopes located on the Russian side, you may encounter a number of challenges. There is a high avalanche danger here, so getting to the highest point of Kazbek can be no easier than conquering the peak of Elbrus. However, these are not all the peaks that can surprise persistent travelers.
Other mountains of the Caucasus and their features
It is difficult to conquer the highest points of the region, so you need to prepare properly, taking into account the characteristics of each route.
The Dykhtau massif includes Pushkin Peak, which offers one of the most beautiful views of the local landscapes. But getting to its highest point will be no easier than conquering Kazbek or Elbrus. Shkhara offers peaks of varying degrees of difficulty to climb. This mountain is optimal for an experienced climber and is often positioned by travel agencies as the best choice for a mountaineering holiday. Significant difficulties await those who are planning to conquer Dzhangitau. This high mountain has become famous for its technically challenging routes that sometimes require strategic thinking. Koshtantau also has its own surprises, which is considered easy to climb, but the weather can ruin everything. Having almost reached the highest point of the mountain, climbers often encounter an ice crust, which greatly complicates their progress.
The most difficult is Mizhirgi. Its routes are compared with the most difficult routes of Kazbek, Elbrus and other peaks. Difficult sections and steepness exhaust travelers, who at some point may find themselves in serious danger, so during the ascent it is necessary to save energy in order to maintain endurance.
Whatever mountain you choose to conquer, you need to enlist the support of guides who know the peaks well enough. It is thanks to them that you can significantly reduce the risk and quickly reach the highest point.
Caucasus Mountains– the great divide between Europe and Asia. The Caucasus is a narrow strip of land between the Black and Caspian seas. It amazes with the incredible diversity of climate, flora and fauna.
The pride of the Caucasus is its mountains! Without mountains, the Caucasus is not the Caucasus. The mountains are unique, majestic and inaccessible. The Caucasus is amazingly beautiful. He's so different. You can look at the mountains for hours.
The Greater Caucasus mountain range is home to many pastures, forests, and amazing natural wonders. More than 2 thousand glaciers descend through narrow gorges. A chain of large mountains stretches from northwest to southeast for almost one and a half thousand kilometers. The main peaks exceed 5 thousand meters and significantly influence the weather in the regions. The clouds that form over the Black Sea rain, hitting the mountain peaks of the Caucasus. On one side of the ridge there is a harsh landscape, and on the other there is lush vegetation. Here you can find more than 6 and a half thousand plant species, a quarter of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
There are many legends about the origin of the Caucasus Mountains:
A long time ago, when the earth was still very young, a huge plain stretched on the site of the modern territory of the Caucasus. The huge Nart heroes lived here in peace and love. They were kind and prudent, they greeted day and night with joy, they knew neither evil, nor envy, nor deceit. The ruler of this people was the gray-haired giant Elbrus, and he had a beautiful son Beshtau, and his son had a charming bride, the beautiful Mashuki. But they had an evil envious person - Korshun. And he decided to harm the sledges. He prepared a terrible potion in which he mixed the teeth of a wolf, the tongue of a boar and the eyes of a snake. At a big celebration, he added a potion to all the Narts' drinks. And having drunk it, they acquired the greed of a boar, the anger of a wolf and the cunning of a snake. And from that time on the happy and carefree life of the Narts ended. The father decided to take his young bride away from his son and, sending him on a hunt, wanted to forcefully marry Mashuki. But Mashuki resisted Elbrus. And in a fierce battle she lost her wedding ring. He saw Beshtau’s ring and hurried to help the bride. And a terrible life-and-death battle ensued, and half of the Narts fought on the side of Elbrus, and the other half on the side of Beshtau. And the battle lasted for several days and nights, and all the sledges died. Elbrus chopped his son into five parts, and the son, delivering the final blow, dismembered his father’s gray head into two halves. Mashuki came out onto the battlefield after the battle and did not see a single living soul. She approached her lover and plunged a dagger into her heart. Thus the life of a great and old people stopped.
And in this place the Caucasian mountains now rise: the helmet from the head of Beshtau - Mount Zheleznaya, the ring of Mashuki - Mount Koltso, five peaks - Mount Beshtau, nearby - Mount Mashuk and far, far from the others - the gray-haired or simply snow-covered handsome Elbrus.
The Caucasus Mountains are the result of the convergence of two plates
Let's look at one of the narrowest places of this grandiose mountain belt. At its northern outskirts, in the Ciscaucasia, there are flat areas that belong to a strong plate called the Scythian. Further to the south are the sublatitudinal (that is, stretching approximately from west to east) mountains of the Greater Caucasus up to 5 km high, the narrow depressions of Transcaucasia - the Rioni and Kura lowlands - and also the sublatitudinal, but convex to the north, mountain ranges of the Lesser Caucasus in Georgia and Armenia , Eastern Turkey and Western Iran (up to 5 km high).
To the south are the plains of Northern Arabia, which, like the plains of the Ciscaucasia, belong to the very strong, monolithic Arabian lithospheric plate.
Therefore, the Scythian and Arabian plates- these are like two parts of a giant vice that are slowly approaching, crushing everything that is between them. It is curious that directly opposite the northern, relatively narrow end of the Arabian Plate, in Eastern Turkey and Western Iran, there are the highest mountains compared to the mountains located to the west and east. They rise precisely in the place where the Arabian Plate, like a kind of hard wedge, most strongly compressed the pliable sediments.
On the map of Russia there is a strip of land separating the Black and Caspian seas. These are the Caucasus Mountains, which are the pride and personification of the Caucasus. Their formation, together with the formation of the mountain ranges of the Crimea, the Carpathians and the Himalayas, began in the era of the Alpine folded zone. At that time, in their place there were rocks formed as a result of a volcanic eruption. Periodically the volcano showed its activity.
At the end of the Precambrian period (540 million years ago), a continent with huge rocky mountains and active volcanoes formed on the site of the modern Caucasus. Over the course of 3 billion years, a large mixture of sand, clay and volcanic eruptions has accumulated in the underwater spaces of the peninsula.
These sediments were compressed under pressure, which contributed to the formation of rocks - gneisses and shales. Combined with natural granite, they are the main material of the Main Range of the Caucasus Mountains.
At the end of the Proterozoic era, the Caucasus began to rise from the bottom of the sea, accumulating a large amount of minerals in its depths. The mountains formed 570 million years ago were periodically destroyed and sank again.
The Paleozoic era is the period when the Caucasus again found itself in the thickness of sea waters. Sandstones, clay and limestones formed during this period became the main material of the second highest ridge of the Caucasus Mountains - the Peredovoy.
435 million years ago, during the Silurian period, under the influence of volcanic fluctuations, magma rose through the folds of the mountains and left in their depths many minerals and the remains of invertebrate animals and algae. This is the period of the appearance of the first land plants and animals.
In the Paleozoic era, the Caucasus was a mountain range of desert rocks. Centuries passed, the mountains were destroyed, which led to the formation of plateaus and plains. The earth's crust fluctuated under the influence of volcanoes, and mountain ranges appeared.
The Lower Carboniferous era is associated with the formation of marshy areas in the Caucasus and the lush growth of vegetation. At the end of the Paleozoic era, in place of the Caucasus Mountains there was a sea, which gradually turned into land. Then the first mountain peaks of the Caucasus and the Urals appeared.
The beginning of the Mesozoic era coincided with the immersion of the Caucasus under water. At this time, coniferous and ginkgo trees began to appear. The latter have survived to this day and are found near Pyatigorsk. This era is also known for the emergence of giant animals. 
The first mountain ranges in the form of small islands began to appear to the world at the end of the Mesozoic era. Under the movement of the earth's crust, the size of the land increased, and the island was finally formed during the Maikop period.
About a million years ago, the arrangement of land and sea began to resemble the modern appearance. Scientists attribute the final formation of the Caucasus mountain system to the beginning of the Quaternary period (2.588 million years ago), called the era of modern life. The Caucasus Mountains grow annually at different rates: from 2 mm per year (Kuban Inclined Plain) to 3 cm per year (Elbrus).
History of the study of the Caucasus Mountains
This mountain range has long attracted the attention of various conquerors - the Greeks (6th century BC), the Romans (1st century BC). The Caucasus is described in their works by Seneca, Tacitus, as well as Iranian, Armenian, Georgian and Byzantine writers.
A description of the local nature and life of the tribes inhabiting the Caucasus is provided by Italian authors - inhabitants of the Genoese fortresses located on the Black Sea coast and in the Azov region. In the 16th century The Caucasus was under Turkish expansion, which was reflected in Turkish chronicles and notes of the traveler Evliya Celebi. 
Expeditions of scientists to the Caucasus with the aim of studying minerals contained in the mountains, as well as flora and fauna, began with the decrees of Peter I. At the end of the 18th century. naturalist P. Pallas studied the Ciscaucasia (the steppes and foothills of the North Caucasus), which resulted in the publication of several scientific works.
The natural resources of the Eastern Ciscaucasia became the object of study by I. Falk, and the geologist and archaeologist Frederic Dubois de Montperet wrote a six-volume work entitled “Journey around the Caucasus.” This work contained data on the geography, ethnography and natural resources of this region.
The Russian Mountain Society, which united mountain researchers in its ranks, was engaged in a comprehensive study of the Caucasus mountain range, adjacent steppes and nearby seas. Members of the society regularly organized excursions and trips there.
Under the leadership of the society, in 1903, the Ingush I. Bezurtanov and Y. Bezurtanov built a hut for conducting research on Bart Court. In 1904, A. von Meck, H. Yossi (guide), A. Fischer (climber), Y. Bezurtanov gathered in Dombay, who made several ascents and studied this area and mapped it.
The first observations in the field of meteorology in Kazbek were made by teacher M. Preobrazhenskaya. She first climbed this peak in 1900 and devoted the next 20 years to studying the Kistin Gorge and the glaciers covering Kazbek.
A. Pastukhov is the first Russian mountaineer-topographer who explored the Caucasus Mountains and made a detailed plan on the map of Russia Famous Russian climbers of the late 19th century who climbed to the peaks of the Caucasus were A. Pastukhov and G. Kavtaradze. Until 1915, conquerors of the Caucasian peaks from the countries of Germany, Great Britain, Switzerland, Russia, and Italy made about 100 ascents.
History of the conquest of the Caucasus Mountains
Climbing the Caucasus Mountains began in 1829, when local resident Kilar Khashirov climbed Elbrus. Since that time, the main peaks of the Carpathian mountain range have been conquered several times. In 1847, another peak was conquered - Bazarduzu. It was done by S. Alexandrov.
Mass ascents to the mountains began at the turn of the 19th – 20th centuries, when scientific activity on the study of these massifs became more active. Participants in excursions and expeditions to these areas were scientists, tourists, artists, and climbers from different countries. Every year the number of summits conquered increased.
Those who love heights are attracted to the mountains by the opportunity to test their endurance and courage. In addition, going up and seeing the amazing world of unique plants and animals is a memorable moment of such a trip.
Karl Egloff A speed race to the top of Elbrus is held here. Out of 400 participants, the winner of the last competition was Karl Egloff from Ecuador. He reached his goal in 3 hours 24 minutes.
The first person in the world to conquer Everest was a member of the expedition of General Emmanuel, guide Khachirov, and without the help of a guide, A. Pastukhov, a topographer, succeeded in 1890.
Location of the Caucasus Mountains
The Caucasus Mountains on the map of Russia are the border between our country and Georgia and Azerbaijan. It is located in the southwestern part of Eurasia, dividing the largest continent into two - Europe and Asia. In the north it borders with Kuban, in the south with Transcaucasia. In the east it is adjacent to the Caspian Sea, and in the west it is washed by the waters of the Black Sea.
The mountain system, which has a length of 1000 km, can be found on the world map at the following coordinates: 42°30′ north latitude, 45°00′ east longitude. 
It is a large area that is part of several countries:
- Russia;
- Armenia;
- Azerbaijan;
- Georgia.
Those who want to see the Caucasus Mountains can use car or bus transport. In each of these countries there are cities from where it is most convenient to get to the mountains: Adler, Pyatigorsk, Krasnodar, Tbilisi, Nevinnomyssk, Kislovodsk, Khynalyg, Kazakh.
Climate of the Caucasus Mountains
The Caucasus Mountains are a place where two climatic zones meet: temperate and subtropical. This determines the uniqueness of the local climate: the Transcaucasus is subtropical, the rest of the territory is under the rule of the temperate climate zone.
It is warm in the North Caucasus, summer here lasts almost half a year, but winter is quite mild (the temperature does not drop below -6°) and short (lasts less than 3 months). High in the mountains the climate is different. Because it is influenced by the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea, it has high humidity. Due to the fact that the Caucasus has a complex topography, the climatic zones have their own characteristics. 
On the southern slopes the temperature is higher in both winter and summer than on others. The amount of annual precipitation increases with increasing altitude in all parts of the mountain range. Winds and breezes play a special role in climate formation. Thanks to such a variety of natural conditions, many exotic crops characteristic of temperate climates are grown in the Caucasus.
Topography of the Caucasus Mountains
A peculiarity of the relief of the Caucasus Mountains is the combination of highlands and lowlands. The higher the mountain, the more the relief changes. 
| Altitude zone | Nature of the relief |
| Low mountains with strong and moderate dissection | Areas with subdivision up to 1000 m |
| Middle mountains with weak dissection | Plateaus in watershed areas, steep slopes (dissection depth 500 – 600 m). Denudation funnels of different shapes and sizes. |
| Middle mountains with moderate dissection | The relief is soft with dissections of 600-800 m. Denudation craters have smooth slopes. |
| Middle mountains with strong dissection | River valleys, gorges with dissections up to 1000 m. Shallow denudation funnels. |
| Highlands | The presence of glaciers at an altitude of over 2000 m. Gorges with dissections 400 - 1500 m deep. Steep slopes. The peaks are sharp, the ridges of the mountains are shaped like teeth. There are rocky areas. |
Hydrology of the Caucasus Mountains
The Caucasus Mountains on the map of Russia are indicated taking into account their features. For example, on the map “Glaciers of the mountain regions of Russia” this mountain range is distinguished by the presence of the largest number of glaciers in the country. 
There are 2000 glacial areas here, their total area is 1400 square meters. km. The emergence of areas of ice accumulation is facilitated by the features of the mountainous terrain. Glaciers, most of which cover an area of 1 square. km, hang on the slopes of mountains or lie in recesses between the peaks.
On the northern slope of the mountains belonging to the Central Caucasus, the area of icing is the largest; it is occupied by valley glaciers. The decoration of the tops of once active volcanoes (Kazbek and Elbrus), which attract the attention of tourists and climbers, is a glacial covering called a cap. 
On Elbrus, the size of the snow cover exceeds all others - 122.6 square meters. km. Of the 16 large glaciers of Elbrus, the largest area is occupied by Big Azau, stretching 10 km in length. Its “tongue” reaches a point of 2500 m of absolute height, falling below the forest line. The greatest thickness of the Elbrus ice cover is noted in the valley areas and is more than 100 m.
Since frequent precipitation and numerous glacial islands in this area provide a large amount of meltwater, this contributes to the formation of a whole network of rivers flowing into the Azov, Black and Caspian seas. In the mountains, their current is stormy, falling along the slopes and narrow valleys, and in the foothills it is calmer. 
In recent years, there has been a change in the planet's climate, under the influence of which the melting of glaciers is increasing. This leads to a decrease in snow cover on the peaks.
Flora and fauna of the Caucasus Mountains
The Caucasus Mountains on the map of Russia are not only a geographical feature, but also places where you can go to relax or explore this area.
The Caucasus is distinguished by a variety of plant species. There are more than 6,000 of them here. This is due to different climatic conditions in the places where they grow. As you approach the peaks, the humidity increases and the air temperature decreases. 
The middle and western parts of the Ciscaucasia are places where there used to be steppe expanses; now there are forests and meadows with alpine vegetation. At the foot of the mountains there are broad-leaved forests (oak and beech), then they are replaced by coniferous forests, turning into treeless space. Among coniferous trees, the most common are eastern spruce and Caucasian fir.
Shrubs and herbal plants are represented by the following types:
The highlands are distinguished by special, isolating conditions for the existence of plants, since they do not go beyond the boundaries of this zone and plants from the outside do not enter here. Here you can find relict plants that have become extinct in other places.
The Caucasus is interesting for its animal world. The geographical features of the Caucasus Mountains were also reflected in their fauna. There are animals common to the Russian Plain, as well as Central Asian deserts and semi-deserts. Those who come here need to be prepared to meet not only hares, mountain goats, chamois, roe deer, but also wild boars, bears and even leopards. 
Human activity has not had the best effect on the number of fauna in this region. Due to poaching, Asiatic lions and Caspian tigers have completely disappeared here.
Interesting facts about the Caucasus Mountains
The Caucasus Mountains on the map of Russia are a long range of 1100 km, which keeps many secrets. But what is known about these beautiful and majestic mountains is amazing.
Mountaineering routes
Data on climbing routes in the Caucasus Mountains is also available on the map of Russia. These mountains attract the attention and interest of beginners and experienced tourists because 8 of the 10 highest peaks in the country are located here (their height exceeds 5000 m). In the Bezengi Gorge there is a climbing base “Bezengi”, from which the path to climbing 6 peaks begins.
For those who for the first time decided to test their strength and get involved in mountaineering, simple routes have been developed. One of them is the Khadzhokh Gorge, located near Maykop. It is convenient to learn mountaineering here, climbing the steep walls of the canyon. 
According to the Bezengi Classic training and acclimatization program, beginning climbers can climb two peaks - Evgenia Peak and Brno Peak (maximum height 4030 m) from June to September. The ascent takes 7 days and has an initial level of difficulty.
Those who want to conquer Elbrus from the southern side can climb the Western Peak from June to September under the guidance of an experienced instructor. The program lasts 5 days. It's not complicated.
People who have no climbing experience but are physically prepared can take part in it. The height to be climbed is 5648 m. For the first time, such a climb was made by Chilar Khashirov. This happened on July 10, 1829.
For experienced climbers, there is a program for conquering Shkhara (Kabardino-Balkaria), whose height is 5068 m. The program is highly complex and takes 13 days. The passability of the route depends on the condition of the ridge. D. Kokkin was the first to take this path in 1888.
Shkhara is a ridge that adjoins the Main Peak on the left side. Under favorable conditions, the route can be completed for a shorter period (up to 8 days).
The Caucasus Mountains, located on the map of Russia between two seas, are a beautiful territory that attracts athletes, scientists, and tourists from all over the world with its secrets. This is a relatively young mountain system, and research is still being carried out here.
Article format: Vladimir the Great
Video about the Caucasus Mountains
Documentary film about the Caucasus:
Geographical position
Stretching between the Black and Caspian seas, the Caucasus Mountains are a natural border between Asia and Europe. They also divide the Near and Middle East. Due to their vast territory, they can easily be called “a country of ridges and highlands.” There are two versions of the origin of the word “Caucasus”. According to the first, this was the name of the epic king from the poem “Shahnameh” - Kavi-Kaus. The second hypothesis attributes the name to the translation: “Supporting the sky.” Geographically, the Caucasus is divided into two mountain systems: Big and Small. In turn, they also have divisions into ridges, chains and highlands.
Height of the Caucasus Mountains
The Caucasus often appears on the list of “the best”. For example, the highest permanent settlement of Ushguli (Georgia) is located here. It lies on the slope of Shkhara (5068 m above sea level) and is included in the UNESCO list. Ushba has acquired a gloomy reputation among climbers as the most difficult peak to conquer - a “four-thousander”. Mysterious Ararat is surrounded by biblical legends. There are also high-mountain lakes here - Ritsa, for example. And the Zeygalan waterfall (North Ossetia) is the largest in Russia (600 m). This attracts many climbers, athletes and just tourists to the region. The highest snow-capped peaks, glaciers shining in the sun, inaccessible passes, narrow gorges, waterfalls and stormy, bubbling rivers - all these are the Caucasus Mountains. The height of the largest peaks - Elbrus (5642) and Kazbek (5034) - exceeds Mont Blanc (4810), considered the culmination point of Western Europe.
Myths and legends
The Caucasus is mentioned in the Bible. In the Book of Genesis, the ark of the righteous Noah landed at Mount Ararat during the great flood, and from there a dove brought an olive branch. Jason sailed to the land of sorcerers Colchis (Black Sea coast of the Caucasus) for the Golden Fleece. Here the eagle of Zeus punished Prometheus for giving fire to people. The Caucasus Mountains also have their own regional legends. Every people living on the slopes of this majestic country of glaciers and snowy peaks - and there are about fifty of them - composes tales and myths about them.
Geology
The Caucasus is a young mountain system. It was formed relatively recently - about 25 million years ago, during the Tertiary period. Thus, the Caucasus Mountains belong to the Alpine folding, but with insignificant volcanic activity. There have been no eruptions for a long time, but earthquakes are frequent. The biggest one last happened in 1988. In Spitak (Armenia), 25 thousand people died then. The main geological wealth of the mountains is oil. The fields are estimated to have reserves of 200 billion barrels.
Flora and fauna
The Caucasus Mountains are home to many species of wild animals. Bears live in the gorges, and there are also golden eagles, chamois, wild boars, and argali. There are also endemics - species that, except for the Caucasus, cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. These include local species of leopard and lynx. Before the beginning of our era, manuscripts mention the presence of Caspian tigers and Asiatic lions. The biological diversity of this region is rapidly declining. The last Caucasian bison became extinct in 1926, the local subspecies - in 1810. In this region of subtropical forests, alpine meadows and alpine lichens, 6,350 plant species have been recorded. Of these, more than one and a half thousand are endemic.
The Caucasus is a mountain system located in Eurasia between the Black and Caspian seas. The mountain range extends 1,100 km from the Taman Peninsula and Anapa to the Absheron Peninsula near the city of Baku.
This territory is usually divided according to several criteria: into the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, as well as into the Western (from the Black Sea to Elbrus), Central (from Elbrus to Kazbek) and Eastern (from Kazbek to the Caspian Sea). The mountain system reaches its greatest width in the central part (180 km). The mountain peaks of the Central Caucasus are the highest on the Main Caucasus (Watershed) Range.
The most famous mountain peaks of the Caucasus are Mount Elbrus (5642 m) and Mount Kazbek (5033 m). Both peaks are stratovolcanoes. Moreover, Kazbek is considered extinct, which cannot be said about Elbrus. Experts' opinions on this matter vary. The slopes of the two highest mountains of the Caucasus are covered with snow and glaciers. The Central Caucasus accounts for up to 70% of modern glaciation. Over more than a century of observations of the glaciers of the Caucasus, their area has decreased significantly.
To the north from the foot of the Greater Caucasus stretches an sloping plain, which ends in the Kuma-Manych depression. Its territory is dissected by side ridges and river valleys. The largest rivers in this territory can be considered the river. Kuban and Terek. To the south of the Greater Caucasus are the Colchis and Kura-Araks lowlands.
The Caucasus Mountains can be considered young. They were formed during the Alpine folding era approximately 28-23 million years ago. Their formation is due to the northward movement of the Arabian lithospheric plate onto the Eurasian plate. The latter, pressed by the African plate, moves several centimeters per year.
Tectonic processes in the depths of the Caucasus continue to this day. The geological structure of Elbrus indicates great activity of the volcano in the recent past. Several powerful earthquakes occurred in the Caucasus in the 20th century. The most destructive earthquake was in Armenia in 1988.
Seismic stations operating throughout the Caucasus annually record several hundred tremors. Experts say that some parts of the Caucasus ridge are “growing” by several centimeters per year.
Caucasus in Europe or Asia?
This issue should be considered more in political and historical aspects. The Caucasus Mountains are located in the center of the Eurasian plate, so the division can only be conditional. The border between Europe and Asia was proposed by the Swedish officer and geographer F. Stralenberg in 1730. The border that ran along the Ural Mountains and the Kuma-Manych depression was accepted by many scientists.
Despite this, at different times several alternative proposals were proposed that justified the division of Europe and Asia along the Caucasus Mountains. Despite the ongoing controversy, Elbrus is still considered the highest point in Europe. The history of the region suggests the special position of the Caucasus at the crossroads between European and East Asian cultures.
The highest mountains of the Caucasus
- Elbrus (5642 m). KBR, KCR. Highest point in Russia
- Dykhtau (5204 m). CBD
- Koshtantau (5122 m). CBD
- Pushkin Peak (5100 m). CBD
- Dzhangitau (5058 m). CBD
- Shkhara (5201 m). CBD. Highest point of Georgia
- Kazbek (5034 m). Highest point of North Ossetia
- Mizhirgi Western (5022 m). CBD
- Tetnuld (4974 m). Georgia
- Katyntau (4970 m). CBD
- Shota Rustaveli Peak (4960 m). CBD
- Gestola (4860 m). CBD
- Jimara (4780 m). Georgia, North Ossetia
- Ushba (4690 m). Georgia, North Ossetia
- Gulchitau (4447 m). CBD
- Tebulosmta (4493 m). The highest point of Chechnya
- Bazarduzu (4466 m). The highest point of Dagestan and Azerbaijan
- Shan (4451 m). The highest point of Ingushetia
- Adai-Khokh (4408 m). North Ossetia
- Diklosmta (4285 m). Chechnya
- Shahdag (4243 m). Azerbaijan
- Tufandag (4191 m). Azerbaijan
- Shalbuzdag (4142 m). Dagestan
- Aragats (4094). Highest point of Armenia
- Dombay-Ulgen (4046 m). KCR
How many five-thousanders are there in the Caucasus?
Mountains whose height exceeds five kilometers are usually called Caucasian five-thousanders. From the list presented above, it is clear that The Caucasus has eight mountains of five thousand meters«:
- Elbrus(5642 m) is a dormant volcano and the highest mountain in Russia. The mountain consists of two peaks, Western (5642 m) and Eastern (5621 m), connected by a saddle (5416 m).
- Dykhtau(5204 m) - mountain peak of the Side Range of the Greater Caucasus. The mountain consists of two peaks (both over 5000 m high), connected by a steep, narrow saddle. The first ascent of the mountain took place in 1888. Today, about ten routes with difficulty from 4A (according to the Russian classification) have been laid to the top of Dykhtau.
- Koshtantau(5122 m) is a mountain peak on the border of Bezengi and the mountainous region of Balkaria.
- Pushkin Peak(5100 m) - being part of the Dykhtau mountain range, it is a separate peak. Named in honor of A.S. Pushkin on the 100th anniversary of his death.
- Dzhangitau(5058 m) is a mountain peak in the central part of the Greater Caucasus. There are three peaks in the Dzhangitau massif, all of which are more than five kilometers high.
- Shkhara(5201 m) is a mountain peak of the Central Caucasus that is part of the Bezengi Wall.
- Kazbek(5034 m) - an extinct stratovolcano, the easternmost five-thousander of the Caucasus. The first ascent of the mountain was made in 1868.
- Mizhirgi Western(5022 m) - a mountain peak as part of the Bezengi wall. The name of the mountain is translated from Karachay-Balkar as “connecting”.