Rest in Caucasian minerals. Rest and treatment in the KMS: tourist information and tips. By train to Mineralnye Vody

Caucasian Mineral Waters is a picturesque corner in the south of Russia, which amazingly combines Caucasian flavor and a mild climate similar to that of azure resorts France. More than a million tourists from all over the world come here every year. To admire the grandeur of the Caucasus, breathe in the purest mountain air and, of course, drink healing water from mineral springs.

Caucasian Mineral Waters is the oldest Russian resort, warmed by the gentle southern sun and decorated with majestic mountain landscapes. The beauty of these places was sung by Pushkin and Lermontov. Since the mid-18th century, hundreds of thousands of vacationers from all over the Russian Empire, and later from all over the world, came here. The largest resort towns of KavMinVod are Pyatigorsk, Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk, Kislovodsk and Mineralnye Vody. Each city in the region has its own history and attractions. Each resort is rich in mineral springs with a certain type of healing waters, which are used to treat a certain group of diseases.

Caucasian Mineral Waters has no analogues not only in Russia, but throughout the world. Today on the territory resort area There are more than 130 mineral springs of thirty types. The generous Caucasian land gives people water that can cure literally all diseases. The rich chemical composition of healing waters makes the KMS famous far beyond Russia and attracts many tourists from all over the world.

However, people go to sanatoriums in the Caucasus not only to improve their health. In addition to various water sources and highly qualified sanatorium services, there is something else in these places that makes the resort unique.

This is amazingly beautiful nature, a mild comfortable climate and the sun that shines almost 300 days a year. Here the earth seems different, and the sky seems different to others. Frozen white clouds can be seen in the distance. And if you take a closer look at the clouds, you will find that these are the snow-white peaks of the Caucasus Mountains. It seems that they rest against the firmament and reach the stars.

The legendary mountains of the Caucasus are fraught with many secrets. One of them is the secret of Caucasian longevity. In this area, people live to be 100-120 years old. A favorable climate, an almost ideal ecology and a clean protected area, which is under state protection - this is the guarantee of health and well-being.

If you are tired of a classic beach holiday on the Black Sea, if you are tired of tiring trips around European countries, we invite you to the CMS. For a bit of health and relaxation, for a breath of clean air that smells of resin and pine, for Caucasian hospitality, for a unique opportunity to relax your soul and body, gain new impressions and strengthen your body.

Here you will find hundreds of sanatoriums specializing in the treatment of various organs and systems. At your service are excellent living conditions and a large selection of treatment and preventive procedures, as well as qualified medical personnel who will help you choose the right course of treatment and give valuable recommendations.

And for those who come to the CMS not for treatment, but simply to relax, a large selection of hotels of different star ratings and for every taste awaits. In our catalog you can choose a hotel that will meet all your requirements and make your holiday on the CMS not just pleasant, but fabulously unforgettable.

Tatiana Solomatina

Hello, dear readers! It is with pleasure that I continue the topic of rest and treatment in the Caucasus Mineralnye Vody ah (KMV).

This information will be of interest to everyone who is going on vacation and treatment in KMS for the first time. I’ll tell you how you can get here, I’ll advise you at what time of year it’s more comfortable to relax, and when it’s better to come for treatment, I’ll write what criteria you need to choose a resort and housing, I’ll give you a few practical advice on all these issues.

I have collected everything about CMS in one place. Here is the information that I myself once searched on the Internet; perhaps it will help to create an approximate picture of recreation and treatment in this place. Interested? Then let's study the material in order.

KMV is located in the Stavropol Territory, so getting here for rest and treatment is not difficult at all. There is an airport and railway stations here. For those who live nearby or simply prefer to travel by personal transport, there are no problems either, the roads are good, and at every sanatorium or hotel there is almost always a parking lot.

By plane

KMV International Airport is located in the city of Mineralnye Vody (http://mvairport.ru/), it is small, but quite comfortable and receives many flights from different regions countries (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Cherepovets, Kursk, Nizhnevartovsk, etc.).

Distance from airport to CMS resorts: Kislovodsk – 55 km, Essentuki – 40 km, Pyatigorsk – 25 km, Zheleznovodsk – 20 km.

You can take a taxi from the airport, or order a transfer from a sanatorium or hotel; in some places this service is provided free of charge.

Unfortunately, on public transport getting to the place is not very convenient, direct message with cities from the airport no. But before railway station walks minibus No. 11, travel time 20-25 minutes, interval 20 minutes (passes the bus station). Further, you can get to any resort by train. Electric trains, at the time of writing, operate at an average interval of 1 hour.

Also, from the railway station there is bus No. 223 to Pyatigorsk and No. 107 to Zheleznovodsk (stop on the station square). There are also buses to Essentuki and Kislovodsk, but they depart from the bus station.

By train

The resort can be reached by train. Moreover, there are railway stations in almost all cities in the region. Mineral waters - http://mineralnyievodyi.dzvr.ru/ http://pjatigorsk.dzvr.ru/ http://essentuki.dzvr.ru/ http://kislovodsk.dzvr.ru/ . As a rule, there is a lot of public transport in the station area, which will not be difficult to get to the place you need.

If public transport does not suit you, then you can take a taxi or order a transfer in advance, I wrote about this a little higher. The only difference is the cost, the price in the city is, of course, cheaper than what you will pay when traveling from the airport.

The only resort among the above where trains do not go long distance, this is Zheleznovodsk. Guests who travel to this city for recreation and treatment buy train tickets to Mineralnye Vody; this is the most convenient option if they choose this type of travel. Next by bus or taxi.

By car

If you are going to travel by car, then it is difficult for me to give you a route, because everyone’s starting point is different. I can only say that the roads in the KMV are excellent, with the exception of mountain trails and some streets in the resorts themselves, signs hang on every corner, local residents They are good-natured and will gladly give you directions if you suddenly get lost. Although with the current technology (navigator) and decent roads, it is quite difficult to get lost.

• If you are from Moscow and are not afraid to fly, then it is easier, and most importantly cheaper, to travel by plane. No matter how much I tried to compare the prices of travel in a compartment and a flight, the second option cost less or came out to the same amount as traveling in a reserved seat, even taking into account the transfer. Therefore, the statement: “It’s more economical by train!” - delusion.
• For those who plan to get to the place from the airport by taxi, it is better to take care of the car from home. It is not difficult to find several carriers on the Internet; their websites have all the cost information. The fact is that at the airport you will pay 30% more, and it is impossible to catch a sane (for the price) driver there (its own mafia). You won't be able to get onto the highway either; it's quite far from the terminal.
• If you already know where you are staying, ask about the transfer. Sometimes it's free. If not, compare with the cost of a taxi. Most often, a pre-booked taxi is cheaper.
• You can save money by ordering a taxi in both directions at once. Typically, all carriers offer this service and the trip costs 10% less. However, this option is only suitable for those who know the exact departure date.
• If you decide to travel by public transport, then at home look at the train schedule for your dates (winter is different from summer). I usually look at this site - https://rasp.yandex.ru/, there is always reliable information here. With buses it’s a little more complicated, read the forums and the latest reviews.

When and for how long to go?

The answer to this question largely depends on the purpose of the trip. As a rule, all resort guests are divided into two main groups. Some come here to relax, go around all the interesting places, and at the same time get a little healthier. Others come primarily for treatment, and at the same time to explore the surrounding area, if there is time and there is a desire.

You may ask me: "What's the difference?" The answer is – huge. Of course, you can come at any time of the year, for any period of time, and for any purpose, however, in order for your trip to be as comfortable as possible and your goal to be achieved, I advise you to listen to my recommendations. Let's look at both options separately.

For treatment

It is better to come to the resort for treatment from November to April, and it is advisable not to fall on holidays.

The whole point is that in summer months, a priori there are a lot of people, sanatoriums and hotels are packed to capacity.
Accordingly, during queuing procedures, the staff is stressed out due to the influx of people, and minor hiccups often occur that spoil the mood. Some narrow specialists go on vacation - they are also people and do not want to relax in the winter. There are many families with children, there is no silence, which many people really count on when they come for treatment.

This list can be continued, but I think you yourself understand that treatment in the “off season” is much easier and more fruitful.

Another important plus is the cost. IN winter time the price of vouchers is much lower, plus promotions are regularly held to attract guests. The money saved will always be useful for purchasing medical services that you need, but are not included in the cost of the voucher or course.

I think we have sorted out the first question, now I want to talk a little about how many days you need to come for treatment.

Remember, back in the USSR, resort packages were almost always for 21 days. Previously, I didn’t understand why there were so many, if the voucher for this period included procedures, only 10 each. It seemed that two weeks were already in sight.

However, not everything is so simple. The fact is that for complete treatment, both water procedures (baths, pools, etc.) and mud or physiotherapy are usually prescribed. And you can’t combine them, so they are done every other day, one day water therapy, the other electrotherapy or mud therapy.

Accordingly, it takes 20 days if you want to take 10 pieces of each. This is not counting the missed first day, on which you need to visit the doctor to get appointments and schedule them by time and day.

And do not forget that on Sunday the treatment is not carried out, or is carried out partially.
Of course, it is not necessary to do 10 procedures; you can take fewer, then the number of days required will be reduced. However, here we are considering people who travel for the purpose of treatment, so for a good effect you need to come for at least 21 days, and preferably in winter, when there are few people.

On vacation

For those people who come to the region on vacation, it is much easier. To have a good rest and visit all the interesting places, two weeks is enough. Even this period can be reduced, but then you will have to sacrifice days for have a relaxing holiday, or not see everything.

As for the time of year, the period from May to October is more suitable for holidays in the KMS. The weather is almost always comfortable, warm, rains are usually rare and short-lived, there is almost no wind, and nature reveals all its beauty.

Which resort should you choose?

Each city of the CMS is beautiful and significant in its own way. However, if your goal is relaxation, then I recommend choosing Kislovodsk. In my opinion, it is most conveniently located relative to all interesting places. Moreover, it seems to me that there is more entertainment and a better developed tourist infrastructure; the Resort Park alone costs more than all other objects.

However, this is my personal opinion, and you have the right to disagree with me.

Attention! Those who travel to this region for treatment should choose a resort based on the disease that brought them here.

– diseases of the kidneys and urinary tract, digestive organs, metabolic disorders, andrological diseases. Additional information you can see around the resort.
Concomitant treatment: diseases of the musculoskeletal system, ENT organs, gynecological diseases.


- diseases of the musculoskeletal system, peripheral nervous system, peripheral vessels of the lower extremities, digestion, skin diseases, gynecological and andrological diseases, metabolic disorders. Read about the resort.


- diseases of the digestive system and metabolic disorders.
Related profiles: diseases of the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, consequences of injuries, gynecological and andrological diseases. I wrote about the Essentuki resort.


– diseases of the circulatory system, chronic respiratory diseases of a non-tuberculous nature, bronchial asthma without frequent and severe attacks, glaucoma.
Related profiles: neurological diseases, diseases of the digestive system and musculoskeletal system, gynecological. Read more about the Kislovodsk resort in the article.


Mineral springs, which resorts are rich in, play a major role in the specialization of a particular place. Therefore, when choosing a place of treatment, always pay attention to the water that is suitable for treating your specific disease.

For example, although urology is treated in almost every resort in the region, people with diseases of the genitourinary system are better off going to Zheleznovodsk. Because only there there is a source of Smirnovskaya water, which is most suitable for the treatment of urological diseases.

The name of the Essentuki resort speaks for itself. The famous water perfectly treats diseases of the digestive tract. "Narzan", which is available in Kislovodsk, is also recommended for the treatment of certain diseases.

I won’t list all the diseases (I’m not a doctor), I think the meaning of the above is clear. Only a doctor can determine which source is best for you, so my conclusions are for informational purposes only.

Where to stay?

Where to stay also depends on many factors: financial situation, physical condition, purpose of the trip, etc. Let's try to consider some of the possible options.

Highlights

It’s easier and cheaper for those guests who come by car on vacation, and consider treatment as an addition to their vacation. In this case, having a car allows you to rent housing a little further from the main resort areas, which significantly saves your budget.

For those who do not have a means of transportation, it is better to choose housing within walking distance to the sources, so as not to waste money and time moving around the city. But as you yourself understand, such rent will be more expensive.

Attention! The issue of the distance of housing to healing springs is especially relevant for people who come to the resort for treatment. Them walking distance it is simply necessary and this is the primary issue when looking for housing, regardless of whether you choose the private sector or choose treatment in a sanatorium.

Sanatoriums

The most convenient way to relax and receive treatment is to buy a ticket to a sanatorium. The advantages here are obvious. Everything in one place, the price includes meals, no evening entertainment program, treatment is scheduled hourly, there is always medical staff, you don’t have to go anywhere, etc.

The disadvantages are not so serious: adherence to the regime (smoking, drinking alcohol, eating by the hour and what they give), the choice of procedures depends on the doctor (although you can change it). In my opinion, the only worthy disadvantage is the cost. But, dear readers, you always have to pay for comfort and convenience.


I can only give you some advice:

• If you are specifically going to a sanatorium, then when choosing, focus primarily on the distance from the pump room, or the presence of one in the sanatorium itself, which also occurs, although very rarely.
• It is not always reasonable to pay for specialized treatment programs. If necessary, pay extra on the spot. I had a case where certain expensive procedures could not be performed due to a concomitant disease. True, I was lucky, they were replaced with cosmetic procedures and the money was not lost. However, not everyone meets halfway; this is the exception rather than the rule.
• Do not neglect the “our doctors” section on the website of the selected sanatorium. From the description and schedule, you can usually understand how well the staff is staffed with specialists, whether this or that doctor is permanent or visiting. I think you don’t need to explain why this is needed.
• Buy a ticket directly on the sanatorium website; if problems arise with check-in, issues are resolved faster than through intermediaries.
• Be sure to read the latest reviews before choosing. There is usually a lot of information on the Internet, but it may be out of date.

I wrote in more detail about rest and treatment in sanatoriums, about who this type of holiday is not suitable for, in another article. I will separately write reviews of the sanatoriums in which I was able to receive treatment. Read one review about the Kislovodsk sanatorium. Subscribe to my newsletter and you will be the first to receive new publications!

Hotels and private sector

In any city you can stay in a hotel; it’s not difficult to rent an apartment or house. I have never gone on vacation and treatment to the KMS in this way, but there are enough services where such options are presented, and they are not difficult to find on the Internet.

This is a good choice for those who want to save money, especially if the train is large and you are traveling for a long time.
The main recommendations here are simple - try to choose accommodation closer to the pump rooms and read reviews. However, you must understand that private housing is always a lottery and a lot depends on the integrity of the owners.

Do not forget that if your goal is treatment, then you need to decide in advance which medical institution you are going to purchase the course from and choose housing nearby. Because there are usually a lot of procedures, walking long distances every day is of course useful, but quite difficult. You need to carefully calculate your physical capabilities, otherwise the treatment will not work for future use.


For now, this is all I planned to tell you today. General information You can read about the CMS region.

Now I'll say goodbye for a while.
Tatiana Solomatina

Brief information

Caucasian Mineral Waters - balneotherapeutic mud climatic specially protected ecological resort region Russian Federation. Kavminvody is a single artesian basin of underground mineral waters of various types and rich in resources. The resort region of Caucasian Mineral Waters includes the largest and most famous medical resorts in the country: Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk, Essentuki and Zheleznovodsk.

Location

The resorts of Caucasian Mineral Waters are located on the territory of the Stavropol Territory.

Time

Moscow time.

Nature

The unique natural environment makes holidays in the Caucasian Mineral Waters extremely beneficial for your health. The surrounding mountain alpine meadows and resort parks of Kislovodsk, Pyatigorsk and Zheleznovodsk have a strong influence on environment: clean the air of pollutants and enrich it with healing volatile phytoorganic substances.

Main healing factors

The basis of resort resources for recreation and treatment in the Caucasian Mineral Waters are mineral waters of various compositions. In terms of richness and diversity, the group of mineral springs of the Caucasian Mineral Waters is incomparable to anything: here is the Narzan spring in Kislovodsk with its “cold boiling water” bubbling from carbon dioxide, and the hot waters of Pyatigorsk and Zheleznovodsk, radon (Pyatigorsk), hydrocarbonate-chloride-sodium (Essentuki ) and other waters. On the relatively small territory of the Caucasian Mineral Waters there are about 130 mineral springs, some of which are exploited for medicinal purposes. It is worth highlighting four large deposits of carbonic waters - Kislovodskoye, Essentukskoye, Pyatigorskoye and Zheleznovodskoye. The Kislovodsk deposit is represented by low-mineralized carbonic waters, known as Kislovodsk Narzans, or simply Narzans. They are used in the form of baths and for drinking cures. The Essentuki deposit contains carbonic chloride-hydrocarbonate sodium waters of the Essentuki-4 and Essentuki-17 type; hydrogen sulfide-carbon dioxide chloride-bicarbonate sodium waters of medium salinity and others. Used at the Essentuki resort for drinking treatment and for external procedures. The Pyatigorsk deposit is characterized by a particularly large variety of mineral waters, which are used for drinking and external use. The Zheleznovodsk deposit is characterized by the predominant development of carbonic low-mineralized sulfate-hydrocarbonate calcium-sodium mineral waters. The waters are used for drinking treatment and for external balneotherapy. The deposit of medicinal mud "Lake Tambukan" is located 15 km from the city of Pyatigorsk. Tambukan provides healing mud to all sanatoriums of the Caucasian Mineral Waters. The water in the lake is bitter-salty, brine of sulfate-chloride-sodium composition with high mineralization. The mud and brine of the lake have a pronounced bactericidal effect, so only brine crustaceans live in the lake. Black plastic sulfide mud contains large number organic substances, hydrogen sulfide, methane, other substances. In addition to mineral waters and medicinal mud, the resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters are distinguished by a wide variety of landscape and climatic features due to mountainous terrain and a complex combination of geomorphological zones. The resort of Kislovodsk stands out especially in this regard, where climate therapy is used equally with balneotherapy. The variety of mineral waters, the presence of high-quality medicinal mud, the use of climate features for medicinal purposes have determined the breadth of the range of medical indications for the Kavminvody resort region as a whole and its specialization medical profile each of its resorts.

Main indications for treatment

The main indications for treatment for Kislovodsk are diseases of the circulatory system, digestive system, respiratory system (chronic diseases of the respiratory system of a non-tuberculous nature, bronchial asthma without frequent and severe attacks). For Essentuki - diseases of the digestive system, metabolic disorders, diabetes. For Pyatigorsk - diseases of the musculoskeletal system, skin diseases, gynecological diseases, occupational diseases (vibration disease, occupational polyneuritis), pediatrics (treatment of children with consequences of birth injuries, neurological diseases, as well as diseases of the digestive system of children). For Zheleznovodsk - diseases of the digestive organs, kidneys and urinary tract (non-tuberculosis), metabolic disorders.

Additional information

Caucasian Mineral Waters is one of the oldest regions of Russia. The first official information about the local mineral springs contained in the reports of Dr. Schober (1717), who was sent by the highest Decree of Peter I to the region North Caucasus"search for spring waters." As the springs were discovered and used therapeutically, indications for treatment in the sanatoriums of the Caucasian Mineral Waters developed. Now a holiday in the Caucasian Mineral Waters is one of the most popular destinations in Russia. Every year, the sanatoriums and hotels of the Caucasian Mineralnye Vody welcome guests from all over Russia for recreation and treatment.

Resorts in the region

Caucasian Mineral Waters is the most diverse and unique resort peace. Kavminvoda sanatoriums are located in ecologically clean areas. The uniqueness of recreation and treatment in Kavminvody is due to the exceptional diversity of types and varieties of mineral waters, the deposits of which are compactly concentrated in a relatively small area of ​​the territory. In terms of the variety of mineral waters, Kavminvody cannot be compared with any resort not only in Russia, but throughout the world. There are about 50 springs in the resort of Pyatigorsk - almost all types of mineral waters. The successful combination of carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and radon sources, a favorable climate and a wonderful natural landscape predetermined the fate of what is now the most versatile resort in Russia. Patients with diseases of the peripheral nervous system, musculoskeletal system, digestive organs, skin, peripheral blood vessels, gynecological and andrological diseases, and occupational diseases (vibration disease, occupational polyneuritis) are sent here for treatment.

Attractions

The mysterious and eerie Tambukan amazes with its neo-ordinariness at first sight. Even in calm weather, its surface appears black - the layer of healing mud lying at the bottom is so clearly visible through the thickness of the water. Tambukan was first scientifically described by I. Güldsnstedt in 1773 under the name “Tambi”, which translated from Turkic means “bad, foul smell” (when approaching the lake, a strong smell of hydrogen sulfide attracts attention). Since ancient times, Kabardians have known about the healing properties of the mineral waters of Tambukan’s numerous springs and mud. This is evidenced by the remaining traces of baths carved into stones near the springs, the remains of primitive wooden and stone bathing devices from the early Bronze Age.

Climate

The climate at the resorts of Caucasian Mineral Waters is diverse and is formed under the influence of a number of factors. Foothill nature of the area and proximity snowy peaks The main Caucasian ridge on the one hand, and on the other the neighborhood of arid steppes and semi-deserts of the Caspian coast determine the continental climate features of the resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters. The air of resorts is distinguished by increased transparency, conditions of moderate natural hypoxia, high natural ionization with a low coefficient of ion unipolarity, which, with a favorable solar radiation regime, allows all types of climate therapy to be carried out here. The most favorable for recreation and treatment in the Caucasian Mineral Waters, according to medical climatology, is the southern zone of the Caucasian Mineral Waters. The climate of Kislovodsk and its environs is characterized by a large number of clear days, low wind speeds, low atmospheric pressure, partial pressure of oxygen and water vapor, and increased intensity of solar radiation. There is no sun about 30 days a year. Resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters - Essentuki, Pyatigorsk, Zheleznovodsk - climatic zone with a large number warmth and moderate precipitation. Cloudy days with fog and frost occur mainly in the autumn-winter period, which creates a contrast with Kislovodsk, where at this time it is mostly sunny.

Caucasian Mineral Waters is a resort area located in the very center of the North Caucasus, on northern slopes The main Caucasus ridge, just 90 km from Elbrus and almost the same distance between the Black and Caspian seas. He takes southern part Stavropol Territory of Russia, being approximately at the same latitude with the resorts Cote d'Azur France and Italian Adriatic. Its area is about 2/3 the area of ​​the island of Cyprus and 1/7 the area of ​​Switzerland. The Caucasian Mineral Waters resort group unites Kislovodsk, Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk and Pyatigorsk. This small towns, quite comparable in size to such European resort centers, like Karlovy Vary and Baden-Baden. All of them are located close to each other and form a single resort area. The official history of the Caucasian Mineral Waters begins on April 24, 1803, when Tsar Alexander I signed a decree recognizing this region as a state property. Since that time, settlements began to appear near the springs: Goryachevodsk (from 1830 Pyatigorsk), Kislovodsk, Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk.

Geographical location

Nature and climate of the CMS

Profiling areas of treatment at resorts:

Most popular excursions:
Mountain "Ring", rock "Castle of deceit and love", "Honey" waterfalls- excursion to the amazing creatures of nature in the vicinity of Kislovodsk. Mountain "Ring" - favorite place walks by M.Yu. Lermontov, gates in the rock formed by nature. The rock “Castle of Cunning and Love” is located 5 km from Kislovodsk and is rich in folk legends. At the Honey Falls, falling from the mountain gorges of the Alikonovka River, you can breathe ionized air, saturated with the aromas of herbs of alpine meadows, hear the legends associated with these places, and try pickles of Caucasian cuisine.
Elbrus region- a tourist name for part of the Greater Caucasus, from the western approaches to Elbrus to the Chegem River basins in the east. This is an amazing region with majestic ice-capped peaks, picturesque gorges, and numerous waterfalls. You are given a unique opportunity to visit the very heart of the gray Caucasus. To the foot highest mountain In Russia, Elbrus is connected by a highway along the longest road in the Caucasus mountain valley along the stormy Baksan River.
Dombay – Teberda - Dombay- mountainous territory in Karachay-Cherkessia in the North Caucasus. From here, in a straight line, it is only 65 km to the top of Elbrus and 60 km to the Black Sea coast. Highest point- Dombay-Ulgen peak, whose height is 4040 meters. The connection of the 3 main gorges of Dombay - Alibek, Amanauz and Dombay-Ulgen - forms the natural center of the territory - a picturesque Dombay glade, lying at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level. The Teberda River basin is the territory of a mountain reserve. High in the mountains there are 70 turquoise mountain lakes.
Arkhyz- the village of Arkhyz, founded in 1923, is located at an altitude of 1450m above sea level. Arkhyz is a protected resort area located in the valley of the Bolshoi Zelenchuk River. Extremely rich and diverse animal and flora Arkhyz, therefore in 1957 this area was included in the Teberda State Reserve.
Nalchik - Blue Lake - sightseeing tour in the capital of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, a major cultural and industrial center of the Caucasus. It is located at an altitude of 550 meters above sea level on the border of the Kabardian Plain and the foothills of the Greater Caucasus. Cable car will take you to the Malaya Kizilovka mountain, where at an altitude of 615 m above sea level there is a panoramic platform with a view of the city and the snowy ridge of the Main Caucasus Range. You will also visit Blue Lake - one of most beautiful places Kabardino-Balkaria.
Lermontovsky Pyatigorsk. There are many Lermontov paths in Pyatigorsk, but they all converge on a small house, modestly nestled in the depths of the courtyard on the street named after the poet. On the façade at the entrance there is a small memorial plaque: “The house in which the poet M.Yu. Lermontov lived.” Here the poet lived the last months of his life, here he wrote “Mtsyri”, “Borodino”, “Hero of Our Time”, “Demon”, “Death of a Poet”. The poet would have created many more poetic masterpieces if a pistol shot on Mount Mashuk had not interrupted his life so early. On July 15 (27), 1841, the body of the murdered Lermontov was brought to this house from the scene of the duel.

Caucasian Mineral Waters is a unique area in Russia. Here literally everything is created so that vacationers not only enjoy wonderful views, but they could also improve their health.

At the very beginning of planning a vacation trip to Caucasian Mineralnye Vody, you should decide on the resort that will become the main point of your stay:

· Pyatigorsk is the most popular medical resort in the country, where the nervous, digestive and cardiovascular systems, the musculoskeletal system, diseases of the skin and female organs are treated;

· Essentuki – coming to this resort, you will be able to improve the health of your digestive system;

· Kislovodsk – people come here to relax not only in summer, but also in winter, to cleanse the blood, relieve asthma symptoms, treat gynecological diseases and diseases of the digestive system;

· Zheleznovodsk is a universal resort that is suitable for strengthening the health of various body systems, especially the kidneys.

All of these cities are located close to each other, so if you travel by car or don't mind taking public transport, you can visit each of them during your vacation. They all somehow resemble famous ones European resorts Baden-Baden and Karlovy Vary.

What to see and where to go?

When you come on vacation to the KMS, you don’t have to go somewhere special to spend time with pleasure. Local nature is unique in its beauty, so just walking around the surrounding area will be enough.

If you want to unwind and visit the sights, it makes sense to look into the following places:

· city parks in each of resort towns;

· places associated with Lermontov, mainly the State Museum-Reserve in Pyatigorsk;

· Dolphinarium, Mount Koltso, Honey Falls in Kislovodsk;

· Pirogov Baths, site of Lermontov’s duel, Diana’s grotto in Pyatigorsk;

· cascading staircase, musical gazebo in Zheleznovodsk;

· mineral baths of Nicholas II, rose platform, Alekseevskaya mud baths in Essentuki.

Where to stay?

Due to the fact that holidays in the Caucasian Mineral Waters are predominantly therapeutic in nature, most tourists check into sanatoriums to undergo a number of health-improving procedures. Other accommodation options such as hotel rooms and apartments for daily rent are also presented in all resort towns.

Where exactly it is better to stay depends on the budget of the trip, the desire to feel free, or vice versa, so that the vacation is as organized as possible.

KavMinVody - a collection of popular Russian resorts, which are located in the south of the country and occupy several regions at once:

· Stavropol region– Pyatigorsk, Mineralnye Vody, Essentuki, Kislovodsk, Zheleznogorsk;

· Kabardino-Balkaria – resort towns and villages of the Zolsky region;

· Karachay-Cherkessia – sources of mineral water in the Malokarachaevsky and Prikubansky regions.

In the south, the KVM borders on Elbrus, in the north – on the steppes of the Ciscaucasia; recreation here is extraordinary. This resort region is a specially protected territory by the state, as it officially has federal significance.

A little history

The region earned such high praise and a special position thanks to its favorable climate and numerous sources of healing water, the properties of which began to be actively studied at the beginning of the 18th century at the direction of Peter I. As a resort, Caucasian Mineral Waters began to exist another 100 years later, when in 1803 Alexander I officially gave this territory the status of a resort of national importance.

At different times, such outstanding personalities as Pushkin, Lermontov, Mayakovsky, Odoevsky, Yesenin, Tolstoy, Chaliapin, Gorky, Glinka, Rachmaninov and many others rested and underwent treatment here.

Climate in the region

Not only sources, but also local climate has a healing effect on vacationers. Due to the fact that the region has a heterogeneous topography and great length, throughout its territory there are various climatic zones that differ significantly from each other. Main feature almost everyone popular resorts CME – a large number of sunny days throughout the year and relatively dry air, especially.

Conventionally, the region is divided into two climatic zones: southern (Kislovodsk) and northern (Pyatigorsk, Essentuki and Zheleznovodsk). Each resort town has its own characteristics weather conditions. In the northern zone there is little precipitation and a little less sun than in the southern zone. Kislovodsk differs from other KavMinVod resorts in the large number of sunny days and the possibility of quality recreation even in winter.

A lot depends on the height at which one or another is located. locality. This factor affects the nebula, average temperature, precipitation and atmospheric pressure fluctuations.