Elbrus viewpoint (Zolsky District)

This viewpoint overlooking Mount Elbrus and a mountain gorge lies in the Zolsky District of Kabardino-Balkaria, in the highlands on the northern approaches to Elbrus. On a clear day you can see the twin summits of the highest mountain in Russia and Europe, with a deep gorge below. Most visitors reach the area by the road from Kislovodsk to the Dzhily-Su tract at the northern foot of Elbrus.

What to see

The main attraction is the panorama of Elbrus. From the north the mountain looks quite different from the familiar view near Terskol: broad plateaus and pastures stretch out in front of it, and the summit rises above them as a solitary massif. In good weather part of the Main Caucasus Range is visible too. In the foreground are the slopes of the gorge with rock outcrops and a river valley.

It is a good spot for photography: open ground, a wide view and hardly any buildings in the way. The best light comes in the morning and at sunset, when the snowcap of Elbrus turns pink and orange.

Along the road

The road from Kislovodsk to Dzhily-Su is one of the most scenic drives in the North Caucasus, with several viewpoints along the way. It first climbs to the Shadzhatmaz plateau, about 2,000 metres high, home since the late 1940s to the Kislovodsk Mountain Astronomical Station of the Pulkovo Observatory. It then descends into the Khasaut river valley and the Valley of Narzans eco-park with its mineral springs. Further on, the road reaches Dzhily-Su, with hot narzan springs, waterfalls and a close view of the northern side of Elbrus.

The trip is usually done in a day, combining several stops: the viewpoints, the Valley of Narzans, and the waterfalls and springs of Dzhily-Su.

Getting there

The easiest way is by your own or a rented car, or on a tour from Kislovodsk or other towns of the Caucasian Mineral Waters: there is no public transport out here. It is a mountain road with climbs and hairpin bends; much of it is paved, but some stretches are rougher, so drive carefully, especially in a car with low ground clearance.

Fees are charged for entering some areas along the route, including an environmental fee at Dzhily-Su; the amounts change from time to time, so bring some cash.

Good to know

Whether you see Elbrus depends entirely on the weather: clouds often hide the summit, and you may arrive to see nothing at all. Early morning gives the best chance of a clear sky, before haze and cloud build up. Mountain weather changes fast, and even in summer it can be cold and windy up here, so bring warm clothes.

The far section of the road to Dzhily-Su is snowbound in winter and spring and often impassable until May, so the main season runs from late spring to autumn. In summer and at weekends the popular viewpoints can get crowded.