Dzhemagat Narzan Springs

The Dzhemagat (Dzhamagat) narzans are two cold mineral water springs in the Dzhamagat Gorge above Teberda, in the Karachayevsky District of Karachay-Cherkessia. They lie on the border between the town of Teberda and Teberda National Park, about 8 km from the town, where the Garalykol and Epchik rivers meet.

What to see

There are two springs, only about ten metres apart. The water is naturally sparkling with a distinct iron taste, and the iron gives it a rusty tint. Its mineral content is low; according to the national park, it contains magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium compounds. The water stays at about +6 °C all year round. The two springs taste different: one is described as slightly sweet, the other as slightly sour.

This is a natural, "wild" narzan with no pump room or bottling. The site is set up for collecting water, and a small café nearby serves khychin pastries and herbal tea. The water loses its properties quickly, so it is best drunk on the spot.

The road to the springs is worth the trip in itself: it follows a scenic gorge along the Dzhamagat River. Plants along the route include Tatiana's angelica, European yew and Caucasian rhododendron.

History

The name Dzhamagat is translated as "ancestral village" or "community". The valley has long been inhabited: the ruins of the aul (village) of Dzhemat survive near the springs.

How to get to the Dzhemagat springs

From Teberda a dirt road leads to the Dzhamagat checkpoint and on into the gorge, first along the right bank of the river and then the left. The road goes almost all the way to the springs, but in places it is strewn with large stones: a low car cannot get through, while a high-clearance vehicle can. An ordinary car can usually manage a kilometre and a half to two beyond the first bridge. People also come by quad bike or on horseback.

On foot it is about 5 km one way from the checkpoint, about 10 km there and back. The trail is easy to moderate but stony; allow half a day for the walk.

Good to know

• The gorge is part of Teberda National Park and the route is paid: according to the park, 200 roubles per adult and 200 roubles per car; preschool children and pensioners enter free.
• Bring cash: the mobile network at the checkpoint is unreliable.
• Wear comfortable shoes for the stony trail and bring a container for water.