Maiden Braids Waterfall

The Maiden Braids waterfall (Devichi Kosy), also known as Chyranbashi-suu, is in the Elbrus area, in the Elbrussky District of the Kabardino-Balkar Republic, above the village of Terskol. It lies on the southern slope of Terskol Peak at an altitude of about 2,800 metres, within Prielbrusye National Park. It is one of the best-known waterfalls at the foot of Mount Elbrus.

Description and height of the waterfall

The waterfall is formed by the Chyranbashi-suu stream, a left tributary of the Garabashi river, fed by the melting Gara-Bashi glacier. A flow about 15 metres wide runs down a basalt cliff in many separate strands that look like loose braids. Sources give different heights for the drop, from 25 to 30 metres.

There is a small grotto behind the curtain of water. The waterfall is at its fullest in midsummer. From the waterfall there is a panorama of the mountain peaks and gorges of the Elbrus area.

History and legends

The waterfall became widely known through the 1967 film "Vertical", in which it appears in one of the shots.

The name is tied to a legend about a girl who died because of unhappy love, after which her hair turned into streams of water. The trail has a local story of its own: the stretch near the so-called 95th marker is nicknamed "the madhouse". According to the stories, people were once treated here with thin mountain air.

How to get there

Buses and taxis run from Nalchik to Terskol. The walking route starts in the centre of the village, opposite the mosque, and follows a dirt road towards the Terskol Peak observatory. The road climbs in switchbacks; there is also a shorter but steeper path straight up. The way leads through coniferous forest and rocky stretches.

The route is about 5–6 kilometres one way with roughly 650 metres of ascent, from 2,150 metres in Terskol to about 2,800 metres at the waterfall. Depending on fitness, the climb takes several hours. Past the waterfall the trail continues to the observatory. You can also go up the same road by jeep or on horseback, and there is an approach from the Azau glade, beyond the Gara-Suu stream.

Good to know

• The waterfall is inside Prielbrusye National Park: a park pass is required.
• Summer is the best time; the flow is strongest in midsummer.
• The route runs above 2,000 metres: allow for the effort and sudden weather changes, and bring warm clothes and water.
• The rocky stretches need care, especially on the steep path and on the way down.