It’s common to come to Kislovodsk to improve your health and try the healing “Narzan”. I would like to show you another city where you should go for scenic views and an active vacation.
How to get to Kislovodsk
The most convenient way is to take a direct flight from Moscow to Mineralnye Vody International Airport, located 53 km from Kislovodsk. An air ticket from Moscow will cost 5,000 rubles* per person round trip.
From the airport, get to the railway station by taxi or minibuses No. 10 and No. 11. Then take the train to Kislovodsk. Another option is an intercity bus from the bus station.
Where to stay in Kislovodsk
Hotels in Kislovodsk offer comfortable accommodation, spa treatments and developed infrastructure nearby. Here are some good options:
Green Resort Hotel and SPA – from 7000 rubles* per night per person;
Colosseum Spa Hotel – from 5700 rubles* per night per person;
“Raygond” – from 3800 rubles* per night per person.
What to do in Kislovodsk?
Be sure to take a walk through the Valley of Roses in the Resort Park and take unusual shots on Koltso Mountain. Visit the extreme park “Honey” to ride the largest zipline in the country. Watch the sunrise with a view of Elbrus, try local cuisine in one of the restaurants and buy homemade jam as a souvenir.
Visit attractions
Narzan Gallery
In the city center there is the Narzan Gallery. The castle-like building was built on Kurortny Boulevard in 1858 in the best traditions of Gothic romanticism. While walking, you can admire the paintings of local artists displayed on the walls. And also drink warm and cold, dolomite or sulfate “Narzan”. There is a souvenir shop inside.
Rose Valley
The picturesque valley is located on the territory of the Resort Park, where it is especially pleasant to retire on one of the winding paths and enjoy the floral aromas. More than 35 varieties of roses of various shades grow here. It is especially beautiful here from mid-July to the end of August – this is the time when most plants bloom.
Ring Mountain
The landmark, created by winds, temperature changes and soil erosion, is a bizarrely shaped rock mass. The ring, 8-10 meters in diameter, regularly becomes a place of pilgrimage for lovers of unusual shots. You can only climb here on foot, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. It takes about 20 minutes to go up to the “ring”.
Go to the extreme park
On the territory of the tourist complex “Honey Falls” there is an extreme park with dizzying attractions: zipline and Via Ferrata. The place is located 10 km from Kislovodsk, not far from the village of Krasny Kurgan. You can get here by minibus No. 5 or by rented car.
Zipline
Ziplines are equipped suspended lines along which a person glides above the ground at speeds of up to 75 km/h. It consists of a special roller and stationary platforms connected to each other by a strong steel cable. The total length of the cable in the extreme park “Honey” is 1050 meters. This is the largest zipline in Russia. Adrenaline lovers will love this place: the height above the gorge reaches 100 meters, and the speed is such that the entire flight takes only 45 seconds.
Via Ferrata
The park recently opened Via Ferrata (iron trail), a section equipped with metal steps and a safety cable firmly anchored in the rock. This type of active recreation is perfect for those who have always dreamed of learning what rock climbing and mountaineering are. On a safe, specially equipped route, tourists even without special physical training will be able to enjoy the views while following a guide. Such a trip can be an excellent option for an away corporate event: the organizers are ready to accept large groups of up to 60 people.
On the territory of the complex there are many places for a picnic, tents with souvenirs, and gazebos. After exciting adventures, it will be especially pleasant to refresh yourself with pies and ayran in local cafes.
Watch the sunrise with a view of Elbrus
The Bermamyt plateau is a huge rock fissures and pillars at an altitude of more than 2500 meters. The place is an hour’s drive from the city and, if you get up early, there is a chance to see one of the most beautiful sunrises of your life. You can get to the plateau only with a well-prepared SUV, since part of the route runs along a well-worn track. The city is full of private operators who organize trips, so you can easily find a driver. It is important to get into the morning “window”, because the valley quickly becomes covered with clouds and it is very easy to find yourself on a plateau surrounded by clouds. But, if all the stars align, Grandfather Elbrus will greet you on the horizon.
You can take stunning pictures from the Bermamyt plateau, as evidence that your date with the highest point in Europe has taken place. And you don’t even need to walk uphill with a big backpack!
Have a delicious dinner
An essential item on any trip is delicious food. In addition to the classic list: kebabs, kebabs, khychins and fresh vegetables, I recommend stopping by the locals’ favorite cafe and trying the legendary Kislovodsk donuts.
“Old Park”
The cafe is located on the territory of the Resort Park and it is pleasant to have dinner here, enjoying the evening cool of the trees. The chef expertly prepares lamb shashlik and kebab, cheese pies, and delicious jam.
“Tea House”
The restaurant is located on the road to the Honey Falls complex. So on the way back from the extreme park, stop by here and try the most delicious solyanka, lula kebab, veal, and, of course, khychin – round flatbreads stuffed with potatoes, cheese, etc.
“Khinkalnaya”
Authentic restaurant on the street. Sedlogorskaya will delight lovers of Georgian cuisine – they serve fresh khinkali, khachapuri, pkhali, wine and Natakhtari lemonade. A table must be reserved in advance.
“Snowflake”
The cafe has been operating since the early 1960s and since then has remained a favorite place to visit for both tourists and locals. The menu includes a variety of burgers, fries, salads and other fast food. Be sure to try the donuts and milkshake.
Buy souvenirs
Spices, tea and jam are usually brought as gifts from Kislovodsk. In addition to the already classic version for these regions made from pine cones, you will also find other original ones: from wild garlic, eggplant, radish and even pepper. You can grab balham – a thick potion made from the resin of coniferous trees, melted butter and honey. They say that the remedy is very effective for colds. And all thanks to the key ingredient – resin, which has beneficial properties.
We also recommend trying and buying a fashionable delicacy as a gift – urbech (paste of apricot kernels, sunflower, sesame seeds).
*Prices valid at time of publication
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