The summit of Kursho ("Krugozor") is the highest point of the large, highly branched northern spur of Gvandra
in Karachay-Cherkessia, has a height of 3870 m. (on the map). It is a powerful dome-shaped mountain, from the north
somewhat reminiscent of a knight's head in a helmet.
Kursho is visible from afar, for example, from the Nadozerny Pass. Beyond the Ulluköl lakes is the white cap of Mount Elbrus, and to the right is the tall, dark peak of Kursho.
The view from the top of Tyrmenbashi in autumn. Kursho is also immediately striking.
As we get closer.
A slightly different perspective. To the right of Kursho is the pass of the same name, which I haven't yet had a chance to cross.
It's quite large. It seems impassable, but on the other side there's a relatively easy route, 2A.
In May, there's still plenty of snow in the upper reaches. Kursho above the Mursala valley.
From the other side, in summer. Multi-level and multi-colored lakes.
The peak of Belalakaya (3861 m) is the "calling card" of Dombay, the "Caucasian Matterhorn" (the name is due to
(similar in shape), one of the most beautiful peaks of the Caucasus. Translated, it means "striped, motley rock" —
Several light layers of quartz run through the granites and gneisses of the rock pyramid. [peak on the map]
This is what Belalakaya looks like (on the right) from the resort village of Dombay. It's a three-hour drive from Mineralnye Vody along an excellent road. On the left is the Sofrudzhu Tooth peak.
View along the way to the Alibek pass in the upper reaches of the valley of the same name.
View from the Kichi-Teberda pass, from a height of approximately the middle of the Belalakai wall.
A panorama from beneath the Kichi-Teberda Pass before dawn. Clickable!
A larger fragment of this panorama. Personally, it's a joy to behold, how beautiful it is!
A view from the slope of Mount Semenov-Bashi. Below is the Alibek Valley. The curved pyramid of Belalakai is easily recognizable.
Among the clouds.
A view from the ridge of Mount Semenov-Bashi. Belalakaya merges with the Chkhaltadzikhbashi massif beyond, down whose slope flows the Belalakaya Glacier.
A winter view from the slopes of Mount Musa-Achitara. A common sight when skiing in Dombay. I'd love to go to Austria or Switzerland. But it's just as beautiful here!
No clouds.
In the next part, we'll travel to Georgia, to the Kazbek region, and see the steep rocky peaks of Chaukhi...
Source: travel.ru