
Chechnya Mountains - Lake Kezenoy-Am
About the tour
The pearl of the Chechen Republic - Lake Kezenoy-Am, is located between the Chechen and Dagestan Republics in an incredibly picturesque place. The largest alpine lake not only in Russia, but also in Europe. But few tourists or travel lovers know about it.
For the purity and color of the water, the lake is also called the Blue Lake. And some call it the Big Trout, because of the Eisenam trout that live in it. The mountains surrounding the lake completely protect the lake from the wind, which makes the water surface absolutely calm and serene.
Lake of natural origin. According to one version, it appeared as a result of an earthquake and a strong landslide. The stones blocked the channels of two rivers, and they filled the lake, flowing into it underground. According to the second version, the lake was formed from a meteorite that fell to the ground, since one of the slopes of the lake has a clear, even cut, as if it was cut with a knife. The third version is an interesting legend. Some say that in the place of the lake in ancient times there was a village, the inhabitants of which were not hospitable to each other. An angel descended from heaven dressed up as a beggar and began to walk from house to house. He was looking for a place to sleep, but no one gave him shelter or even offered him food. He came last to the house to a lonely widow on the edge of the village. She sheltered and fed him. The angel told her who he was and that he was unhappy with the callousness of the locals. He recommended the woman to leave this village. The widow obeyed. When she left the village, the earth parted, the village fell down, and in its place a lake appeared, which in translation from Kezenoy-am is called Cruel.
Why is this lake so popular? Probably, the quiet expanse of crystal clear water, magnificent mountain peaks around, subalpine meadows on the slopes, Eisenam trout, which is found only here, by the dam.
Lake Kezenoy-Am is surrounded on all sides by rocks, mountains, forests, meadows, the slopes of the reservoir are quite steep, the water is clean, cool, saturated with icy rivers. That is why even in summer the water in it does not warm up above 17-18 degrees. In winter, the lake is covered with a thick layer of ice. The climate is pleasant, temperate, the air is clean, the landscapes are peaceful and soothing. The color of the lake's water is unique, depending on the sun's rays, cloudiness, it changes from light blue to dark turquoise. The water is just transparent, you can see the bottom, algae, fish. The purity of the water is evidenced by the fact that the Eisenam trout is found in it, which is listed in the Red Book.
In the Soviet years, athletes of the Olympic team trained on this lake, because there are never waves here. Unfortunately, the sports base was destroyed by military operations in the Republic, but now it has been announced that training will be resumed on the territory of the base and a project for a new modern sports complex has been developed.
Today, on the territory of Kezenoy-Am, you can have a great rest in summer pavilions with a barbecue area and receive adrenaline at the popular extreme entertainment - ziplining. Flying over a lake 850 meters long at a speed of 50-100 km/h guarantees an adrenaline rush!
Since Kezenoy Am is a high-altitude lake, we recommend bringing warm clothes and closed shoes with you, as it is quite cool here even on a hot summer day. And then the weather will not distract you from the most important thing - the contemplation of magnificent beauty! Tour Program
Ethno-Museum Shira Yurt is a man-made museum to attract tourists. Reconstructed ancient Chechen village. Once here, you can instantly be transported several centuries ago, on a visit to the medieval highlanders. Almost all the buildings characteristic of that time have been recreated. The roofs are covered with straw, the fences are made of poles, a stable, a mill, a smithy, and an infirmary have been built. Every sakla contains household items, utensils, and weapons. The village is very picturesque, watchtowers have been erected at the entrance, looking around it seems that people are about to come out and start doing their own business, everything is so realistically arranged. Entrance to the territory of the ethnographic museum is completely free, here it is Caucasian hospitality.
Mosque in Shali "Pride of the Muslims", a place that must be visited when traveling around the republic. This is the largest mosque in Europe, unique in its beauty and grandeur. It occupies an area of about 5 hectares of land, the height of the dome is 43 m, 4 minarets 63 m high. All of snow-white marble, dome ornament, chandelier with Swarovski crystals - the mosque is mesmerizing. There are 12 fountains on the territory of the shrine, rare trees brought from Holland, 48 types of roses. You can describe a lot and for a long time, but you should at least once see this beauty with your own eyes.
Picturesque lake Lake Kezenoy-Am. Today, on the territory of Kezenoy Am, you can have a great rest in summer pavilions with a barbecue area and tickle your nerves at the popular extreme entertainment - zip-lining. Flying over a lake 850 meters long at a speed of 50-100 km/h guarantees a surge of adrenaline in the blood.
Ancient "Guard Village" Khoy Village. One of the bright sightseeing objects of the Chechen mountains. The history of the village dates back to the 10th century. Unfortunately, after the deportation in 1944, the village was abandoned. On the territory there is a cemetery with graves dating back to pagan times. A monument was erected to residents who died during the Second World War.
PRICE (for a car) | 16'000 rubles per car |
NUMBER OF SEATS (in a car) | 4 |
DEPARTURE TIME | 06:00 from city Nalchik |
RETURN TIME | 21:00-22:00 |
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE |
Transport services all along the route |
table, chairs, gas stove, kettle; |
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ADDITIONALLY PAID
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Guide (optional) | Lunch |
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You must have: ✓ Passport, ✓ Snack, ✓ Sports shoes, ✓ Rain clothes Important to know! If weather conditions are unfavorable for the tour, then changes to the planned route are possible, including the day and time of departure. |
Booking
Before you go
- A warm jacket — it is much colder at the viewpoints than in the valley
- Comfortable shoes with a grip for short walks from the car
- Passport or ID — some roads pass through border-zone checkpoints
- Camera, sun glasses, water
- Motion-sickness tablets if you are sensitive to mountain roads
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