Chegem Falls

The Chegem Falls are among the most striking natural landmarks in Kabardino-Balkaria. Located within the narrow Chegem Gorge, these falls are unique because the water doesn't just flow over the top of the cliffs; it erupts directly from crevices and small caves in the vertical limestone walls. This creates a mesmerizing effect of liquid silver weeping from the stone into the river below. The gorge is so narrow at points that the sky appears as a mere sliver above the towering cliffs. Visitors can walk along the road that hugs the river to view the various cascades, including the main 'Big Chegem Falls.' Further up the valley lies the ancient village of El-Tyubyu, home to medieval stone towers and a mysterious necropolis. The area is also a world-class destination for paragliding, offering incredible thermal conditions and Alpine scenery. Visiting in summer provides a refreshing mist and lush greenery, while winter transforms the falls into spectacular ice formations that look like frozen pipe organs. Local Balkar hospitality is legendary, and visitors should not miss tasting fresh Khychiny flatbreads at the local stalls. The site is easily accessible from Nalchik and is a highlight of any trip to the North Caucasus.

Nearby cities

Rostov-on-Don

Rostov-on-Don is a port city in southern Russia and a major gateway to the Caucasus.

Voronezh

Voronezh is a major city in southwestern Russia, located on the Voronezh River near its confluence with the Don.

Volgograd

Volgograd was formerly known as Stalingrad and was the site of one of the most important battles of World War II.

Krasnodar

Krasnodar is located on the Kuban River in southern Russia and is the administrative center of the Kuban region.

Saratov

Saratov is a major port on the Volga River and a center for industry and education.

Tolyatti

Tolyatti is the center of the Russian automotive industry and home to the manufacturer AvtoVAZ (Lada).

Ulyanovsk

Ulyanovsk is known as the birthplace of Vladimir Lenin and was originally called Simbirsk.

Makhachkala

Makhachkala is the capital of the Republic of Dagestan and is situated on the western shore of the Caspian Sea.

Ryazan

Ryazan is a historic city southeast of Moscow and is known for its magnificent Kremlin.

Astrakhan

Astrakhan is located in the Volga Delta near the Caspian Sea.

Lipetsk

Lipetsk is located in central Russia on the Voronezh River.

Stavropol

Stavropol is located in the North Caucasus on a plateau and is a major agricultural and industrial center.

Belgorod

Belgorod is located in southwestern Russia near the Ukrainian border.

Sochi

Sochi is Russia's most famous resort city on the Black Sea, renowned for its subtropical climate.

Gruzinskaya Mamaika

A popular seaside neighborhood in Sochi, Russia, offering a vibrant Black Sea resort experience with equipped beaches.

History & landmarks

Murom

An ancient Russian city on the Oka River, known as the home of the epic hero Ilya Muromets.

Kasimov

A fascinating town where Russian Orthodox and Tatar Islamic cultures have coexisted for centuries.