Russia (bbabo.net), - "The miracle of the Caucasus" - this is what tourists from different regions of the country say about the famous Chegem waterfalls, which have become a must-see point on the map in Kabardino-Balkaria.

In summer, the gorge where they are located turns into an oriental bazaar with camels, shopping malls filled with souvenirs, knitwear and sweets, near which local photographers vied with each other to invite customers to capture themselves in hats and cloaks. In winter, there are fewer vacationers, but those who still dare to get here will definitely not regret the time spent when they see a powerful ice symphony.

- We came to the Elbrus region to go skiing. The locals told about the waterfalls and advised them to be sure to see. We liked everything, even the mountain road here was very beautiful, - MIPT students Mark and Anna share their impressions. “Until this day, no frozen waterfalls have ever been seen. The spectacle is impressive.

Of course, there are many legends about the Chegem Gorge. According to one of them, the local hero decided to test his horse, spurred him on, and he broke through the rock with a hoof, after which water gushed out of the crevice. At that moment, the horseman said: "Chegem", which in the Balkar language means "broken land". According to another legend, in the local mountains there was a settlement where extraordinary beauties lived. Once the village was attacked by enemies who wanted to take the girls into slavery. The unfortunate, fleeing from the invaders, rushed to the rocks and rushed into the abyss, while their hair clung to the ledges and turned into jets of water.

In general, there are several waterfalls, but among tourists the most popular is the Main Chegem waterfall, about 60 meters high in the gorge, which has also become a famous landmark due to the fact that the rocks here hang right over the road, and a stormy river flows below. The waterfall stretches for several tens of meters and represents hundreds of jets of different power and height.

- They begin to freeze already in November, when sub-zero temperatures are set. And if the frost lasts for two or three days, then everything is covered with ice, huge "icicles" reach almost to the road, - says a resident of the village of Nizhny Chegem, who sells hand-tied things in the gorge. - Sometimes pieces of ice fall down with a roar. The owner of the local cafe even puts up warning signs in the parking lot, as a block can fall on a car.

The waterfalls are clearly visible from the observation deck - however, you will have to overcome 222 steps. At the site itself, correspondents noticed a new sign of the times - instead of the usual locks, scarves, tourists began to hang medical masks on the iron bars of the fence, which have become a symbol of the past two years. Perhaps someone, leaving a means of protection, wished to return to the waterfalls when the world says goodbye to the pandemic.

By the way

In 2022, the authorities of the republic intend to repair the road in the Chegem Gorge leading to mountaineering bases, high-mountain camping, a reserve and thermal springs. "This is the largest object of this year," the Ministry of Transport and Roads of the KBR reported. "A new roadbed with a length of about 12 kilometers will be laid here, five bridges will be overhauled. Within the boundaries of the villages of Nizhniy Chegem and Khushto-Syrt, as well as from Khushto-Syrt modern lighting will be installed to the Chegem waterfalls".

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