Gumbashi Pass, Karachaevo-Cherkessia: description, excursions

The Gumbashi Pass is a beautiful route through a small mountain canyon. It passes along the valleys of the Podkumok and Mar rivers flowing into the Kuban, and leads from Kavminvod to Karachaevsk. This place is popular with lovers of active winter recreation, as well as those who like to secluded in the mountains among the picturesque landscapes. And it is not necessary to be a fan of skiing or to be able to skate well to rest here, since in these places of Karachaevo-Cherkessia everyone will find a job.

Description

The Gumashi Pass is undoubtedly the most amazing place in the Caucasus. The path runs through a narrow ribbon and is fenced on all sides by mountains, as well as ridges of rocks, which have incredible contours. When climbing the Gumbashi pass, with every kilometer, its landscapes become more and more mysterious and beautiful. The last meters of the route have the form of serpentine, and at the end of the path of all visitors expect something fabulous. At an altitude of 2145 meters above sea level, amazing panoramas and stunning pictures of the Main Caucasian ridge, as well as an unforgettable view of Mount Elbrus, open .

In the twenties of the 20th century, the question arose that it was necessary to build a road in these places for traffic on cars. Therefore, a little later from the city of Kislovodsk was laid route for tourists number 43, which led to the village Teberdu. At that time, this section of the road passed along a dirt road. In the thirties a new road was laid here, which already has an asphalt covering of 85 km in length.

Climatic conditions

Large mountain ranges surround this place, thereby reliably protecting it from winds, due to which the weather on the Gumbashi pass is characterized by a mild and pleasant climate unlike most other ski resorts. The average annual air temperature here is approximately equal to +5 degrees Celsius. In July, the thermometer columns rise to a maximum of +16 heat. The Gumbashi Pass in winter is not characterized by severe frosts, since in January about +4 are observed here.

In general, the weather conditions in these places are remarkable. The winter period lasts four months, and the first snow can fall already in the middle of November. Should I wait for any surprises from Gumbashi? Pass (skiing, by the way, is considered to be one of the most popular types of leisure) is famous for its soft and stable climatic conditions, so in terms of vagaries of nature can not worry. Until the beginning of April, Gumbashi is always snow and the bright sun is shining. With the arrival of heat, you can see a lot of people with tents and bicycles. But do not forget that there may be surprises in the form of pouring rain, so this weather should be ready.

Excursion tours

Those tourists who just want to enjoy the beauty of the pass, you can use the services of agencies that conduct individual excursions. On average, such a trip lasts from twelve to fourteen hours and includes visits to all the interesting places of the Caucasian Mineral Waters. Such tours are conducted by professional drivers-guides on passenger cars of high comfort.

For this, a group of four tourists is formed, the cost of traveling with one person is approximately 1,300 rubles.

Carrying out winter leisure activities

In addition to excursions, it is wonderful to relax with the whole family or with friends. The Gumbashi Pass on its slopes has a wonderful tourist base. It is built for all fans of active, family and individual recreation. The infrastructure of this place is developed quite well for the comfortable stay of tourists here.

How can you occupy yourself in Humbashi? Pass (skiing here, we will repeat, remarkable) can offer guests many kinds of outdoor activities. But let's start with the classics. There are special places for renting ski equipment, sledges and snowmobiles, so skiing and snowboarding do not have to take with them to rest, and also work rope tows.

The descents on the base have different complexity. There is a separate track for skiers of beginners and small children, and there are slopes with a length of three hundred to one and a half thousand meters. On the territory of "Mary" there is a cozy cafe, where tourists can enjoy various dishes of Caucasian cuisine and drink tasty tea, infused on mountain herbs. This hostel provides such one-day trips to the pass every weekend.

There are also several tour companies offering a program for skiing on the slopes, which is not aimed at beginners. With the help of such a trip, skiers can consolidate existing skills and improve their technique, thereby mastering more complex routes. In this case, travel agencies offer accommodation on the base for nine days and sightseeing tours to the pass places.

Reviews

Those who are fortunate enough to visit the Gumbashi Pass say that these are simply amazing places and they have never seen anything like it in their life. According to many tourists, this is one of the most beautiful roads in Russia.

People are struck by the fact that the mountains here are not naked, and on their slopes grow such trees, from which they seem green and incredibly fluffy. Deserted, cars are almost never met, which creates the feeling of some magical place, lost among the alpine meadows. If you move from Upper Mara, you can notice an unusual optical illusion.

You go-you go for half an hour, thirty kilometers already seem to be behind, and all the time it seems that the road goes under a strong downward slope. The mountains around are getting higher and higher up to the sky, so the traveler seems to be falling down. When a person is already beginning to worry, at this very moment emerges to the very top of the pass with stunned panoramic views. Sure, you need to see this with your own eyes.

How to get there?

If the starting point is Moscow, it will be possible to reach Kislovodsk by electric train or fly to the Caucasian Mineral Waters by plane, and from there to the Gumbashi Pass. How to get to this place, tell any local resident. But it's best not to make an independent trip there, but to take advantage of excursions provided by various travel agencies.

Those emotions and impressions, which can present with their picturesque views this pass, can not be compared with any other sensations. Therefore, at least once in your life is worth visiting the slopes of Humbashi.