Aushiger: Thermal Springs and Cycling Route

Aushiger lies on the banks of the Cherek River and is known for its thermal springs. A burial mound within the town and a cycling route to Upper Balkaria broaden the appeal beyond the springs. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can start by deciding what kind of stay you want: are thermal attractions or an active cycling tour your priority?

Thermal Water and Local History

The Aushiger health and recreation complexes welcome guests year-round. Aushiger’s thermal water is used externally in pools and is also drunk as medicinal table water. Before your trip, check the complexes’ current facilities and access options so you can plan your visit according to the conditions in effect.

The cycling route to Upper Balkaria starts in Aushiger and ends back in town. This offers a cycling tour as a separate travel idea alongside a visit to the thermal springs. Check local road conditions before cycling. The Andemirkana Kurgan is a burial mound in the Aushiger area, adding a historical note alongside the active pursuits of thermal bathing and cycling.

Nature and Routes in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic

Another regional destination for nature and hiking is the Kabardino-Balkarian State High-Mountain Nature Reserve in the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria. It manages a protected area in the Cherek and Chegem districts. The area extends along the Greater and Lateral Caucasus and includes the upper reaches of the Cherek-Balkarsky, Cherek-Besengisky, and Chegem rivers. This sets Aushiger’s thermal attractions apart from the landscapes and hiking experiences the reserve offers visitors to the republic.

The Kabardino-Balkarian State Nature Reserve has four tourist routes: “Mizhirgi,” “Shaurtu,” “To the Bezengi Glacier,” and “To the Narzan Mineral Spring.” The “Mizhirgi,” “Shaurtu,” and “To the Narzan Mineral Spring” routes, as well as the “Zhiginzhi Waterfall” and “Bezengi Glacier” sections of the “To the Bezengi Glacier” route, operate from May to October and are intended for visitors of different ages. The “Bezengi Glacier–Lake Boran-Köl” section of this route operates in July and August.

The hiking route “To the Bezengi Glacier” is 26.1 km long and takes three days. Its final section crosses the Bezengi Glacier (Ullu-Chiran), has a difficulty rating of II, and may only be completed with a mountain guide. Along the route, visitors can experience the altitudinal zones, diverse landscapes, and the flora and fauna of the Central Caucasus. Possible wildlife sightings include Caucasian tur, bearded vultures, griffon vultures, golden eagles, and Caucasian black grouse; Caucasian rhododendron in bloom is another highlight. Check the current route status and access and permit requirements with the reserve in advance.

Winter Sports as Another Travel Focus

Another regional travel attraction in the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria is the Elbrus ski resort. It has 20 km of slopes of varying difficulty and three gondola lifts. The wide red, blue, and green slopes suit skiers and snowboarders of different ability levels. A snowmaking system provides a consistent snow cover on the slopes; its seasonal operation may vary. The upper Garabashi station is at an altitude of 3,847 m and can be reached via three gondola-lift sections. Check current operating conditions before your visit. When choosing a destination, the options therefore offer different focuses: thermal springs and a cycling route in Aushiger, or winter sports at Elbrus.

Discover more destinations: Maiski, El'brus, Nalchik, Chegem Pervyy, Verkhniy Baksan, Terskol, Tyrnyauz, Eltyubyu

For the overview of the wider region: Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria.