Upper Balkaria

According to legend, not every traveler had a wonderful view of blue lakes in Kabardino-Balkaria. One color of the water seemed greenish-turbid, while others claimed that the water in the lakes of a wonderful emerald hue. Soon the mystery was solved: in order to be lucky enough to see the beauty of the lower Blue Lake, Lake Tasha-Kel and especially Cerek-Kel, it is best to choose a clear day. Then the water in the lakes acquires a magical soft blue color, which is due to the high content of hydrogen sulfide.

Jacques-Yves Cousteau himself at one time could not establish the depth of Cerek-Kel, into which not a single stream flows, but flows about 70 million liters per day (thanks to powerful underwater springs). Today it is known that the depth of the Blue Lake is 368 m. Behind the blue lakes is Upper Balkaria - an ancient area with picturesque slopes and a hospitable population. Infrastructure in the region is developed, but not enough, but the hospitality of local residents more than compensates for this lack. Aushiger thermal springs are well known outside the republic. In the middle of the last century, these unique nitrogen-carbon dioxide springs were discovered in search of oil fields. The healing power of local water, enriched with trace elements, attracts not only guests of Kabardino-Balkaria, but also local old-timers. You can get to Auschieger from Nalchik in 20 minutes. Another value of Auschieger is the famous healing blue clay.