Kabardino-Balkaria, Republic in North Caucasus, Russia
Kabardino-Balkaria is a republic in the North Caucasus within Russia, shaped by mountain ranges and lowland plains. The landscape divides into the Kabardin Plain to the north, hill country in the center, and the high Caucasus peaks to the south.
Kabardia joined the Russian Empire in 1774, and Balkaria followed more than five decades later in 1827. The two territories merged into a single unit within the 20th century.
Kabardins, Russians and Balkars share the territory, and each group brings its own language, mosques and Orthodox churches into towns and villages. You can find Muslim prayer rooms in some centers and Russian churches in others, with communities meeting through markets and daily life.
The republic includes Elbrus, Europe's highest summit, which draws climbers from around the world throughout the year. Good physical condition and mountain gear are needed if you venture into higher zones, and local guides help with orientation.
Several parallel mountain ranges run through the territory from west to east, creating completely different climate zones over short distances. You can shift in one day between green valleys, snowy passes and dry plateaus without covering great distances.
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