A Hidden Gem in the Caucasus: Blue Lakes Will Leave You Breathless
add_circle Pros
- Free entrance makes it an affordable and accessible destination
- The deep, dark grey waters of Nizhneye lake are a sight to behold
- The surrounding scenery is simply stunning, with rolling hills and towering mountains
- The lake's depth reaches an astonishing 368 meters, making it one of the deepest in Europe
- The crystal-clear water is perfect for scuba diving and exploring the underwater world
- The location is easily accessible by car or public transportation
remove_circle Cons
- The road to the lakes can be rough, so be prepared for a bumpy ride
- The weather can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature and precipitation
- Some areas of the lake may be closed due to scuba diving or other activities
- The lake's depth can make it difficult to swim or engage in water activities
- The surrounding area can get crowded during peak season
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Editor's Summary
I just spent two incredible days in the Kabardino-Balkar Republic, and my adventure kicked off with a visit to the breathtaking Blue Lakes. This natural wonder is a must-see destination, with its deep, dark grey waters and stunning scenery. The best part? Entrance is absolutely free! I was blown away by the sheer beauty of Nizhneye and Verkhneye lakes, and I'd highly recommend adding them to your travel itinerary. The scenery changes with the seasons, offering a unique experience year-round, and the local people are friendly and welcoming, making it a great cultural experience. Whether you're a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or just looking for a relaxing getaway, the Blue Lakes have something for everyone.
Specifications
I just spent two incredible days in the Kabardino-Balkar Republic, and my adventure kicked off with a visit to the breathtaking Blue Lakes. We didn't get to see all five lakes, but the two we did - Nizhneye and Verkhneye - were absolute stunners. The best part? Entrance is absolutely free!
We started with Nizhneye. Calling it blue is a bit of a stretch - it's more like a deep, dark grey, but its beauty isn't diminished by that. In fact, it's considered one of the deepest lakes in Europe, and people even do scuba diving here. The photos make it look blue because of the reflection of the clear blue sky, but on cloudy days, it's even more striking. I found out that its depth reaches an astonishing 368 meters.
Nizhneye is one of the deepest lakes in Europe, almost rivaling Croatia's Red Lake. Despite efforts to measure its depth, it's still a mystery. The maximum recorded depth is 368 meters, but it might be even deeper. Jacques-Yves Cousteau tried to investigate, but the results were inconclusive.
Russia, Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Blue LakesI'm not sure what it is about this natural wonder that gets me so pumped up - the lake, the mountains in the distance, and the forest all blend together to create a truly magical scene.
Russia, Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Blue LakesThere's even a cafe right on the lake's edge where you can grab a coffee and take some amazing photos.
Russia, Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Blue LakesNext up was Verkhneye.
Russia, Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Blue Lakes
Russia, Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Blue LakesAt first, I wasn't too impressed - I think I liked Nizhneye better because of the mountains. But when I looked at the photos, I realized that Verkhneye has its own unique charm. The forest around it is actually really beautiful, especially during the fall when the leaves are changing colors.
Russia, Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Blue Lakes Russia, Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Blue Lakes Russia, Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Blue Lakes
The area around the lake is developed: there are cottages for living, gazebos, cafes with panoramic windows, and even a children's playground.
Russia, Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Blue Lakes Russia, Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Blue Lakes
Russia, Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Blue Lakes You can fish and take a boat ride here.
Russia, Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Blue Lakes Russia, Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Blue Lakes The rest of the area remains untouched and is surrounded by forest. I'm not sure if that's the plan or if human touch hasn't reached there yet. But I wish there was some civilization, but not at the expense of nature - that's why we come here.
Russia, Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Blue Lakes Russia, Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Blue Lakes There's even a birdhouse here, but we didn't see any birds, maybe they were swimming somewhere quieter...
Russia, Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Blue Lakes Russia, Kabardino-Balkar Republic, Blue Lakes I really liked the bridges, from them you get a great view and the photos turn out interesting.
The Blue Lakes in Kabardino-Balkar Republic, RussiaThe Blue Lakes in Kabardino-Balkar Republic, RussiaThe Blue Lakes in Kabardino-Balkar Republic, RussiaThe Blue Lakes in Kabardino-Balkar Republic, RussiaAnd the cherry on top was the shoreline - it's covered in small pebbles, super gentle, and reminds me of the sea, especially when the boat goes by and the waves start rolling in.
The Blue Lakes in Kabardino-Balkar Republic, RussiaThere's also a zip line here, not super high, and it runs right above the lake's surface. You can see the cables in the background.
The Blue Lakes in Kabardino-Balkar Republic, RussiaI really loved it here, so I'll definitely come back again - maybe in the spring or fall, when the leaves are all yellow and beautiful.I highly recommend this place to anyone who loves nature and can appreciate the moment!