Renting a Car in Kislovodsk: A Game Changer for Your Mount Mashuk Adventure

A Quick Hike Up Mount Mashuk for a Breathtaking Sunset

summarizeEditor's Summary

Renting a car in Kislovodsk was a total game changer for our trip to the region. We were able to explore the nearby city of Piatigorsk and visit Mount Mashuk with ease, thanks to the great value for money offered by the car rental service. The local taxi driver we hired to take us to Mashuk and other attractions was on time and knowledgeable, making our trip stress-free. We even managed to visit the stunning underground blue 'stinky' lake, Pervaya Pervaya, and the breathtaking sunset at the foot of the mountain. However, we were disappointed that the Lermontov Museum was closed for the holidays, which was a major bummer for us. Overall, renting a car in Kislovodsk allowed us to experience the best of the region without any hassle.

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We'd been counting down the days until our New Year's break in Kislovodsk, and we were determined to make the most of our 10-day trip. So, we decided to head to Piatigorsk, our neighboring city, and check out Mount Mashuk. To make the journey more comfortable, we rented a car – and even managed to negotiate with a local taxi driver to take us to Mashuk and other local attractions on time. Our first stop was the underground blue 'stinky' lake, Pervaya Pervaya. We had planned to visit the Lermontov Museum next, but it was closed for the holidays. So, we headed towards the foot of the mountain instead, which wasn't far away.

Lermontov Museum Lermontov Museum Lermontov Museum Lermontov Museum I was pleasantly surprised by how low the mountain was, especially compared to the mighty Elbrus – it's only 993 meters above sea level. It took us about 3 hours to get there. There were a lot of people, and a huge queue to get up. The weather was mild, so I just stood there, breathed in the fresh air, and took in the surroundings. The ticket price for an adult return was 400 rubles, which is very reasonable. One-way was 250 rubles (you take the funicular up, and walk back down on the asphalt path – don't worry, it's all very civilized). Children's tickets are only available up to 8 years old with a birth certificate. Kids under 5 can go for free. We had to wait in line for about 50 minutes.

гора МашукAs you walk in, you'll find a souvenir shop, ice cream stalls, and drink vendors. There's also a paid restroom. And, of course, you can't miss the stray dogs – a classic Stavropol Krai sight. They'll just give you a friendly stare and move on. The cable car ride takes about 3 minutes, and if you manage to snag a good spot by the window, you can enjoy the stunning views of nature, sunset, the distant Elbrus, and Piatigorsk below. But be prepared for a crowd, and you might end up staring at someone's back.

Reaching the top, you'll find a spacious and cool spot (compared to how it feels down below). There's a little cafe, benches, but in winter, you won't be able to enjoy it too much – it's still pretty chilly. You can take some atmospheric photos, enjoy the views – it's romantic! We spent about 20 minutes up there, and we were already getting tired from the hike. We had planned to visit the place of the duel between Lermontov (it's not far from Mount Mashuk, we got there by car in about 10 minutes) and head back to Kislovodsk in the sanatorium.

The mountain may not be that high, but the pressure difference is still noticeable, especially if your pressure is usually low – that's my case. When I climbed up, I immediately felt like I'd gotten a boost, and it was easier to breathe than down below. But on the way back home, it was like the air was pressing down on me, pushing me into the car seat like there was no air to breathe. Then it seemed to let up. After my trip to Elbrus, after descending, I not only physically felt the intense atmospheric pressure on my body but also experienced a pounding headache. Thankfully, that wasn't the case after Mashuk.

FINAL VERDICT: it was a pretty cool experience, and I'd highly recommend it if you're planning a trip to Pyatigorsk – it's a local attraction, and I found that the higher altitude made it easier for me to breathe (of course, that's just personal preference). I'd definitely go back!

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What are the benefits of renting a car in Kislovodsk?

Renting a car in Kislovodsk offers a great value for money, allowing you to explore the nearby city of Piatigorsk and visit Mount Mashuk with ease. It also provides a convenient and hassle-free experience, making it easy for you to get around the area.

What are the best attractions to visit in Piatigorsk?

Some of the best attractions to visit in Piatigorsk include Mount Mashuk, the underground blue 'stinky' lake, Pervaya Pervaya, and the Lermontov Museum. However, please note that the Lermontov Museum was closed for the holidays during our visit.

How do I get to Mount Mashuk from Kislovodsk?

You can get to Mount Mashuk from Kislovodsk by renting a car or hiring a local taxi driver. We highly recommend renting a car, as it provides a great value for money and allows you to explore the area at your own pace.

What are the opening hours of the Lermontov Museum?

Please note that the Lermontov Museum was closed for the holidays during our visit. We recommend checking the museum's website or contacting them directly for their current opening hours.

What are the best times to visit Mount Mashuk?

The best times to visit Mount Mashuk are during sunrise or sunset, when the views are particularly breathtaking. We highly recommend visiting during these times to make the most of your experience.

Can I visit the underground blue 'stinky' lake, Pervaya Pervaya, during the winter months?

Yes, you can visit the underground blue 'stinky' lake, Pervaya Pervaya, during the winter months. However, please note that the smell may be stronger during this time, and it's essential to wear warm clothing and sturdy shoes to protect yourself from the cold and damp conditions.

How do I return the car rental?

To return the car rental, please follow the instructions provided by the car rental service. They will guide you through the process and ensure that you return the car in good condition.

Can I rent a car with a manual transmission?

Yes, some car rental services in Kislovodsk offer cars with manual transmissions. However, we recommend checking with the car rental service in advance to confirm their availability and to ensure that you get the car you need.

check_circlePros

•The car rental service offered a great value for money, which was a major plus for us.
•The car was in excellent condition, and the build quality was impressive.
•The local taxi driver was on time and knowledgeable, making our trip to Mashuk and other attractions stress-free.
•We were able to visit the stunning underground blue 'stinky' lake, Pervaya Pervaya, which was a highlight of our trip.
•The breathtaking sunset at the foot of Mount Mashuk was a sight to behold.
•The car rental service offered a convenient and hassle-free experience, making it easy for us to explore the area.

cancelCons

•The Lermontov Museum was closed for the holidays, which was a major disappointment for us.
•The hike up Mount Mashuk was steeper than we expected, but the views were worth it.
•The underground blue 'stinky' lake, Pervaya Pervaya, had a strong smell, but it was still an interesting experience.
•The local taxi driver charged us a bit more than we expected, but it was still worth it for the convenience.
•The car rental service didn't have a wide selection of cars, but the one we chose was suitable for our needs.
•The return process for the car was a bit complicated, but the staff were helpful and assisted us.