←Route to the Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am

Route to the Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am

Photo of route “Route to the Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am”
6 points91 km8 hours

Take a scenic route from Grozny to the alpine lake Kezenoy-Am, covering more than 100 kilometers (62 miles) in 2.5 hours. Along the way you'll see ancient structures and Khoy, the “town of guards.” It's best to set off early in the morning to enjoy the beauty of the local landscapes. Susanin's Tip • The road to the lake includes a long stretch of hairpin bends. Bring motion sickness medicine, hard candies, and chewy sweets. • Don't forget warm clothes and sunscreen: the weather in the mountains changes quickly, and evenings can be chilly. • Bring snacks, as there are no shops along the way. • Carry cash: cards are not accepted here. • There are no pharmacies either, so bring any medicines you need.

Things to do

  • 🏞️ Enjoy the view
  • 🌲🦋 Enjoy nature

Route points (6)

  1. Aimani Kadyrova “Heart of a Mother” High-Tech Mosque — point on route “Route to the Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am”

    Aimani Kadyrova “Heart of a Mother” High-Tech Mosque

    🕍 Place of worship · 🏙 Modern architecture

  2. Prophet Muhammad “Pride of Muslims” Mosque in Shali — point on route “Route to the Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am”

    Prophet Muhammad “Pride of Muslims” Mosque in Shali

    🕍 Place of worship · 🏙 Modern architecture

  3. Vedeno Fortress — point on route “Route to the Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am”

    Vedeno Fortress

    🏯 Fortress remains · 📜 Historic site

  4. Monument to the Abrek Zelimkhan — point on route “Route to the Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am”

    Monument to the Abrek Zelimkhan

    🗿 Monument

  5. Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am — point on route “Route to the Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am”

    Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am

    🔭 Viewpoint

  6. Khoy, the Ancient Town of Guards — point on route “Route to the Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am”

    Khoy, the Ancient Town of Guards

    🏟️ Architectural landmark · 📜 Historic site

Prophet Muhammad “Pride of Muslims” Mosque in Shali in Chechen Republic

Point on route “Route to the Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am”

Prophet Muhammad “Pride of Muslims” Mosque in Shali — point on route “Route to the Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am”
Prophet Muhammad “Pride of Muslims” Mosque in Shali — point on route “Route to the Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am”
Prophet Muhammad “Pride of Muslims” Mosque in Shali — point on route “Route to the Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am”
Prophet Muhammad “Pride of Muslims” Mosque in Shali — point on route “Route to the Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am”
Prophet Muhammad “Pride of Muslims” Mosque in Shali — point on route “Route to the Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am”
Prophet Muhammad “Pride of Muslims” Mosque in Shali — point on route “Route to the Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am”
Prophet Muhammad “Pride of Muslims” Mosque in Shali — point on route “Route to the Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am”

Point 2

Prophet Muhammad “Pride of Muslims” Mosque in Shali

🕍 Place of worship • 🏙 Modern architecture

Historical Background

Uzbek architectural skill, Greek marble, and Turkish jewelry craftsmanship brought Chechen aspirations to life in Europe's largest mosque, the “Pride of Muslims.” It opened in 2019 in the town of Shali, 27 kilometers (17 miles) from Argun. The largest mosque in Europe, it was built in the Islamic style by architects from Uzbekistan and can hold up to 30,000 worshippers at once.

The Architecture

The building was designed in the Islamic style by architects from Uzbekistan; the lead architect was Abdukakhkhar Turdiev. On its four sides stand minarets* 63 meters (207 feet) tall, and the dome rises to 43 meters (141 feet). The building is faced with snow-white marble from the Greek island of Thassos, famous for reflecting light and staying cool in the heat. The interior is no less lavish. The hall's main ornament is an eight-meter (26-foot) chandelier weighing more than 2.5 metric tons (2.8 short tons), made up of 395 lamps and inlaid with Swarovski crystals and gold. The carpet, covering 8,000 square meters (86,000 square feet) and weighing 36 metric tons (40 short tons), was custom-made by Turkish craftsmen. The grounds are good for walking and relaxing, with fountains, trees from Holland, and many varieties of roses. _*Minarets_ are towers from which the call to prayer is made.

Susanin's Tip

As at any other mosque, you must dress modestly to enter. A skirt, dress, and headscarf are provided at the entrance to cover up. Men are not allowed in wearing shorts. There are separate entrances for men and women.