←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.

Route author

Susanin Team

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

Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am in Chechen Republic

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

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

Point 5

Alpine Lake Kezenoy-Am

🔭 Viewpoint

Myths and Legends

Lake Kezenoy-Am is linked to one of the best-known legends in the Chechen Republic, one that children hear at school. According to the legend, there was once a village where the lake now lies, and its inhabitants were greedy and wicked. To give them a chance at salvation, God sent an angel in the guise of a beggar. But only one woman let him into her house. In the morning the angel told her: “You are the only kind woman in this village, so take your children and leave; soon everything here will be underwater.” That same day heavy rains began, flooding the village, and a lake appeared in its place. There is another version of the lake's origin, which says Kezenoy-Am was formed by a meteorite impact.

The Landscape

Kezenoy-Am is the largest lake in the North Caucasus: it is 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles) long and 735 meters (2,411 feet) wide, and it reaches a depth of a full 72 meters (236 feet)! The lake is also famous for a unique fish, the Kezenoy-Am trout (Salmo ezenami), found nowhere else in the world.

Today

In 2015 the Kezenoy-Am tourist and recreation cluster opened on the lakeshore. The complex includes a hotel, cottages, and all the amenities for an active vacation. The resort attracts tourists not only with its picturesque views but also with opportunities for sports and relaxation.

Susanin's Tip

Swimming in the lake is prohibited because of its cold water, which stays icy all year round and can cause severe cramps. Be sure to bring sunscreen: the sun in the mountains can be very strong, even in winter. It's also important to wear comfortable shoes and bring warm clothes, as the weather here can change abruptly.