←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

Monument to the Abrek Zelimkhan in Chechen Republic

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

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

Point 4

Monument to the Abrek Zelimkhan

🗿 Monument

Historical Background

The village of Kharachoy is known as the birthplace of the most famous abrek* of the Chechen Republic and a national hero, Zelimkhan Kharachoevsky. Born into a well-to-do family, Zelimkhan owned a large farm and many animals. But after being accused of murder he was imprisoned in Grozny, from where he escaped in 1901. From then on Zelimkhan fought against tsarist rule: he killed tsarist officials, robbed banks and government offices, and gave the loot to the poor.

*Abrek: in the 19th century, during the era when the Caucasus was being annexed to Russia, a mountaineer who fought against the tsarist troops.

About the Monument

People wanted to erect a monument to Zelimkhan Kharachoevsky even during his lifetime, which shows how popular and respected he was among the people. In 2009 the monument was finally erected by a stream called the Maiden's Braid in his native village of Kharachoy.

Myths and Legends

There is an interesting legend about the Maiden's Braid stream. They say that if an unmarried girl drinks its water, she will soon marry. The legend draws many tourists, especially women hoping for luck in love.