←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

Khoy, the Ancient Town of Guards in Chechen Republic

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

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

Point 6

Khoy, the Ancient Town of Guards

🏟️ Architectural landmark • 📜 Historic site

Historical Background

People lived in the village of Khoy until 1944, but after the deportation of the Chechens to Central Asia it was left empty. According to the 1867 census, Khoy had 195 houses and 2,000 inhabitants. The village was not only residential but also defensive: it had towers, a necropolis, and one of the earliest mosques in the region. The name Khoy means “guard” or “watch” in Chechen, reflecting its role as a town of guards that strictly protected its borders. It was almost impossible for outsiders to get in.

Architectural Features

Khoy is distinguished by its ancient architecture. The houses and towers in this village were built of tightly fitted stones without any mortar. This unique construction method is typical of many old structures in the Chechen Republic. In 2020 the town of guards was fully reconstructed, preserving its historical heritage and making it accessible to visitors.

Today

Today Khoy is an open-air museum that welcomes guests from all over the world. Scientists believe that Khoy, like ancient Derbent, is about 2,000 years old. The place attracts tourists not only with its history but also with its remarkable architecture, astonishing in its craftsmanship and durability.