The territory of North Ossetia is almost entirely covered with mountains, local residents consider them the property of the republic. From the second half of spring until the very end of summer, tourists come to Ossetia - lovers of admiring and conquering the peaks. Even in the capital of the republic there is the most beautiful Table Mountain, which is also clearly visible in Ingushetia. Tourists love this peak for its many laid and fairly simple routes.
Description
The height of the mountain is 3003 meters. It is located on the border between two republics: Ingushetia and North Ossetia, and is visible from both capitals - Vladikavkaz and Magas. This peak is depicted on the coats of arms of both republics. In good cloudless weather, the mountain can be seen from anywhere in Vladikavkaz.
She got her name for her bizarre shape, reminiscent of a huge flat table. There is another name in the Ossetian language - Madkhokh, which translates as "mother mountain".
There are many beautiful grottoes and caves on the mountain, several ancient shrines.
Legend
There are more than one legend about Table Mountain. But there is one most popular story thattell all visitors. Once upon a time, dragons lived in these places. On the mountain itself, there was a certain principality, which was conquered by one of the dragons. As a tribute to the animal, the principality has pledged to give away one 16-year-old girl every year. The locals prayed and asked the dragon not to do this again, but he did not hear. However, there was an opinion that if a brave young girl was found and voluntarily surrendered herself to be devoured, then the principality would immediately get rid of the dragon.
It is natural that such a brave girl was found. She was the daughter of a prince and had a magnificent appearance. The father protected the young princess as best he could, but the day came when it was necessary to pay tribute. The girl changed into a servant's outfit and hid in the crowd. And when the dragon came, she threw herself into the fire-breathing mouth of the beast.
At the same moment, the dragon let out a terrible roar, caught fire. After the smoke disappeared, people saw only the charred body of the dragon. This place is now Table Mountain.
The story doesn't end there. It turns out that a shepherd named Kazbek was secretly in love with the girl. From the mountain, he watched the sacrificial act of his beloved. Seeing the petrified body of the young princess, he prayed to the gods, asking them to turn him into a mountain. Higher powers heard him and fulfilled the request; thus the shepherd is now always guarding his beloved.
Climbing the mountain
You can climb Table Mountain from Ingushetia, where the access control for tourists has already been canceled in the Dzheirakhsky district. In this case, the ascent begins in the village of Beini. From the settlementleads an ancient road called the "path of the ancestors." If you start from Vladikavkaz, you will also have to get to the settlement of Beini. Today, only 89 people live in the village, and according to local legend, the name translates as “dead warriors”. Not far from the settlement there is a tent city, but it works only in the season when it is possible to climb the mountain.
Pagan temple
While climbing the Table Mountain of Vladikavkaz, you can see a unique attraction - the Myat-Seli sanctuary.
Ingushetia converted to Islam back in the 19th century, but a lot of evidence of ancient beliefs remains on the territory of the republic. As early as 1925, sacrificial ceremonies were held in this sanctuary. In the traditions of the people, the customs of paying tribute to the Water Mother or Khin-Nan are still preserved. For example, at the wedding ceremony, you can often see how the bride breaks a chicken egg by the stream, it is an old tradition to pay tribute to the Water Mother so that there is no drought.
It takes about 2 hours to climb to the ancient sanctuary. Inside the pagan temple, you can sometimes see local shepherds staying overnight. These places make great photos of the Table Mountain of Vladikavkaz - surrounded by horses and beautiful vegetation.
Throne of the Gods
The sanctuary of Myater-dala is even higher compared to Myat-Seli, at an altitude of 2600 meters, so there are fewer tourists in these places. This is a very poorly preserved building of a pagan sanctuary, the construction of which dates back to the 16th century. In fact,only one entrance has been preserved. According to the remains of the foundation, it can be understood that the foundation of the sanctuary was 3.9 X 2.75 meters in size. The height of the building is about 3 meters. The facade once featured deer antlers and there was a small opening in front of the entrance. Inside the sanctuary there was only a niche where sacrifices were brought. Apparently, the roof was gable with seven steps.
Rest for demanding tourists
Excellent photos of Table Mountain are obtained from the windows of the Armkhi medical and he alth complex. It is located in the Dzheirakhsky district and can simultaneously accommodate 140 people. The sanatorium is already known far beyond Ingushetia and the Caucasus. People come here not only to treat respiratory diseases, but also to admire the surrounding beauties.
The complex has all the conditions for comfortable rest and treatment. There is a swimming pool, fitness center, saunas. There is a children's camp on the territory of the complex, which takes up to 1500 children in summer. And all these amenities are surrounded by forests and ancient monuments of architecture that have survived to this day. The administration of the complex offers many excursions, including a trip to Table Mountain.
