The Caucasus is famous for its legends. Mysterious stories, immortalized by the very nature of this amazing land, still attract thousands of tourists here. One of the stories has become a hallmark of a unique place known to tourists as the Tsei Gorge in North Ossetia. Many centuries ago, local hunters set off daily for prey. And they saw in the mountains a golden-horned handsome auroch, big and powerful, like a boulder.
Beautiful place
Many daredevils tried to make it their prey, but every time the fabulous animal left its pursuers. And then one of the hunters dared to ask for the help of St. George. For good luck, the young shooter promised to give the golden horns of the defeated tour to the patron of the Ossetians. However, by killing the animal, he broke this oath and kept the precious trophy for himself.
St. George severely punished him. He turned the deceiver into a stone block. The outlines of the rock look like a male profile in a hood, which once again reminds of the legend. And during the melting of glaciers, it seems that it is tears running down the face with which the young hunter tries tobeg for forgiveness from the patron.
Features
Tsei gorge is rich in mountain peaks of bizarre shapes. Here you can observe an amazing combination of natural phenomena. The bright sun "wakes up" early and goes "to rest" late. Therefore, the days are bright and bright, and glaciers and snow tops shimmer in golden rays. The gorge has surprisingly clear clean air. No wonder people who suffer from lung diseases make a trip here. By the way, research in this area began at the end of the nineteenth century, one of the areas was devoted to the effects of natural conditions on various ailments.
Dr. Firsov observed the patients and noted that after a certain time spent here, the condition of tuberculosis patients improved significantly. True, civilization fully came here much later. Instead of trails, a mountain road was built, and the first sanatoriums were opened by the Soviet government in the twenties of the last century.
Ski tourism
Besides healing possibilities, the Tsei Gorge attracts fans of ski tourism. It is compared with the best Alpine resorts. Located between Everest and Elbrus, the gorge is equipped with excellent slopes with lifts, recreation centers. And do not think that only extreme sportsmen can enjoy downhill skiing here. Family holidays in the ski resort are equally popular.
Green Hill is famousas a starting point for a three-way trail with a steep start, two and a half kilometers long. You can go down to the forest or into the fields, as well as along the winding ski track. You can again climb to the top on one of the two cable lifts. Fans of "adrenaline" descents will like the Skazsky glacier more. The thickness of the blocks reaches fifteen meters. At almost a kilometer height, a beautiful view of the surroundings and snow-covered neighboring peaks opens up. The area is considered developed and prepared for climbers: special sites for camping, routes of any complexity and the local base of the Ministry of Emergency Situations are at the disposal of professionals and beginners.
Sightseeing tours
Excursion tours also attract tourists to the Tsei Gorge, the sights here begin with the statue of St. George, who has been protecting these lands for many centuries. Among the many iconic places in North Ossetia, the Rekom sanctuary stands out, which is considered exclusively for men. This is the temple of Uastirdzhi, the patron saint of travelers, warriors and hunters. It is located on a fabulous meadow among dense pines and granite rocks. In order to get to it, you need to go along a narrow path over a cliff, where the Tseydon, a stormy mountain river, roars below. It is noteworthy that the temple was assembled from logs without a single nail. Rekom decorate the heads and skulls of animals sacrificed to the saint.
According to the legend, Uastirdzhi himself built the temple, and the place became holy after God dropped one of the three tears shed here for the dead great warrior Bartazd. Womenit is forbidden to be inside the sanctuary, it is reserved only for representatives of the strong half. There are several such buildings on the territory of the gorge. You can see them by visiting the Tsei Gorge and following the excursion route.
There are many glaciers here, the largest of which are Tseisky and Skazsky. It is from them that mountain streams and rivers flowing into Ceydon originate. The channels are sometimes blocked by boulders, which causes waterfalls of various heights, and the current becomes stormy and swift.
Vegetation: trees, flowers and herbs
The vegetation here is so diverse that it still surprises even scientific men. Mixed forests, alpine meadows, rocky vegetation and shrubs. In addition, the Tsei Gorge also offers rest for avid foresters. During the season, you can slowly harvest a rich harvest of lingonberries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries, as well as various edible mushrooms.
Tsei gorge pleases with flowers in summer. In the meadows, stars, pink flax, timothy grass and Caucasian scabiosa stand out as bright islands, which are usually added to any bouquet here.
Housing and infrastructure
You can stay for rest in hotels. "Fairy Tale" is one of the comfortable places, which is known among those visiting the Tsey Gorge. North Ossetia is hospitable, but here you can appreciate it at the highest level in the truest sense of the word. Almost two thousand meters above sea level, a pine forest, what could be more fabulous! In the immediate vicinity - a large cafe, sports groundwith tennis court and cable car station. In the hotel complex itself there is a restaurant, a sauna, a large swimming pool and a gym. Here you can book an excursion and use the services of a professional ski instructor. Another interesting accommodation option is the Orbita Hotel. Once there was a rehabilitation center for astronauts. Well-equipped comfortable rooms, a bar, a cafe, a sauna, a bathhouse and a swimming pool are at the service of vacationers.
Skiing activists choose sports bases for accommodation, which are located near ski lifts and slopes. The season for this type of holiday in Tsey starts in December and lasts until April. Tourists use snowmobiles, snowboards, sleds and other sports activities.
Conclusion
For the Republic of North Ossetia, the Tseyskoye Gorge is not only a commercial recreation area. First of all, this is an opportunity to acquaint visitors with the culture of a great people, to share cultural values and traditions.
