Ring Mountain is a famous natural monument located in Russia. It is located on the territory of the Stavropol Territory, right on the outskirts of the popular resort town of Kislovodsk, where people come from all over the country for the sake of healing water. It is a rock formation that has acquired many legends over the past centuries.
Description of natural monument
In fact, Ring Mountain is one of the capes of the Borgustan Range. At its highest point, it reaches 871 meters above sea level, which is about a hundred meters above the base. The natural monument itself consists almost entirely of sandstone. Inside, it is all dotted with a large number of caves and dungeons.
Over the past years, under the influence of erosion and weathering, the most extreme cave, which belongs to the cape, has turned into a through one. In shape, it began to resemble a huge ring, about 10 meters in diameter.
Today, the Ring Mountain has become one of the main attractions of the resort Kislovodsk.
On the pages of classics
It is interesting that there was a place for this natural monument on the pages of Russian classics. The ring-mountain is described in detail in the novel by Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov "The Hero of Ourtime".
Describing the surroundings of Kislovodsk, Lermontov writes that about three kilometers from the city a small river called Podkumok flows. It passes through the Stavropol Territory and Karachay-Cherkessia, being the largest tributary of the Kuma River, which is more significant in these places.
In the gorge near Podkumka, the lyrical hero of the novel just discovers a rock, which all the locals call the Ring-mountain for its outward resemblance. From Kislovodsk, many vacationers specially go on a small voyage to see this miracle of nature with their own eyes.
The mountain itself is a kind of gate created by nature. They climb up a high hill. And every evening the sun, leaving for the horizon, throws its last fiery rays on them. Literally every day, numerous cavalcades of resort guests go to watch this amazing sunset.
Legends
To this day, many stories and beliefs associated with this place, known as Mount Ring, have survived. Legend has it that any warrior who rides through it in full armor gains an amazing ability, becoming invincible in battle.
As with any amazing natural phenomenon, this place is associated with many mysterious legends. One of them refers to the Nart epos. This is folk art that exists among Ossetians, Abkhazians, Karachays and Balkars. It is based on epic stories about the adventures of heroes-heroes, who are called Narts.
In this Nart legendit is argued that one of the most famous Narts, the knight Aref, owes his numerous victories on the battlefield to the magical and powerful charms of Mount Koltso. It was thanks to her that he managed to accomplish such a huge number of feats.
On this basis, there is another belief that is actively cultivated among tourists. Almost all guides and locals say that all visitors must definitely stand in the ring opening, at least for a short time. It will surely bring you good luck and happiness.
Museum object
It is interesting that the natural monument to which this article is devoted is also a museum exhibit. It is officially considered part of the collection of the Mikhail Yuryevich Lermontov Museum-Reserve, which is under the auspices of the state. It is known that Lermontov served in these places, lived for a long time and managed to fall in love with them. The museum itself is based in the city of Pyatigorsk.
Mount Koltso, the photo of which is in this article, is certainly valuable also with the beautiful view that opens from its top. From there, anyone can observe an extensive panorama of Kislovodsk itself and its environs, as well as Pyatigorye and the famous Dzhinalsky Range. Moreover, in good weather, even Mount Elbrus is visible from here.
How to get there?
In order to get acquainted with this attraction, you can come here by private transport. And you can use the public. For example, take bus number 101 or number 104. They depart from Kislovodsk.
Onlyremember: the driver must be warned that the bus must be stopped near the Ring Mountain, otherwise you risk passing by. From the bus stop you will need to walk a little. But it's worth it.
You can also go to this natural attraction by bus from the central Kislovodsk bazaar. Any transport that goes towards Uchkeken will do.
Recently, tourists are often warned not to get close to the mountain itself. A sudden collapse of the rock may begin. But that doesn't stop anyone. Sometimes it even ends in death. Therefore, you should be as careful as possible. It is worth remembering that collapses most often occur in the spring.
