Bermamyt Plateau: An Adventure for the Bold

In its beauty and grandeur, the Bermamyt Plateau can rival the American Grand Canyon. This time, we are once again searching for unforgettable places in Russia. And this is a place that truly stays with you. Magnificent views, clean air and untouched nature – it is impossible not to be drawn here. Many visitors return time and again – that is how special this place is.

This destination is ideal for travellers who enjoy hiking and exploring. It is best to spend several days here camping. So, if you love pristine nature and getting away from civilisation, gather your friends or family and set off! However, Bermamyt is not the best choice for your first camping trip. It is quite far from major cities, so for a first outing, choose somewhere closer and safer.

The plateau stands at an average elevation of around two and a half kilometres above sea level. There are countless slopes, ridges, hills and mountains here. The scenery is spectacular. Some visitors come with tents to completely unwind and recharge. It is exceptionally quiet and clean here. City dwellers can enjoy untouched nature without noise, exhaust fumes or light pollution. At night, the sky is blanketed with stars, and you can even see the Milky Way. Sky-watchers should definitely keep the Bermamyt Plateau in mind. What is more, many experienced travellers believe it offers the most beautiful view of Mount Elbrus anywhere.

People also come here to greet the sunrise and admire the sunset. Yet the landscape is usually beautiful at any time of day. We recommend camping here so you can see everything the sky has to offer against the mountain backdrop. Every view is unique, so it is easy to stay for a long time.

These views have inspired people for centuries. Famous literary figures such as Chekhov, Lermontov and Gorky visited the region. In those days, reaching the plateau was far more difficult: travelling by horse-drawn carriage could take an entire day. Who knows how many artists and writers the Caucasus continues to inspire today.

You may encounter animals on the way to the plateau, including wild horses, foxes and hares. Occasionally, you may come across bear tracks. Naturally, it is best not to interact with any of them. The best approach is to familiarise yourself with wildlife safety guidance in advance.

Despite all its beauty, the area remains relatively uncrowded for several reasons. First, it is quite difficult to reach, although it is gradually becoming more popular. Second, there is no infrastructure at all. Small excursions are organised here, of course, but you will not find the usual conveniences. There are no shops, petrol stations or cafés along the way. In summer, the area can be dotted with tents, but this usually does not spoil the experience. There is plenty of space, so you can always choose a spot farther from other people or, on the contrary, closer to them.

Perhaps in a few years, these mountain ridges will become popular enough for visitor facilities to appear. But would that be worth it? Would the tranquillity and beauty of this place be lost?

To visit the Bermamyt Plateau, it is best to travel in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. There are three relatively popular routes. The easiest is considered to be the route via Kislovodsk. Pass the village of Kichi-Balyk, then turn right. You will need to drive along an unpaved road.

The second route goes through the village of Uchkeken. Turn right there and continue for about an hour along another unpaved road.

There is another route that is more scenic but also more dangerous. It also passes through Kichi-Balyk: continue to the Karachay village of Khasaut. From there, a road leads to the plateau. In recent years, the roads have become increasingly easier to navigate – unsurprisingly, as more and more mountain enthusiasts travel along them.

The Bermamyt Plateau is becoming increasingly well known. Travel bloggers talk about it and explain how to get there, so the number of visitors grows every year. Take care when spending a holiday here: medical help can be a long way away. Seek advice from people familiar with the mountains and the practical details that may prove useful. Better still, bring such people with you if you have little experience of mountain travel and camping. In many parts of the plateau, you can drive a four-wheel-drive vehicle, but you will still do plenty of walking. Buy suitable hiking gear and clothing. Look after your safety and check the weather forecast in advance. This is not just a matter of comfort, but of staying safe.

As there are many cliffs here, stay sober and be careful when chasing beautiful photographs. The growing number of travellers has also led to large amounts of rubbish. Do not add to it, and do not let your fellow travellers do so either.

Do not forget to check your vehicle before setting off. You will probably find someone who can help you get back to a town, but recovering a vehicle from such a difficult location can be very expensive. It is also unlikely to leave you with pleasant memories of your trip.

There are certainly many other places to see in the Caucasus – it is home to extraordinary beauty that, unfortunately, many people have never even heard of. The Bermamyt Plateau is one of many such places. Explore new parts of Russia – it is an opportunity to see the country from a different perspective and appreciate it even more.