Honey Waterfalls in Kislovodsk: how to get there, how much it costs, and whether it's worth going on your own

Description and is it worth visiting

The Honey Waterfalls are one of the most famous natural attractions in the entire Stavropol region, although they are actually located in the Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia. People come here on tours or independently not only from Kislovodsk but also from other CMS resorts.

A whole tourist complex has formed near the waterfalls, with a hotel and cafe, a market and shops, a mini-zoo, a museum, and a bathhouse. They also offer horseback or buffalo riding, ziplining, river rafting, and jeep trips around the area. And for thrill-seekers, there's the Extreme Park "Medovy" with the longest zipline in Russia and the most beautiful via ferrata (more details in a separate section below). You can come to the tourist complex just for a walk and to see the sights, or come for a full day's relaxation, for which gazebos with tables, chairs, and barbecues are available for rent.

The waterfalls are located in a gorge on the Alikonovka River. The path to them goes through the tourist complex, where you can also visit the mini-zoo with domestic animals and the ethnographic corner "Karachay Farmstead" for free (included in the waterfall entry fee). After that, you can proceed to the waterfalls. There are several of them here, all full-flowing. A path with railings, bridges, and steps has been built along the river to view them. In some places, you can even swim, but the water is cold.

Why are they called Honey Waterfalls and how many are there?

Why "Honey"? There are two main versions. The first, most beautiful one — because of the honey hue of the water in the rays of the sunset (the water is rich in iron salts and trace elements). The second, more prosaic version — beekeeping (wild beekeeping) was actively practiced in these places in the past, and the surrounding forests and neighboring rocks literally "dripped" with honey. Which version is closer to the truth is for you to decide, but both have a right to exist.

And how many are there? There is no exact answer, and here's why. The waterfalls are not one isolated object, but a system of rapids, cascades, and riffles on the Alikonovka River and its tributaries. It all depends on what you consider a waterfall and how far you are willing to go up the riverbed.

Some say you can count up to a dozen different streams and rapids here. But there are five large waterfalls that are definitely worth attention. Three of them are on the main trail along the Alikonovka and have their own names:

• Pearl — the most powerful and full-flowing, especially impressive in spring;
• Hidden — is located a little to the side, it's easy to miss if you don't look around;
• Noisy (locals also call it "Devil's Mill") — can be heard from afar, the water crashes between the rocks.

Two more large waterfalls are located on the Echki-Bash River (translated from Turkic as "Goat's Head"), which flows into the Alikonovka. These are Big Honey (18 meters) and Little Honey. Big Honey is considered the highest in the entire group. The water falls here from an impressive height, and even on a hot day, it feels noticeably cool at the foot.

But don't get hung up on the numbers. Just walk the entire equipped trail to the end, and you'll see everything you need. And if time and preparation allow, carefully go a little higher up the riverbed. Each new turn reveals an unexpected angle and another noisy stream. The most interesting thing is at the end of the route.

⛰️ Extreme Park "Medovy": zipline and via ferrata

The Extreme Park "Medovy" operates on the territory of the tourist complex. This is a relatively new facility that has already become famous far beyond the KCR. They claim to have:

• The longest zipline in Russia — a flight over the gorge and waterfalls on a cable over 700 meters long;
• The most beautiful via ferrata in Russia — a climbing route with railings and safety ropes, offering stunning views.

Of course, it's better to double-check such loud claims as "the most, the most" on the spot, but the fact that unforgettable experiences await you is a fact. The extreme park operates separately from the main entrance to the waterfalls but is located in the same area.

Also available for free to park guests:

• 📸 Bridge over the abyss — a great place for spectacular selfies against the backdrop of the mountains;
• ☕ Cafes — you can have a snack and relax between activities.

For more details on routes, conditions, and booking, check the official website of the extreme park: med-extrempark.ru

We also recommend checking out ready-made tours with online booking on these trusted sites with reviews:

• 📷 Tours in Kislovodsk from tour operator TEZ Tour
• 📷 Tours in Kislovodsk on Tripster.ru
• 📷 Tours in Kislovodsk on Sputnik8.com