The Terek River is without a doubt the largest in the Caucasus. Many important historical events, as well as ancient legends, are associated with this place. It is here that people often come to not only enjoy the beauty of the fast river, but also visit famous places, see local sights.
Terek River on the map: geographic data
To begin with, it is worth noting that this river originates in the famous Trusovsky Gorge, which is located on the slope of the Main Caucasian Range. Its length is approximately 623 kilometers. As for the basin area, it is equal to 43 square kilometers. The river crosses the territories of several countries at once, including Georgia, the northern regions of Ossetia, the Stavropol Territory, Chechnya and Dagestan.
Terek is a river with an ancient history. Interestingly, it was noted in ancient Georgian writings. In particular, Leonti Mroveli recalls it in "The Life of Kartli" - then it was called Lomeki, which means "mountain water". As for the modern name, in translation from Karachay-in the Balkar dialect it means "fast waters".
Terek River: agricultural value
Naturally, such a large reservoir is of great importance for the development of farms in this region. After all, thousands of hectares of arid lands are irrigated with its waters. In addition, a hydroelectric cascade operates here.
And the lower reaches of the river are rich in different kinds of fish. Trout and salmon are found here, as well as catfish, pike perch, barbel and carp.
By the way, the surface of the river freezes only in exceptionally harsh winters, and even then the ice is thin and unstable.
Terek River attractions
There are many large cities and small towns on the banks of the fast river, including Beslan, Kizlyar, Terek and Vladikavkaz. And, of course, each of them has its own attractions that are worth seeing.
Quite often travelers go to see the Darial Gorge. Below the river is the village of Eltokhovo - here you can see with your own eyes the ruins of one of the oldest Mongol-Tatar fortresses called Tatartup.
And next to the city of Terek is another interesting place. Here you can visit the once majestic city of Lower Dzhulat, which was considered one of the largest settlements during the Golden Horde. At one time, this place became the center of trade, settlements of artisans, as well as the Islamic faith. The ruins of the mosque, as well as the underground mausoleum where the nobility were buried, still remain.
By the way, near the village of Borukayevo there is a monument to corn. In fact, this is a kind of unique masterpiece, since there are only two such structures around the world (another monument to corn is in the US, in Iowa).
Very popular among tourists is a trip along the river, which usually takes several days. After all, only here in just a couple of hours you can get from a real Arctic glacier to an arid, hot steppe, watching how quickly landscapes, fauna and flora change.
In fact, the Terek River offers tourists a lot of other equally striking sights. In addition, extreme sports are extremely popular here, in particular, boating down the river. People come here to fish, relax and have fun.
