Caucasus Mountains location. Main Caucasian ridge

Caucasus Mountains - mountain system between the Black, Azov and Caspian seas. The etymology of the name has not been established.

It is divided into two mountain systems: the Greater Caucasus and the Lesser Caucasus.

The Caucasus is often divided into the North Caucasus and Transcaucasia, the border between which is drawn along the Main, or Vodorazdelny, ridge Greater Caucasus, occupying a central position in the mountain system.

The Greater Caucasus extends more than 1100 km from northwest to southeast, from the Anapa region and Taman Peninsula to the Absheron Peninsula on the Caspian coast, near Baku. The Greater Caucasus reaches its maximum width in the area of the Elbrus meridian (up to 180 km). In the axial part is the Main Caucasian (or Watershed) Range, to the north of which a number of parallel ridges (mountain ranges), including a monoclinal (cuesta) character, extend (see Greater Caucasus). The southern slope of the Greater Caucasus mostly consists of en echelon ridges adjacent to the Main Caucasus Range. Traditionally, the Greater Caucasus is divided into 3 parts: Western Caucasus (from the Black Sea to Elbrus), Central Caucasus (from Elbrus to Kazbek) and Eastern Caucasus (from Kazbek to the Caspian Sea).

Countries and Regions

South Ossetia
Abkhazia
Russia:

Adygea
Dagestan
Ingushetia
Kabardino-Balkaria
Karachay-Cherkessia
Krasnodar region
North Ossetia Alania
Stavropol region
Chechnya

Cities of the Caucasus

Adygeisk
Alagir
Argun
Baksan
Buynaksk
Vladikavkaz
Gagra
Gelendzhik
Grozny
Gudauta
Gudermes
Dagestan lights
Derbent
Dusheti
Essentuki
Zheleznovodsk
Zugdidi
Izberbash
Karabulak
Karachaevsk
Kaspiysk
Kvaysa
Kizilyurt
Kizlyar
Kislovodsk
Kutaisi
Leningor
Magas
Maykop
Malgobek
Makhachkala
Mineral water
Nazran
Nalchik
Nartkala
Nevinnomyssk
Novorossiysk
Ochamchira
Chill
Pyatigorsk
Stavropol
Stepanakert
Sukhum
Urus-Martan
Tbilisi
Terek
Tuapse
Tyrnyauz
Khasavyurt
Tkuarchal
Tskhinvali
Cherkessk
Yuzhno-Sukhokumsk

Climate

The climate in the Caucasus varies both vertically (altitude) and horizontally (latitude and location). Temperatures generally decrease with elevation. The average annual temperature in Sukhum, Abkhazia at sea level is 15 degrees Celsius, and on the mountain slopes. Kazbek is at an altitude of 3700 m, the average annual air temperature drops to −6.1 degrees Celsius. On the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus Range it is 3 degrees Celsius colder than on the southern slopes. In the high mountainous regions of the Lesser Caucasus in Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, there is a sharp contrast in temperatures between summer and winter due to a more continental climate.

Precipitation increases from east to west in most areas. Altitude plays an important role: the Caucasus and mountains usually receive more rainfall than lowland areas. Northeastern regions (Dagestan) and South part The Lesser Caucasus is dry. The absolute minimum annual precipitation is 250 mm in the northeastern part of the Caspian lowland. West Side The Caucasus is characterized by high rainfall. On southern slope The Greater Caucasus Range has more precipitation than on the northern slopes. Annual precipitation in the western part of the Caucasus ranges from 1000 to 4000 mm, while in the Eastern and Northern Caucasus (Chechnya, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Ossetia, Kakheti, Kartli, etc.) precipitation ranges from 600 to 1800 mm . The absolute maximum annual precipitation is 4100 mm in the region of Meskheti and Adjara. Precipitation levels in the Lesser Caucasus (southern Georgia, Armenia, western Azerbaijan), not including Meskheti, vary from 300 to 800 mm per year.

The Caucasus is famous big amount snowfall, although many regions that are not located along windward slopes do not receive much snow. This is especially true for the Lesser Caucasus, which is somewhat isolated from the influence of humidity coming from the Black Sea and receives significantly less precipitation (in the form of snow) than the Greater Caucasus Mountains. On average, in winter the snow cover in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains ranges from 10 to 30 cm. Heavy snowfalls are recorded in the Greater Caucasus Mountains (in particular, on the southwestern slope). Avalanches are common from November to April.

Snow cover in some regions (Svaneti, in the northern part of Abkhazia) can reach 5 meters. The Achishkho region is the snowiest place in the Caucasus, with snow cover reaching a depth of 7 meters.

Landscape

The Caucasus Mountains have a varied landscape, which mainly varies vertically and depends on the distance from large bodies of water. The region contains biomes ranging from subtropical low-level swamps and glacial forests (Western and Central Caucasus) to high-mountain semi-deserts, steppes and alpine grasslands in the south (mainly Armenia and Azerbaijan).

On the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus for more low altitudes oak, hornbeam, maple and ash are common, and at higher elevations birch and pine forests. Some of the lowest areas and slopes are covered with steppes and grasslands.

The slopes of the Northwestern Greater Caucasus (Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, etc.) also contain spruce and fir forests. In the high mountain zone (about 2000 meters above sea level) forests predominate. Permafrost (glacier) usually begins at approximately 2800-3000 meters.

On the southeastern slope of the Greater Caucasus, beech, oak, maple, hornbeam and ash are common. Beech forests tend to dominate at higher altitudes.

On the southwestern slope of the Greater Caucasus, oak, beech, chestnut, hornbeam and elm are common at lower altitudes, coniferous and mixed forests (spruce, fir and beech) are common at higher altitudes. Permafrost begins at an altitude of 3000-3500 m.

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The Caucasus Mountains, as if holding together the space between the Black and Caspian Seas, consist of two mountain systems - the Greater Caucasus and the Lesser Caucasus. The Greater Caucasus is picturesque, majestic and famous. All the largest rivers in the region begin here. The state border of Russia with two states at once - Georgia and Azerbaijan - runs along it.

From northwest to southeast, the Greater Caucasus extends for almost 1,150 km: near the Black Sea, its foothills rise in the Anapa region, and on the opposite side it begins at the Absheron Peninsula, not far from the capital of Azerbaijan. Near Novorossiysk, the width of this mountain system is only 32 km; near Elbrus, the Greater Caucasus is almost 6 times wider.

To make it easier to identify the peaks, this mountain range is traditionally divided by scientists into three sections:

The Western Caucasus (from the Black Sea coast to the foot of Elbrus) consists mainly of low mountains(up to 4000 m), the highest point is Mount Dombay-Ulgen (4046 m);

The Central Caucasus (Elbrus and the mountain range from it up to Mount Kazbek) has 15 highest peaks (5000-5500 m);

Eastern Caucasus (from Kazbek to the Caspian coast). The highest mountain in this part of the massif is Mount Tebulsomta (4493 m).

In addition, the Greater Caucasus is conventionally divided into three belts (longitudinal segments):

The axial part of the mountain system. It is based on the Main Caucasian (Watershed) Ridge and next to it (on the left) is the Side Ridge.

The northern slope belt consists of mainly parallel mountain ranges in the central and western parts of the Greater Caucasus. These ridges decline to the north.

Southern slope of the mountain system. It consists mostly of en echelon ridges that are adjacent to the GKH.

On the slopes of the Greater Caucasus lies great amount glaciers - more than two thousand. The glaciated area is approximately 1400 km². The largest glacier in the Greater Caucasus is Bezengi, its length is 17 km, it is located on the Bezengi wall. The record holder for the number of glaciers in the entire mountain system is Mount Elbrus. Most of all eternal ice located in the central part of the Greater Caucasus, about 70% of all glaciers are concentrated here. Thanks to their clear structure and white peaks, the Greater Caucasus Mountains are clearly visible on the map; this mountain range cannot be confused with any other.

Main peaks of the Greater Caucasus

Elbrus is the highest point not only in the Greater Caucasus, but throughout Russia. Its height is 5,642 m. Elbrus is located on the border of Karachay-Cherkessia and Kabardino-Balkaria, and is a Mecca for mountaineering. Several of the highest mountaineering shelters in Europe are built on its slopes.

Dykhtau (5204.7 m) is the second highest mountain in the Greater Caucasus, which is part of the Bezengi Wall. Like Elbrus, Dykhtau is a “two-headed” mountain. The next in the list of the highest mountains of the mountain system - Koshtantau (5152 m) and Pushkin Peak (5100 m) - are also located in the Bezengi wall massif.

Dzhangitau (5085 m) – the central mountain of the Bezengi wall, popular place mountaineering. Located on the border of Russia and Georgia.

How did the Greater Caucasus appear?

A huge mountain system cannot have a simple geological structure. The tectonic structure of the Greater Caucasus is complex and heterogeneous, which is associated with the history of formation mountain range. According to latest research, the Greater Caucasus arose as a result of the interaction of the East European and Arabian lithospheric plates. Millions of years ago, in this place there was a bay of the ancient Tethys Ocean, which united the Caspian, Black and Sea of Azov. At the bottom of this ocean there was active volcanic activity, the hot rock poured into the earth's crust. Gradually, mountainous massifs formed, which either sank under the water, then rose again on it, and as a result, in the middle of the Mesozoic, in those areas that became islands, sandy-clayey sediments were deposited; in some troughs, these deposits reached several kilometers. Gradually several islands formed one big Island, which was located where the central part of the Greater Caucasus lies today.

At the beginning of the Quaternary period, the Arabian Plate increased pressure on the East European Plate, the Elbrus and Kazbek volcanoes erupted - in general, the formation of the mountain range was active. Precipitation on slopes stone islands were compressed into complex folds, which then underwent faulting. The central part of the modern Greater Caucasus rose. Rock rose everywhere and unevenly, river valleys formed in the faults. At the same time, while the mountains were growing, their icing began against the backdrop of a general cooling. The mountains were almost completely covered with ice. Movements of ice masses and frosty weathering completed the appearance modern mountains Caucasus: it was thanks to them that the shape of the relief of the Greater Caucasus remained as we know it now - with sharp ridges and moraine ridges.

The Greater Caucasus has long been transformed from a series of impregnable mountain walls into a territory completely inhabited by humans. People live in river valleys, as well as on mountain slopes (sometimes quite high!). There are a huge number of historical monuments here, dear to the people living here. Through numerous passes of the Greater Caucasus, communication has been established between the republics within Russian Federation, as well as with neighboring countries.

The Caucasus Mountains are located on the isthmus between the Caspian and Black Seas. The Caucasus is separated from the East European Plain by the Kuma-Manych depression. The territory of the Caucasus can be divided into several parts: Ciscaucasia, Greater Caucasus and Transcaucasia. On the territory of the Russian Federation there are only Ciscaucasia and Northern part Greater Caucasus. The last two parts are collectively called the North Caucasus. However, for Russia this part of the territory is the southernmost. Here, along the crest of the Main Ridge, lies the state border of the Russian Federation, beyond which lie Georgia and Azerbaijan. The entire system of the Caucasus ridge occupies an area of approximately 2600 m2, with its northern slope occupying about 1450 m2, while the southern slope is only about 1150 m2.

The North Caucasus Mountains are relatively young. Their relief was created by different tectonic structures. In the southern part there are folded block mountains and foothills of the Greater Caucasus. They were formed when deep trough zones were filled with sedimentary and volcanic rocks, which later underwent folding. Tectonic processes here were accompanied by significant bends, stretches, ruptures and fractures of the earth's layers. As a result, large amounts of magma poured onto the surface (this led to the formation of significant ore deposits). The uplifts that occurred here in the Neogene and Quaternary periods led to the elevation of the surface and the type of relief that exists today. The rise of the central part of the Greater Caucasus was accompanied by the subsidence of strata along the edges of the resulting ridge. Thus, the Terek-Caspian trough was formed in the east, and the Indal-Kuban trough in the west.

The Greater Caucasus is often presented as a single ridge. In fact, this is a whole system of various ridges, which can be divided into several parts. The Western Caucasus is located from the Black Sea coast to Mount Elbrus, then (from Elbrus to Kazbek) the Central Caucasus follows, and to the east from Kazbek to the Caspian Sea - the Eastern Caucasus. In addition, in the longitudinal direction two ridges can be distinguished: Vodorazdelny (sometimes called the main one) and Bokovaya. On the northern slope of the Caucasus there are the Skalisty and Pastbishchny ridges, as well as the Black Mountains. They were formed as a result of interlayering of layers composed of sedimentary rocks of different hardness. One slope of the ridge here is gentle, while the other ends quite abruptly. As you move away from the axial zone, the height of the mountain ranges decreases.

The chain of the Western Caucasus begins at the Taman Peninsula. At the very beginning, it’s more likely not even mountains, but hills. They begin to rise to the east. Highest parts North Caucasus covered with snow caps and glaciers. The highest peaks of the western Caucasus are Mount Fisht (2870 meters) and Oshten (2810 meters). The highest part of the Greater Caucasus mountain system is the Central Caucasus. Even some passes at this point reach a height of 3 thousand meters, and the lowest of them (Krestovy) lies at an altitude of 2380 meters. The highest peaks of the Caucasus are also located here. For example, the height of Mount Kazbek is 5033 meters, and the two-headed dormant volcano Elbrus is indeed the most high peak Russia.

The relief here is highly dissected: sharp ridges, steep slopes and rocky peaks predominate. Eastern part The Greater Caucasus consists mainly of the numerous ranges of Dagestan (translated, the name of this region means “ Mountain country"). There are complex branching ridges with steep slopes and deep canyon-like river valleys. However, the height of the peaks here is less than in the central part of the mountain system, but they still exceed a height of 4 thousand meters. The rise of the Caucasus Mountains continues in our time. Quite frequent earthquakes in this region of Russia are associated with this. To the north of the Central Caucasus, where the magma rising through cracks did not spill out to the surface, low, so-called island mountains formed. The largest of them are Beshtau (1400 meters) and Mashuk (993 meters). At their base there are numerous springs of mineral waters.

The so-called Ciscaucasia is occupied by the Kuban and Terek-Kuma lowlands. They are separated from each other by the Stavropol Upland, whose height is 700-800 meters. The Stavropol Upland is dissected by wide and deeply incised valleys, gullies and ravines. At the base of this area lies a young slab. Its structure consists of Neogene formations, covered with limestone deposits - loess and loess-like loams, and in the eastern part also marine sediments of the Quaternary period. The climate in this area is quite favorable. Enough high mountains serve as a good barrier to cold air penetrating here. The proximity of the long cooling sea also has an effect. The Greater Caucasus is the border between two climatic zones– subtropical and temperate. On Russian territory The climate is still moderate, but the above factors contribute to fairly high temperatures.

Caucasus Mountains As a result, winters in the Ciscaucasia are quite warm ( average temperature in January it is about -5°C). This is facilitated by coming from outside Atlantic Ocean warm air masses. On Black Sea coast The temperature rarely drops below zero (the average January temperature is 3°C). In mountainous areas the temperature is naturally lower. Thus, the average temperature on the plain in summer is about 25°C, and in the upper reaches of the mountains - 0°C. Precipitation falls into this area mainly due to cyclones arriving from the west, as a result of which its amount gradually decreases to the east.

Most precipitation falls on the southwestern slopes of the Greater Caucasus. Their number on the Kuban Plain is approximately 7 times lower. Glaciation has developed in the mountains of the North Caucasus, the area of which ranks first among all regions of Russia. The rivers flowing here are fed by water formed by the melting of glaciers. The largest Caucasian rivers are the Kuban and Terek, as well as their numerous tributaries. Mountain rivers, as usual, are fleeting, and in their lower reaches there are wetlands overgrown with reeds and reeds.

The Caucasus Mountains are a mountain system between the Black and Caspian seas. It is divided into two mountain systems: the Greater Caucasus and the Lesser Caucasus.

The Greater Caucasus extends more than 1,100 km from northwest to southeast, from the Anapa region and the Taman Peninsula to the Absheron Peninsula on the Caspian coast, near Baku. The Greater Caucasus reaches its maximum width in the Elbrus region (up to 180 km). In the axial part there is the Main Caucasian (or Watershed) ridge, to the north of which a number of parallel ridges (mountain ranges), including a monoclinal (cuesta) character, extend. The southern slope of the Greater Caucasus mostly consists of en echelon ridges adjacent to the Main Caucasus Range.

Traditionally, the Greater Caucasus is divided into 3 parts: Western Caucasus (from the Black Sea to Elbrus), Central Caucasus (from Elbrus to Kazbek) and Eastern Caucasus (from Kazbek to the Caspian Sea).

The Greater Caucasus is a region with extensive modern glaciation. The total number of glaciers is about 2,050, and their area is approximately 1,400 km². More than half of the glaciation in the Greater Caucasus is concentrated in the Central Caucasus (50% of the number and 70% of the area of glaciation). Large centers of glaciation are Mount Elbrus and the Bezengi Wall. The largest glacier in the Greater Caucasus is the Bezengi glacier (length about 17 km).

The Lesser Caucasus is connected to the Greater Caucasus by the Likhsky ridge, in the west it is separated from it by the Colchis Lowland, in the east by the Kura Depression. Length - about 600 km, height - up to 3724 m. The largest lake is Sevan.

The Western Caucasus is part of the Greater Caucasus mountain system, located west of the meridional line passing through Mount Elbrus. The part of the Western Caucasus from Anapa to Mount Fisht is characterized by low-mountain and mid-mountain relief (the so-called North-Western Caucasus), further east to Elbrus the mountain system takes on a typical alpine appearance with numerous glaciers and high-mountain landforms. In a narrower understanding, which is followed in mountaineering and tourism literature, only part of the Main Caucasus Range from Mount Fisht to Elbrus is considered to be the Western Caucasus. On the territory of the Western Caucasus - the Caucasus Nature Reserve, the Bolshoy Tkhach Nature Park, the natural monument “Buiny Ridge”, the natural monument “Upper Reach of the Tsitsa River”, the natural monument “Upper Reach of the Pshekha and Pshekhashkha Rivers”, which are protected by UNESCO as an example World Heritage. The most popular areas for climbers and tourists are: Dombay, Arkhyz, Uzunkol

Central Caucasus

The Central Caucasus rises between the peaks of Elbrus and Kazbek and is the highest and most attractive part of the entire Caucasus range. All five-thousanders are located here along with their numerous glaciers, including one of the largest - the Bezengi Glacier - 12.8 kilometers long. The most popular peaks are located in the Elbrus region (Ushba, Shkhelda, Chatyn-tau, Donguz-Orun, Nakra, etc.). The famous Bezengi Wall with its majestic surroundings (Koshtantau, Shkhara, Dzhangi-tau, Dykh-tau, etc.) is also located here. The most famous walls in the Caucasus mountain system are located here.

Eastern Caucasus

The Eastern Caucasus stretches 500 km east from Kazbek to the Caspian Sea. It highlights: the Azerbaijani Mountains, the Dagestan Mountains, the Chechen-Tushetian Mountains and the Ingushet-Khevsuret Mountains. Particularly popular is the Erydag massif (3925m), located in the Dagestan mountains.

Being the border between Europe and Asia, the Caucasus has a unique culture. Concentrated in a relatively small area big variety languages. The Caucasus and the ridges adjacent to it from the north and south in ancient times were the crossroads of great civilizations. Plots related to the Caucasus occupy a significant place in Greek mythology (myths about Prometheus, the Amazons, etc.); the Bible also mentions the Caucasus as a place of salvation for humanity from the flood (in particular, Mount Ararat). The peoples who founded such civilizations as Urartu, Sumer and the Hittite Empire are considered by many to be from the Caucasus.

However, the image of the Caucasus Mountains and the mythical and legendary ideas associated with them were most fully reflected by the Persians (Iranians). Iranian nomads brought with them a new religion - Zoroastrianism and the special worldview associated with it. Zoroastrianism had a serious influence on world religions - Christianity, Islam, and partly Buddhism. Iranian names have been retained, for example, by the mountains and rivers of the Caucasus (the Aba River - “water”, Mount Elbrus - “iron”). You can also point out the popular particle “stan” in the East in the names of countries such as Dagestan, Hayastan, Pakistan, which is also of Iranian origin and roughly translates as “country”.
The word “Caucasus”, which is assigned to mountain ranges in honor of the epic king of Ancient Iran Kavi-Kaus.

There are approximately 50 peoples living in the Caucasus, which are designated as Caucasian peoples (for example: Circassians, Chechens), Russians, etc., speaking Caucasian, Indo-European, and Altai languages. Ethnographically and linguistically Caucasus region can be considered one of the most areas of interest peace. At the same time, populated areas are often not clearly separated from each other, which is partly the cause of tensions and military conflicts (for example, Nagorno-Karabakh). The picture changed significantly, primarily in the 20th century (the Armenian genocide under Turkish rule, the deportation of Chechens, Ingush and other ethnic groups during Stalinism).

The local residents are partly Muslims, some Orthodox Christians (Russians, Ossetians, Georgians, some Kabardians), as well as Monophysites (Armenians). The Armenian Church and the Georgian Church are among the oldest Christian churches in the world. Both churches have an extremely important role in promoting and protecting the national identity of peoples who have been under foreign rule for two centuries (Turks, Persians).

In the Caucasus, there are 6,350 species of flowering plants, including 1,600 native species. 17 species of mountain plants originated in the Caucasus. Giant Hogweed, considered a neophyte invasive species in Europe, originates from this region. It was imported in 1890 as an ornamental plant to Europe.

The biodiversity of the Caucasus is falling at an alarming rate. From a nature conservation point of view, the mountain region is one of the 25 most vulnerable regions on Earth.
In addition to the ubiquitous wild animals, there are wild boars, chamois, mountain goats, and golden eagles. In addition, wild bears are still found. The Caucasian leopard (Panthera pardus ciscaucasica) is extremely rare and was only rediscovered in 2003. During the historical period there were also Asiatic lions and Caspian tigers, but soon after the birth of Christ they were completely eradicated. A subspecies of the European bison, the Caucasian bison, became extinct in 1925. The last example of the Caucasian moose was killed in 1810.

Caucasus Mountains on the border of Russia and Georgia

The Caucasus is a mountain system located in Eurasia between the Black and Caspian seas. Mountain chain extends 1100 km from the Taman Peninsula and Anapa to the Absheron Peninsula near the city of Baku.

This territory is usually divided according to several criteria: into the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, as well as into the Western (from the Black Sea to Elbrus), Central (from Elbrus to Kazbek) and Eastern (from Kazbek to the Caspian Sea). The mountain system reaches its greatest width in the central part (180 km). The mountain peaks of the Central Caucasus are the highest on the Main Caucasus (Watershed) Range.

The most famous mountain peaks of the Caucasus are Mount Elbrus (5642 m) and Mount Kazbek (5033 m). Both peaks are stratovolcanoes. Moreover, Kazbek is considered extinct, which cannot be said about Elbrus. Experts' opinions on this matter vary. The slopes of the two highest mountains of the Caucasus are covered with snow and glaciers. The Central Caucasus accounts for up to 70% modern glaciation. Over more than a century of observations of the glaciers of the Caucasus, their area has decreased significantly.

To the north from the foot of the Greater Caucasus stretches an sloping plain, which ends in the Kuma-Manych depression. Its territory is dissected by side ridges and river valleys. The most large rivers this territory can be considered a river. Kuban and Terek. To the south of the Greater Caucasus are the Colchis and Kura-Araks lowlands.

The Caucasus Mountains can be considered young. They were formed during the Alpine folding era approximately 28-23 million years ago. Their formation is due to the northward movement of the Arabian lithospheric plate onto the Eurasian plate. The latter, pressed by the African plate, moves several centimeters per year.

Tectonic processes in the depths of the Caucasus continue to this day. Geological structure Elbrus indicates great activity of the volcano in the recent past. Several powerful earthquakes occurred in the Caucasus in the 20th century. The most destructive earthquake was in Armenia in 1988.

Seismic stations operating throughout the Caucasus annually record several hundred tremors. Experts say that some parts of the Caucasus ridge are “growing” by several centimeters per year.

Caucasus in Europe or Asia?

This issue should be considered more in political and historical aspects. The Caucasus Mountains are located in the center of the Eurasian plate, so the division can only be conditional. The border between Europe and Asia was proposed by the Swedish officer and geographer F. Stralenberg in 1730. The border passed along Ural mountains and the Kuma-Manych depression was accepted by many scientists.

Despite this in different time several alternative proposals were proposed that justified the division of Europe and Asia according to Caucasus mountains. Despite the ongoing controversy, Elbrus is still considered the highest point in Europe. The history of the region suggests the special position of the Caucasus at the crossroads between European and East Asian cultures.

The highest mountains of the Caucasus

Elbrus (5642 m). KBR, KCR. Highest point Russia
Dykhtau (5204 m). CBD
Koshtantau (5122 m). CBD
Pushkin Peak (5100 m). CBD
Dzhangitau (5058 m). CBD
Shkhara (5201 m). CBD. Highest point of Georgia
Kazbek (5034 m). Highest point of North Ossetia
Mizhirgi Western (5022 m). CBD
Tetnuld (4974 m). Georgia
Katyntau (4970 m). CBD
Shota Rustaveli Peak (4960 m). CBD
Gestola (4860 m). CBD
Jimara (4780 m). Georgia, North Ossetia
Ushba (4690 m). Georgia, North Ossetia
Gulchitau (4447 m). CBD
Tebulosmta (4493 m). The highest point of Chechnya
Bazarduzu (4466 m). The highest point of Dagestan and Azerbaijan
Shan (4451 m). The highest point of Ingushetia
Adai-Khokh (4408 m). North Ossetia
Diklosmta (4285 m). Chechnya
Shahdag (4243 m). Azerbaijan
Tufandag (4191 m). Azerbaijan
Shalbuzdag (4142 m). Dagestan
Aragats (4094). Highest point of Armenia
Dombay-Ulgen (4046 m). KCR

How many five-thousanders are there in the Caucasus?

Mountains whose height exceeds five kilometers are usually called Caucasian five-thousanders. From the list presented above, it is clear that The Caucasus has eight mountains of five thousand meters«:

Elbrus(5642 m) is a dormant volcano and the highest mountain in Russia. The mountain consists of two peaks, Western (5642 m) and Eastern (5621 m), connected by a saddle (5416 m).
Dykhtau(5204 m) — Mountain peak Lateral ridge of the Greater Caucasus. The mountain consists of two peaks (both over 5000 m high), connected by a steep narrow saddle. The first ascent of the mountain took place in 1888. Today, about ten routes with difficulty 4A (according to the Russian classification) have been laid to the top of Dykhtau.
Koshtantau(5122 m) - a mountain peak on the border of Bezengi and mountainous region Balkaria.
Pushkin Peak(5100 m) - being part of the Dykhtau mountain range, it is a separate peak. Named in honor of A.S. Pushkin on the 100th anniversary of his death.
Dzhangitau(5058 m) is a mountain peak in the central part of the Greater Caucasus. There are three peaks in the Dzhangitau massif, all of which are more than five kilometers high.
Shkhara(5201 m) is a mountain peak of the Central Caucasus that is part of the Bezengi Wall.
Kazbek(5034 m) - an extinct stratovolcano, the easternmost five-thousander of the Caucasus. The first ascent of the mountain was made in 1868.
Mizhirgi Western(5022 m) - a mountain peak as part of the Bezengi wall. The name of the mountain is translated from Karachay-Balkar as “connecting”.

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