This famous location is nestled to the north among the slopes of Mount Elbrus, specifically in the picturesque Zolsky District of Kabardino-Balkaria, not far from the city of Kislovodsk. Dzhily-Su is a mysterious place where history intertwines with natural beauty. The name, which translates from Balkar as "warm waters," is not just a name but a key to the rich and fascinating history of this unique resort.
The scarce information about the past of the Dzhily-Su tract only adds to the mystery of this place. History enthusiasts claim that for centuries, Dzhily-Su has been a pilgrimage site for those seeking to restore their health. People from various regions traveled here, often navigating steep ascents and descents, on foot or horseback, to enjoy the healing properties of the warm springs.
Local legends say that the water here contributes to both physical and spiritual healing. Every stone and every turn of the Kyzyl-Kol River holds secrets of history connected to ancient rituals and healing ceremonies.
There is also a legend about Mount Alatyr, which was another name for Elbrus. It was said that this is where the gates to Paradise opened, separated by a river of fire, above which stood a bridge serving as a crossing for souls. This bridge connected the afterlife with the world of the living.
The incredible Dzhily-Su tract is an oasis of waterfalls and stunning nature in the heart of the Caucasus. Dzhily-Su is located at an altitude of approximately 2,500 meters. Here, in addition to the magnificent 14 springs, there are also several waterfalls where streams of mountain water enliven the surrounding landscape. The natural giant sculptures created from solidified volcanic lava are also true masterpieces of nature.
Sultan-Su (Syltan-Su) Waterfall on the Kyzyl-Kol River, with a height of 40 meters, impresses with its power and beauty. Here you can enjoy a majestic natural spectacle, feeling the power of the cascade as it plunges down from a crack in the rock. During the melting of glaciers, the water is colored gray due to sand and clay.
Karakaya-Su is the lower waterfall, also known as the Black Rock and Tuzluk Shapa. This two-level stream falls from a height of 30 meters. In summer, the water here takes on an amber hue as the river washes out sedimentary rocks.
Kyzyl-Su Waterfall, or "red water," is located on the northern side of Elbrus. In the summer months, the water takes on a grayish hue. However, the waterfall got its name not because of the color of the water, but due to a special rock that contains reddish inclusions, contrasting with the pearl-colored mountain.
Emir (Gitche Chuchkhur) is a small waterfall with a height of 7.5 meters. Its main distinction is the color of the water—the stream remains clear and clean all year round.
The narzan springs here are divided into siliceous, thermal, and carbonated types, each with its own character and effect on the body. The temperature regime also leaves its mark on each spring. Among the numerous narzan springs here, some have a thermal regime ranging from +22 to +24 degrees Celsius.
The tract reveals its beauty at different times of the year: in winter, this region turns into a magical kingdom where the surroundings freeze under a blanket of snow, leaving only the thermal springs warm. In spring and summer, when nature awakens from its winter sleep, the tract delights in the lush blooming of thousands of plants. Depending on the month, the alpine meadows change their color.
Here, amidst untouched nature, majestic bears, Caucasian turs, and wild boars can be found. Fluffy inhabitants—foxes, stoats, weasels, and martens—hide in the shade of green trees and among bushes. Sometimes, you can encounter a snow leopard here. Hares, jackals, squirrels, and many ground squirrels also find their refuge in this natural amphitheater. There are also plenty of birds of prey: golden eagles, griffons, peregrine falcons, and vultures. But the Caucasian snowcock, a true symbol of these places, attracts special attention. Among the rare species, the wallcreeper with its red wings can be seen in the gorge above mountain streams.