Glacial Lakes of Elbrus
Most mountain lakes are formed by glaciers, forming natural dams. As the glacier advances, it piles up mounds of rock, clay, and sand—moraines—before it. As the ice retreats, the glacial dams disappear, and the water drains away. If the lake's shape follows the contours of the glacial path, it is called a moraine lake.
Glacial lakes can be uninhabited—due to the glacial conditions, they are devoid of fish and algae blooms. Furthermore, lakes along the route can disappear and reappear depending on glacier melt and the accumulation of water in natural basins, and can also change shape and location.
Many glacial lakes remain unexplored. Scientists are only beginning to study their chemical composition, depth, and ecosystem characteristics.
Lake Elbrus (Azau) is located at an altitude of 3,227 meters and is surrounded by moraines and cliffs. The glacial water in the lake reaches 5–7°C. It is a popular spot for trekking and photography.
In April 2026, the park hosted a campaign to support wild animals. 200 kg of salt was delivered to the Syltran Gorge for wild ungulates. Salt is a vital element in their diet; approximately 60% of the salt consumed is used to form bone tissue and antlers.
Also in April 2026, the park hosted events as part of the international "March for Parks 2026" campaign. This campaign aims to unite people around the idea of supporting and preserving specially protected natural areas.
The Main State Expertise Authority (Glavgosexpertiza) has approved the construction of five hotels in the Elbrus Region National Park.
The Main State Expertise Authority (Glavgosexpertiza) of Russia has approved a project to build a multifunctional resort complex in the Elbrus Region National Park in Kabardino-Balkaria. Elbrus Hotel Complex LLC will be the developer, and Osnova Architectural Design Bureau LLC will be the general designer.
The complex is planned for construction in the southwestern part of the Elbrus District. It will include five six-story hotel buildings with 600 rooms of various categories. The complex will also include a spa center with a salt lake, saunas, a hammam, a gym, and treatment rooms; restaurants, conference and banquet halls; retail outlets and public spaces; and a children's entertainment center with areas for children under three, a computer room, and areas for master classes.
The project takes into account the needs of people with disabilities: it will include special rooms with adapted bathrooms, grab bars, and sufficient space for wheelchairs. Rooms for accompanying persons will be located adjacent to these rooms.
In honor of Nature Reserves and National Parks Day, staff from Elbrus National Park, together with the O. M. Otarov Regional Museum of Local History, organized an educational event for schoolchildren.
The program included a presentation on the park's history and significance, and a lecture by Yusup Ilyasovich Uzeyev, an expert familiar with the history of Elbrus National Park since its founding. During the interactive portion, participants solved themed riddles. At the end of the event, the students received commemorative gifts.