Mt Beshtau


Ask locals about hiking routes up and around this 1400m, five-peaked mountain that gives Pyatigorsk it's name. It's located a couple of kilometres northwest of the city, so you get a great view of the mountain from the top of Mt Mashuk.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Lermontov Duel Site

3.62 MILES

In a clearing on the forested western flank of Mt Mashuk is a monument marking the Lermontov duel site. The exact spot is unknown, but it is thought to be…

2. Mt Mashuk

4.55 MILES

There's a fantastic view of Pyatigorsk, and all the way to Mt Elbrus on good weather days, from the 993m summit of Mt Mashuk. You can reach here either by…

3. Lermontov Museum

4.8 MILES

Many Pyatigorsk attractions revolve around larger-than-life writer, poet, painter, cavalry soldier, society beau and duellist Mikhail Lermontov. Chief…

4. Spa Research Institute

4.98 MILES

The striking, classical-style Spa Research Institute, built in 1828 and rebuilt in 1955, was once Restoratsiya, the town’s first hotel and scene of the…

5. University

5.01 MILES

Adjacent to the drinking gallery is the university, which has some expressive gargoyles and bas-reliefs on its upper facade.

6. Drinking Gallery

5.02 MILES

You can sample the local mineral water (small/large cups R2/5) here. It tastes rather sulphurous, but the best reasons for dropping in are the wonderful…

7. Academic Gallery

5.06 MILES

This attractive classical building is perched above the eastern terminus of pr Kirova. It was built in 1851 to house one of Pyatigorsk’s best-known…

8. Insect Museum

5.06 MILES

This small museum houses a small collection of critters (spiders, snakes, frogs) as well as a lovely butterfly collection from around the globe.