Dombay

Dombay is a village and mountain resort in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic of Russia, located in the Western Caucasus. It sits in the Dombay Valley at the northern edge of the Greater Caucasus range, with the Dombay-Ulgen massif nearby. The landscape features rugged peaks, glacial cirques, and alpine meadows, and the area lies close to the Teberda Nature Reserve, reflecting its ecological significance.

Dombay has a highland climate with long winters and short summers; snow is common in winter, attracting skiers, while summers are used for hiking and mountaineering. The scenery includes dramatic rock faces, forests, and glacially formed features.

As a winter resort, Dombay offers a small network of ski lifts and slopes of varying difficulty, with a cable car providing access to higher viewpoints. In summer, visitors hike the alpine routes and photograph the dramatic landscapes. The tourist infrastructure includes guesthouses, hotels, and rental services for outdoor equipment.

Access is by road from Cherkessk and Karachaevsk. The nearest airports are Mineralnye Vody and Nalchik, with further connections by bus or train. The local economy relies mainly on tourism, supported by seasonal services and small-scale crafts, making Dombay a notable center for mountain recreation in the region.