Pristine nature, magnificent mountains and rushing rivers are just a few of the great treasures Karachay-Cherkessia has to offer. One hundred and seventy two rivers flow throughout the republic and RTG TV host Stanislav Salnikov decided to pay the area a visit and check things out for himself. Almost all of Karachay-Cherkessia’s rivers originate from glaciers in the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range. It is in the mountains that people have the chance to breathe clean air and drink clear, fresh water straight from streams. Perhaps living in such a healthy environment is the reason why mountaineers often tend to live so long. The rivers in Karachay-Cherkessia don’t only supply people with pure drinking water, but also serve as another source of energy – hydro-electricity. The bank of the Kuban River is home to quite an unusual hydro-electric power plant - one which uses water from three different rivers, all located dozens of kilometres away.