The Tsey Glacier is located on the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus, within the Lateral Range.
It originates in the firn fields of the Adai-Khokh mountain massif at an altitude of over 4,000 meters above sea level and descends to a record-low elevation for the Caucasus—about 2,200 meters.
Due to this significant vertical drop, the Tsey Glacier is considered one of the lowest-descending glaciers in the region.
It is one of the largest valley glaciers in the Caucasus and one of the most significant in Russia. Its length is about 8.6 kilometres, and its area covers approximately 9.7 square kilometres.
The Tsey Glacier descends into the gorge of the same name, which has long been famous for its mild, healing climate.
As early as the XIX century, tuberculosis patients traveled here for treatment, and in 1909, the North Ossetian educator Babu Zangiev (1869–1937) built the first recreation center here, marking the beginning of the resort’s development.
The nature of the Tsey Gorge is equally rich.
Its forests are home to the East Caucasian tur, chamois, fox, and brown bear.
Rare species, including the European bison and lynx, are under protection.
Furthermore, about 200 species of birds have been recorded in the reserve, 18 of which are listed in the Red Data Book.