Tyrnyauz

Tyrnyauz (‹See Tfd›Russian: Тырныауз) is a town in the Caucasus region of southern Russia and one of the administrative centers of the Kabardino-Balkar Republic. It is situated on the main road leading to the Upper Baksan valley area and on the main climbing route for Mount Elbrus. Tyrnyauz is the largest town in the Baksan valley and an essential provisioning point for trips into the Elbrus region.

The town was founded around a tungsten mine and processing plant, which is still the main employer in the area. In June 2001 the town was devasted by a massive flood and mudslide. Apartment blocks were buried in mud up to the fourth floor. No reliable figures exist for the number of casualties. The town has largely recovered as of 2004, but scars are still clearly visible.

Tyrnyauz is the birthplace of Valery Kokov, a former President of Kabardino-Balkaria.