The main range runs parallel to the southern side of the Lateral Range, along Abkhazia, Adygea, the Krasnodar Territory, Karachay-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria, North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Chechnya and Dagestan federal subjects of Russia, as well as the countries of Georgia and Azerbaijan.

[4] The Main Caucasian Range forms a watershed, separating the basins of rivers flowing on the northern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, such as the Samur, Kuban, Terek and Sulak, from those flowing on the southern slopes of the mountain system, such as the Kodori, Enguri, Rioni and Kura.

The highest and rockiest section of the range is located in its central part.

[5][4] There are several glaciated areas in the range system, including Bezengi the largest glacier in the Caucasus.

Parts of the lower and middle slopes of the mountains are covered by forests up to heights of about 2,000 meters (6,600 ft).