The Nalchik is a river in Kabardino-Balkaria, Russia. It is a left tributary of the Urvan, which is a branch of the Cherek. It is 54 kilometres (34 mi) long with a drainage basin of 440 square kilometres (170 sq mi). It flows through the city Nalchik, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria. Its banks are eroded to the point of needing fortifications.