North Caucasus: secrets of a successful trip. Where to go on vacation in the Caucasus. Summer and winter holidays

The North Caucasus is a land of unforgettable impressions, where, once you get there, you will want to return again and again. The Caucasus is a natural splendor that has captivated more than one generation of tourists, talented people, and historical figures. This is the purest mountain air, azure lakes, sparkling transparent rivers, springs of the most healing mineral waters, the unruly peaks of the great Caucasus ridge, untouched forests, breathtaking canyons, caves, waterfalls... The Caucasus is rich in more than just nature! From time immemorial, its lands were inhabited by a variety of peoples who created their own history and spread their culture. The Caucasus is a whole encyclopedia of nationalities, their rich history and cultural diversity.

Currently, the tourism potential of the Caucasus is greatly underestimated by travelers. The reasons for this are insufficient awareness about recreation opportunities, existing stereotypes (a la “The Caucasus is a hot spot” or “They say wild people live in the Caucasus”), the high cost of recreation, poorly developed infrastructure and services, the habit of “package” vacations, which Turkey and Egypt spoiled our compatriots with. Each reason can be devoted to a separate post, but we will limit ourselves to the main points.

As for awareness - the Internet is full of information about the tourist Caucasus, it would be desirable to search and read. This post will also help you. Unfortunately, no one has yet created a single portal where all the detailed information for tourists would be collected, although the idea has been repeatedly voiced.

As for stereotypes, just throw them out of your head. There have been no military operations here for a long time, special operations, I won’t hide it, occasionally happen in certain areas, which, rest assured, are often not included in the tourist area. As for the “savagery” of the local population, this is also an old myth; Caucasians are a very cultured and hospitable people. However, remember that everyone has a layer of ill-mannered boorishness.

For most Russians, holidays in the North Caucasus can hardly be called budget. A significant part of the trip costs will be transportation costs. It’s good if you live in the North Caucasian Federal District or Southern Federal District, you will spend less than, for example, tourists from Siberia or the Urals (I’m silent about the Far East). Low-cost airlines do not fly to the Caucasus. An air ticket from Moscow to any Caucasian city will cost on average 5000 rubles one way. It is worth waiting for the sale of tickets or special promotions for the desired destinations. For example, in October of this year I purchased a ticket "Mineralnye Vody - Moscow - Mineralnye Vody" for only 6500 rubles.

Regarding service and infrastructure, the situation changes from region to region, from resort to resort, and “package” vouchers are sold only for sanatorium-resort treatment, which is also not offered by every region. I will divide the post into sections, each of which will be dedicated to recreation in a specific region of the North Caucasian Federal District. All the hotels and resorts mentioned were visited by me personally, and I liked them and recommend them to others. You can also recommend places you like in the comments.

For the lion's share of what I saw, I thank the company "Resorts of the North Caucasus", which, through a series of blog tours, showed bloggers the best places in the regions of the North Caucasus Federal District and allowed them to "test" vacations in the North Caucasus.

1. Karachay-Cherkess Republic
TOP 5 places: Dombay, Arkhyz, Teberda, Honey Falls, Khabez district.
Nearest airport: Mineral water.

The Karachay-Cherkess Republic does not have its own airport, so be prepared for a long journey. For a transfer from Minvod airport to Cherkessk - the capital of the Karachay-Cherkess Republic and the largest transport hub of the republic - 1500 rubles, and in time - 1.5-2 hours drive. There are not many places for recreation in the city, but there is a bus station from where you can go to the glorious resorts of Karachay-Cherkessia. I recommend using Yandex.Schedules to plan your trip.

If you still want to stay in Cherkessk, I recommend the Grand Caucasus Hotel for accommodation. It is located near the center and has a good level of service. Almost all the attractions of Cherkessk are within walking distance. These are Pervomaiskaya pedestrian street, Victory Park, Green Island, and the Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. In the near future, the construction of the Cathedral Mosque will be completed. On Pervomaiskaya, be sure to go to the Dahanago cafe (average bill - 500-1000 rubles), delicious home-made cakes await you there. "Glamourous" youth of Cherkessk gathers in a cafe "Richie"(average check - 1000-1500 rubles) where sometimes visiting DJs play club sets in the evenings. You will find a slightly different flavor (a la the east) with hookah bars and separate booths in the only 24-hour restaurant "Padishah"(average check - 1000-1500 rubles) . On weekend nights, visitors will enjoy a concert or humorous program; on other evenings there will be live music performed by our friend, the permanent presenter of the Arkhyz 24 TV channel and theater actor Aslan Astezhev.

In general, we took a rest in Cherkessk - it’s time to get out to the big resorts. Two competing tourist Meccas of Karachay-Cherkessia - Dombay and Arkhyz. They are located in neighboring gorges, but have completely different nature and different recreational resources.

Dombay is probably one of the most popular ski resorts in the North Caucasus. There are several cable cars here - price list here. It will cost you to climb to the top 900 rubles. Several ski slopes of different difficulty levels - for beginners, amateurs, experienced skiers and snowboarders, and for professionals. The season begins here in mid-December and ends in mid-April.

I can’t recommend anything about accommodation in Dombay. I lived in a Dombay hotel once and I remember it like a bad dream, so I won’t advise anything. The village itself is built up with private mini-hotels, so if you wish, you can easily choose an acceptable option.

On the way to Dombay, you can stop by Teberda, as well as the Ossetian village of Kosta Khetagurova (a great Ossetian poet) and see with your own eyes the Shoanin temple, which sends you back to the 10th century. Teberda will delight you with stunning nature, clean air and mild climate. Teberda is a resort town, a center of mountaineering and hiking. It also houses a number of sanatoriums for those who are interested in improving their health.

In Arkhyz, the tourist village of Romantik is developing at a rapid pace. The Romantic hotel complex has been launched there, a service center has been opened and a cable car launch station is operating. So far there are only two hotels in Romantic - “Romantic-1” 4* and “Romantic-2” 3*. I lived in the Romantic-2 hotel, now there is a double room (standard twin) 3300 rubles for two per night, including breakfast. The hotel is pleasant, comfortable and completely new.

What to do in Arkhyz? There are many options for both winter and summer programs.
In winter it is, of course, skiing and snowboarding. There are great trails of different difficulty levels. The season here also begins in December. There is no need to be afraid that the weather will let you down with snow - now artificial snowmaking systems are being installed on Arkhyz. Gandol and chairlifts operate (cost 150-200 rubles per lift).
Horseback riding is popular in summer ( 350 rubles per hour), passing through the rope park ( 200-300 rubles per person) hiking to the Sofia lakes and waterfalls, visiting attractions - Byzantine temples, the Face of Christ, the RAS Observatory, jeeping ( 400 rubles per person).

At an altitude of 1750 meters above sea level in the summer you can live in a tent camp. It will be much cheaper than staying in a hotel: per day per person - 450 rubles+ for 450 rubles you get three meals a day. The camp area is provided with the necessary sanitary and hygienic amenities (showers, toilets, washbasins), water and electricity, and wireless Internet. There are cafes serving Caucasian and European cuisine, as well as snack tents.

On the way to Arkhyz you will pass the Khabez district. What's so special about it? The most beautiful mosque in the republic was built there, and the Adiyukh Tower, covered in myths and legends, rises on the mountain. Under the tower is the Adiyukh Palace hotel and health complex, which has long become a venue for elite weekends among the Circassian elite.

For a more budget-friendly vacation, you should go to Honey Falls. Here you can walk under the spray of cool waterfalls, try dishes and drinks of national Karachay cuisine (khychin, ayran, susab), and saddle a horse. By the way, this small place is full of events: horse riding championships, ayran festivals and other celebrations are regularly held here.

2. Caucasian Mineral Waters (Stavropol Territory)
TOP 5 places:Kislovodsk resort park, Mount Mashuk, Mount Beshtau, Proval, Resort Boulevard in Kislovodsk.
Nearest airport:Mineral water.

By vacation in the Stavropol Territory, I can only understand vacation in the Caucasian Mineral Waters: where, if not there, are all the recreational resources of the region collected? It has long been a known fact: Kavminvody is a national breadbasket and health resort. During the times of the Soviet Union, streams of holidaymakers flocked here from all over our vast Motherland. The intoxicating magic of the Caucasian Mineral Waters was clearly felt by the very first “brand manager” of this region - the famous poet and writer M.Yu. Lermontov. In the monologues of his main character in “A Hero of Our Time,” we are imbued with the same love that Lermontov felt for the elite resort city of Pyatigorsk at that time.

“Yesterday I arrived in Pyatigorsk, rented an apartment on the edge of the city, on the highest place, at the foot of Mashuk: during a thunderstorm, the clouds will descend to my roof. Today at five o’clock in the morning, when I opened the window, my room was filled with the smell of flowers growing in a modest front garden. Branches of blooming cherry trees look into my windows, and the wind sometimes strews my desk with their white petals. I have a wonderful view from three sides - the five-domed Beshtau turns blue, like “the last cloud of a scattered storm”, Mashuk rises to the north; , like a shaggy Persian hat, and covers this entire part of the sky; it’s more fun to look to the east: below me, a clean, brand-new town is colorful, healing springs are rustling, a multilingual crowd is noisy, - and there, further, the amphitheater - the mountains are piled up, ever bluer and foggier, and on the edge of the horizon stretches a silver chain of snowy peaks, starting with Kazbek and ending with the double-headed Elbrus... It’s fun to live in such a land! Some kind of joyful feeling is poured through all my veins. The air is clean and fresh, like a child’s kiss; The sun is bright, the sky is blue - what else seems to be more? Why are there passions, desires, regrets?..” M. YU. LERMONTOV. “Princess Mary” May 11, 1838

Magic lines, aren't they?

Traditionally, 4 cities are considered to be the cities of the Caucasian Mineral Waters - Pyatigorsk, Kislovodsk, Zheleznovodsk, Essentuki, but geographically the Caucasian Mineral Waters includes much more territories. In these four cities there are strings of sanatoriums, drinking galleries, healing baths, and healing parks. It is believed that each resort city has its own therapeutic profile, however, modern equipment and the desire to withstand the competitive race have forced the majority of sanatoriums to practice treatment and recovery for a wide range of diseases. Unfortunately, there is not yet a single portal on which all information on Kavminvod health institutions would be collected and organized, so you will have to select a sanatorium through an independent search of official websites or with the help of an agency.

At one time I made a good choice in favor of the Elite sanatorium (from 2900 rubles per person per day). This is a real Turkish “all inclusive”, albeit in Kislovodsk style. The mentioned price includes accommodation, three meals a day, treatment, free use of the SPA (swimming pool, hammam, Finnish sauna, jacuzzi with hydromassage), gym, air solarium (this is the type in summer you can sunbathe on the sun loungers on the roof), free use of the fireplace rooms for your own needs, cultural program. The sanatorium is private and new, without “sovietness”, it can accommodate up to 80 guests, which means your vacation will be almost like a family.

And in my soul I still live in the city of Pyatigorsk. This is my favorite city. There is more life here compared to other cities of the KMS due to the younger population (there are many universities in Pyatigorsk) and the city’s status as the capital of the North Caucasus Federal District, which makes it the center of event tourism in the North Caucasus. Here I recommend the Pyatigorsk Hotel (from 1300 rubles), "Nautilus" (from 2000 rubles), "Intourist" (from 2200 rubles), "Beshtau" (from 3100 rubles) and "Golden Hotel" (from 3500 rubles). All of them are located in the city center and have quite a pleasant number of rooms to suit every taste and pocket. I especially appreciate the last three hotels for the gorgeous view from the window/balcony.

I can also recommend a lot of catering establishments, but the art club "Picasso" immediately comes to mind (live program, creative audience, excellent service), the summer lounge cafe "Big Balcony" in the shopping center "Gallery" (outdoors, beautiful view of the city, original cuisine), good "Rendezvous" in "Intourist", "Hantama" on Ordzhonikidze and "Proval" near Proval. The price tags are different, so is the geography. In general, in Pyatigorsk the restaurant life is in full swing, so over the weekend you will be able to make your own shortlist of your favorite establishments.

However, you didn’t come to Kavminvody to eat and sleep. A lot of attractions await you in Pyatigorsk - Lake Proval, where at the entrance to the grotto the sculpture of Ostap Bender still collects money from tourists; Lermontov's grotto and museum, Aeolian Harp, Chinese gazebo, drinking galleries, the famous sculpture of an eagle - the symbol of the Kavminvod, "Broadway" - Kirov Avenue with mass celebrations of holidaymakers, mountains Mashuk and Beshtau. A tip for those who want to be in trend: morning jogging on Mashuk and hiking on Beshtau are popular among Pyatigorsk youth.

You will feel a different spirit in Kislovodsk: life here flows more measuredly and calmly. Fewer opportunities for partying, more kilometers for walking: the second largest in Europe - Kislovodsk Resort Park - is at your disposal. Walk to your health! Also remember that Kislovodsk is the birthplace of “Narzan”: for it you can go to the Narzan gallery on Kurortny Boulevard. There you can also find the building of the Narzan Baths - a magnificent architectural monument. It is a pity that the institution is not operating these days. In the suburbs of Kislovodsk you can visit the Ring Mountain - a gate formed by nature. From there you have a stunning view of Kislovodsk. Another interesting place is the Castle of Treachery and Love, covered in legends. True, now there is a restaurant... :(

3. Kabardino-Balkarian Republic
TOP 5 places: Elbrus, Blue Lakes, Chegem Waterfalls, Upper Balkaria, Dolinsk (Nalchik).
Nearest airport: Nalchik.

Kabardino-Balkaria is a territory of world-famous beauties and upcoming amazing discoveries. The highest peak of Russia and Europe - the beautiful Elbrus, the unexplored depths of the Blue Lakes and unexplored paths to the Shadhurey lakes, the grandiose Chegem waterfalls, Upper Balkaria - the land where the mountains meet the sky. This is the amazing beauty of Kabardino-Balkaria, in a nutshell.

In the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria there is a resort area - the Dolinsk district. There are many sanatoriums, recreation centers, and a huge park area. If you need to stay in Nalchik for a couple of days, I recommend the Korona Hotel (from 1500 rubles per day). In the city, I advise you to visit the Atazhukinsky Garden, the observation deck near the Sosruko restaurant, and see the sights of the main avenue of the city. You will like the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria - it is a nice, cozy garden city with a measured life.

But you shouldn’t stay long in Nalchik, once you’ve decided to come to Kabardino-Balkaria. In the Chegem Gorge, Chegem Waterfalls await you - one of the most picturesque places in the republic. In the Cherek Gorge there are the popular Blue Lakes, a group of 5 karst lakes. The most interesting is the Lower Lake. There is a diving center on it, but despite this, no one has ever reached the bottom of the lake. According to approximate data, it is 368 meters. If you want to see more than the average tourist, I suggest you go in search of the Shadhurey lakes, which is in the Zolsky district of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. This is an underrated, unpopular tourist destination, but the beauty of the lakes is sure to captivate you. Other interesting places are the remains of ancient settlements in Upper Balkaria, crypts in the village of El-Tyuby, the healing lake Tambukan and the Djily-Su waterfall.

For questions about organizing a holiday in Kabardino-Balkaria, I recommend contacting the tour operator "KBR Travel". I trust these people with you.

Well, and of course, what would a vacation in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic be without visiting the largest tourist and recreational complex in the North Caucasus, Elbrus region? It is a world center for tourism, mountaineering and skiing. Both amateurs and professionals of mountaineering and winter sports come here. In the Elbrus region there is also a balneological zone - Polyana Narzanov, famous for its carbon dioxide mineral waters. At Polyana Narzan you can enjoy the mountain beauty and clean air, taste healing narzan straight from the spring.

I recommend staying at the new European class hotel Azau Star (from 3000 rubles per day per room) in the village of Elbrus. The hotel is located near the gandola cable car station in the Azau clearing at the foot of Elbrus (2200 meters above sea level). There is a possibility of skiing from the hotel door. The hotel has its own SPA center and a cozy restaurant with delicious cuisine. Lots of windows, lots of light, a magical atmosphere is created by the Relax FM radio, which envelops the hotel corridors with melodious sounds.

A one-time cable car ticket costs 400-500 rubles. There are four stations on the slope of Elbrus: the starting station is “Azau” (2300 m), the second is “Stary Krugozor” (3000 m), the third is “Mir” (3500 m) (the second and third can be reached either by gondola or and on the chairlift), the fourth - “Garabashi” (3780 m) (only on the chairlift).

4. Republic of North Ossetia-Alania
TOP 5 places:Kazbek, Uastirdzhi monument, Dargavs necropolis, Midagrabin waterfalls, historical center of Vladikavkaz.
Nearest airport:Vladikavkaz (Beslan).

Long before I moved to the Caucasus, I felt at home on Ossetian soil, and even now I love coming to this beautiful republic. Accordingly, as in Pyatigorsk, I have several hotels here where I constantly stay. This is "Planet Lux" (from 1600 rubles per day) near SOGU named after Kosta Khetagurov and "Vladikavkaz" (from 2450 rubles per day ) on the banks of the Terek near the Sunni mosque - an architectural monument. The first option is cheaper, and I love the second for the incomparable view from the window (you need to ask at the reception for a room with a view of the Terek) and cheesecakes for breakfast :) The panorama from the balcony of the room in Vladikavkaz is really captivating: it offers a gorgeous view of the mountain Terek from forever the rustling waters and the Costa Khetagurova Park, and if you are lucky with good weather, then to Table Mountain.

If you have free time in Vladikavkaz, then I suggest going for a walk around the city. There is a wonderful walking route along the most beautiful streets: from the monument to Isa Pliev - across the bridge to the other bank of the Terek - past the Armenian Church, then along Mira Avenue (pedestrian zone, trees, benches, scurrying trams, city radio, which sets a great mood) or through the park Kosta Khetagurova - and again through the Terek - to the Vladikavkaz hotel and the mosque. Or you can continue along Mira Avenue, walk to the Yevgeny Vakhtangov Theater and the monument to Mikhail Bulgakov.

Be sure to try the famous Ossetian pies. And - Ossetian beer, which leaves even opponents of beer not indifferent. Of the catering establishments I've been to, I recommend "White Cafe" (average bill - 700-1000 rubles), "Salvadore" (average check - 1000-1500 rubles) and "Our" (average check - 500-700 rubles).

Probably the most famous landmark of North Ossetia is Mount Kazbek, the highest peak in the republic and a popular destination for climbers from all over the world. From the Russian side it is possible to climb it from the Genaldon Gorge through the villageKarmadonNorth Ossetia. This route can only be mastered by physically trained climbers.

But you don’t have to be a climber to love mountains. The splendor of the nature of mountainous North Ossetia is accessible to the ordinary tourist. Moreover, in this part of the republic a lot of surprises await you - the Uastirdzhi monument, the Dzivgis cave fortress, the Mykalgabyrta sanctuary, the Dargavs necropolis, the Midagrabin waterfalls and much, much more.

If you want to stay overnight in the mountains, I recommend going to the Fiagdon Gorge. Firstly, it is fabulously beautiful, secondly, you can visit holy places (Alansky Assumption Monastery and its font), thirdly, there is some kind of tourist infrastructure, albeit for those who like luxury holidays. You can stay overnight at the art hotel "Fiagdon" (room - from 6000 rubles per day). Here I recommend visiting the restaurant "Valley of the Sun" (average bill - 750 rubles) with a picturesque view outside the window, delicious cuisine and a cozy atmosphere.

5. Republic of Ingushetia
TOP 5 places:Armkhi, Vovnushki, Erzi, Magas, Memorial of memory and glory.
Nearest airport: Magas.

What might Ingushetia be of interest to a tourist? The republic has its own all-season resort - Armkhi. The vast territory of Ingushetia - the Dzheirakhsky district - can easily be called an open-air museum for its countless tower complexes and ancient temples. And finally, it’s a pleasure to take a look at the new capital of Ingushetia - the city of Magas with its majestic sights. An important point is that you can travel around the entire republic in a couple of hours, so even over the weekend you will have time to enjoy the first, second, and third.

From 3500 rubles costs a night in one of my favorite hotels - Artis Plaza in Magas. The rooms here resemble the sultan's chambers. In addition, the hotel has a sauna, hot tub, Turkish bath and massage room - for a fee you can feel even more like a sultan.

Before reaching Nazran, it is worth stopping at the Memorial of Memory and Glory. This object will tell you about the historical events that the Ingush people experienced - deportation, participation in various military actions. On the way to the Armkhi resort, you will pass many places in the Dzheyrakh region that are also worth your attention. This is the ancient Christian temple of Thaba-Erdy, the tower complexes of Vovnushki, Erzi, Egikal and other ancestral villages.

And, when you pass the most powerful tests of the beauty of the national heritage of Ingushetia, the doors of the Armkhi health and wellness complex at the all-season resort of the same name will hospitably open before you. This is the oldest health resort in the Caucasus: hydrotherapy, mud therapy, massage and much more are practiced here to heal ailments. The cleanest spring water flows from the tap in the rooms, and the air “outside” is especially healing - due to the presence of linden and coniferous trees in the resort park. Room prices here start from 1500 rubles, separately 1475 rubles worth a day of sanatorium treatment with three meals a day.

For entertainment - a swimming pool, a fitness center, a Russian bathhouse, in the winter - skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling, in the summer - a rope park and walks along the paths. There is a cable car.

6. Chechen Republic
TOP 5 places: Grozny City, Heart of Chechnya Mosque, Aimani Kadyrova Mosque, Kezenoy-Am, Walk of Fame Memorial Complex.
Nearest airport: Grozny.

Recently, a tourist complex of the same name was opened on Lake Kezenoy-Am. For now, guests can only entertain themselves by visiting the restaurant, gym and walks around the lake. There is also a mosque on the territory of the complex. Work on the development of the resort is a lot of work, but there is already a place to stay on the popular lake. Lake Kezenoy-Am is incredibly beautiful and is considered the largest alpine lake in the North Caucasus. And the most beautiful, I think.

In the tourist complex the prices are not too high yet. For example, in an economy class room you can stay for 700 rubles per person. If I'm not mistaken, the price includes half board (breakfast + dinner).

Kezenoy-Am is located a two-hour drive from Grozny, and, of course, it’s worth starting any trip around the Chechen Republic from there. In the city itself you can find a lot of interesting places. Firstly, this is the Akhmat-Hadji Kadyrov Mosque called “The Heart of Chechnya” - one of the largest in Russia and one of the leaders of the sensational Internet voting “Russia 10”, in which the 10 best attractions of the country were chosen. Secondly, this is a complex of high-rise buildings "Grozny City" - there is a hotel, a business center, and an apartment building, where the famous citizen of the Russian Federation Gerard de Pardieu now has a home. Thirdly and fourthly - The memorial complex "Walk of Glory" and the National Museum of the Chechen Republic are places where the history of the Chechen Republic and the entire North Caucasus is carefully preserved.

In the spring, another one of the most beautiful mosques in Russia was opened in Chechnya - the mosque named after Aimani Kadyrova in Argun. However, do not think that all the sights of Chechnya were built recently. Very ancient historical monuments have also been preserved on the territory of the republic - the Tsoi-Pede crypts (14th century), Phakoch Castle (12th century), and only recently the Ushkaloy towers (12th century) were reconstructed.

If you want to see the sights of mountainous Chechnya and are traveling without a car, I recommend contacting the tour operator "Chechnya Travel". In addition to individual excursions, they will be happy to offer you package tours around Chechnya with accommodation, meals, excursions, cultural program and transfer.

For those who want to improve their health in Chechnya, there is the Sernovodsk-Caucasian resort. There are many treatment profiles, but the main healing factor is hydrogen sulfide thermal springs.

7. Republic of Dagestan
TOP 5 places:Caspian Sea(!), Derbent, Sary-Kum dune, Sulak Canyon, Irganay Reservoir.
Nearest airport: Makhachkala.

I put an exclamation point in front of the Caspian for a reason: Dagestan is the only republic in the North Caucasus with access to the sea. While other subjects of the North Caucasian Federal District are busy building and developing their ski resorts, Dagestan is calm: it has no competitors when it comes to beach holidays with its sea and climate.

An option for accommodation is the Anzhi FC base in Kaspiysk. The base consists of several apartments, a swimming pool and bars on site. The beach is within walking distance. You can also look at other offers - in Kaspiysk, Makhachkala and Derbent. I’ll warn you right away: this is not Spain or even Turkey, so don’t expect high-class service.

In Makhachkala you can comfortably stay at the Abu Dagi Hotel ( 3000 rubles per day), which is considered one of the best hotels in the capital of Dagestan. It has spacious rooms, luxurious interiors, its own fitness room and SPA center. A significant disadvantage: it’s still a bit far from the city center and Gordskoe beach.

It’s worth going to Dagestan not only for a beach holiday, but also for a wide excursion program. You probably don’t even realize how beautiful Dagestan is and how rich its history is! Must-see places:
- The Sary-Kum sand dune is a sudden find among the mountains of Dagestan;
- Sulak Canyon is the second deepest canyon in the world;
- Derbent is the most ancient and southern city in Russia;
- Gunib is a village with breathtaking views of the surrounding area, as well as an important historical place: the legendary Imam Shamil was captured here;
- Chirkey hydroelectric power station is the largest hydroelectric power station in the North Caucasus;
- The Irganay reservoir is not inferior in beauty to the Chirkey reservoir...
... and many many others!

And further:
1) In any city you can find accommodation options to suit every pocket.
2) The Caucasus is an excellent option for a weekend getaway, but for this option it is reasonable to spend money only for residents of the North Caucasian Federal District and Southern Federal District. I advise Muscovites to catch discounts on air tickets.
3) If you are going to the Caucasus on vacation in the off-season, then it would be great to combine visits to several regions in one trip. The distance between the largest cities is small, 1-2 hours drive. The exception is Makhachkala. This is how I planned my first tourist trip to the Caucasus: I arrived by train to Kislovodsk, spent 2 weeks on rest and treatment in the Caucasus Mining Waters with excursions to neighboring Karachay-Cherkessia, then by bus to North Ossetia, spent one day there, the next day in Ingushetia , drove to Grozny in the evening, and the next morning flew from Beslan to Moscow.

When traveling around the Caucasus, remember that you are exploring the most popular tourist destination within the country. Here, the development of engineering infrastructure is in full swing, new hotels are being built, new resorts are being launched, and new hiking trails are being laid. If you have ever been to the Caucasus, do not dismiss the idea of ​​visiting it again - it changes from year to year, and perhaps, having arrived at familiar places, you will no longer recognize them!

So, welcome to the resorts of the North Caucasus! :)

The Caucasus is one of the best places to relax in our country. Here you can simultaneously breathe in the mountain and sea air, get incredible emotions from contemplating the majestic peaks and enjoy the sun and sea on the beach.

Those who like sightseeing won't be bored either.

For those who like mountain holidays, the Elbrus region will be the best place. Elbrus having two vertices is highest point in Russia. Its height is more 5500 meters. But not only climbers love this place. Here you can go skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding tours, walks through the winter forest, and excursions are organized.

Main peaks of the Caucasus Mountains:

• Elbrus is a double-headed peak, height more than 5642 meters.
• Dykhtau, height 5204 meters.
• Pushkin Peak, height 5100 meters.
• Kazbek 5034 meters.

Among lovers of winter holidays in the Caucasus mountains they are also in great demand. Dombay, Arkhyz, Krasnaya Polyana. According to reviews from skiers, Caucasian slopes are not inferior to European ones in terms of safety and service. Children and beginner skiers will feel great here, because... they are separated from the flow of trained skiers. On the slopes of the mountains there are cafes, places to relax, and in some places you can even sunbathe on special sun loungers. A few tens of meters from the ski lift you can stay at a hotel for your holiday.

In the summer, the North Caucasus attracts with the opportunity to relax on its amazing beaches. Beaches on the Black Sea coast invite you to the following cities:

• Anapa
• Gelendzhik
• Adler
• Tuapse

Don't forget about Dzhugba, Gagra, Pitsunda. The resort towns of Dagestan are located on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The variety of beaches is amazing. Here you will find equipped beaches for those who love comfort and service, and wild corners of the sea coast, untouched by the influx of tourists, where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the azure sea, rocky cliffs, and simply relax in solitude. A lot of entertainment for lovers of outdoor activities is offered in these parts. Various water attractions, water parks, zoos, dolphinariums, an aquarium, boat trips and jet ski rides will not leave either children or adults indifferent.

Extreme holiday

You should not ignore this type of recreation as extreme. For example, the extreme attraction of the Adler region is Skypark. Here you can walk across a suspension bridge stretched across a deep gorge between the mountains, swing on a giant swing that is located at a height, jump from a bridge on a rope, and climb a climbing wall. In the North Caucasus, lovers of extreme sports will find entertainment for every taste.

Worth special mention organizing excursion tours around the North Caucasus. For example, a trip to the Chegem Gorge, which is located in Kabardino-Balkaria, will delight you with an unforgettable experience.

Here you can see famous Chegem waterfalls, which are good not only in summer, but also in winter. Frozen ice streams resemble giant candles.

The famous Blue Lakes are also mesmerizing with their beauty, the deepest of which is the Lower Lake.

Its approximate depth is 368 meters. There is a diving center on this lake.

The famous waterfall "Maiden's Braids" located slightly away from the road to the Terskol Peak observatory. This waterfall got its name because of its unusual shape, which resembles a girl’s loose hair. This attraction is often visited by tourists and climbers who train before climbing the main Caucasian peak - Elbrus. You can fish and catch Eisenam trout on Lake Kazenoy-Am, which is located in a mountainous area on the border of Dagestan and the Chechen Republic. This is a lake unique in its beauty, covered in many myths and legends.

Kazbek

In the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, the most famous landmark is Mount Kazbek. Kazbek attracts climbers from all over the world. But you don’t have to be a climber to enjoy the mountain scenery; all this is accessible to ordinary, unprepared people. In addition, in this part of the republic, excursion routes pass through the Uastirdzhi monument, the Davgas necropolis, the Mykalgabyrt sanctuary, the Dzivgis cave fortress, and the Midagrabin waterfalls.

The Republic of Dagestan also offers a rich excursion program. You can’t help but visit the Sary-Kum sand dune, the Sulak canyon, which ranks second in depth in the world, and the village of Gunib, famous for the fact that the famous Imam Shamil was captured here during the Caucasian War.

Derbent

I would also like to say about Derbent - the most ancient city in Russia. This is one of the main attractions of the North Caucasus.

This city is more than 2000 years old. Lovers of antiquity will enjoy an excursion to the Naryn-Kala fortress, the main attraction of Derbent. It was built in the 6th century AD.

Very often people come to Derbent with an important mission - to rock an ancient stone cradle. Women who want to have a child come here from neighboring republics and cities. It is located in the Kirkhlyar cemetery among the sarcophagi. The special spirit of Derbent is conveyed by its mahals. The ancient quarters are very colorful. Here you can easily become a witness or participant in some Caucasian custom; according to reviews from tourists, this leaves the most favorable impressions.

You can travel through the entire Republic of Ingushetia in just a few days, but the positive emotions and energy received here will be enough for several months to come. There are medieval fortresses and towers here: Vovnushki, Tsori, Furtoug, Erzi, Targim, Egikal, Khamkhi. If you find yourself in Ingushetia at the beginning of July, you can visit a mulberry grove, which bears fruit at this time.

In the Chechen Republic, the most beautiful place is the Argun Gorge. In ancient times, caravans from Chechnya to Georgia passed through this gorge. At the intersections of the main roads there are watchtowers, which were built by the inhabitants of the gorge in order to protect against the attacks of nomads. Now the territory of the gorge is a nature reserve, in which, in addition to historical towers of the 10th-18th centuries, unique flora and fauna are concentrated, there are cave grottoes, ground burial grounds, castle complexes and family crypts, ancient sites and tombs. Excursions around the Argun Gorge take place in the crypt dwellings of the 10th-15th centuries: Khoysky, Khimoysky, Pakochsky, Maistinsky and Tsekaloysky. Excursions to the mountains of Chechnya are an exciting and unforgettable journey.

On the right bank of the Argun River there is the Guchan-Kale tower, 17 meters high. One of Tamerlane’s commanders called it “winged” for its inaccessibility and remoteness.

In addition to natural and historical attractions, the capital of the Chechen Republic, the city of Grozny, deserves special attention. The complex of high-rise buildings “Grozny City” and the “Heart of Chechnya” mosque named after Akhmat-Khadzhi Kadyrov are located here, which became one of the leaders in the Internet voting “Russia-10”, in which Russians chose the 10 best attractions of our Motherland.

We should not forget that the North Caucasus is one of the best places for therapeutic and restorative holidays, because it was not for nothing that in the recent past these places were called the “all-Union health resort”. Those who have undergone a course of treatment in the clinics of the Caucasian Mineral Waters leave only positive reviews, because people’s health significantly improves after a complex of all procedures.

Essentuki

The Essentuki resort is famous for its drinking springs. The famous mineral water of the same name is known throughout the world due to its healing properties. There are several balneological clinics here, where they specialize in the treatment of gastrointestinal and metabolic disorders.

Pyatigorsk and Zheleznovodsk

Hot springs and springs attract vacationers to the sanatoriums of Zheleznovodsk, most of which specialize in the treatment of the urinary and digestive systems. Multidisciplinary resorts include the hospitals of Pyatigorsk; they treat almost all diseases here. It’s not for nothing that the great Russian poet Mikhail Lermontov described this place with delight. In this city, his memory was immortalized by building a memorial on the site of his duel with Nikolai Martynov on the northwestern slope of Mount Mashuk.

Kislovodsk

Another city in the ecological resort region of the Caucasian Mineral Waters is Kislovodsk. Local hospitals specialize in treating the endocrine, respiratory, genitourinary, cardiovascular, nervous and musculoskeletal systems of the body. In general, for those who want to relax with benefits for their health, Caucasian Mineral Waters is the best place.

Caucasian kitchen

In the North Caucasus, tourists will never have to worry about where to eat well. Caucasian cuisine is presented here in all its diversity. Many restaurants and small cafes, often family businesses, offer delicious dishes at any time of the day. Having visited the North Caucasus once and seen the grandeur of its mountain peaks, you want to come back here again and again.

We were in Sochi in winter. We rode on Krasnaya Polyana. I liked everything, the slopes were prepared, the service was excellent, the prices were the same as in Europe.

A Medialeaks correspondent spent two weeks in the Caucasus in one of the most popular winter resorts, having time to enjoy all the delights of domestic tourism. Having survived extortions, theft and almost becoming an unwitting accomplice in a crime, OLGA KHOKHRYAKOVA tells what you need to be prepared for when going on vacation to the North Caucasus instead of Egypt and Turkey.

Two categories of people come to the Caucasus: skiers (snowboarders and skiers) - the majority of them - and simply tourists who like to breathe fresh air and wake up with a view of the mountains outside the window.

Our small company falls into the first category. And for several years now we have been traveling to various parts of Russia, exploring the country almost every holiday. For example, last year we spent the winter holidays in the Arctic Circle - near Murmansk, where there are also ski resorts. And this year we decided to try the classic of alpine skiers - the Caucasus.

We vacationed in the famous resort of Elbrus (Kabardino-Balkarian Republic), which is 200 km from Mineralnye Vody airport. There are two resorts here - near the Cheget glade and near the Azau glade. There is a 5 km path between them. We lived in Cheget, and skied mainly in Azau - this is a larger resort with trails of varying levels of difficulty.

Be prepared for extortion

Two weeks in the Caucasus on New Year's Eve cost us about 70 thousand per person, including tickets, accommodation, ski passes (a card that gives access to the ski lifts) and food. As well as unforeseen expenses, which you should prepare for financially when traveling to the Caucasus.

From the first days you begin to get the feeling that you are being robbed of hundreds of dollars at every step. Here, everything costs 100 rubles (and multiples thereof). And you have to pay for everything here - that’s how the system works.

Firstly, taxi. There is no public transport here, never was and apparently never will be, although the resort has existed for more than a decade. Everything is divided between private traders, who have fixed prices, below which they do not transport. For example, how much does it cost to travel 5 km from one resort to another? 300 rubles per car. In Moscow, for this money you can easily arrange a ride from Kitay-Gorod to Ostankino.

The trunk of every domestic passenger car is equipped here to carry passengers with snowboards, skis and poles (and there are no other cars, except perhaps a few private minibuses). I still don’t understand how they secure the equipment in the trunk, but one day our driver didn’t even bother to close it. I drove all the way looking back, especially since it was a hatchback.

If someone comes here and takes people cheaper, they will quickly knock him on the head and kick him out of the clearing,” said our taxi driver, with whom we became friends.

And when the flow of tourists increased after the New Year, a traffic police post appeared on the way, which divided the road into two parts. So I had to pay 200 before the post, then go with my skis through the post, gather people on a large minibus and another 50 rubles per person.

If you want to go somewhere other than the slopes, the prices are as follows: from the Elbrus region to the Chegem waterfalls - 3,000 rubles per car. If you also capture a thermal spring near Nalchik - 5,000 rubles. To get to Grozny and back - 8,000 rubles.

And to rudeness

From the moment you pay the money, no one owes you anything anymore.

Let us remain silent that prices for ski passes to Azau have increased 2.5 times - from 900 rubles to 2200 per day. Here we must remember that at any time they can hang a magic sign on the cash register of any content.

For example, we bought a ski pass before the New Year, and for it (for the card itself) a deposit of 100 rubles is given. And when we came for a ride a couple of days later - after the New Year - we saw a sign “Old-style cards are not accepted.”

Will you return the deposit?

“Of course not,” the cashier said categorically.

No, she wasn't joking. Not only did they not give us a deposit, they refused to exchange the card for a new one, so we had to pay another 100 rubles as a deposit for a new card. And it seems like, well, these hundred rubles, but this happens at every step.

How is it that you take a deposit and then don’t return it?

I should have turned in the card earlier.

Of course, no one warned us that the cards could suddenly change. Moreover, a couple of days before, I asked the cashiers when prices would increase, and they said “we don’t know.” And they didn’t say anything about the fact that it’s better to hand over the cards, otherwise they won’t accept them later. And there was no sign.

But there was another sign that said: if anything happens, all your problems. You bought a ski pass, but the cable car was closed due to weather conditions? Money is not returned - you must monitor the forecast and assess the situation yourself (money is returned only if the entire resort is closed).

And they always sell ski passes for all cable cars, even those that are closed.

Is there a cable car to Garabashi station?

And yesterday you told me that it also works before the World. And it was closed.

Who told you that? - the cashier hatched.

You told me personally.

They can sell you a ski pass to any point, saying that it works. But only there you will find out how it really is.

Don't forget to pay tribute

Does your taxi driver want to enter the territory of the Cheget clearing at the height of the day, when there are many people interested? A man immediately appears, stands in front of the entrance with a wad of money and collects from everyone who wants to pass.

Need a child lift? It looks something like this, although this photo is not from the Elbrus region:

And it’s free in Europe, near Murmansk, and everywhere. An uncle stands here and collects 20 rubles per lift. No checks or cash registers.

Tell me, is that children's lift paid for?

“I don’t know,” the cashier snaps with displeasure.

How do you not know that he doesn’t treat you?

No, - and closes the window.

Yes, this is another feature of the Caucasus - if usually “one resort - one owner - one ski pass”, then whoever managed to get there sat down.

Toilets are also a separate business, because it is difficult to find a cafe at any of the stations that will have one. And why, if you can install it separately, then people will have to walk in the cold and pay another 20-30 rubles.

Don't expect quality for your money

It would seem that for 2200 per day the level should not be lower than the post-Olympic Sochi, where ski passes this season were sold for 2500. But when vacationing in the resorts of the North Caucasus, you must remember - here you are not guaranteed anything for your money. But here:

Queues for buying tickets in 3 windows, in which sleepy people have to stand for an hour, turn into a homogeneous mass;

The queue in the cabin on the cable car is also not regulated in any way, although there is a special person there who could let a certain number of people through the entrance frame. Several times before our eyes there were almost fights, but a special person was not very worried about this - he made sure that two people did not pass on the same ticket;

They don't care about safety here

This became clear two years ago, after a resonant story with a zorb at another popular ski resort in the Caucasus - Dombay. Where tourists who paid 300 rubles were offered a ride in a Zorb. One day he flew off the slope. One of the tourists died, the second was hospitalized.

Zorb is not offered in the Elbrus region, but it is far from safe skiing here. There are practically no fences anywhere on Azau. On Cheget, which is considered one of the most dangerous mountains, I didn’t see one at all. And that's where people die every year. Tragedy happened here too.

We heard that an avalanche occurred in Cheget.

They talked about this in the cabin on the cable car. When we descended, details reached us - three people died in the avalanche.

Another half hour later, already in the room, we were answering numerous missed calls from our parents and explaining that we had skated in the wrong place today. Although just a couple of days ago...

The news reported that two girls from Moscow, born in 1990 and 1991, and a man from St. Petersburg, born in 1973, were skating in the wrong place. Well, that is, they say, it’s their own fault.

“The southern slopes of Cheget are closed for skiing. The route is marked and there are clear instructions that you are not allowed to ride there. People ignore warnings and as a result a tragedy occurs,” TASS quoted the head of the press service of the North Caucasus regional center of the Ministry of Emergency Situations as saying.

True, he did not specify what instructions he was talking about. Most likely because they aren't really there. I was on the tracks and went freeride, on Cheget I didn’t see a single net, not a single fence, not a single table or sign that would show where the track begins and where it ends. All that remains is to focus on others.

Moreover, Cheget is officially positioned as a freeride track and tickets are sold there for those who love its steep off-piste slopes. Here, for example, is a map of Cheget from the official website of the Elbrus Resort:

Freeride areas are indicated in purple. Labeled. And as you can see, they are the majority. But here, too, there is a magic sign hanging at the cash register, which says that due to weather conditions, skiing is not recommended. This sign, apparently, is where the resort's responsibility ends. And in Switzerland there are special guns that blow up avalanche-prone areas so that no one accidentally causes an avalanche.

The description also talks about the southern slopes, which supposedly, according to the local Ministry of Emergency Situations, are not intended for skiing.

Moreover, the Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that 28 service employees were looking for the bodies of the dead, although not a single one is visible in the Channel One video, but there are guys who look like ordinary skiers and snowboarders.

“All three victims were pulled out of the avalanche in Cheget. 28 rescuers took part in the search work on the avalanche cone about 100 meters long, 30-40 meters wide and with a snow height of up to 10 meters,” Interfax-South quoted Kantemir Davydov, head of the press service of the SKRTS EMERCOM of Russia.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations also reported that “EMERCOM employees conduct briefings and conversations, distribute booklets and reminders about avalanche danger, rules of behavior in the mountains (including in English), update the weather forecast for the coming day and remind about the single emergency call number.” 112".

True, neither I nor any of my friends have seen this.

Be prepared for unexpected setbacks

In two weeks we have almost become accustomed to rudeness and exactions, especially since the Caucasus is a part of Russia in which we all grew up. But what happened next went beyond even the Russian holiday.

On New Year's Day, in one of the bars in the Cheget clearing, our phone was stolen. It was in my pocket, we were taking pictures, and then, after having fun on the dance floor, it was simply gone. The impressions of the holiday were spoiled, I had to come to terms with it. Whether this was due to groups of Caucasians who all dressed in black came into the bar from time to time, stood at the exit without undressing, and then also left, or to someone else is unknown.

But after 6 days they called us. Or rather, the father of the owner of the stolen phone. A certain Jamal called and said that an iPhone was found in his stolen car, which was found in Nalchik. At first, it’s true, he said that he was white, but then he corrected himself, because ours was black. What he wanted is unclear, but he hinted that “if he thought that we stole the car, then we would have already been sitting there.”

The owner of the phone called back as soon as he found out about Jamal. But a woman answered the phone and introduced herself as his wife. She spoke extremely rudely, asked with hints where our phone came from in their stolen car and showed with all her appearance that she did not want to discuss anything. In this conversation, one thing became clear - they live a few kilometers from us, in the Elbrus region. They didn’t call again, didn’t answer SMS, and she hung up on the next call.

So we were left alone with the thoughts that it was good that the phone was not found at the murder scene. And with a stupid feeling that someone who knows that the phone is stolen and even knows the owner does not care to give it back.

After that it became more uncomfortable than ever. Suddenly it became clearly clear that here you are truly on your own. You experience something similar just driving through the republics: from Kabardino-Balkaria through North Ossetia and Ingushetia to Chechnya, to Grozny. Where the “Grozny is the center of the world” stella stands, where Vladimir Putin Avenue flows into Akhmat Kadyrov Avenue, where in fact it was much calmer than in Ingushetia, although we saw it from the car window. Where at every border of the republic the car is stopped by armed traffic police officers.

What are the conclusions? When we landed in Domodedovo, our entire company breathed a sigh of relief. No one plans to return to the Caucasus anymore. Because nothing has changed there in recent years, and in order for something to change, you need not just pour money into it, but monitor, study, delve into it.

It would seem, why else did the government order the creation in 2010 of the North Caucasus Resorts company, which manages ski resorts in the south of Russia?

“The total cost of the tourism cluster project, including in the development of tourism-related sectors of the economy, involves attracting over 450 billion rubles to the region. investments. Of these, 60 billion rubles. “These are government investments, 390 billion are funds from private investors,” says the company’s website.

The main shareholders of KSK are the state represented by Special Economic Zones JSC; Sberbank and Vnesheconombank are also among the founders, the website says.

Alexander Khloponin, the presidential envoy to the North Caucasian Federal District, came to the opening of the 3rd stage in Azau, although after he left, it was immediately closed.

So what has actually changed over the past 10 years: at one of the most dangerous resorts of Cheget - nothing. New slopes have indeed appeared in Azau, 3 stages of a new cable car have been built. But the most important thing is that at the resort there is still a feeling that nothing is controlled, that this is some kind of local Caucasian business, and not a strategically important area for the government. That they don’t think about the safety of vacationers, but only about their money.

True, the air in the Caucasus is truly amazing, both nature and its gifts. And, of course, you meet nice people.

Good afternoon, dear readers. It’s the beginning of October, and the time for vacations for most Russians is behind us. To be fair, it is worth noting that the holidays of many of our compatriots this year were not entirely successful.

The reason for this was massive problems among tour operators, many of which suspended their activities. This circumstance, as well as the tense political situation around Russia, led to a sharp decrease (according to some sources, up to 30%) of outbound tourism.

As they say, if there was no happiness, then misfortune would help. Rosstat recently reported that the country is experiencing a surge in domestic tourism. For obvious reasons, Russians began to relax more “at home” than abroad.

Holidays in the Caucasus Since the times of the USSR, it has been shrouded in a veil of mysteries and stereotypes. The entire territory of the North Caucasus is strewn with recreational, natural and historical centers: medical health resorts of Stavropol, ski resorts of Sochi and Kabardino-Balkaria, the famous Dombay, the coast of the Black and Caspian Seas, ancient architectural monuments and modern skyscrapers of Grozny...

You can continue for a long time. For example, a lot of people come just to breathe clean mountain air. I have a friend who makes a special visit every three years just to eat plenty of organic fruits and vegetables.

Lately, I’ve been hearing more and more often from people that they would love to visit the Caucasus, but it’s “a little scary.” Various arguments are given: there are strict traditions and morals, people wear burqas, there are a lot of nationalities, wild views among young people, rampant crime, religious fanatics...

Are these 10 points a must-have when planning your holiday in the Caucasus?

I won’t pull the cat’s famous organs, let’s get straight to the point. I admit, I’m already a little tired of answering the same questions on social networks about planning a vacation in the Caucasus: how to dress, what to take with you, what kind of food there is, how Russian girls are treated, whether it’s necessary to learn local languages, what gifts are customary Caucasians, how to talk to them correctly? And a million more similar questions.

In this article I decided to reveal 10 important aspects that must be taken into account if you are planning to spend a long-awaited vacation in one of the corners of the mountainous region. In general, I am writing this article for myself, so that I can give it to those who ask me the above questions. Although, each of you will find something useful here for yourself or write your opinion in the comments and complement me.

• Familiarize yourself with the traditions and customs of local residents in advance.

It is very important to do this, even in order not to get into trouble like Shurik in the film “Prisoner of the Caucasus”:

Dozens of peoples live in the Caucasus, each of them has its own traditions. Having studied a little of their history and culture, you will immediately gain an undeniable advantage over an unprepared person and will be able to win over the local population.

And there is no need to say that there is no time for this or there is little information. The Internet is simply filled with comprehensive materials about traditions. Don’t be lazy, read and learn the basics, so that later it will be easier for you to talk with those who will receive you.

• Try to choose more modest clothes.

Komsomolskaya Pravda tells how to make the most of your vacation

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Arkhyz, Elbrus region, Dombay: for tourists the North Caucasus is primarily alpine skiing and snowboarding. But winter is over, friends! And the tourist season in the Caucasus is just beginning. We will prove to you that it is worth going to these beautiful places not only in winter. You can get from Moscow to Nalchik, Vladikavkaz, Makhachkala by plane in about 2.5 hours, a one-way ticket costs from 4 - 4.5 thousand rubles. One of the main issues that worries tourists is safety.

For tourists, the North Caucasus today is one of the safest regions of the country, this is evidenced by the statistics of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (out of 85 regions they rank last in the number of crimes, including serious ones), and our experience in operating resorts, - said Ekaterina Zhigalo, Head of the press service of the North Caucasus Resorts. - Employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations are on duty at the resorts, security rescuers are on duty on the slopes, mounted police and dog handlers are working. But it is important to remind vacationers that when going on a trip to mountainous areas in the summer, especially if we are talking about “wild”, natural tourism, groups must register routes and report them to the North Caucasus Regional Center of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of Russia

Scuba diving in the mountains

Blue lakes in the Chereksky region of Kabardino-Balkaria are a popular place for divers: the water is so clear that the bottom is visible to a depth of 22 meters. However, none of the extreme sports enthusiasts have yet reached the bottom of the deepest Lower Lake. Even the famous Jacques Cousteau, who was here with an expedition in the 1960s. The Upper Lakes are more suitable for fishing. Trout, carp, and grass carp live here.

Road and prices

From Nalchik to the lakes it’s an hour’s drive by car; a taxi will take you there for 500 rubles. You can stay at a tourist center, the price of a room per day is from 500 rubles. Diving into the lake - 3 thousand rubles (includes instructor services and equipment rental).

On a note

You can scuba dive from the age of 14. If you want to dive without an instructor, a certificate is required

Admiring the waterfalls

Experienced “walkers” in the Caucasus say that the Midagrabinsky mountain waterfalls near Vladikavkaz cannot be found anywhere more beautiful. The best time here is in July, August, and early September, when they are full of water. In height, these waterfalls are second only to the Venezuelan Angel (979 m) and the Norwegian (860 m).

Road and housing

Almost all local travel agencies organize excursions here - about 3 thousand rubles per person. 2 hours of driving along the steep serpentines of the Kurtatinsky Gorge, another 2 hours of walking and you are there. You can stay in hotels in Vladikavkaz - a room from 1,700 rubles per day.

On a note

Midagrabinsky waterfalls are a border zone with Georgia, you need to take your passport with you. On weekends and holidays, the pass can be obtained at the checkpoint. On weekdays, contact the FSB Border Department in Vladikavkaz.

Tour of the city of the dead

The Dargavsky necropolis in North Ossetia is listed as a UNESCO heritage site and has been compared to the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. There are almost a hundred stone crypts here. The more noble and wealthy the family was, the higher the family crypt. The deceased were placed in it in their clothes along with weapons and small household items. The microclimate in the gorge is such that the bodies mummified themselves.

Road and prices

The village of Dargavs is two hours away by bus "Vladikavkaz - Dzhimar". Departs from the central market at 16:30. From Dargavs to the necropolis it’s a little over a kilometer on foot. The entrance ticket costs 100 rubles. Opening hours are from 10:00 to 18:00 every day except Monday.

On a note

The crypts are very dark; if you want to look inside and see the burials, take a flashlight. And don’t listen to local stories about the danger of contracting the plague. Researchers established back in 1967 that there were no plague pathogens in the burial.

Walking around the Museum-Reserve

The Dzheirakh Gorge in Ingushetia is an entire architectural and natural museum. To explore all the monuments, you need at least a week. These are the medieval tower cities of Egikal, Khamkhi and Targim, the Christian temple of Tkhaba-Erdy (8th century), the castle complexes of Vovnushki and Erzi. The latter has almost 60 towers, 30 meters in height. And also mountain rivers, gorges, springs, pine forests and rare animals - aurochs, chamois, bezoar goat, forest cat.

Road and prices

There is a regular bus from Vladikavkaz to Dzheirakh; ticket costs 100 rubles. From here, for 500 rubles, taxi drivers will take you to the villages of Egikal, Targim, Erzi, Vovnushki, where the tower complexes are located, to the Thaba-Erdy temple. You can walk: it's 6-12 km depending on what you want to see. Guide services - 3-5 thousand rubles.

How to get there

There are regular buses and minibuses from the Makhachkala bus station to the village of Korkmaskaly, the price is 100 rubles. But the most convenient way to get there is by taxi (500-700 rubles) along the federal highway E50/M29. At the village you need to turn onto a dirt road and after 2 km you will see Sarykum.

On a note

Bring sunglasses, cream, and hats to avoid getting sunburned. The sand of the dune warms up to +60 degrees, the air - up to 40.