In the footsteps of glaciers and legends. Elbrus and Digoria Walking Tour

Duration: 5-6 hours.

Walking distance: up to 5 km.

Height difference: 200 meters.

Your morning will start with a cozy breakfast at the hotel, after which you will have an incredible adventure in the heart of the Caucasus mountains.

At 09:30 we will meet with the guide in the lobby of the hotel, where you will receive a brief briefing and preparation for the route.

Be prepared for the fact that the meeting time and location may be adjusted depending on the weather conditions.

Climbing Cheget Mountain is one of the most picturesque places in the region.

A chairlift will take you to an altitude of 3,700 meters above sea level (the ascent is paid separately — 1,100 rubles/person).

The moment you reach the top, you will have a breathtaking view of the Caucasus Mountain Range, the majestic Elbrus and the famous glacier "Seven".

The local mountain ranges create a sense of vastness, and the fresh air is saturated with the aromas of coniferous forests and alpine meadows.

After that, we will take a walk to Donguz Orun-Kel Lake, a natural wonder born of the melting of ancient glaciers.

The water flowing down from the mountains is saturated with minerals, which gives the lake unique emerald and turquoise shades.

At the end of the walk, we will stop at a local cafe, where we recommend that you try the famous Caucasian pies.

This delicacy, prepared according to ancient recipes, will not leave you indifferent.

After descending to the Cheget glade, you will find a market for local souvenirs and handmade products — here you can buy unique knitwear, wool socks, hats and much more created by local craftsmen.

In your free time, we recommend going for an independent walk to the Narzan Glade, the path to which runs along the Baksan River.

This eco-trail provides an amazing opportunity to get acquainted with the rich flora and fauna of the Elbrus region, as well as enjoy the natural healing springs of narzan — here, springs of living water spring directly from the ground.

A relaxing stay awaits you in the evening. and dinner at a cozy hotel (depending on the reservation).

The price includes: breakfast, tour guide, entrance tickets to the national Park, dinner, depending on the reservation, overnight at the hotel.

Duration: 5-6 hours.

Walking distance along the route is 8 km.

Height difference: 600 meters.

Breakfast at the hotel will set the tone for a new day of adventure.

At 9 a.m. you will meet with a guide, and a new route awaits you ahead — in the Kogutai Gorge.

The peaks of Bolshoy (3819 m) and Maly (3750 m) Kogutai are the most recognizable in the Elbrus region (upper Baksan), not counting, of course, Elbrus or Donguzorun.

Two rocky triangles and a long tongue of glacier below them — a picture that can be seen from everywhere, from Cheget, from the village of Terskol, the cable car on Elbrus.

The route starts from the foot of Cheget Mountain.

The first part of the route is a beautiful old pine forest.

First, we need to overcome the route along the ridge, along a fairly steep path, quickly gaining altitude, but our efforts will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the great Kogutai waterfall, where we will have our first stop.

Gradually, the pine forest is replaced by birch, in winter avalanches often descend here, and in summer we can observe their devastating consequences.

As we climb, we leave the forest area and enter the subalpine zone of blooming alpine meadows.

We have a magnificent view of Elbrus, Cheget and the Caucasian ridge all the way.

We cross a small river and arrive at our next point, Waterfall Hill.

Here we will have a simple rock climbing and a reward — a panoramic view of the valley, Elbrus and a powerful beautiful cascade of waterfalls.

The route does not end there, we continue moving up towards the glacier.

We leave the alpine meadows and enter the zone of rocks, ice and water.

Rocks polished by ice and water, futuristic shapes and colors will not leave anyone indifferent.

Lunch lunch with a breathtaking view, descent down to the Cheget glade.

Rest at the hotel.

The price includes: breakfast, tour guide, entrance tickets to the national park, lunch (lunch), dinner, depending on the reservation, overnight at the hotel.

Take the documents!

Duration: 5-6 hours.

Height difference: 3000 meters.

The walking distance is 12 km.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to the beginning of the route of the Adyl-Su gorge.

Adyl-Su means "beautiful water" in the Balkar language.

A mountain river of the same name runs along the bottom of the gorge.

Its turbulent flow makes its way through the rocks and scree.

There are narzan springs at its mouth.

They are the ones that leave a bright orange coating on the stones.

The reason for this is that water contains a large amount of iron.

Passage of the border checkpoint, registration of documents.

Next, we walk 1.5 km along the river and cross to the other bank.

The route passes through alpine meadows, the ascent is very smooth, almost imperceptible.

At the end of the route, we will have a short climb to the crater, inside which Lake Bashkara is located.

Bashkara is the name of a mountain peak, glacier and glacial lake in the Central Caucasus.

The height of the mountain is 4162 m., The depth of the lake is about 30 meters.

The peaks of Jantugan and Bashkara and the Jan-Kuat glacier are clearly visible beyond the lake.

Lunch-lunch with a beautiful view of the lakes.

After lunch, we return along the path along the mountain river, among massive boulders, quaint trees and many small streams.

Upon returning to the hotel, you will have the opportunity to relax in the wellness center or sauna, which will be a great end to the day (not included in the price).

Dinner at the hotel (depending on the reservation) will complete this trip with new tastes and a pleasant atmosphere.

The price includes: breakfast, tour guide, entrance tickets to the national park, dinner according to the reservation, overnight at the hotel.

Duration: 5-6 hours.

Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a meeting with a guide, after which a transfer begins to Azau glade, from where your ascent to Elbrus, the peak that many travelers from all over the world dream of seeing, will begin.

Elbrus is not just a mountain, it is a majestic volcano that rises to a height of 5,642 meters, making it the highest point in Europe and one of the most iconic peaks on the planet.

An ascent by cable car will take you to a level of 3,800 meters (the ascent is paid separately — 2,300 rubles/person), where incredible views of the vast expanses of the Caucasus Mountains and glaciers await you.

At the top, you can play snowballs, even in summer, or ride a snowmobile (for an additional fee).

But the main thing is the panoramas that will open before you: gigantic peaks, glaciers sparkling in the sun, mineral springs and the continuous dance of clouds on the horizon.

Elbrus is not just a mountain, it is a symbol of nature, combining power and beauty.

After descending to the Azau glade, you will have an independent lunch at one of the local cafes.

And if the weather is favorable, we strongly recommend a walk along the five-kilometer eco-trail "Azau-Cheget" through the pine forest.

Here, along the Baksan River, you can take incredible photos of mountain landscapes, enjoy the fresh air, and from the end of August, you can pick mountain blueberries, raspberries or lingonberries, which grow here in abundance.

In the evening, you will participate in the final dinner, where you can share your impressions with other participants of the tour, discuss all the moments that made your trip to the Elbrus special.

It will be the final chord of an eventful day full of memories and vivid emotions.

Breakfast at the hotel and preparation for departure.

Your rooms must be vacated before 12:00, but this does not mean that your adventure is over.

You can spend the time before departure usefully: you can paraglide and see the Caucasus Mountains from a bird's—eye view (check with the guide - from 10,000 rubles), or choose a quiet horseback riding, enjoying the views of the mountain valleys (from 2,000 rubles).

We also suggest that you take a walk in the Terskol gorge to the Terskol waterfall on your own.

Here, every path hides unforgettable landscapes. During the trekking, you will be immersed in the beauty of majestic mountain ranges, surrounded by lush greenery, cliffs and crystal clear streams.

Along the way, you will make a stop at a tea house where you can drink fresh mountain water from a "magic spring" that locals consider a source of health and longevity.

One of the most impressive natural sights awaits you ahead — the Terskol waterfall.

From a height of 10 meters, the water falls down in a powerful stream, breaking into small splashes, creating an atmosphere of wild force of nature.

The width of the waterfall reaches 12 meters, which gives it a special grandeur and power.

The sound of the water, the surrounding nature and the fresh air create an indescribable atmosphere of calm and tranquility.

At about 12:30-14:00, a group transfer will be waiting for you to North Ossetia-Alania, namely to the Digor gorge, 3.5 hours on the way (without a guide).

Transfer to the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, namely to the Digor gorge.

Stop at the Ahsinta Canyon.

You will pass through the "gate" of the mountain Digoria — the Akhsinta Canyon — where overhanging cliffs practically touch over the head of a traveler discovering new, fabulous places — you can admire them from the so-called "Devil's Bridge" built over the Uruk River.

On the way you will see the Uastyrdzhi Sanctuary, an ancient Christian sanctuary dedicated to the deity of the Ossetian traditional religion.

It is located on a cliff and surrounded by a necropolis, where you can see crypts with preserved human remains. There are bells next to the temple, presented to Ossetia by the Georgian tsar.

Uastyrdzhi is the patron saint of men, travelers and warriors.

Arrival at the Tana Park Hotel, surrounded by the Metelask Waterfall, Mount Kubus, the Laboda spurs and the Sugan Ridge.

Dinner of the whole group in the hotel restaurant (included), discussion of the tour program and briefing.

The price includes: breakfast, transfer polyana Cheget — Tana Park Hotel, dinner, overnight at the hotel, payment for the national park.

The total length of the route is 15-18 km.

The height difference is about 2000 meters.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Guided hiking trip along the Khares River gorge.

During the walk you will see the deep and narrow canyon of the Khares River, many waterfalls and the rocky peaks of the Sugan range.

The route follows an eco-trail along which you can explore the flora and fauna of the Alanya National Park.

Stops at the Devil's Mill waterfall with a fascinating water cycle, then at the five—cascade waterfall Galdoridon, which is 30 meters high — it offers a picturesque view of the surrounding area.

Along the way, we will visit Koshara, where the locals used to keep cattle in the past.

The main goal of our trip is the Lion's Head, which we will reach through picturesque ascents and descents, along high—altitude meadows with a huge number of local animals.

Lunch (dry ration / lunch) will take place at the rock "Lion's Head" — this natural sculpture has become one of the main attractions of the gorge.

Return to the hotel.

In the evening, you can visit the sauna and enjoy relaxing after an active trip (reservation, surcharge).

Dinner at the hotel restaurant (on your own).

The price includes: breakfast, tour guide, lunch (dry ration/lunch), overnight at the hotel.

Total length of the route: 14 km.

The height difference is 1740-2330 meters.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Climb to the top of Kubus Mountain, shrouded in a hundred legends and legends.

The ascent will delight with beautiful panoramic views and virgin forests covering the slopes of Kubus.

A beautiful pine tree grows at the very top, which, according to legend, fulfills the most cherished desires: you only need to make a wish and walk around the pine tree 3 times — they say it will definitely come true.

After descending from the mountain, we will continue our walk around its foot to the Taimazinsky waterfalls, or as they are also called the Three Sisters — their view is amazing even from a great distance: three snow-white streams fall at a distance of 150-200 meters from each other from a height of about 300 meters.

Waterfalls originate on the Taimasi glacier and picturesquely fall from steep cliffs.

Lunch (dry ration/lunch) and herbal tea are waiting for you on the banks of the crystal clear Tana-don River.

Return to the hotel, rest.

Dinner at the hotel restaurant (on your own).

The price includes: breakfast, tour guide, lunch (dry ration/lunch), overnight at the hotel.

The total length of the route is 14-16 km.

The height difference is 1740-2330 meters.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Hiking through the Tana-Don gorge to the Tana-Tsete glaciers is considered the most scenic route of the entire tour.

We will be accompanied by junipers, dwarf perennial deciduous trees, fantastic views of mountains and glaciers, and a mountain trail will lead us to the amphitheater of mountains: Taimasi Zapadnaya, Chashura, Tsiteli, Digoria Peak, the peaks of the Western and Main Laboda.

Glaciers lie on the slopes of these peaks, among which the largest is the Tana-Tsete glacier.

Throughout the route, we will be surrounded by blooming glades and juniper thickets, paths covered with soft moss and boulders, ice and water, a mountain river with crystal clear water and small moss—covered streams, mountain rose hips and wild berries or mushrooms - a complete variety in one place!

Lunch by the mountain river (dry ration/lunch).

Return to the hotel.

For those who wish, take a walk to the Bayradi waterfall, which is located in a picturesque gorge near the hotel.

Dinner at the hotel restaurant (on your own).

The price includes: breakfast, tour guide, lunch (dry ration/lunch), overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Room release.

Departure on a trip to the medieval Ossetian villages, where we will get acquainted with the way of life, culture and architectural traditions of medieval Ossetia.

The first stop is the village of Zadalesk, where we will visit the museum of the mother–savior of Alan children — Zadaleski Nana.

Near the village is the main functioning sanctuary of these places — dzuar Digori-izad (Angel Digoria lane), revered by Digor people since time immemorial.

Digori Izad is a large cave with tables for sacred meals.

Its ceiling is made of deer antlers, and the walls are decorated with skulls of sacrificial animals.

Lunch in a hospitable Ossetian family, where you will be treated to homemade Ossetian pies, homemade cheese, the national soup lyvzha, homemade preparations and tea with herbs gathered in the mountains.

Transfer to Mineralnye Vody Airport, for flights after 20:00.

The price includes: breakfast, guided tour, lunch, group transfer without a guide to Mineralnye Vody.