This is the Caucasus. Winter tour of the five republics

The most complete and intense winter route through the five republics of the Caucasus: Dagestan, Chechnya, Ingushetia, North Ossetia and Kabardino-Balkaria. We will never forget this amazing adventure!

We will see Grozny, a very beautiful and hospitable city, reborn from the ashes of a distant war. Let's go to the high-altitude lake Kezenoi-Am, which is the largest and deepest in the North Caucasus. A boat trip through the turquoise waters of the Chirkeysky reservoir will leave unexpected and vivid impressions. We will visit the Dargava necropolis, which is popularly called the "City of the Dead", consisting of more than 90 crypt structures of original shape. 

Location

the city of Makhachkala
from
$934
+ tickets to the starting point of the tour
No need to pay now
Duration
10 days
9 nights
Departures
7 - 16 Jun
14 - 23 Jun
21 - 30 Jun
28 Jun - 7 Jul
5 - 14 Jul
12 - 21 Jul
19 - 28 Jul
26 Jul - 4 Aug
Accommodation
  • Hotel
    9 nights
Comfort
  • Midscale
Difficulty
Easy
Suitable for everyone
Group
From 12 to 18 tourists
Minimum age
7 years old
Group meet at
the city of Makhachkala
Contact the tour coordinator
Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)
Or text us in messengers

Tour highlights

The fortress of the VI century
We will visit the main attraction of Derbent – the ancient fortress of Naryn-Kala
Boat trip
Let's take a boat ride along the reservoir with the breeze
The history of Ingushetia
We will see the medieval complex of Ingush defense watchtowers
Alan evening
If desired, we can visit the show program in the ethno-national style with dinner and tasting
Three gorges of Ossetia
We will see the battle towers and cave fortifications of the Kurtatinsky gorge, the Dargava necropolis and the infamous Karmadon gorge
Caucasian markets
We will have time to walk around the markets of Derbent and Makhachkala

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Arrival. Makhachkala – Sulak Canyon – Sarykum dune
    • 11:00 Gathering of the group at the railway station in Makhachkala: main entrance, opposite the monument to Makhach Dahadaev, Emirova str., 10.
    • 11:45 Group meeting at Makhachkala airport.

    It starts at 11:45.

    The unique Dagestan welcomes and is ready to cordially reveal to you the secrets of ancient legends, introduce you to the history, traditions, local cuisine and hospitality.

    Program of the day: transfer to Sarykum dune – transfer to Sulak Canyon – observation deck with views of Sulak Canyon — Chirkey reservoir — boat trip through the reservoir (optional, extra charge) — trout farming.

    Lunch (extra charge).

    Nokhyo Cave Complex (optional, extra charge).

    Transfer and accommodation to the hotel, Izberbash/Kaspiysk/Makhachkala.

    Mileage: 290 km, duration: 9 hours.

    1 more photo
  • Day 2 - Gamsutl — Chokh — Karadakh gorge / waterfall Tobot – Matlas — Khunzakh – Karadakh gorge
  • Day 3 - Lun – Derbent Ekranoplane
  • Day 4 - Sightseeing tours of Makhachkala and Grozny
  • Day 5 - Grozny – Kezenoi Am Khoy – Shali – Vladikavkaz
  • Day 6 - An exciting trip to Mountainous Ingushetia from Vladikavkaz
  • Day 7 - Three gorges: Kurtatinsky – Karmadonskoye – Dargavs
  • Day 8 - Alagir Gorge — Tsei — Mamison
  • Day 9 - Vladikavkaz – Chegem gorge, waterfalls – Baksan gorge – Narzanov glade – Azau glade / Cheget
  • Day 10 - Excursion to Elbrus. Departure
Difficulty
Suitable for everyone
Tour organizer's comments

The ascent to Gamsutl involves a drop-off by car and a walking route. In the parking lot, local residents provide drop-off services on mountain transport (UAZ, Niva). You can drive by car for about 1.5 km, and at this moment the steepest part of the climb is overcome. The cost of the service is 100-200 rubles / person in one direction. From the car stop, the path to the end of the route will be 1.8 km, the height difference is 1450-1670 m.

Accommodation

Accommodation
  • Hotel
    9 nights
Comfort
  • Midscale

The tour includes accommodation in hotels and in a tourist complex.

The cost of the tour per room, depending on the accommodation and selected dates, RUB.:

PlacementCheck-in dates

Dbl

2-local

Twin 

2-local

Single 

1-local

Triple

3-local

DBL+CH 

2 adults + 1 child.

Lord Hotel 2*, Makhachkala — Berkat 3* — Kadgaron 3* — Tourist Complex14.12, 26.12.2025, 02.01, 03.01, 04.01, 25.01, 08.02, 22.02, 01.03, 08.03, 15.03, 22.03, 29.03.202613543013543085700194000187050
Lord Hotel 2*, Makhachkala — Berkat 3* — Planet Lux 3* — Tourist Complex13949013949085990201840194000
Ocean 3*, Izberbash — Berkat 3* — Kadgaron 3* — Tourist Complex13847513847588015197925190965
Ocean 3*, Izberbash — Berkat 3* — Planet Lux 3* — Tourist Complex14253514253588305205755197925
Ocean 3*, Izberbash — Berkat 3* — Vladikavkaz 4* (comfort) - Tourist Complex152975152975107155221415210105
MONTO 4*, Makhachkala — Berkat 3*— Planet Lux 3* — Tourist Complex26.12. 29.12.2025, 02.01, 03.01, 04.01, 25.01, 08.02, 22.02, 01.03, 08.03, 15.03, 22.03, 29.03.202614949515210590045217500208365
MONTO 4*, Makhachkala — Berkat 3* — Vladikavkaz 4*— Tourist Complex159935162545108895233160220545
AZIMUT 4*, Kaspiysk — Berkat 3* – Vladikavkaz 4*(comfort) – Tourist Complex167765167765118030240120230115

Twin — double room (has two separate beds).

Double (DBL) — a double room (one double bed).

Singlesingle room.

Triple — for triple accommodation, hotels/campsites along the route provide DBL/TWN + extras. a bed or sofa, or three separate beds (depending on the hotel's facilities).

DBL+CH — room for two adults and a child, from 7 to 12 years old inclusive.

The possible accommodation options are indicated and can be replaced with similar ones by the decision of the tour operator.

Hotel or Hotel or 3 nights
Hotel
5 more photos
Another option
Hotel
3 more photos
Another option
Hotel
3 more photos
Another option
Hotel
3 more photos
Hotel 1 night
Hotel or Hotel 4 nights
Hotel 1 night

Tour conditions

Group
From 12 to 18 tourists
Minimum age
7 years old
Duration
10 days 9 nights
Group meets at
the city of Makhachkala

Included in price

  • group transfers from Makhachkala airport and railway station on the first day according to the conditions in the tour program;
  • group transfer from Azau/Cheget Glade to Mineralnye Vody Airport and railway station upon departure on the final day of the tour to flights/trains later than 18:00;
  • accommodation in hotels /tourist complexes according to the program of the tour with breakfast;
  • guided tours with professional guides and qualified drivers;
  • entrance tickets to the objects of visits according to the program of excursions, environmental fees of nature reserves.

Paid extra

  • air and railway tickets to Makhachkala and back from Mineralnye Vody;
  • excursions, entertainment, and entrance tickets to facilities not included in the tour program;
  • meals along the tour route: picnic lunch or lunch are paid on site, dinners;
  • the resort fee or tax is paid independently upon check-in at the hotel;
  • individual transfers from/to the airport and railway station of Makhachkala and Mineralnye Vody, as well as any individual transport service;
  • meals not included in the tour program;
  • entrance tickets to attractions not included in the tour program: 
    • a boat trip along the Chirkeysky reservoir — 600 rubles.;
    • Nokhyo cave complex — 700 rubles.;
  • New Year's banquet;
  • the ticket for the chairlift in the Tseysky gorge is 800 rubles.;
  • cable car ticket to the Elbrus region: Azau station Mir – 2,300 rubles/person.

Book in advance, the number of seats is limited:

  • Alan evening show program in ethno-national style with dinner and tasting:
    • adult — 2,400 rubles.;
    • child under 18 years of age — 2,000 rubles.;
    • children's menu, up to 8 years old — 800 rubles.

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour

Travel clothes should be, first of all, comfortable. Please take with you what you usually wear for hiking and recreation. When planning a visit to protected areas and mountain gorges, sneakers with durable and non-slippery soles are best suited.

Regardless of the predicted weather conditions, it is necessary to take several warm clothes, several pairs of replacement shoes, and rain clothes on the trip; they will be useful in case of a cold snap. 

Sun hats, cream, sunglasses. Sunglasses are a must-have attribute in the mountains regardless when you travel in winter or summer. Clothing that covers the shoulders and arms during the daytime hours of active sun.

When visiting shrines, you will need appropriate clothing. In the mosque, women need to wear clothes that will cover the whole body, only the face and hands remain open, trousers are also not allowed. It is enough for men to wear trousers and a shirt with sleeves to visit the mosque.

Can the composition and size of the band change during the tour?
Is the group accompanied by one guide throughout the tour?
Is it possible to take into account the individual characteristics of food on the tour?
What kind of car is used for excursions?
What is the cost of New Year's banquets?
Will I need to take cash with me, or will I be able to pay with a card everywhere?
Will there be air conditioning in my room?
Do you need insect protectors/sprays on the tour?
Is insurance included in the price of the tour?
Are plane tickets included in the price of the tour?

Dates and Prices

Reviews Leave a review

  • A
    Alyona
    about provider
    1 Jun, 2026
    6 more photos
    I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the tour providers for their professionalism and attention to detail. Everything was thoughtfully planned, from the itinerary to the warm and welcoming atmosphere throughout the trip. a special thank-you goes to our guide, Dmitri. Thanks to him, every participant felt cared for and included. We shared many laughs, had wonderful conversations about the mountains, and truly enjoyed every moment of the journey. I would also like to thank our driver, Yuri, for his calm demeanor, confidence behind the wheel, and the sense of safety he provided every step of the way. in the mountains, that kind of reliability is priceless. Thank you for your professionalism, patience, and positive spirit. Traveling with you was more than just getting from one place to another - it was an essential part of a truly unforgettable adventure ! ✨🏔
  • Z
    Zhanna
    about provider
    29 May, 2026
    I would especially like to highlight the excellent organization of the tour. Everything was arranged at the highest level: comfortable minibus transfers, well-located hotels, precise scheduling, and great attention to detail. I was particularly impressed that we traveled through Dagestan and Chechnya during the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims observe strict fasting. Because of this, many cafés and restaurants were closed during the day, and even some grocery stores were not operating. Nevertheless, this did not prevent us from discovering the delicious Caucasian cuisine, hearty breakfasts and lunches were organized for us everywhere we went. I would also like to thank our guides for their courtesy, punctuality, and the fascinating way they introduced us to the culture and traditions of the peoples of the Caucasus.
  • SN
    Svetlana Neustroeva
    about provider
    20 May, 2026
    A huge thank you to the providers and the entire team!!!! 🤝👍 My husband and I went on a weekend tour to North Ossetia, and we absolutely loved it. I completely fell in love with the mountains ❤️ the scenery was so breathtaking it literally made my head spin. It’s unbelievably beautiful there 😍!!:) The trip lasted 4 days : the first day included a sightseeing tour, followed by three days in the mountains with skiing, snowboarding, and visits to the thermal springs. Everything was pleasant and well organized right from the booking stage. All of our additional questions were answered in great detail, everything was honest and transparent :) which is really important :D You can tell that everything has been carefully thought out: the service was attentive without being intrusive, and everyone involved was genuinely friendly and passionate about their work!:) We will definitely travel with “Big Country” again!! If you’re still hesitating - don’t overthink it, just choose a tour and go!!! :D The company of these wonderful people will truly make your trip unforgettable! Special thanks to our guide, Akhshar 🫶🏻 we were so happy to meet you!