Trekking in Dombay. Comfort tour with a hotel

59 more

Special offer! If you make an advance payment before 03/31/2025, you will receive a 7% discount on summer arrivals. The price in the accommodation section is shown without discount. For arrivals from September 07 to November 01, 2025, 15% discount until 03/31/2025.

In the very heart of the Caucasus, on the territory of Karachay-Cherkessia, there is an amazing land – Teberda-Dombay.

Dombay is rightfully considered one of the brightest corners of the Western Caucasus! It is famous for its large-scale and panoramic views. In these places it is very easy to see snow and bright flowers in one frame. There are a lot of forests here, so in the golden autumn Dombay turns into an exquisite photographer's dream.

In this tour we have collected the most beautiful gorges, lakes and waterfalls, which are the hallmark of these places.

Location

Russia, Stavropol Territory, Mineralnye Vody

from

Contact the tour coordinator

Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)

Or text us in messengers

Tour highlights

Shoan Temple

It is one of the five most ancient temples in Russia

Lake Kara-kel

One of the most beautiful natural sites in Karachay-Cherkessia and the Teberdinsky Nature Reserve

Mount Dombai-Ulgen

The most beautiful and highest mountain of Dombai and the Western Caucasus

Juchhur Waterfall

A 12-meter cascade spread over the territory of the Dombai-Ulgen gorge

Baduk Lakes

We will visit the shores of the Baduk lakes, which preserve their pristine purity surrounded by pristine forests

Moussa Achitara

We will climb Mount Moussa Achitara, from where you can see an unforgettable panorama of mountain ranges

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival. The Shoan Temple. Lake Kara-kel
Gathering of the group in Mineralnye Vody at 11:30-12:00: railway station (near the main entrance from the city) and airport (near the main entrance).
Transfer by minibus to Dombay village (travel time 4-4.5 hours).
On the way there is an excursion to the Shoan Temple and Lake Kara-kel.
In the vicinity of the village of Kosta Khetagurova, on the spur of Mount Shoana, there is a Shoan temple.
Along with the temples of the Nizhne-Arkhyz settlement, the Shoaninsky Temple is one of the five most ancient temples in Russia.
The program of the Dombay tour necessarily involves a short climb to the temple.
From the hill on which it is located, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the surrounding area!
Lake Kara-kel.
On the outskirts of the city of Teberda is the warmest lake of the Teberda Nature Reserve – Kara-Kel.
Translated from the local language, Kara-Kel means "black lake" – so it was named for the special, dark color of the water.
If you went on vacation to Dombay with a child, do not worry, he will be able to do all the walks.
In the evening, arrival in Dombay, accommodation at the hotel, sightseeing tour of Dombay village.
The active part of the route is 3.5 km, the sightseeing sites are located at an altitude of 1030 m (Shoan Temple) and 1340 m (Kara Kel).
Clothing and shoes for the tour on the first day: cap, T-shirt, trousers, sandals or light trekking shoes. I have a raincoat, a swimsuit, a towel, a camera, and drinking water in my backpack. There will be an opportunity to swim in the lake, the water temperature is +15...+18C.

1 more photo
Day 2 - Trekking in Dombai-Ulgen gorge, Chuchhur waterfall
Every morning, a hearty and varied breakfast is waiting for us at the hotel – it's all included in the price of the tour.
Undoubtedly, today's gorge is one of the local gems.
It is here that the highest point of the Western Caucasus is located – Mount Dombai-Ulgen (4047 m).
The mountain tour to the Juchhur waterfall originates in the village of Dombay.
The path to the waterfall goes along the valley of the Dombay-Ulgen River, through the Russian Glade and the alpine meadows blooming in summer.
Then the ascent continues through the forest, where birch, mountain ash and maple trees meet.
The Juchhur Waterfall is formed from a mountain stream that originates from the Maly Glacier.
On the way to the topmost waterfall, we will pass many viewing platforms and photograph the waterfall from a wide variety of angles.
The Chuchhur Waterfall can be found at its fullest during summer holidays in Dombay: in July and August.
But this waterfall becomes the most spectacular in autumn, when the surrounding trees put on their golden outfits.
Rising above the waterfall, we will see a magnificent panorama of the Dombay-Ulgen and Alibek gorges, Zolotushka Mountain and the Dzhuguturluchat mountain range with eternal glaciers will appear right in front of us.
The active part of the route: 17.7 km, elevation difference 1730-2200 m, route duration 6-7 hours.

3 more photos
Day 3 - Trekking to Amanauz Canyon and Sufrudzhinsky waterfalls
At the very beginning of the route along the Amanauz, we will see small snowfields along the river, which lie here all summer.
After that, our path will pass through a shady fir forest.
The fir trees here, as they should be in the Caucasus, are "higher than the sky", and in the distance, through the crowns of trees, the snow caps of the mountains can be seen…
After half a minute of walking, the "Devil's Mill" opens to our view.
At this point, the water runs through the canyon of the Amanauz River, does not fit into the channel provided for it and circles in a fast, foamy whirlpool, and then disappears into the depths under a snowy grotto.
After leaving the forest, we will head further along the gorge.
Along the way, we will see stone tours – pyramids of stones that indicate the right direction of the path.
Such tours are organized by caring instructors and tourists.
Soon, small waterfalls will open, flowing down the rocks.
During the day, the rocks heat up from the hot summer sun and the water running over them becomes warm.
You can swim in this place with pleasure.
But the most important treasure of the Amanauz Gorge is yet to come – the huge Sufrudzhinsky waterfall.
Water, rushing down from somewhere in the sky, bursts out of a glacial grotto and rushes down with incredible noise.
And colorful rainbows sparkle all around!
Summer excursions to these places will give you photos of full-flowing waterfalls, and excursions to Dombay in the fall will delight tourists with incredible, golden colors.
Active part of the tour: 11.2 km, altitude difference 1600-2100 m, trekking duration 6-7 hours.

2 more photos
Day 4 - Trekking to the Baduk lakes
Walking tours of Dombay are impossible to imagine without a walk to the Baduk lakes.
The Baduk River gorge is like an illustration to a fairy tale!
One can only dream of walking through such a coniferous forest.
The path runs past tall firs, firs and thickets of ferns.
After 40 minutes, the trail leads to the confluence of two deep–flowing rivers - Khadjibey and Baduk.
In this place, on the big bridge over the river, you can always get great group photos.
The fir forest will give way to beautiful birches and soon the trail will lead us to the first lake.
Even when we tour Dombay with children, the entire journey to the lakes takes no more than 2 hours.
The highlight of the Baduk lakes is that they are all located in the forest area.
Deciduous trees grow at the very edge of the water and add special picturesqueness to the lakes.
Do you know what color the water is here? In sunny weather, the Baduk lakes sparkle with a real emerald color.
The water here is incredibly clear, and it beckons you to swim.
Active part of the tour: 8.7 km, altitude difference of 1400 - 1980 m, trekking duration of 5-6 hours.

1 more photo
Day 5 - Cable car to the horizon of Moussa Achitara
What kind of trip to Dombay can do without climbing the slope of Mount Mussa Achitara?
The instructor at the ticket office will buy tickets for the cable car – now we have a ticket to the very heaven of Dombay in our hands!
Cable cars very quickly take tourists to the top, to a height of 3012 m.
From here you can perfectly see the mountains of the Caucasus, the panorama of the Main Caucasian Ridge, snow–white Elbrus and the symbol of Dombay - Mount Belalakaya.
There are several panoramic platforms on different levels of the mountain, as well as many cafes with national cuisine, where you can enjoy outdoor dining.
Dombay's landmark is also located here – the alien hotel "Plate", which has the shape of a real intergalactic ship.
In winter, skiers are very fond of staying at this hotel.
They take care in advance to book and buy a trip for two to Dombay with accommodation in this alien facility.
Active part of the tour: 4 km, cable car ascent from 1600 m to 3200 m, trekking duration: 5-6 hours.

1 more photo
Day 6 - Trekking in Alibek gorge, Alibek waterfall, Turye Lake
Let's go on a new trekking trip through the forests of Dombay!
Passing by the Alibek alpine camp, we will enter a huge clearing.
In July, the local alpine meadows are a real riot of colors: blue, purple, bright pink and yellow flowers will conquer you at first sight.
And now add to this picture the snow-white Alibek glacier, which flaunts in the background.
It immediately becomes clear why this gorge is so loved by tourists!
The next interesting object on our way is Alibek Waterfall.
A huge, incredibly powerful stream of water falls from a height of 25 meters.
Getting closer to the waterfall, we'll take great photos.
By lunchtime we will arrive at the end point of our route — Turye Lake.
The group visits the route to Turye Lake only if it is officially opened by the Teberdinsky National Park, and the huntsman and border guards let it through.
Active part of the tour: 8,9 km, altitude difference 1850-2190 m, trekking duration 6-7 hours.

1 more photo
Day 7 - Departure
Return to Mineralnye Vody.
Transfer by minibus to Mineralnye Vody.
At 12:30-13:30 arrival at the railway station and the airport of Mineralnye Vody, departure home.
Depending on the weather conditions, the physical condition of the participants and other factors, the route of the hike may be changed.

1 more photo

Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Tour organizer's comments

The route is trekking. Trekking is walking through mountainous (rugged) terrain. This type of outdoor activity involves daily climbing and dropping heights (ascents and descents).

The route passes through forest trails, dirt roads, alpine meadows, large and small stones. The routes will have an altitude difference of 340 to 580 m per day. Climbing up 340-580 m is about like climbing 110-190 floors.

The route runs at an altitude of 1500-2350 m, we climb by cable car to an altitude of 3012 m.

Route length: 54 km.

Accommodation

Hotel

6 nights

Comfort

Midscale

The tour includes accommodation in the village of Dombay in the Dombay Ice Cherry hotel or a hotel of a similar class.

The cost of the tour for 1 person is 53,000 rubles/person.

The surcharge for 1-bed accommodation in a hotel room is 11,200 rubles / the entire rest period.

Offering barbecue facilities and a terrace, Ice Cherry Dombai Guest House is located in Dombai. It offers a shared lounge, a bar and ski storage.

A cozy lounge with a fireplace in the hotel and a gazebo with a barbecue in the courtyard are places where we always gather as a group for evening games and gatherings. There is a private parking for cars in the courtyard of the hotel.

The reception is open 24 hours a day. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. There is a shared kitchen at the property.

All rooms at the guest house are equipped with a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, towels and bed linen.

Room amenities, TV, Wi-Fi, towels are provided, a hairdryer and a refrigerator are available on the floor. There is a thermopot on the ground floor of the hotel, where you can get hot water for tea.

15 more photos

Tour conditions

Group

From 6 to 18 tourists

Minimum age

6 years old

Duration

7 days 6 nights

Group meets at

Russia, Stavropol Territory, Mineralnye Vody

Included in price

road crossings along the route;
accommodation in Dombay village in Dombay Ice Cherry hotel or a hotel of a similar class in 2-, 3-bed rooms;
2 meals a day:
- ready-made breakfasts (day 2-7) are served at the hotel according to a set menu (the menu is not individual);
- lunch (day 2-4, 6) in the form of dry rations in the mountains (sausage, cheese, tea, cookies, chocolate, sweets);
registration of a pass to the Dombay border zone;
environmental fees in Teberdinsky National Park: entrance tickets to Alibek, Amanauz, Dombai-Ulgen gorges, Baduk River gorge;
cable car entrance tickets;
group equipment rental: boilers, gas burners (for making tea for lunch in the mountains in June-August), a group first aid kit;
the services of an instructor-guide.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Mineralnye Vody and back;
Meals: lunch (day 1, 5), dinners. The cost of dinner in a cafe: 400-500 rubles;
the surcharge for single occupancy in a hotel room is 11,200 rubles./ the entire rest period;
insurance (optional).

It's important to know

We draw your attention to the rules of choosing clothes for the trip: in the Caucasus, you can wear trousers and T-shirts. Shorts and T-shirts should not be taken for the trip.

The list of equipment for tours from June 01 to September 20:

Air temperature: early morning and late evening +8...+12C, in the afternoon +18...+25C (sunny day), +12...+16C (cloudy day).

cap / panama hat;
jacket. The air temperature in the early morning and late evening is +8...+12C;
fleece;
T-shirt;
lightweight long sleeve shirt. The shirt will protect your arms and neck from burning;
Buff. Protects the neck from burning, can be used as a headdress;
running trousers;
lingerie;
socks;
trekking shoes up to the ankle and above;
flip-flops (for walking in a hotel);
swimsuit;
for girls on request: a dress for a photo shoot on the background of mountains;
waterproof clothing or raincoat from the middle of the thigh and below;
trekking poles. Sticks significantly reduce the load on the knees. Physically strong and healthy tourists are recommended to have sticks with them. Tourists who have problems with knees, joints and overweight must have trekking poles. If necessary, the club provides trekking poles for rent;
passport / birth certificate of the child. It is mandatory to have the original documents (not a copy);
camera/video camera and charger. In several gorges along the route that enter the border zone, it is forbidden to use a quadcopter for filming;
toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, razor);
hairbrush:
sunglasses;
0.5L plastic bottle (for drinking water on the route);
toilet paper (useful during the day, on the route);
mug, spoon, plate. In the mountains, tourists drink tea from a mug that comes with a thermos or take a separate mug. The plate is useful to put chopped and small products (vegetables, cheese, olives, etc.) into it during lunch. The mug and plate should be non-breakable;
wet wipes;
thread, needle;
backpack for walking (volume 20-25 liters). The backpack contains the tourist's personal belongings (fleece, raincoat, water bottle, etc.), as well as public products for lunch, which are issued by the instructor (the weight of the products is 400-600 grams);
hoba (tourist foam);
shoe dryers;
sunscreen, hygienic lipstick;
individual first aid kit. Required: elastic bandage, patch;
cash;
hat, gloves. They can be useful in the evening, on cold and cloudy days and during a visit to the cable car. The group ascends by cable car to a height of 3200 m, there may be a sharp change in the weather, a decrease in air temperature, wind;

The list of equipment for tours from September 21 to November 15:

Air temperature: early morning and late evening +1...+7C, in the afternoon +10...+18C (sunny day), +8...+12C (cloudy day);

jacket. The air temperature in the early morning and late evening is 0...+8C, in the afternoon +10... +14C (until October 15), +5...+12C (after October 15th);
hat, gloves;
fleece. In autumn, we recommend taking 2 fleeces: one for walking on the route (it gets a hiking smell quickly enough), the second clean and fresh fleece for walking in the hotel;
T-shirt;
thermal underwear;
Buff. Protects the neck from burning, can be used as a scarf or headdress;
running trousers (before October 15), insulated running trousers or running trousers + bottom of thermal underwear after October 15;
lingerie;
socks;
trekking shoes up to the ankle and above;
flip-flops (for walking in a hotel)4
swimsuit;
for girls on request: a dress for a photo shoot on the background of mountains;
waterproof clothing or raincoat from the middle of the thigh and below;
trekking poles. Sticks significantly reduce the load on the knees. Physically strong and healthy tourists are recommended to have sticks with them. Tourists who have problems with knees, joints and overweight must have trekking poles. If necessary, the club provides trekking poles for rent;
passport / birth certificate of the child. It is mandatory to have the original documents (not a copy);
camera / video camera and charger;
toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, razor);
hairbrush;
sunglasses;
thermos flask (volume 0.75-1 l);
toilet paper (useful during the day, on the route);
mug, spoon, plate. In the mountains, tourists drink tea from a mug that comes with a thermos or take a separate mug. The plate is useful to put chopped and small products (vegetables, cheese, olives, etc.) into it during lunch. The mug and plate should be non-breakable;
wet wipes;
thread, needle;
backpack for walking (volume 25-35 liters). The backpack contains the tourist's personal belongings (fleece, raincoat, water bottle, etc.), as well as public food for lunch, which is issued by the instructor (the weight of the products is 400-600 grams);
hoba (tourist foam);
shoe dryers;
sunscreen, hygienic lipstick;
cash;
individual first aid kit. Required: elastic bandage, patch.

Dates and Prices

from
$612

1 – 7 Jun 7 days 6 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$612

8 – 14 Jun 7 days 6 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$612

15 – 21 Jun 7 days 6 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$612

22 – 28 Jun 7 days 6 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$612

29 Jun – 5 Jul 7 days 6 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$612

6 – 12 Jul 7 days 6 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$612

13 – 19 Jul 7 days 6 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$612

20 – 26 Jul 7 days 6 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$612

27 Jul – 2 Aug 7 days 6 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$612

3 – 9 Aug 7 days 6 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$612

10 – 16 Aug 7 days 6 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$612

17 – 23 Aug 7 days 6 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$612

24 – 30 Aug 7 days 6 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$612

31 Aug – 6 Sep 7 days 6 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$612

7 – 13 Sep 7 days 6 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$612

14 – 20 Sep 7 days 6 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$612

21 – 27 Sep 7 days 6 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$612

28 Sep – 4 Oct 7 days 6 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$612

5 – 11 Oct 7 days 6 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$612

12 – 18 Oct 7 days 6 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$612

19 – 25 Oct 7 days 6 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now
from
$612

2 – 8 Nov 7 days 6 nights

Submit request
No need to pay now