A short but very vivid and memorable winter tour to Ossetia! Ancient legends, iconic places and the centuries-old history of the Ossetian people will be revealed to us on this pleasant weekend trip.
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, and watchtowers of the 16th and 17th centuries. On the way to the Tsey Gorge, we will see the cave and the sanctuary of Sau Baraga (the Black Horseman). The place and the very image of the Black Horseman are shrouded in many legends and beliefs that we have to learn.
We will see the battle towers and cave fortifications of the Kurtatinsky gorge, the Dargava necropolis and the infamous Karmadon gorge
Traditional Ossetian feast
If desired, we can visit the show program in the ethno-national style with dinner and tasting
Hospitable Vladikavkaz
We will visit iconic places and get acquainted with the centuries-old history of the city.
Itinerary
Day 1 -
Arrival. Sightseeing tour of Vladikavkaz
Arrival in Vladikavkaz, transportation to the airport or railway station from 08:00 to 14:00 for any flight / train.
Meeting and group transfer to the hotel, accommodation.
16:00 Sightseeing walking tour of Vladikavkaz – iconic places and the centuries-old history of the city.
19:30-21:30 Alan evening show program in ethno-national style with dinner and tasting (extra charge) on Fridays.
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Day 2 -
Three gorges: Kurtatinsky — Karmadonskoye — Dargavs
It starts at 08:30.
The program of the day: Karmadon — Dargavs — The City of the dead — The Tower of Kurta and Tag — the village of Tsmiti — the Holy Dormition Alan Monastery.
Picnic lunch (extra charge).
Kurtatinsky gorge — Kadargavansky canyon — Dzivgis rock fortress.
16:30 Arrival in Vladikavkaz.
Mileage per day: 120 km, duration 8 hours.
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Day 3 -
Alagir gorge — Tsey — Mamison. Departure
It starts at 08:30.
Program of the day: Sanctuary and rock monument of Uastyrdzhi — Tsey gorge — cable car to Skazsky glacier.
Picnic lunch (extra charge).
Mamison gorge — Lisri village — obelisk to the Gazdanov brothers.
Return to Vladikavkaz by 16:30.
Transfer to the airport/train station for evening flights/trains, later than 18:00.
Mileage per day: 220 km, duration 8 hours.
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Difficulty
Involves moderate physical activity
Accommodation
Accommodation
Hotel
2 nights
Comfort
Midscale
Upscale
The tour includes accommodation in hotels in Vladikavkaz.
The cost of the tour per room, depending on the accommodation, RUB.:
Placement
Room category
Price validity period
Dbl
2-local
Twin
2-local
Single
1-local
Triple
3-local
DBL+CH
2 adults + 1 child.
QUAD
4-local
Breakfast
Breakfast
Camellia 3*
standard
04.12.2025-02.04.2026
31320
31320
21600
46440
44280
57600
Breakfast
Amran 3*
standard
04.12.2025-02.04.2026
32400
32040
21960
47520
46440
60480
Breakfast
Kadgaron Hotel 3*
standard
04.12.2025-02.04.2026
35640
35640
21600
49140
47520
63360
Sw. table
Planeta Lux 3 Hotel*
standard
04.12.2025-02.04.2026
38160
38160
21780
54000
51840
-
Sw. table
Junior Suite
04.12.2025-02.04.2026
40680
40680
28980
59400
57240
-
Sw. table
Vladikavkaz 4 Hotel*
standard
04.12.2025-02.04.2026
44640
44640
33480
63720
59400
-
Sw. table
comfort
04.12.2025-02.04.2026
47880
47880
36720
68040
63720
-
Sw. table
Park hotel Vladikavkaz 5*
standard
04.12.2025-02.04.2026
67320
91440
56160
-
98280
-
Sw. table
Twin — double room (has two separate beds).
Double (DBL) — a double room (one double bed).
Single — single 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.
Possible placement options are indicated. The specified accommodation facilities can be replaced with similar ones by the decision of the tour operator.
"Kadgaron" or Vladikavkaz or 2 nights
"Kadgaron"
It is located in the center of Vladikavkaz. It offers a restaurant, free breakfast and free Wi-Fi. The Kadgaron Hotel has a 24-hour front desk, a terrace, a bar, a nightclub, meeting facilities and a ticket office. The city Park and the embankment of the Terek River are a 15-minute walk away.
The room features cable TV and a refrigerator. Some rooms have a seating area with a sofa, a flat-screen TV and a minibar.
Another option
Vladikavkaz
It is located in the center of Vladikavkaz, a 2-minute walk from the Terek River and the Kosta Khetagurov Park. It offers free Wi-Fi. The hotel's restaurant serves European and Caucasian cuisine. Local cafes, bars and restaurants are a 10-minute walk away. Vladikavkaz Train Station is 3 km away, and Vladikavkaz Airport is 25 km away.
In the room: a minibar, a private bathroom with a bathtub, free toiletries and towels. Some rooms have a view of the river. Other facilities include a desk.
The standard rooms are only on the 3rd floor. These are rooms without a balcony.
Comfort rooms with balconies from the 4th floor and above.
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Another option
"Planet Lux"
It is located in a historic building in the center of Vladikavkaz, a 5-minute walk from Spartak Stadium and Komsomolsky Park. Free Wi-Fi is available. There is a restaurant on site. Vladikavkaz Train Station is a 10-minute walk from Planeta Lux Hotel. Vladikavkaz Airport is a 30-minute drive away.
The room has a refrigerator and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Free toiletries are provided in the bathroom.
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Another option
Park Hotel Vladikavkaz
The Park Hotel Vladikavkaz is located in Vladikavkaz. This hotel is located 1 km from the city center.
You can pass the evening or have a nice time before going to bed in a cozy atmosphere in the lobby bar. There are also two restaurants on site. Do you want to stay in touch? The hotel has free Wi-Fi. Parking is organized especially for car travelers.
The hotel also offers a massage room, sauna, solarium and hammam. A fitness center, gym and yoga are specially available for guests who do not miss the opportunity to exercise. Karaoke is one of the on—site entertainment options. Take your pet with you. A pet can be accommodated at the hotel for an additional fee.
The hotel staff can arrange a shuttle service upon request. Accessible environment: the elevator is working. Extras: laundry, ATM and ironing services. The hotel staff will support the conversation in English and Russian.
The room is comfortably furnished and equipped with everything you need to relax after a long and eventful day. There is a TV, a mini-bar on request and a bathrobe. The listed services are not available in all rooms.
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Another option
"Camellia"
The modern Kamelia-V Hotel is located in Vladikavkaz. It offers free internet access throughout the building, a 24-hour reception desk and a guarded parking lot.
The spacious apartments are equipped with a bed and orthopedic mattress, upholstered furniture, TV, split system. Bathroom with shower and toilet, hairdryer and bath accessories.
A hearty continental breakfast is served every morning for the guests staying. You can also visit the nearest restaurants and cafes, have a delicious meal there and relax in a relaxed atmosphere.
The friendly staff will be happy to help you solve any issue. In the surrounding area, you can rent a bicycle for a while and arrange an exciting trip.
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Another option
"Amran"
The Amran Hotel is located in Vladikavkaz.
There are 49 rooms of various categories, including a TV and a refrigerator, a desk, a wardrobe, and a shower room. The Suites have a spa bath.
The hotel has a bar and a cafe where you can indulge in dishes of Caucasian and European cuisine, or use the diet menu. Breakfast is served in the morning.
It offers billiards, a private hammam and a sauna. Nearby are the Museum of the History of Vladikavkaz, the Academic Russian Theater named after E.B. Vakhtangov, 1.2 km away, and other attractions. The central market is 0.7 km away. The distance to the airport is 19.3 km, to the railway station is 0.2 km.
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Tour conditions
Group
up to 18 tourists
Minimum age
7 years old
Duration
3 days 2 nights
Group meets at
Vladikavkaz
Included in price
group transfers from Vladikavkaz Airport and railway station to hotels on the first day of the tour for all flights/trains upon arrival from 08:00 to 14:00;
group transfer to Vladikavkaz airport and railway station upon departure on the final day of the tour for flights/trains later than 18:00;
accommodation in hotels according to the Vladikavkaz tour program with breakfast;
guided tours with professional guides and qualified drivers;
entrance tickets to the objects of visits according to the program of excursions, ecological fees of nature reserves;
tourists are collected for a transport tour of the hotels; collection for a sightseeing walking tour from gost. Vladikavkaz 4*, Kotsoeva St. 75.
Paid extra
air and railway tickets to Vladikavkaz and back;
meals not specified in the program;
the ticket for the chairlift in the Tseysky gorge is 800 rubles.;
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;
New Year's banquet;
individual transfers from/to Vladikavkaz airport and railway station, as well as any individual transportation service.
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?
Yes, the composition and size of the group may change during the tour.
What is the cost of New Year's banquets?
New Year's Eve from December 31, 2025.
360 restaurant-terrace at Park Hotel Vladikavkaz (formerly the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel) on the 11th-12th floor with stunning panoramic views of the city and mountains. Vladikavkaz, Kotsoeva St., 73a. Gathering of guests: from 23:00. Beginning of the concert program: 23:30. End time: 04:00
Entrance ticket 8000 rubles. + booking service 200 rub.
Children under 10 years old — 6000 rubles (under the responsibility of parents)
The price includes a concert and entertainment program, dinner. Alcohol is paid extra on the spot!
The program of the evening:
host Khetag Ostaev;
DJ Shiffuredpanda;
vocal performers;
instrumental performers;
congratulations from Santa Claus;
themed contests with prizes;
photo zone and photographer;
Berdinberg, Level Wellness & Spa;
an exquisite New Year's menu from the chef;
Dancing until morning;
Welcome champagne to all the guests!
The program is subject to change.
Sample menu of the evening Cold dishes: Caucasian cheeses and meat delicacies with herbs, eggplant rolls, chicken pate with foie gras and crusty bread, assorted fish.
Salads: olivier with beef, herring under a fur coat.
Flour products: ualibakh (Ossetian pie with cheese); kartoddzhyn (Ossetian pie with potatoes); tsakharadzhyn (Ossetian pie with beet leaves and cheese; bread.
Charcoal dishes: shish kebab of chicken, veal, trout,
Sauces: adjika, Tkemali
Desserts: assorted desserts and fruits;
Shu is colored; fruit plate.
Side dishes: mini potatoes with herbs; grilled vegetables
Assorted juice; tbau (water without gas); glass of champagne.
The country restaurant "THORNE". Address: Prigorodny district, Gizelskoe shosse str., 26. Gathering of guests from 23:30. The concert program starts at 00:00
Cost per person: 7000 rubles.
The price includes a concert and entertainment program, dinner. Alcohol is additionally charged on site.
The program of the evening:
professional photographer;
popular DJ sets;
stylish Santa Claus and Snow Maiden;
fashionable cover band "JRome Band";
the incendiary presenter Alan Makeev;
live vocal and musical performance;
The red carpet;
golden confetti;
New Year's welcome drink;
hostess in evening dresses;
original photo zone and props;
Hollywood-style photo zone, shiny tinsel.
The program is subject to change.
Sample menu of the evening: Cold dishes: red trout fish with red caviar tartlets, lavash/Borodinsky bread basket, seasonal vegetables and herbs, European cheese plate, fruit bowl(mini tangerines, pineapple, grapes), olivier with beef, caesar with chicken
Hot dishes: potato pie, tsakharajin pie, walibah pie, champignons under a cheese cap, mini potatoes with shish kebabs, grilled vegetables with shish kebabs, fish shish kebab / Red trout, assorted kebabs (lamb, beef and chicken)
Drinks: mineral water with or without gas, cola, lemonade pear/tarragon/Bavaria
Dessert: assorted New Year mini desserts
The KHOKHAG country restaurant. Gizelskoe highway, 26. Gathering of guests from 23:30. The concert program starts at 00:00 and ends at 05:00
Program and New Year's set — 7000 rubles per person.
The price includes: concert and entertainment program, New Year's table. Alcohol is additionally charged on site.
The program of the evening:
Dj Poliak
singer Jah-Far
female vocals
Live music — saxophone
girls in themed outfits
stylish Santa Claus and Snow Maiden
a glass of champagne at the reception of the guests!
photographer
New Year's confetti
New Year's Welcome drink
hostesses in themed dresses
original photo zone and props
The program is subject to change.
Sample menu of the evening:
cold appetizers: red trout fish with red caviar tartlets, khokhag bread basket, seasonal vegetables and herbs, assorted European cheeses, fruit bowl (mini tangerines, pineapple, grapes), olivier with beef, caesar with chicken
Hot dishes: potato pie, tsakharajin pie, walibah pie, beef medallions with mixed salad/baby potatoes with pepper sauce, salmon with vegetables.
Desserts: assorted mini New Year desserts
Soft drinks: mineral water with or without gas, cola, lemonade pear/tarragon/bavaria
Alcoholic beverages: champagne
The VERDI restaurant at the Park Hotel Vladikavkaz. New Year's banquet and show program in ethno-national style. Vladikavkaz, Kotsoeva St., 73a. Age restrictions: from 6 years old. Start: 22:00. End time: 04:00
Children from 6 to 12 years old: 4000 rubles — veranda (2000 rubles deposit), 4000 rubles — hall (2000 rubles deposit) The price includes: concert and entertainment program and dinner.
Buffet with an Ossetian accent, a deposit for dinner.
Host of the evening: Alan Biragov
Vocals: Georgy Urtaev
The Ossetian Santa Claus
National dances
Dowler band "The Power of Sound"
Professional photographer
The CUPRUM restaurant at the Vladikavkaz Hotel. New Year's banquet and show program in ethno-national style. Vladikavkaz, Kotsoeva St., 75. Age restrictions: from 6 years. Beginning: 23:00.
Adults: 6000 rubles per person (3000 rubles entrance, 3000 rubles deposit). Children under 10 years old: 3000 rubles.
The price includes a concert and entertainment program and dinner.
Dj BeeGee
DJ KHAZ
vocals by Eva Weiss
Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden
A la carte orders, dinner deposit
The BELUGA restaurant at the Azimut Park Hotel 4*. Kaspiysk, M. Khalilova str., 3. The concert program starts at 22:00. End time: 04:00
Cost per person (green area): 10000 rub.
Children's menu (up to 9 years old inclusive): 5000 rub.
gathering of guests
seating and registration in the drawing
show group "Dagi" dance numbers and incendiary lezginka
live music
a presenter with an unforgettable holiday program
congratulations from Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden
raffles for gifts and prizes
live broadcast of the Russian President's New Year's address
Assorted cheeses (Parmesan, Dagestan cheese, Russian) and honey
Fruit plate (orange, pear, apple, grape)
Assorted vegetables
Bruschetta with salmon and caviar
Mini buns
Water with gas, without gas (Mever, Growl-Su) to choose from, New Year's lemonade
Sparkling wine Di Caspico (one glass)
Salads / one to choose from:
Olivier
Herring under a fur coat according to a homemade recipe
Caesar with chicken
Salad with pink tomatoes and avocado
Salad with crispy eggplant
Greek
Hot dishes / one to choose from:
Trout on the grill
Pike perch in orange sauce with baked potatoes
Lamb kebab with eggplant and tomato
Chicken with mushrooms and rice sauce
Lamb kebab with vegetable side dish
Panoramic restaurant at the MONTO 4* hotel, Makhachkala. The restaurant's terrace offers beautiful views of the city and the mountains. Address: 53 Irchi Kazaka str., building 1, Makhachkala. The concert program starts at 22:30. End time: 3:00
The cost per person is 6000 rubles. Alcohol is additionally charged on site.
Salads: egoist, mango with shrimp, roast beef, crispy eggplant;
Flour dishes: miracle with greens, miracle with meat;
Hot dishes: meat set (lamb shish kebab, veal, lula, baked potatoes, sumac, red onion, lavash), pistols;
Soft drinks: water without gas, water with gas, Mojito lemonade, berry mix lemonade, black tea, green tea;
Alcoholic beverages: sparkling wine.
Is it possible to take into account the individual characteristics of food on the tour?
Individual nutrition characteristics are NOT taken into account in the tour.
Is the group accompanied by one guide throughout the tour?
Guides may change throughout the tour, but the tour coordinator is always the same.
What kind of car is used for excursions?
Excursions within the framework of the tour through the territory of Karachay-Cherkessia, Kavminvod, Kabardino-Balkaria, as well as excursions to the Alagir gorge in North Ossetia are carried out on tourist buses of both larger and smaller capacity:
large buses with the number of seats: from 24 to 52.
In group tours, all seats available in vehicles are offered for seating.
The seating in buses is arbitrary.
Will I need to take cash with me, or will I be able to pay with a card everywhere?
It is necessary to take cash. Card payment is poorly distributed in the regions. You can withdraw cash from your card at ATMs in major cities.
The monetary unit is the Russian ruble.
Will there be air conditioning in my room?
The availability of air conditioning in the room is not guaranteed. Please specify more information at the time of booking.
Is insurance included in the price of the tour?
A medical insurance policy is in force in the North Caucasian regions.
You can purchase additional travel insurance on the website of a Large Country without commission directly from insurance companies.
Are plane tickets included in the price of the tour?
Air and railway tickets are not included in the price of the tour. You can purchase them yourself or contact us for help.
Dates and Prices
The tour dates are not confirmed yet. Please, for clarification
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!