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• Roundtrip Cairo, Egypt

Pharaohs & Pyramids

• From $5,999
• 11 Guided Tours
• Dates & Pricing
• 2024 2025 2026 2027

Pharaohs & Pyramids Map

Discover Egypt, ancient & modern

Uncover the ancient secrets of Egypt amid the welcoming culture of today. See the pyramids from astride a majestic camel. Explore the Temple of Karnak’s 136 soaring pillars. Visit Queen Nefertari’s tomb in the Valley of the Queens. Skim the waters of the Nile by traditional felucca . Enjoy the fragrances of Aswan’s spice market. Join our expert Egyptologists on a 12-day cruisetour through Egypt on board our modern Nile ships, owned and operated by Viking.

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Viking Inclusive Value

All you need included, with no surprises or hidden fees

To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below.

Itinerary and shore excursions are subject to change and may vary by departure.

More features, services and excursions included

One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call

Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)

Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner

24-hour specialty coffees, teas  & bottled water

Port taxes & fees

Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase

Visits to UNESCO Sites

Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances

Your Stateroom Includes:

River-view stateroom

Bottled water replenished daily

110/220 volt outlets

Queen-size Viking Explorer Bed (optional twin-bed configuration) with luxury linens & pillows

Private bathroom with shower, heated floor & anti-fog mirror

Premium Freyja® toiletries

Plush robes & slippers (upon request)

40" or 42" flat-screen Sony® TV with infotainment system featuring Movies On Demand, plus CNBC, CNN, FOX & more

Telephone, safe, refrigerator

Individual climate control

*All amenities on board Viking Longships; amenities vary on other ships.

Pre & Post Cruise Extensions

More days means more to discover, with extension packages you can add before or after your Viking cruise or cruisetour. Enjoy additional days to explore your embarkation or disembarkation city, or see a new destination altogether with a choice of exciting cities. Pre & Post Cruise Extensions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Pre: British Collections of Ancient Egypt

From $3,699 | 4 Nights

Pre: Istanbul

From $1,399 | 3 Nights

Post: Jordan—Petra, Dead Sea & Amman

From $2,199 | 4 Nights

Post: Alexandria

From $799 | 2 Nights

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2024-2027 RIVER CRUISE AND AIR FARES:  Offer applies to bookings made from August 1-31, 2024. Terms & conditions for select promotions may vary. $25 deposit is applicable to all River itineraries. Special fares plus up to FREE International airfare valid on select departures of Grand European Tour, Lyon Provence & the Rhineland, European Sojourn and Capitals of Eastern Europe, Paris to the Swiss Alps, Cities of Light, London DDAY & Paris, Rhine & Main Explorer. Airfares may vary on other gateways & departures. Airfare does not have to be purchased to get cruise\cruisetour offer. All prices are in US dollars and for US residents only. Additional restrictions may apply. 2024 : Pay in full by August 31, 2024 or at time of booking if within 120 days of departure. 2025 : Pay in full by September 30, 2024. 2026 : Pay in full by March 31, 2025. 2027 : Pay in full by November 30, 2025. Offers expires August 31, 2024.

$25 DEPOSIT:  $25 DEPOSIT: For itineraries 35 days or less, a $25 deposit applies to January 2025 & onward departures; for itineraries greater than 35 days, a $25 deposit applies to March 2025 & onward departures; World Cruise products excluded; call for details.

AIR UPGRADE:  Upgrade to Premium Economy air from $799 per person or Business Class air from $3,499 per person based on select gateways and dates. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply; for more information visit  Airline Luggage Restrictions  . Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received. For more information about customized air services and US gateways, visit the Viking Air Plus page.

GENERAL RESTRICTIONS:  Cruise fares listed are cruise only in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement savings are off applicable rates. Cruise fares listed are valid for U.S. residents only. All fares and offers are for new bookings only and are subject to availability, may not combinable with other offers except Viking Explorer Society Travel Credits and Viking Referral Rewards, are capacity-controlled and may be withdrawn at any time without prior notice. Special fares are based upon published full brochure fares; cruise fares do not include pre-paid charges, optional facilities, and personal charges, as defined in the terms and conditions of the  Passenger Ticket Contract  which may be viewed elsewhere on this website. Full brochure fares may not have resulted in actual sales in all stateroom categories and may not have been in effect during the last 90 days. Promotional fares may remain in effect after the expiration date. Air promotion applies to roundtrip flights only from select Viking Cruises U.S. gateways and includes airport-to-ship or hotel transfers, air taxes and air fuel surcharges. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Viking reserves the right to correct errors or omissions and to change any and all fares at any time. For up-to-date prices, please call Viking or your Travel Agent. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Complete terms and conditions may be found in the  Passenger Ticket Contract .

AIR OFFER RESTRICTIONS:  Offer expires August 31, 2024.

NOTE: U.S. flights depart one day prior to check-in date. Paid Business or Premium Economy Class may require travel in economy on flights within North America or Europe. Premium economy is limited to specific airlines and we may not be able to accommodate based on aircraft type and availability. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date and include transfers plus all government taxes/fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full payment of air is received.

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Viking takes delivery of new Nile River ship, Viking Hathor

Viking has officially taken delivery of its latest Nile River vessel , the Viking Hathor , at a ceremony held at the Massara shipyard in Cairo, Egypt . This 82-guest ship is the newest addition to Viking's expanding fleet on the Nile and will operate the popular 12-day "Pharaohs & Pyramids" itinerary.

The Viking Hathor, designed in line with Viking's award-winning river and ocean ships, features 41 staterooms and embodies the elegant Scandinavian aesthetic the brand is known for. The vessel, a sistership to the Viking Osiris and Viking Aton , includes familiar elements such as a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. The Viking Ra and MS Antares also form part of the company’s growing fleet in Egypt.

The "Pharaohs & Pyramids" itinerary begins with a 3-night stay in Cairo, allowing guests to explore major historical sites such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, Sakkara, the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Following this, guests fly to Luxor to visit the Temples of Luxor and Karnak before embarking on an 8-day Nile cruise. This segment includes visits to the tombs of Nefertari and Tutankhamun, as well as excursions to significant sites such as the Temple of Khnum in Esna , the Dendera Temple complex in Qena , Abu Simbel , the High Dam in Aswan , and a traditional Nubian village.

Viking also offers additional pre- and post-journey extensions with exclusive access to archives and exhibits. Among these is the 5-day "British Collections of Ancient Egypt" extension in London UK , where guests can explore the Egyptian Collection at the British Museum, the private museum of architect Sir John Soane, the Petrie Museum, and the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. The extension also includes a behind-the-scenes visit to the Griffith Institute at Oxford University to view Howard Carter's archives on the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, and an exclusive visit to Highclere Castle to view the Earl of Carnarvon’s collection of Egyptian artifacts.

Additional offerings include a 3-night pre-extension in Istanbul and a 4-night post-extension to Jordan, featuring sites such as Petra , the Dead Sea, and Roman antiquities at Jerash.

• Nile River Cruise - Egypt Nile Cruise 2024/2025
• Luxor and Aswan Nile Cruises

Deluxe Nile Cruises

Boarding a cruise is a wonderful experience but boarding a Luxor & Aswan Nile Cruise is a life-changing experience. Sail on the bloodstream of Egypt and feel the soul of Egypt with our Egypt Nile cruise packages. Begin your journey to discover all the hidden secrets of the ancient civilization in Luxor and Aswan. Our entire Egypt Nile cruise packages are customized by a professional travel consultant to make your Nile cruise holidays as epic as possible. We have a variety of Luxor and Aswan Nile cruises to Karnak temple, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Abu Simbel temple of the great pharaoh King Ramses II, Valley of the Kings, and other breathtaking monuments. All of our Luxor & Aswan Nile cruises are joined by a professional Egyptologist tour guides and accommodating at 5* deluxe Nile Cruises to get the most luxuries Nile cruise ever. Don’t miss this opportunity to sail through the heart of Egypt. Book us now! Check also, our Egypt tour packages if you want to combine your Egypt tours to Cairo and Hurghada with Nile cruises.

Al Hambra Nile Cruise

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Nile river cruises (faqs):, what is the duration of nile river cruises vacation.

In Egypt, you can have a truly special experience to sail via the longest river in the world which is called "The Nile River". To have such an exceptional tour, you need to get on the board of a Nile cruise putting in mind that there are tens of different Nile Cruises from different categories. The most recommended Nile cruise categories in Egypt are the 5* and the 5* High Deluxe category. Prices differ from a cruise to another based on the facilities on each cruise and the time you would like to visit Egypt in and to check the best possible Nile River Cruise with the different guided prices, kindly check our best suggested

What is the Weather is Like?

The temperature in Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c. Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts.

What should I wear in Nile Cruise?

Dress not just for the heat, but for the culture. This is a conservative, Muslim culture and should be respected accordingly. Women should refrain from wearing short shorts, see-through clothing or swimwear when on shore excursions. In mosques, for example, women and men should wear clothing that covers both their legs and upper arms.

What is the Best Time for Nile River Cruise in Egypt?

When it comes to choosing the best and the most suitable time to have a perfect Nile river cruise vacation, you will find that the period from the end of October till the middle of April is the best season ever to plan your Nile river cruise vacation in. You can choose any time between the mentioned period to have your vacation at but kindly notice that Easter and Christmas seasons in Egypt are considered the peaked seasons and prices get higher during those seasons that any other period during the whole year so kindly put this in mind while planning your marvelous Nile River Cruise vacation in the land of Pharaohs, however, you will get the most incomparable affordable tour prices from our side to enjoy the true concept of having an imaginary holiday.

What are the Best Prices for Nile River Cruise?

What are the types of egypt’s nile river cruises.

There are two types of Nile cruises in Egypt, the first one is the private Nile river cruises also known as "Dahabiya" which has about 10 cabins and the standard, more common group, Nile river cruise which has about 150 cabins equipped with everything a traveler could need.

What're the Facilities on the Nile River Cruise?

The Luxury Nile cruise is basically a fully equipped floating hotel which holds sun deck, a full entertaining center, an inner swimming pool, lounge bar, discotheque, a marvelous restaurant, a spa, beauty center, a laundry, and gift shops and a safe deposit box, and everything you would expect from a hotel.

What’re the Top Attractions to Visit Through a Nile River Cruise?

The Nile River Cruise sails between the two heavenly cities of Luxor and Aswan or vice versa where everyone can explore the divine Karnak temples Complex, the legendary Valley of the Kings, the mesmerizing Hatshepsut temple, the unique Kom Ombo temple the majestic Philae temple, the glorious Edfu temple, the Great unfinished obelisk, and various more.

What are the Best Activities to Do in Egypt?

The best activity is by far boarding a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan or Vise Versa. Witness the beauty of Egypt from a hot balloon or a plane and try all the delicious Egyptian cuisines and drinks plus shopping in old Cairo. Explore the allure and wonders of the red sea in the magical city resorts of Egypt like Hurghada and many more by diving and snorkeling in the marine life or Hurghada. Behold the mesmerizing western desert by a safari trip under the heavenly Egyptian skies.

What are Egypt Festival and Public Holidays?

There are a lot of public holidays in Egypt too many to count either religious or nation, the most important festivals are the holy month of Ramadan which ends with Eid Al Fitr, Christmas and new years eve.

Why travel with Luxor and Aswan Travel?

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Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria: More than Mt. Elbrus!

If you’ve traveled to the North Caucasus before, there is a good chance you’ve already been to Kabardino-Balkaria, and you didn’t even know it!  Kabardino-Balkaria lies in the center of the North Caucasus region, is home to Mt. Elbrus, but more than that is a treasure chest of travel possibilities.  Here is our guide to traveling through the republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, or 9 travel tips to this beautiful land:

1. How do I get there?

Kabardino-Balkaria hosts a large number of both foreign and Russian travelers every year, and has an improving infrastructure able to handle the incoming masses.  Let’s start with the obvious.  You might be a mountain climber or skier coming to enjoy the slopes of Mt. Elbrus.  That means you’re likely arriving on an airplane to Russia.  Here are your travel options:

A. Plane – We advise you fly into the Mineralni Vodi (MRV) airport in the Stavropol Region, which is about 45 minutes from the border of Kabardino-Balkaria.  MRV is the largest airport in the North Caucasus, and has daily direct flights to and from all 3 airpots in Moscow (SVO, DME, and VKO), direct flights from St. Petersburg, and several international flight routes as well, including from Istanbul, Dubai, Greece, Tel Aviv, and Bishkek.  The MRV airport has a growing infrastructure and is the most obvious choice to fly into if going to Elbrus.  From MRV, it’s a 2 hr. drive to Nalchik, and a 3.5 hr. drive to Mt. Elbrus.

That being said, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, Nalchik (NAL), also has a small regional airport with a daily flight to/from Moscow as well as weekly flights to Istanbul. As is to be expected in most smaller, regional airports around Russia, the service standard at a small airport like this will be minimal.  As a result, we recommend you flying in and out of MRV if able.  It’s a 2 hr. drive to Elbrus from Nalchik.  You can also fly into other regional airports which are 2 hrs. from Nalchik, such as OGZ in North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz) or IGT in Ingushetia (Magas).

B.  Car/Public Transport – If you have a car, are using a taxi, or are hitch-hiking your way to Kabardino-Balkaria, the region is accessible by a variety of roads and vehicles.  A major Russian federal highway E50 runs through Pyatigorsk into Kabardino-Balkaria, and can take you towards Mt. Elbrus, Nalchik, and deeper into the North Caucasus.  There are daily mini-buses, or “marshrutkas”, that travel to Nalchik from Pyatigorsk, Vladikavkaz, Grozny, and Magas, if you’re coming from a neighboring republic.  From the main Nalchik bus station, there is a marshrutka that goes to Terskol (i.e. Mt. Elbrus) daily around 12:30 pm; for that matter,  marshrutkas run daily into every valley of this beautiful republic.  For the seasoned international traveler, you can drive from the country of Georgia up the famed “Georgian Military Highway” through the heart of the Caucasus Mountains, cross the border into Russia at the “Verkhni Lars” border stop, and be in Nalchik in about 2.5 hours as well. 

Anyone traveling on their own should download the “Yandex” taxi app, which is Russia’s version of Uber, and has a very user-friendly app with affordable prices.  In smaller villages/towns where Yandex’s service doesn’t reach, just ask a local and they’ll direct you to a friend or relative who can taxi you where you need to go!

C.  Train – Kabardino-Balkaria is also very accessible by the famous cross-country Russian train system if that’s your preferred method of travel.  Almost all trains to the North Caucasus pass through Mineralni Vodi in the Stavropol region to the north, so make sure wherever you are coming from, Mineralni Vodi is one of the stops.  Despite Nalchik having a train station, the city is about 45 minutes from the main railway route that runs diagonal through the North Caucasus, and as a result it’s a bit convoluted to get a train directly to Nalchik.  That being said, the town Prokhladni is a regular stop on trains going to/coming from Baku, Makhachkala, Grozny, Nazran, and Vladikavkaz, so you can always hop off there and find your way by public transport or taxi.

2.  What are the best places to stay?

This list could get exhaustive, fast. 🙂  Let’s first look at an overview of the republic’s geography, followed by hotel recommendations:

A. Nalchik – This is the capital city of Kabardino-Balkaria, with a population of around 250,000.  Nalchik is growing and new, modern hotels are being built regularly.  Here are some of our recommendations:

-Modern and comfortable:  Azimut , Butik Otel

-Budget with less frills:  Hotel Rossia , Korona

You could comfortably spend a week in Nalchik, while doing day trips into Kabardino-Balkaria’s beautiful mountain valleys.

B.  Baksan Valley – This is the most traveled road in Kabardino-Balkaria, the road to Mt. Elbrus.  If you have questions about its safety because of travel warnings, please see our detailed blog here of the drive to erase any doubts or fears.  Needless to say, because of the draw of Mt. Elbrus, there are a huge variety of lodging options at the end of this valley, from 4-star to mid-range to budget to hostel.  Here are just a few we’ll recommend from our experience:

-Modern and comfortable 4-star-ish:  Azau Star , Kristall 139

-Budget with less frills 3-star-ish:   Laguna , Povorot

If you’re a mountain climber with your sites set on the summit of Elbrus, you’ll have to spend at least 3-4 nights at Elbrus’s famous base camp at 13,000 feet.  The “barrel huts” are not easy to book directly with, and we highly recommend you do your climb (and hence, have your bookings handled) through a trusted climbing company.  Here are two shelters at base camp we recommend:

-Modern and comfortable:  Leaprus

-Budget with less frills:  Heart of Elbrus Lodge

If you’re interested in climbing Mt. Elbrus and staying in these barrel huts, click  here  to see our climbing itineraries, pricing, and group dates.

C.  Chegem Valley – Chegem Valley is the adjacent valley to Elbrus’s Baksan Valley, and is famous for its beautiful waterfalls as well as being Russia’s top paragliding location.  The “ Paradrome ” has modest accommodations for those wanting to get to know this beautiful valley for a longer period of time.

D.  Upper Balkaria, or Cherek Valley – This is another beautiful mountain gorge not too far from Nalchik.  There is an authentic lodging complex in Upper Balkaria called Tau-El, with amazing local food for meals as well.

E.  Border Zone lodging – Several of Kabardino-Balkaria’s mountain gorges run into the border zone with neighboring country Georgia, i.e. an area that foreigners cannot enter without a special permit from the local government (often taking 2 months to receive).  There is a famous mountaineering lodge in Bezengi Valley, where several generations of Russian mountain climbers have honed their craft in the Caucasus Mountains.  Perpendicular to Baksan Valley (about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus) is Adyr-Suu Valley, where there is a lodge for back-country skiers to stay, while trying their hands (and feet!) on the untouched snow of that valley.  Both these valleys require border permits for foreigners, but are possible to access for the more adventurous!

3.  Top cities to visit?

Most locals would agree that Nalchik is the main city of significance to visit in Kabardino-Balkaria, but let’s be honest, even more would say, “Just go to the mountains!”  Tirnauz is the capital of the Elbrus district, and is an interesting town to spend some time in, with its unique location in the mountains and place in Soviet history as a once-booming mining town.  The main thing to consider in visiting Nalchik and other cities in the lowlands, is the chance to experience Kabardian culture and food.  Whereas the deeper you go into the valleys, the more you’ll encounter Balkar culture and food.

4.  Best local foods to try?

There are 3 types of food that come to mind, when spending time in Kabardino-Balkaria:

A. Khychiny – This is one of the staple national dishes of the Balkar people, and what you’ll inevitably be served if guests of local Balkars.  It’s a thin buttery flat bread, sometimes cooked with fillings of cottage cheese, fresh greens, or potatoes.  It is often slathered in butter, but wow is that some tasty greasy goodness! 🙂

B.  Shashlik – Shashlik is a MUST for any visit anywhere in the North Caucasus!  Most people would agree that it’s the national food of the entire region.  Shashlik is meat shish kabobs; while pork and turkey can be found in some parts of the Caucasus, lamb or chicken are the preferred shashlik meats of choice in Kabardino-Balkaria. 

C.  Soup – No matter where you are in Russia, you’re sure to find a local soup that people love.  Kabardino-Balkaria is no different.  Especially in the winter months in the mountain valleys, there’s nothing better than to come inside from the cold weather and warm your body up to a bowl of hearty Caucasus soup.  Whether Georgian kharcho or local Balkar lakhman, make sure to try your hand at one of these soups with a side of fresh baked bread/lavash!

5.  Top Hole-In-The-Wall restaurants:

Of course, for a republic of this size, we’re bound to leave at least a few great local joints off our list, but here are a few to get you started. ***Note:  Restaurants in the North Caucasus are much better known for their food than their service, so prepare for tasty food, but manage your expectations about service:

-Elbrus – Kogutai Restaurant at Mt. Cheget – While this isn’t a hole-in-the-wall restaurant per se, it’s one of many to choose from in the Cheget tourist village, and we have found them to provide consistently good food and service.  Kogutai has a nice interior, and maybe most important, an English-language menu with good pictures. 🙂  There also is a nice outdoor patio with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

-Nalchik #1 – Tameris Restaurant – This is a cafe with a relaxed atmosphere in the capital Nalchik.  Local tour company Elbrus Elevation has taken foreign groups there on multiple occasions and always had good experiences.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 3. 

-Nalchik #2 – Cafe-Bar Oasis – You have to know where this restaurant is to find it, but once inside, you won’t regret it!  There is a unique cafeteria-style ordering process, that includes several dishes being cooked on the spot once ordered.  You can sample local Kabardian dishes here.  The seating area is very modern and a pleasant atmosphere to have a meal in.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 2. 

-Upper Balkaria – Tau-El Restaurant – This is the restaurant part of the Tau-El Tourist Complex in Upper Balkaria.  Whether spending the night or just passing through, make sure to stop here for a meal!

6.  Must-See Sites

This republic is so chock full of “must-see” destinations, it’s impossible to narrow the list down.  Here are just a few suggestions to get you started: (***Mt. Elbrus is a no-brainer and we’re assuming that’s on your list)

A. El-Tyubu and Paradrome – This is an amazing area towards the end of Chegem Valley.  Many tourists visit the famous Chegem Waterfalls and don’t drive any further down this gorge, which really is a shame.  El-Tyubu is a picturesque Balkar village with several historical sites to see, including some ancient mausoleums.  The real gem of the area, though, is the Paradrome , which is Russia’s premier paragliding destination.  The combination of the scenic surrounding mountains and constant winds produces almost daily conditions to sail through the beautiful Caucasus sky.  Highly recommend!

B.  Upper Balkaria – Also known as Cherek Valley, the entire drive to the actual village of Upper Balkaria is one big destination.  First, you can spend time at the 3 consecutive “ Blue Lakes ”, one of which is one of Russia’s deepest lakes with an underground spring.  Then, the drive itself becomes an adventure, as you pass by steep rock walls with a huge drop-off on the other side.  If you’re able to walk this part of the road, that is a bonus!  Once you’ve made your way through the valley walls, the region opens up into a beautiful panoramic view.  Many years ago, there were multiple villages in this region, but they’ve since been condensed into one main village.  You can see some of the ancient Balkar towers that their ancestors used to live in as well.

C.  Djili-Suu – Although hard to pronounce and not easy to get to, Djili-Suu is one of those places in the North Caucasus that people rave about that you “have to” visit.  It’s actually on the North side of Mt. Elbrus, and more accessible from the Mineral Waters region (2 hrs. from Kislovodsk).  The base camp for Elbrus climbers summiting the mountain from the North side is at Djili-Suu.  This area is famous in Russia for its numerous natural healing springs, as well as unique climate conditions that make for beneficial, long holidays for seeking a respite from their daily grind.  There are wide swaths of land available for camping, with probably the most unrivaled views of Mt. Elbrus in the North Caucasus.  Make sure to check this out!

7.  Off-the-beaten path destinations

A. King’s Waterfalls (Tsarskie), or Gedmisht – Probably the valley in Kabardino-Balkaria with the least amount of hype is the Malka Valley, which is the northernmost valley and mainly runs through the Kabardian lowlands.  At the point where the villages end, though (Khabas), the asphalt turns into dirt and the hills start to rise, culminating with the incredible King’s Waterfalls, or as one friend put it, Avatar Waterfalls.  These stunning waterfalls are best visited in the early summer, when everything is lush green and the water flow is strong, with many streams of water flowing down the earth’s surface.  The different colors are incredible and it’s hard to look away.  Once you’ve enjoyed the waterfalls, enjoy a meal of shashlik at one of the nearby lunch huts.  Having an off-road vehicle is ideal to visit these falls, but worth the time and effort!

B.  One-seater chair lift at Elbrus – As the infrastructure at Mt. Elbrus has modernized, some of the more “authentic” experiences have gone to the way-side.  This is one experience still available, though!  From the 2nd (11,000 ft.) to 3rd level (12,500 ft.) of Mt. Elbrus (whether skiing, going to base camp, or just touring), there is a single-seater chair lift for 100 rubles each way (less than $2).  This is an amazing experience if you have the time.  It’s 8-10 minutes each way, and a surreal experience of the majestic Caucasus mountain range surrounding you, skiers silently passing you by underneath, and in general enjoying the silent expanse of nature all around.  The chair lifts are from the Soviet times and so it feels like something from a different era.  For mountain climbers, the newer group cable car gives better access to most of base camp, but several huts are pretty close to this chair lift, so it still may be a good option for you.

C.  Abandoned Mines above Tirnauz – Tirnauz is about 1 hr. from Mt. Elbrus, and a town everyone drives through to and from the mountain.  Although today it looks old and half-abandoned, it was a booming mining town in the 20th century.  About a 45-minute drive above the city with an off-road vehicle, you can see the remains of the mining operations.  Learning about this history combined with the breath-taking views of the Baksan Valley and even into Georgia, you’ll wonder why more people aren’t visiting this place.  This is a great spot to see eagles soaring in the sky, as well as admire the Soviet city plan of Tirnauz from above.

8.  What do I need border zone passes to visit?

In Russia, any area within 5-10 km of a neighboring country, without a clearly delineated border (i.e. in the mountains) is considered a special border zone, and patrolled by Russian border guards.  This area IS accessible to all Russian citizens with their passports, but is NOT legally accessible to foreign citizens UNLESS you have a special permit from the FSB (Federal Security Bureau).  These permits are accessible, either through a tour operator or local friend, but require you to submit your application 45-60 days in advance.

Areas in Kabardino-Balkaria that are worth a visit if you have a border zone pass:

A.  Bezengi Wall – This is at the end of the Bezengi Valley, and holds a place of lore among Russian mountain climbers.  Many mountain guides go through training in this valley.  Five of the Caucasus Mountain’ range’s highest seven peaks are a part of the Bezengi Wall, so you can imagine the draw it has for climbers. There are great areas for trekking and camping in this area. 

B.  Adyr-Suu Gorge – This remote valley runs perpendicular to Baksan Valley and is about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus.  It’s marked at the entrance by a relic of the past, a car lift from Soviet days that auto-cranks your car (and you) about 50 meters up the mountain.  After 45-60 minutes of driving on gravel road, the gorge opens up into a flat valley with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.  The Adyr-Suu Alpine Lodge is at the end of this valley and where back-country skiers base out of during the acclimatization phase of their Mt. Elbrus ski tours.  This is truly a place where you can experience untouched powder!

C.  Mt. Cheget (Elbrus) – Cheget is a neighboring mountain to Mt. Elbrus and where many climbers will acclimatize, both at its base and while doing some hikes.  It also is famous in Russia for its free-ride terrain for more experienced skiers.  Standard access to the chair lifts and mountain are available to all (i.e. mountain climbers don’t need to worry about accidentally crossing into the zone), but anyone wanting to summit the peak of Cheget OR visit the beautiful Cheget Lake needs a border permit. 

Foreigners violating the border zone areas is considered a serious offense in Russia; make sure to do your due diligence if wanting to visit one of these areas!  We highly recommend using a local tour operator and always traveling with a local person if visiting one of these areas.

9.  Any cultural “do’s” or “don’t’s” to be aware of

Kabardino-Balkaria is a fascinating republic with a combination of traditional and modern society.  The more you interact with local people, the more you’ll see a mixture of Muslim faith, post-Soviet mentality, and ancient local traditions all wrapped together.   

Kabardians mainly live in the lowlands (Nalchik, Baksan, and lowland villages), while Balkars primarily live in the mountain valleys (Elbrus, Chegem, Upper Balkaria, etc.).  There is a large population of Russians in the region as well.  Foreigners visit every area of the region regularly, and so local people are used to and will welcome your presence.

Come with an open mind to learn about these peoples, their traditions, and their land.  You won’t regret your trip to Kabardino-Balkaria!

***Want to learn more?  Here are several self-published resources from the podcast “ CaucasTalk ” related to Kabardino-Balkaria:

– Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria (audio version of this blog)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 1)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 2)

– Interview with Local Elbrus guide

– Climbing Elbrus: Interview with American guide

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 1)

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 2)

– Skiing in the North Caucasus (Elbrus and more)

READY TO EXPERIENCE KABARDINO-BALKARIA FOR YOURSELF?

Where to find us.

• +1 704-810-4296
• [email protected]
• 1578 Pine Creek Rd., Gastonia, NC 28056

Travel Information

• We no longer offer travel services to Russia. See Caucasus Quest Tours for new destinations
• Is it Safe to Travel to the Caucasus in 2024?
• Climbing Kazbek & Kilimanjaro: Comparing two 5,000+ meter peaks
• How to Train to climb Mt. Kazbek in Georgia

Our Elbrus Climbing Tours

• Climb Elbrus South Route
• Climb Elbrus North Route
• Climb Elbrus & The Capitals
• Climb Elbrus & The Caucasus

Russia Cultural Tours

• Capitals of Russia
• Lake Baikal on Ice
• Delightful Dagestan
• Heart of the Caucasus

ALL Travel Services to Russia and Mt. Elbrus have been indefinitely suspended as of Feb. 2022.

Explore our new tour branch Caucasus Quest to climb Mt. Kazbek (5,054 meters) in Georgia or for immersive cultural touring experiences in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

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IgluCruise   Reviews

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Reviews 4.8.

49,059 total

Most relevant

Derick was very informative and to the…

Derick was very informative and to the point. Expensive cruise(by our standards) booked efficiently and informatively. Second time booked through iglu, better value than other agents or going direct to cruise line. Don’t stress thinking you might save tuppence halfpenny elsewhere, go to iglu!

Date of experience : 24 August 2024

very poor customer service

very poor customer service from start to finish, wouldn't use this company again. they seem to be only interested in getting the money out of you, once you have paid there not interested in returning calls being rude to you when they do eventually answer your calls. avoid at all costs there not interested in your booking in any way.

Date of experience : 31 May 2024

Friendly customer service

I found Steven knowledgeable and understood what I was looking for. He was specific and went through what we would expect. He has a friendly happy voice and I felt comfortable speaking with him. Overall a good experience.

Date of experience : 25 August 2024

Excellent customer Service

Wendy, our cruise specialist was excellent. She was extremely knowledgeable and very helpful throughout our whole experience. We are very much looking forward to our cruise and will definitely be booking with Iglu cruises again .

Date of experience : 17 August 2024

Very responsive, easy booking process

The agent (Gemma) was very responsive, researched several options and came up with a package that suited us. Following email details and website access were as per booking and easy to use. Have used IgluCruise before and were very helpful in reuniting me with some lost luggage.

Date of experience : 29 April 2024

As usual great customer service from…

As usual great customer service from John at IGLU. Prompt and efficient as always, even when we changed cabin numbers he was patient and helpful. Thank you.

Iglu go above and beyond with no pressure added

This is the second time we’ve used Iglu to book a cruise and they are very knowledgeable, patient, and helpful. They went out of their way to find the cruise and accommodation that suited us best and they never put you under any pressure to book anything. I would definitely recommend Iglu travel.

Date of experience : 15 August 2024

Great organisation

Great organisation. Well explained trip details ensuring that my future cruise meets my needs. I have used Iglu for a number of years and have always been happy with their service.

Stewart the agent was great

Stewart the agent was great, listened to all my questions, looked at different options without pressure on me, advised. Great banter. Will be contacting him again as cruise several times a year!

Always great service

Quick response to email quotations. Always polite and helpful staff. Great prices. Knowledgeable. Have booked a number of cruises with Iglu and never been disappointed.

Hi this is Kathleen& Roger Simpson

Hi this is Kathleen& Roger Simpson , the guy that did the booking was extremely helpful, he made it so easy for us , Thankyou Stuart Cliff! We’ve always booked with Igloo cruises we find you very helpful.

Date of experience : 23 August 2024

Iglu is our ‘go to’ cruise specialist

Iglu is our ‘go to’ cruise specialist. Tonight was again a very positive experience. Jamaal was friendly & very helpful, we will now look forward to another cruise on Iona, having missed our planned maiden voyage due to the Covid restrictions.

Excellent service from Kate

There were a few issues finding the exact cabin I wanted on the website, but Kate persevered over the phone and managed to get exactly what I wanted at a great price. Would highly recommend speaking to Kate in the future, great service!

Ryan waz Ryan helped us sort out everything

Ryan helped us sort out everything. We asked him to check that another cruise we had already booked didn't overlap this one that we were booking. He was also extremely patient while we chose our cabin number.

Date of experience : 22 August 2024

3rd Cruise with Iglu

This is the third time we have booked a cruise with Iglu. Faultless service, Paul was very helpful and made the experience of booking very easy. Very nice gentleman. Fantastic service!!

Amanda is very professional and friendly

Amanda was very proficient and made my booking quickly and easily. It was a pleasure for my call to be answered so promptly. A call to Iglu used to be a prolonged chore. I like having the same person dealing with my bookings, I will no longer dread making a call.

Very helpful and knowledgeable contact…

Very helpful and knowledgeable contact who answered all my questions and guided me through all the various options. Very clear observations and I achieved all I wanted to enable me to make my first cruise booking

Thanks to David we have found the…

Thanks to David we have found the perfect cruise in the time frame required by us this autumn David has laid everything out for us and it was all sorted efficiently and quickly

Great service

From the first phone call everyone I spoke to was knowledgeable, interested in helping and easy to talk with. You can leave your phone number for a call back so as not to waste your time waiting when they are busy.

Second time using Iglu

Second time using Iglu, great prices, easy to use website. When we book our holidays price is always our major concern and Iglu never disappoints on price

Suggested companies

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IgluCruise   Reviews

In the Cruise Agency category

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Write a review

Reviews 4.8.

49,059 total

Most relevant

Derick was very informative and to the…

Derick was very informative and to the point. Expensive cruise(by our standards) booked efficiently and informatively. Second time booked through iglu, better value than other agents or going direct to cruise line. Don’t stress thinking you might save tuppence halfpenny elsewhere, go to iglu!

Date of experience : August 24, 2024

very poor customer service

very poor customer service from start to finish, wouldn't use this company again. they seem to be only interested in getting the money out of you, once you have paid there not interested in returning calls being rude to you when they do eventually answer your calls. avoid at all costs there not interested in your booking in any way.

Date of experience : May 31, 2024

Friendly customer service

I found Steven knowledgeable and understood what I was looking for. He was specific and went through what we would expect. He has a friendly happy voice and I felt comfortable speaking with him. Overall a good experience.

Date of experience : August 25, 2024

Excellent customer Service

Wendy, our cruise specialist was excellent. She was extremely knowledgeable and very helpful throughout our whole experience. We are very much looking forward to our cruise and will definitely be booking with Iglu cruises again .

Date of experience : August 17, 2024

Very responsive, easy booking process

The agent (Gemma) was very responsive, researched several options and came up with a package that suited us. Following email details and website access were as per booking and easy to use. Have used IgluCruise before and were very helpful in reuniting me with some lost luggage.

Date of experience : April 29, 2024

As usual great customer service from…

As usual great customer service from John at IGLU. Prompt and efficient as always, even when we changed cabin numbers he was patient and helpful. Thank you.

Iglu go above and beyond with no pressure added

This is the second time we’ve used Iglu to book a cruise and they are very knowledgeable, patient, and helpful. They went out of their way to find the cruise and accommodation that suited us best and they never put you under any pressure to book anything. I would definitely recommend Iglu travel.

Date of experience : August 15, 2024

Great organisation

Great organisation. Well explained trip details ensuring that my future cruise meets my needs. I have used Iglu for a number of years and have always been happy with their service.

Stewart the agent was great

Stewart the agent was great, listened to all my questions, looked at different options without pressure on me, advised. Great banter. Will be contacting him again as cruise several times a year!

Always great service

Quick response to email quotations. Always polite and helpful staff. Great prices. Knowledgeable. Have booked a number of cruises with Iglu and never been disappointed.

Hi this is Kathleen& Roger Simpson

Hi this is Kathleen& Roger Simpson , the guy that did the booking was extremely helpful, he made it so easy for us , Thankyou Stuart Cliff! We’ve always booked with Igloo cruises we find you very helpful.

Date of experience : August 23, 2024

Iglu is our ‘go to’ cruise specialist

Iglu is our ‘go to’ cruise specialist. Tonight was again a very positive experience. Jamaal was friendly & very helpful, we will now look forward to another cruise on Iona, having missed our planned maiden voyage due to the Covid restrictions.

Excellent service from Kate

There were a few issues finding the exact cabin I wanted on the website, but Kate persevered over the phone and managed to get exactly what I wanted at a great price. Would highly recommend speaking to Kate in the future, great service!

Ryan waz Ryan helped us sort out everything

Ryan helped us sort out everything. We asked him to check that another cruise we had already booked didn't overlap this one that we were booking. He was also extremely patient while we chose our cabin number.

Date of experience : August 22, 2024

3rd Cruise with Iglu

This is the third time we have booked a cruise with Iglu. Faultless service, Paul was very helpful and made the experience of booking very easy. Very nice gentleman. Fantastic service!!

Amanda is very professional and friendly

Amanda was very proficient and made my booking quickly and easily. It was a pleasure for my call to be answered so promptly. A call to Iglu used to be a prolonged chore. I like having the same person dealing with my bookings, I will no longer dread making a call.

Very helpful and knowledgeable contact…

Very helpful and knowledgeable contact who answered all my questions and guided me through all the various options. Very clear observations and I achieved all I wanted to enable me to make my first cruise booking

Thanks to David we have found the…

Thanks to David we have found the perfect cruise in the time frame required by us this autumn David has laid everything out for us and it was all sorted efficiently and quickly

Great service

From the first phone call everyone I spoke to was knowledgeable, interested in helping and easy to talk with. You can leave your phone number for a call back so as not to waste your time waiting when they are busy.

Second time using Iglu

Second time using Iglu, great prices, easy to use website. When we book our holidays price is always our major concern and Iglu never disappoints on price

Iglu cruise and flights

By Pooston , December 23, 2019 in Cruise Air

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My husband and I are due to sail on the Glory on the 20th September 2020.  We booked a package deal which included flights, transfers and 3 nights in New Orleans before the cruise.  We have been contacted today to discuss  flights.  We would prefer to fly from Manchester rather than London Heathrow but our agent tell us there is a £300 difference each so they’re pushing us to take London Heathrow flights.  My investigations via Skyskanner show there is only around at £60 difference in the flights.  They’re also giving us return flights the day after we disembark they ship which just isn’t convenient due to time off work etc.

Are the agents playing us here?  Is it somehow more beneficial for them to get us to fly from London Heathrow?

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Assuming Iglu being a travel agent, we are not allowed to discuss them on this board.

Thanks, I’ve edited my post to delete the agents name.  Does that help?

FlyerTalker

The agency is likely dealing with negotiated bulk fares, which are not what you would necessarily find with public search tools.  Thus, any differential in pricing between routings is likely the difference of those negotiated fares - which may or not correlate to publicly available pricing.

Also, when you buy a "package", you get the whole deal as put together by the agency (or which the agency is reselling).  You don't get to buy a package and then say "well, even though we bought this, we'd rather fly through MAN than LHR.  At the price we like.  And we want to come home a different day than what you gave us".

Of course, you did research this all before committing to the purchase.

Caveat emptor.

waterbug123

21 hours ago, Pooston said:   We would prefer to fly from Manchester rather than London Heathrow but our agent tell us there is a £300 difference each so they’re pushing us to take London Heathrow flights.  My investigations via Skyskanner show there is only around at £60 difference in the flights. 

You're likely comparing apples to oranges....skyscanner may be showing you whatever the airline is selling directly, and your agent is getting info that is restricted to some kind of consolidator or bulk fares that were arranged out of London; by changing to a London departure, or adding a MAN-LHR leg, is thus adding to the cost.

On 12/24/2019 at 2:10 AM, FlyerTalker said: The agency is likely dealing with negotiated bulk fares, which are not what you would necessarily find with public search tools.  Thus, any differential in pricing between routings is likely the difference of those negotiated fares - which may or not correlate to publicly available pricing.   Also, when you buy a "package", you get the whole deal as put together by the agency (or which the agency is reselling).  You don't get to buy a package and then say "well, even though we bought this, we'd rather fly through MAN than LHR.  At the price we like.  And we want to come home a different day than what you gave us".   Of course, you did research this all before committing to the purchase.   Caveat emptor.    

Thank you for your, rather unhelpful, unempathatic reply.  Has anyone ever told you that casting aspersions is a rather poor personality trait? 

The issue of local flights was discussed when making the initial booking, and)it was agreed with the agent we would discuss further once flights were available.

Also....the flights they are offering are a day later than the disembarkation date on the original booking. 

On 12/24/2019 at 4:40 PM, waterbug123 said:   You're likely comparing apples to oranges....skyscanner may be showing you whatever the airline is selling directly, and your agent is getting info that is restricted to some kind of consolidator or bulk fares that were arranged out of London; by changing to a London departure, or adding a MAN-LHR leg, is thus adding to the cost.

Thank you :-) 

4 hours ago, Pooston said: Thank you for your, rather unhelpful, unempathatic reply.  Has anyone ever told you that casting aspersions is a rather poor personality trait?

I thought a factual answer would help more than an inaccurate empathetic one.  Sorry about that.

13 hours ago, Pooston said: Thank you for your, rather unhelpful, unempathatic reply.  Has anyone ever told you that casting aspersions is a rather poor personality trait?    The issue of local flights was discussed when making the initial booking, and)it was agreed with the agent we would discuss further once flights were available.   Also....the flights they are offering are a day later than the disembarkation date on the original booking.     

honestly, I didn't read Flyertalker's reply as unhelpful or unempathetic; I thought it was a pretty good summary of the risk of buying a package.  Now it sounds like you were given a price and flights weren't even available yet?   That's a clear indicator of getting a negotiated/consolidator fare, and if that's the case, I'd say you were somewhat lucky that even the original quoted price was still available, even with the departure date and airport that weren't your first choice.

What is the earliest time of day that the cruise line recommends for flights? What airline are they offering your flights on? Does that airline have flights that connect well on a Sunday? 

We fly to Manchester every few years to visit family. Getting connections to line up can be a challenge and judging how long to allow in LHR or ? for potential terminal changes and immigration/customs can be worrisome. 

It is odd to me that the agency is not offering a flight out of a north of England airport --or is the agency not  located near you? 

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Nalchik city, Russia

The capital city of Kabardino-Balkaria republic .

Nalchik - Overview

Nalchik is a resort city located in the south of European Russia, the capital of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, its administrative, cultural, and educational center.

The population of Nalchik is about 239,600 (2022), the area - 67 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 8662, the postal codes - 360000-360904.

Nalchik city flag

Nalchik city coat of arms.

Nalchik city map, Russia

History of nalchik, foundation of nalchik.

The official date of foundation of Nalchik is considered to be 1724 - the time of the foundation of the first settlements on the banks of the mountain river of Nalchik at the foot of the wooded mountains of the Main Caucasian Range, when the auls of Prince Aslanbek Kaitukin moved here from the upper reaches of the Kuma River. From 1724, the auls of the main princes of Kabarda - Aslanbek Kaitukin, Dzhambot Tatarkhanov, Kuchuk Dzhankhotov - were located on the present territory of Nalchik.

The fortress of Nalchik was founded by General Aleksey Yermolov either in 1818 or in 1822, during the Caucasian War (1817-1864). The military settlement at the fortress was founded in 1838. In 1850, its population was 272 people.

In 1871, the military settlement of Nalchik was transformed into a civilian settlement (sloboda). Since that time, the local economy and industry began to develop. In 1884, about 3.5 thousand people lived in Nalchik. There were 13 brick-tile and lime factories, 4 smithies, 4 water mills, 20 inns, more than 50 shops, dozens of taverns and wine cellars.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Nalchik began to turn into a resort. Thanks to the mild climate and the presence of mineral waters, it became very famous. By 1913, the population grew to 18,600 people.

More historical facts…

Nalchik in the 20th century and beyond

Nalchik sloboda received the status of a city by the decision of the Constituent Congress of Soviets of Kabardian Autonomous Oblast in 1921. At the same time, the decisions were made to build a power plant in Nalchik, as well as a mechanical plant with a foundry (later transformed into a hydro-turbine plant) and a timber mill. In 1923-1928, an elevator, a mechanized mill, and the Nalchik confectionery factory were built.

In 1923, the Lenin Educational Town was established (today’s Kabardino-Balkarian State University - one of the largest universities in the North Caucasus) with pedagogical, agricultural and cooperative technical schools. In 1939 the population of Nalchik was 47,970 people.

During the Second World War, Nalchik was occupied by the Germans from October 28, 1942 to January 3, 1943, the city was largely destroyed. About 9 thousand residents died in the battles.

On March 8, 1944, the forced deportation of the Balkars began. In total, 37,713 people were sent from the Nalchik railway station to permanent exile to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Officially, the deportation was based on the facts of participation of the Balkars in collaborationist formations that sided with Nazi Germany during the Second World War.

Subsequently, by the highest state bodies of the USSR, and later - of Russia, this deportation was declared illegal, criminal, and an act of genocide. In 1957, a massive return of the Balkars to their homeland began. In 1959, the city’s population was 87,600.

In the 1960s-1970s, Nalchik was developed according to a new general plan corresponding to its status of a resort city. A distinctive feature of the urban development was that between the main streets with multi-storey buildings there were whole quarters of “hidden” private houses, many of which were pre-revolutionary buildings.

In the sanatoriums of Nalchik, about 36,000 people rested and were treated in 1958, 80,000 - in 1968, and 100,000 - in 1971. In the late 1980s, the Nalchik resort reached the peak in its development and presented an almost idyllic picture of the prosperity of a socialist state. In 1989, the population of Nalchik was 234,500 people.

In 1991, Nalchik became the capital of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria within the Russian Federation. Just as in all of Russia, the collapse of the USSR and the severance of industrial ties led to the fact that most of the city’s enterprises were closed. By 1995, the situation worsened even more when refugees from Chechnya were accommodated in local sanatoriums and rest homes. The entire resort area and city park fell into disrepair.

1997 was a turning point for Nalchik - the city began to be actively decorated and landscaped again. In 1999, by the decree of the Government of the Russian Federation, the Nalchik resort was assigned the status of a resort of federal significance.

In October 2005, the city was attacked by Islamist militants. 14 civilians and 35 police officers and law enforcement officers were killed, more than 240 people were wounded, including 129 law enforcement officers. The number of militants killed according to various sources ranges from 41 to 97 people.

In 2010, Nalchik was awarded the honorary title “City of Military Glory”.

Pictures of Nalchik

Rainbow in Nalchik

Author: Deni Altmar

The restaurant Sosruko in Nalchik

Author: Vladimir Shelyapin

Nalchik Railway Station

Author: Karolina P.

Nalchik - Features

The Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria is one of the most beautiful and unique places in Russia in terms of natural, historical, and cultural characteristics. Nalchik, the capital of the republic, is located in its center in a picturesque area at the foot of the Main Caucasian Range at an altitude of 512 meters above sea level.

There are several versions of the origin of the city’s name. The most probable is that it got its name from the mountain river of Nalchik, which flows through its territory, and its geographical location in a semicircle of mountains resembles a horseshoe. The name of the city is based on the word “nal” - “horseshoe”, which is used in both the Kabardino-Circassian and Karachai-Balkarian languages. The horseshoe is depicted on the city’s coat of arms along with Mount Elbrus.

The climate of Nalchik is the climate of the foothill zone. The average temperature in July is plus 21 degrees Celsius, in January - minus 2.5 degrees Celsius. The main feature of the local climate is the daily fluctuations in air temperature, especially in summer.

According to the 2010 All-Russian Population Census, the ethnic composition of the population of Nalchik is as follows: Kabardians - 49.25%, Russians - 28.77%, Balkars - 12.16%, Ossetians - 2.04%. The majority of the city’s population are Sunni Muslims.

The federal highway “Caucasus” passes through Nalchik. From the Nalchik railway station, trains leave in the direction of Moscow located about 1,700 km north of it. The airport of Nalchik offers regular flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg. Minibuses (known as “marshrutka”) form the basis of the city’s public transport.

Nalchik is a fairly large industrial center. The leading branches of industry are non-ferrous metallurgy, light industry, food and pharmaceutical industries. Kabardino-Balkaria and its capital Nalchik are a popular center for tourism, mountaineering and skiing.

Due to the mild natural and climatic conditions, the presence of various mineral waters and therapeutic mud, the balneological resort of Nalchik is on a par with the resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters - Kislovodsk, Yessentuki, Pyatigorsk, Zheleznovodsk. About a quarter of the city is a resort area. In the resort part of the city and around it, there are about 40 sanatoriums, rest houses, tourist centers, boarding houses. On a relatively small territory of Nalchik, there are 18 mineral springs of various physical and chemical composition.

The valley of the resort is surrounded by mountains in a semicircle protecting this beautiful place from the winds. A magnificent panorama of the majestic peaks of the Greater Caucasus opens from any point.

Main Attractions of Nalchik

Atazhukinsky Garden - the largest park in the North Caucasus. Named after the Kabardian prince Atazhuko Atazhukin, it was founded in 1847. The total area is about 250 hectares, the length of the main alley - 1.5 kilometers. The park has over 150 species of plants, a river, lakes, an observation deck, sculptures, a pavilion with mineral water, a zoo, cafes and restaurants, a summer concert hall (Green Theater). In 2002, Atazhukinsky Garden was recognized as the best green park in Russia. Shogentsukova Avenue.

Nalchik Hippodrome . From time immemorial, Kabardino-Balkaria has been famous for its thoroughbred horses. Therefore, it is not surprising that one of the main attractions of Nalchik is its hippodrome. The hippodrome was built in the 1930s. In 2006, reconstruction was carried out. Horse races held here are very popular among locals and tourists. Malbakhova Street, 30.

Nalchik Central Mosque (2004) - not only one of the most original architectural objects of the city, but also a unique religious building of Islam. As conceived by the architect Andrey Asanov, not traditional canons were used in the construction of the building, but a modern high-tech style. The height of the mosque is 21 meters, the minarets - 30 meters. Shogentsukova Avenue, 133.

Restaurant “Sosruko” - one of the symbols of Nalchik. In the 1950s, it was decided to build a new restaurant in Nalchik where numerous vacationers could spend their evenings. The winner of the competition was the architect Palagashvili, who proposed to make the building recognizable and unique.

The exterior of the restaurant is stylized as a head dressed in a helmet and a hand with a flaming torch - the hero of the national epic Sosruko, who seems to grow out of a mountain 640 meters high. The helmet has an observation deck, which offers impressive panoramic views.

National Museum of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria . The exposition of the department of nature displays a huge relief map of the republic and samples of minerals extracted in its different parts. Slides and dioramas introduce visitors to the natural monuments, flora and fauna of Kabardino-Balkaria, the uniqueness of which is due to the presence of five climatic zones on the territory of the republic.

The historical part of the exposition tells about the most interesting archaeological finds of Kabardino-Balkaria, about the history of the Kabardians and Balkars (the indigenous inhabitants of the republic) from ancient times to the present day, about their traditions, customs, ethnography, and culture. Gorkogo Street, 62.

Kabardino-Balkarian Museum of Fine Arts named after A.L. Tkachenko . The exhibition halls of this museum showcase works of European, Russian and national artists, sculptors, masters of decorative and applied art created in the 19th-20th centuries. The pride of the museum is the collection of masterpieces created by French watchmakers of the 18th century, antique Japanese, Chinese, European, and Russian porcelain. Lenina Avenue, 35.

Chegem Waterfalls in the Chegem Gorge - a picturesque natural monument, one of the natural tourist attractions of Kabardino-Balkaria and one of the most beautiful places in Russia located about 55 km from Nalchik. Here you can also buy wool products, souvenirs, and other Kabardian and Balkar goods. There are several small cafes with national cuisine.

Nalchik city of Russia photos

Streets of nalchik.

Nalchik - a city surrounded by mountains

Author: Shlykov Kirill

On the street in Nalchik

Author: Valery Podlesny

Apartment house in Nalchik

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