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The North Caucasus is an ethnically diverse region of Russia composed of many different republics, which are culturally closer to Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan than to Russia itself.
The whole region of the Caucasus is one of those ancient parts of the world that has been the crossroads of many different empires and kingdoms but, at the same time, those mountains have been home to many isolated groups of people and societies that created very strong identities.
Chechnya, Ingushetia, Dagestan and North Ossetia may all belong to the North Caucasus but traveling throughout them feels like traveling through 4 different countries.
From the most gorgeous mountain ranges in Europe to unspoiled villages, but also a region with an intriguing Soviet and 21st century, North Caucasus might be one of the most interesting destinations we have ever offered.
April 22nd to 29th, 2025
1850€
8 days
Lead by Joan Torres
Note that we always keep the itinerary flexible, and it may be subject to change, depending on the political situation.
Day 1 – Vladikavaz (North Ossetia)
Day 2 – South Ingushetia
Day 3 – Magas & Grozny (Chechnya)
Day 4 – Shali, Kezenoy-am & Gimry (Dagestan)
Day 5 – Sogratl & Gamsutl’
Day 6 – Gunib, Balkhar & Kubachi
Day 7 – Derbent
Day 8 – Departure
We strongly recommend arriving in the morning since on our first day, we’ll visit Beslan, a former school and today a sobering memorial that remembers one of the worst terrorist attacks ever occurred in Europe, an indispensable episode in Russia’s history to understand their relationship with Chechnya.
Then, we’ll go back to Vladikavaz which by the way, is the capital of North Ossetia, one of the 8 republics in the Russian Caucasus, and the only Christian region we’ll be visiting on this expedition.
We’ll have a traditional lunch followed by a city stroll.
Overnight in Vladikavaz.
On our second day, we’ll enter a new republic: Ingushetia.
People in Ingushetia are culturally and ethnically Chechens but for political reasons, they were split into 2 different republics, probably as an attempt to divide their society.
Bordering the region of Kazbegi in Georgia, the south of Ingushetia is gorgeous, home to the picturesque Vainakh towers and jaw-dropping mountains.
For visiting this part of Russia, you’ll need a special permit, which we’ll be getting for you.
Overnight in Vladikavaz.
In the morning, quick visit to Magas, a surreal city in the Caucasus and the youngest capital in all Russia, the highlight being the Memorial of History and Glory, a monument that tries to remember and explain all the forced deportations of Ingushetians into Kazakhstan.
Then, it’s time to enter the Republic of Chechnya, a different world from anything you’ve seen in Russia.
Grozny is the capital of Chechnya. It was entirely destroyed during the war, so most buildings are pretty new as well. We’ll climb up the tallest tower to get a perspective of the city, and we’ll also visit Kadirov Museum, named after the current and controversial leader of Chechnya.
Overnight in Grozny.
This is going to be a long traveling day, since we’ll get into Dagestan through windy, mountain roads.
We’ll start our visit with Shali, home to the largest mosque in Europe. Then, we’ll stop in Kezenoy-am, a mountain lake and popular tourist spot for Chechens. I don’t think the lake is particularly pretty, but it’s a cool place where to see local people hanging out and spending their day over a barbecue.
Then, we’ll continue our journey until Gimry, a small and not very touristic Dagestani village, where the first imams of Dagestan and Chechnya were born.
Overnight in Gimry.
During Soviet times, many Chechens suffered from forced deportation to other parts of the Soviet Union. At the same time, since Dagestan was overpopulated, many Dagestanis were also forced to move into empty Chechnya, the reason why today, you can still find many abandoned villages across Dagestan, the most picturesque being Gamsutl’, which has become a real tourist attraction.
We’ll also visit the village of Gunib and if we have time, we’ll stop in Chokh, home to an original Stalin statue – more like a bust – one of the very, very few that remain in the world.
Overnight in Sogratl’.
Today’s road is pretty rough so to get to Kubachi, so we’ll get into our 4WD. Kubachi, is a relatively-sized mountain village home to many local craftsmen especialized in jewelry.
On the way, we’ll go through unspoiled, and very remote Dagestani villages, while enjoying the gorgeous mountain landscapes.
Overnight in Kubachi.
Derbent is a southern Dagestani town located by the Caspian Sea, very close to the border with Azerbaijan.
It’s also the most ancient town in all of Russia, dating to the 8th century BC. It was a Persian town before it passed into the Russian Federation in 1813.
Derbent is an actual touristic town, very popular among Russians for its centuries of history. As such, the town is filled with hotels, bars and many food options, the perfect place where to end a rough trip across North Caucasus.
Overnight in Derbent.
The international airport is located 1:30 hours from Derbent.
We’ll take you there at your desired time.
Airport transfers
7 nights of accommodation (twin shared)
Permits for border areas
Letter of Invitation for Russia
Transportation across the Caucasus (Mercedes Sprinter and 4WD)
Lunch
International Tour Leader
Local taxes and fees for all touristic sites
Flights
Dinner (except for day 5 & 6)
Drinks
Single supplement. Having your own private room costs €295
April 22nd to 29th, 2025
1850€
8 days
Lead by Joan Torres
The names of the hotels we stay in will only be shared upon booking your spot.
The price of the tour includes accommodation in a twin room.
If you are a solo traveler, you will be sharing the room with another like-minded traveler from the group.
We always try to group people of the same gender and age together but note that this won’t always be the case. Moreover, in the hypothetical case, there weren’t perfect pairs, one of the rooms would be a triple room.
If you want to have your single room, you will have to pay an additional €295.
Today, it’s possible to apply for an e-visa for visits up to 16 days.
If you wish to stay in Russia for more than 16 days, get your visa at the embassy.
UK, British and US citizens must always get it at the embassy.
More details will be shared upon booking your spot.
All nationalities are welcome.
However, US, British, Canadian and Australian citizens are not eligible for e-visas and therefore, must obtain one at an embassy. Don’t worry though, it’s easier than it sounds.
Moscow has daily connections with Dubai (Emirates and Fly Dubai), Istanbul (Turkish) and Baku (Azerbaijan Airlines).
Tips and further information will be shared upon booking your spot.
Starting point: Vladikavaz
Ending point: Derbent
Both cities have an airport. Vladikavaz has a daily connection with Istanbul and several flights from Moscow. The closest airport to Derbent is Makhachkala, which has connections with Baku, Dubai and obviously Moscow.
It’s also possible to enter from Georgia, or arrive by train from Moscow.
This tour is limited to 12-13 people max.
In order to secure your spot on the tour, we require a deposit.
All details will be shared upon booking your spot.
Yes, if you want to join any of our expeditions, you must purchase travel insurance. This is non-negotiable, and it must be with IATI.
Why do we have to buy insurance from IATI?
Against the Compass has partnered with IATI for a very long time. We know their CEO and marketing team, and we regularly collaborate, meaning that in the unlikely event of anything happening, we will know exactly what to do.
Moreover, IATI Insurance covers all the countries that the FCDO advises against all travel to.
You can also benefit from a 5% discount when purchasing your insurance via the link below.
Get a quote here to claim your discount
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions.