Kavkazskaia trail: bol'shoi uchastok po Kabardino-Balkarii

Route at a glance

The opening section includes Kabardino-Balkaria. Woodland and valley sections gradually give way to mountain meadows, rocky slopes and open views. Later, the main places are Greater Caucasus Range and gorges of the Central Caucasus. There are several suitable points to pause and look around.

Route suitability

Without a car Hard

With children No

With a dog With caution

By bike No

With a stroller No

Signal Patchy

Getting there

Without a car

Reach Vladikavkaz or Nalchik by the main available train or bus connection, then continue to the start of “Caucasus Trail: Long Section through Kabardino-Balkaria” by local bus, shuttle, taxi or on foot as appropriate. Check seasonal timetables before travelling. This is a point-to-point route, so arrange the return from the finish in advance.

By car

Drive via the main valley road from Vladikavkaz or Nalchik toward the start of “Caucasus Trail: Long Section through Kabardino-Balkaria”. Continue only on roads open to private vehicles and complete restricted or rough sections on foot or by an authorised transfer. Leaving a car at the start does not solve the return journey.

Parking

Use an official car park at a tourist base, reserve checkpoint or the final village. Keep access roads, barriers and emergency routes clear.

What to expect

Kabardino-Balkaria

Greater Caucasus Range

gorges of the Central Caucasus

Difficult sections and safety

The distance should be split into stages, with overnight options, water sources and exit points checked in advance. Elevation up to about 3700 m brings rapid weather changes, cold and possible snow even in the warm season. The finish is separate from the start, so return logistics should be arranged before setting out.

How much time to allow

Расчётное время маршрута 5 d 44 min

Расчёт учитывает дистанцию и набор высоты. Добавьте запас на отдых, погоду и навигацию.

Best time to go

Recommended weather window: June–September

Snow and cold may remain at elevation long after the valleys become mild

Start early and keep enough daylight for the descent or the final approach

What to bring

shoes with grippy soles

water and food

a charged phone with an offline map

a small first-aid kit

windproof and waterproof layers

extra food and a power bank

overnight equipment appropriate for the itinerary