Tsey, Ardon and Karmadon: walks in three valleys: hiking in Caucasus
TrailTrack route Hiking Caucasus Multi-day
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Tsey, Ardon and Karmadon: walks in three valleys

Distance
58.7 km
Estimated moving time
19 h 11 min
Elevation gain
—
Difficulty
Hard
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Route description

A quiet walk beside the Skazdon and the road through the larger Alagir gorge offer different impressions of North Ossetia. In Tsey, water and nearby mountain slopes hold your attention; beside the Ardon, the scale of the main valley and its roads towards higher gorges becomes clear. Visit these parts separately to leave time for the places themselves. The concluding outing belongs to Karmadon. Beside the Genaldon, the mood changes: the gorge’s history is tied to the Kolka glacier disaster and remembrance of those who died. A quiet pause and respect for memorial places are appropriate here. This variation brings together independent walks in different valleys; arrange transfers beforehand and choose permitted, safe approaches.

Route status

Проверяем свежесть данных по треку и учитываем сообщения сообщества

Запретов на посещение и пожаров рядом нет

Проверяем спутниковые данные о пожарах и предупреждения по региону.

Следить за маршрутом
Подробнее о состоянии маршрута No recent trail condition reports
Data source Added from a track

This route was added from a track. Individual sections have not been checked in the field.

Route data was imported from GPX and has not been field-verified.

Last updated Update date not provided

Before travelling, check trail access, restrictions and the weather forecast.

Current conditions No recent trail condition reports

Conditions may have changed. Share a report after completing the route.

Community experience

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Elevation profile

gentle climb steep

Before you go

Всё важное о маршруте

Route at a glance

Главное за минуту
Compare the Skazdon, Ardon and Genaldon valleys during one North Ossetian journey. Tsey introduces a mountain river, while Karmadon offers a thoughtful encounter with a place where natural history and human memory are closely linked.
Length
58.7 km
Elevation gain
1174 m
Surface
Нет данных
Tsey, Ardon and Karmadon: walks in three valleys: route photo 3 in Caucasus

Route suitability

Кому будет комфортно
Without a car - Hard With children - No With a dog - No data By bike - No data With a stroller - No Mobile signal - No data The full journey needs transfers and several lengthy road outings. Children need independent short walks. Dog access, suitability of every section for cycling and mobile coverage are unconfirmed. Varied mountain approaches and verges are unsuitable for strollers.

Nearby

The memorial plaques near Karmadon Tunnel and the Grieving Mother monument can form separate visits after checking their approaches. Do not enter the tunnel itself. Rekom and the Tsey gorge glaciers need independent planning, observance of local traditions and protected-area rules.

Getting there

Варианты и важные моменты Show on map
Without a car
Regular transport to the precise start and convenient services between all outings are unconfirmed. Arrange delivery and collection separately for each walk. Transport to one valley does not establish a connection to the next.
By car
Agree accessible drop-off and collection locations for the Tsey, Alagir and Karmadon parts. Check roads locally after rain or snow. Do not drive onto walking approaches or leave passengers on unsafe verges.
Parking
Dedicated parking facilities at the precise start and other separate outings are not confirmed. Check local signs, permission and charges before leaving a vehicle. Arrange your return to the car separately from the final walk.

Электрички туда и обратно

Расписание на дату и время, до которого нужно выйти на маршрут

What to expect

Places
Skazdon River Fed by the Skaz Glacier, the river joins the Tseydon. Pause on stable ground to examine its mountain channel.
Ardon River The main river of the Alagir gorge defines the larger valley connecting its mountain side gorges.
Genaldon River The river runs through the Karmadon gorge, associated with the Kolka glacier tragedy. Observe the valley from a safe road section.

Difficult sections and safety

На что обратить внимание
Elevation gainСуммарный набор высоты — 1174 м.
SurfaceТип покрытия пока не определён.
Риски Transfers between valleys are necessary: direct walking connections across the gaps are unconfirmed. Traffic and narrow verges affect the long road sections; riverbanks may be unstable. Do not enter Karmadon tunnels or abandoned buildings. Check the permitted extent of your Tsey outing and obtain required permission. Postpone mountain outings in fog, snow or icy conditions.

How much time to allow

Оцените свой темп
Расчётное время в пути 19 h 11 min
С запасом на остановки + 30–60 мин
For walking the represented sections, totalling approximately 58.7 km, allow a multiday trip of 4–5 days with separate vehicle transfers. Day 1: the Tsey outing beside the Skazdon. Day 2: remaining short Tsey walks and transfer towards the Alagir gorge. Day 3: the longer road section along the Ardon valley, divided at agreed collection points if needed. Day 4: the independent Karmadon outing. Day 5: weather and scheduling contingency. This is an editorial plan, not the author’s confirmed sequence. Gaps of approximately 17.3 and 25.2 km separate groups of sections and are excluded from walking distance. Additional glacier or waterfall visits require their own time calculation.

Best time to go

Сезонность и рекомендации
Prefer dry, snow-free summer or early-autumn weather for this series of walks. Confirm seasonal access in Tsey with the reserve beforehand. The original January journey does not establish safe winter walking. After heavy rain, check road and bank conditions separately in each valley.

What to bring

Базовый список для комфортного похода
Grippy footwear and visible outer clothing.
Water and food for each independent walk.
Rain protection, warm clothing and sun protection.
Map, phone, power bank and first-aid supplies.
Identification, required permissions and confirmed transfer contacts.

FAQ

Questions before the trip

Can I do this route without a car?

Regular transport to the precise start and convenient services between all outings are unconfirmed. Arrange delivery and collection separately for each walk. Transport to one valley does not establish a connection to the next

Is this route suitable for children?

Do not treat this as a basic child-friendly route: check difficulty, length, and trail conditions before going.

Can I download GPX and KML?

Yes, GPX and KML are available on the route page. Open the map, download the file, and use it in a navigator before your trip; key route facts: 58.7 km, hard.

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