Russia Travel | Explore Dagestan and the North Caucasus

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The North Caucasus is one of the most diverse regions in the world. Dozens of peoples with more than 40 different languages live in this fascenating and undiscovered area.

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Russia

The North Caucasus is anything but typically Russian. The area north of the Greater Caucasus consists of the regions of Karachay-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria, North Ossetia-Alania, Ingushetia, Chechnya and Dagestan.

It is true that people in the North Caucasus speak Russian. But there are more than 40 other languages in the region. More than 30 languages are spoken in Dagestan alone. This shows the incredible cultural diversity of the region.

Russia

Capital: Moscow

The North Caucasus begins in the west just behind Sochi (Krasnodar region). This is followed by the regions of Karachay-Cherkessia, Kabardino-Balkaria, North Ossetia-Alania, Ingushetia, Chechnya and Dagestan. The Stavropol region in the north is sometimes also considered to be part of the Caucasus.

In most regions, Islam is the main religion, in North Ossetia-Alanian it is Christianity. The mountains of the Great Caucasus, above all Europe's highest mountain (Elbrus), numerous health resorts and spas, but also old settlements with majestic defensive towers, the villages and the varied cuisine of the region are attractive for visitors.

Population

145,950,000

Area

17,075,200 Km²

Languages

Russian, Ossetian, Karachai-Balkarian, Kumyk, Nogai, Kabardinian, Andic, Dargin, Lak and many more Languages in Russia

Currency

Russian Ruble Currency in Russia

Tours and trips in Russia

Treat yourself to a surprising journey and discover the North Caucasus. Untouched landscapes, wild nature and a hospitality that is second to none await you in the southern part of Russia.

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Money & Costs:

The North Caucasus is part of the Russian Federation and its currency is the Russian rouble. 1 Euro corresponds to about 92 Roubles, 1 US Dollar 78 Roubles (as of October 2020).

In the cities you will find ATM's where you can withdraw money with the most common cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex). Don't forget to make sure that your card is activated for Russia before you travel. You can also use your credit card to pay in many shops, hotels and restaurants.

Outside the cities you should always carry cash with you. This can also be changed at the many bureaux de change (preferably bring US Dollars in small and new notes).

You must declare the cash you have brought with you at customs.

Safety:

Many people still associate the North Caucasus with the two Chechen wars (1994-1996 and 1999-2009). But in Chechnya, as in neighbouring regions, things are quiet today.

The last terrorist attack in the North Caucasus took place in 2013 in Makhachkala (Dagestan region). Since then, there have been no incidents of this kind in the entire region.

Caution is needed in road traffic. In particular, we advise against driving in the dark. The road conditions and the way other road users drive require increased concentration.

Everyday corruption is comparatively low in the North Caucasus, unlike in other regions of Russia.

Entry & Exit:

The easiest way to get there is by plane via Moscow.

The following airports are served from the Russian capital: Sochi (Krasnodar region), Stavropol and Mineralnye Vody (both Stavropol region), Nalchik (Kabardino-Balkaria), Vladikavkaz (North Ossetia-Alania), Grozny (Chechnya) and Makhachkala (Dagestan).

Entry by land is also possible: from Georgia via the Larsi border crossing to North Ossetia-Alania or from Azerbaijan via the Samur border crossing to Dagestan.

In any case a visa for the Russian Federation is required. We will be happy to advise you on this.

Best time to go:

The best time to visit the North Caucasus depends on what you want to experience. However, the most popular time is from May to September.

Then it is pleasantly warm even in the mountains. The sun often shines and precipitation is rare.

If you want to swim in the Caspian Sea, we recommend July and August, when it is warmest.

Those who love snow should travel in February, when the mountains of the Greater Caucasus are thickly covered with snow and the spectacular waterfalls freeze.

Health:

Medical care is available in the big cities, but not in the countryside. We urgently recommend that you take a sufficiently comprehensive first-aid kit with you.

We recommend that you pack the following items: bandages, insect repellants, remedies for nausea and vomiting, pain relievers, remedies for stomach and bowel problems, sunscreen.

Before you travel to the North Caucasus, you should have your vaccinations checked. It is important that your standard vaccinations are up to date.

We also recommend vaccination against hepatitis A. In addition, vaccination against hepatitis B, rabies and early summer meningoencephalitis is advisable.

FAQ about Russia

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Dagestan

Chechnya

Ingushetia

Stephan Frey (Switzerland)

Skiing in Gudauri and Mestia was great. The snow is great, and the vast landscape is unique. We will be back.

Sharmistha Sen (India)

The eclectic architecture and breathtaking natural beauty of the Caucasian region would have remained unknown to me if not for this awesome MyCaucasus travel portal.

Simon Stahl (USA)

We had a great group. I still have contact with all six. We have already agreed that we will come back next year. Then it will be a wine tour through Kakheti.

Sylvana Flores (USA)

I will never forget our trip through the mountains of Tusheti. The landscape was unique, though the absolute highlights were the warm encounters with the locals.

Caucasus Blog

Read interesting news and unique sories as well as travel reports in our blog about the North Caucasus.

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Rough and undiscovered beauty

Russia

Russia

Tours and trips in Russia

Treat yourself to a surprising journey and discover the North Caucasus. Untouched landscapes, wild nature and a hospitality that is second to none await you in the southern part of Russia.

Travel tips Russia

Sights in Russia

Russia travel infos

Money & Costs:

Safety:

Entry & Exit:

Best time to go:

Health:

FAQ about Russia

Russia in photos

Stephan Frey (Switzerland)

Sharmistha Sen (India)

Simon Stahl (USA)

Sylvana Flores (USA)

Caucasus Blog

Read interesting news and unique sories as well as travel reports in our blog about the North Caucasus.