The Republic of Kabardino – Balkaria (Кабардино-Балкария in Russian) is named after its two main ethnic groups, the Kabards and Balkars, ethnically and politically divided.
Kabards are Circassians and form the majority, whereas Balkars are Turkic who wish to have their own republic.
Often discribed unstable, Kabardino – Balkaria had attacks linked to the Chechen war in 2000’s, violences toward the local government in 2010, but today, even though there are still rivalries betweens ethnic groups, the situation is stable and as a tourist you are unlikely to experience any troubles there.
On the bright side, Kabardino – Balkaria is home to the highest mountain in Europe : Mount Elbrus. There are breathtaking mountain views all around with plenty of glaciers and waterfalls.
A fascinating corner of Russia where tourism is growing fast, so hurry up !
Last updated : 06/02/2024
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General informations
Hiking the Elbrus
Mont Elbrus is the highest peak in Europe and because of its location at the sensitive border with Georgia, there are strong regulations to hike it. A guide is mandatory. He/she will get the permit for you. Don’t try to get it yourself, you will get denied for sure.
The border zone
Anyone willing to hike around the mountains near the border must have border zone permit.
Make sure to specify that you aren’t willing to hike Mount Elbrus, and tell the places you wish to go to. If you only vaguely write down the districts (районы), they might reject your application thinking that it includes the Elbrus, as said above, your tour guide is supposed to apply for you.
Click to view my detailed border zone permit guide
Police posts on the roads : There is a big check post between North Ossetia and Kabardino – Balkaria where everyone seems to register. Both ways. Coming from Pyatigorsk you are basically entering the “unstable” part of the North Caucasus. Just register like everyone else. They can also shut the roads between the republics for security purpose.
I was sort of “questionned” by an annoying young police officier who probably wanted a bribe. If it happens to you, speak louder english and someone else should rush to push the bad cop away.
Deportation : The entire Balkar population was deported in 1944 by the orders of Stalin. They have been accused of collaboration with the Nazis and were sent to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyztan. The name of the Kabardino – Balkarian Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was changed into the Kabardin Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, as if Balkar people never existed.
They were allowed to come back to their homeland in 1957 during the Khruchtchev’s De-Stalinisation of the USSR.
Where to sleep
There are plenty of accomodation in Nalchik and near the Elbrus. During the high hiking and skying seasons, prices rise up the closest you get to the Elbrus.
I really don’t recommend you the Teplichny hostel in Nalchik (dirty, no kitchen nor real bathroom, zero comfort and super far from the city center), but the little hotel “Alpinist” is right in the center. A throwback to the Soviet times guaranty but very clean and the Balkar ladies working there are lovely.
Kabardino – Balkaria is a popular-ish destination for Russian tourists, but a favourite among mountainering enthusiats, you can easily find most hotels on Zenhotels, the best alternative to Booking.com in Russia.
Transport
Kabardino – Balkaria is about 1400 kilometers far from Moscow. It can be reach by daily flights from Moscow, about 2 hours 20 minutes to Mineralnye Vody and by train between 20 to 30 hours journey.
You can buy your train ticket directly on the RZD website if you own a russian bank card, or on Russiantrain.com with a foreign Visa/Mastercard.
Marshrutka (mini local bus) are available a bit everywhere and you can also get to Cherkessk and Vladikavkaz in the neighboring republics from Nalchik.
Safety
Western governements advice against travelling to most of the North Caucasian republics including this one. However the local governement of Kabardino – Balkaria is working hard for the safety of tourists.
I”ve met an FSB officer working in Elbrus (the village). You should also know that the tensions and attacks have reduiced consequently the last years.
There’s a police check post (passports and cars) at the border with North Ossetia – Alania, and so coming from Ingushetia and Chehnya at the same time.
As a foreign tourist traveling solo around the Republic, I have never felt in any danger, neither in Nalchik nor when hiking around the mountains by myself, people have always been super nice to me.
Must read & watch
To learn more about Kabardino – Balkaria, its people and history, here is a list a must read and watch resources :
There are probably many other books, movies, documentaries out there, if you know any great ones, especially about Balkar people, please feel free to share in the comment section !
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