athos sailing yacht owner

Former known as: Athos of London

At 62 metres in length, Athos (formerly Athos of London ) is world’s largest and most luxurious privately-owned two-masted schooner. One top of that, she is one of the most innovative sailing yachts built since her launch in 2010. Her proud owner has spared no expense to build his dream, providing her with her opulent luxury and technological delights.

The dining table at the starboard side of the deckhouse accommodates twelve guests. On portside of the deckhouse is a cozy seating area with a coffee table as the main centerpiece. The bar is equipped with a dishwasher, refrigerator and ice maker.

Athos’ interior is at least as impressive as her exterior. Below deck she has all possible comforts, such as climate control, a Kaleidescape on-demand audio and video server in all guest cabins and the main saloon, a WiFi network with VSAT broadband and Satellite TV/DVD/CD/Radio/MP3 in all cabins.

The classic, timeless styling, beautiful details and grand furniture create an elegant and comfortable atmosphere on board Athos . Her layout consists of the saloon, galley, the main deck cabin with navigation area, four guest cabins and a master cabin. The engine compartment can be reached directly from the control room. Athos accommodates up to twelve guests and ten crew members to help the guests achieve a relaxed and luxurious sailing experience. To contribute to that experience, she has a wellness area with massage table on board, as well as a cinema with projector and Dolby surround system. The crew members have access to a walk-in fridge and laundry area.

All guest cabins have finishing in a different type of wood, which creates a unique ambiance in every cabin. The matching upholstery has been carefully picked. The two aft cabins (which can be transformed from twin to double beds) have aniegré and maple wood finishing. The two front guest rooms are finished in cherry and pear wood and are both equipped with a double bed and a Pullman. These cabins are also equipped with a couch and a pull-out desk. All guest cabins have adjoining en suite bathrooms.

The master cabin is finished with mahogany and has a kingsize bed, desk, daybed and a couch. The bathroom has a bath, shower/steamroom and his & hers sinks. Adjacent to the master cabin is the private aft deckhouse which is furnished with a secluded sitting area and daybed, as well as a private office. Next to the aft deckhouse is an owners’ cockpit with adjustable table.

The galley and pantry are fully equipped with Miele appliances, including a gimbal oven and hob, steam oven, combi microwave grill/oven, plate and cup warming drawers, an espresso machine, two dishwashers and various other mobile appliances. Everything to ensure the highest culinary standards.

Opposite the galley, is the imposing main salon, including a sitting area by the fireplace and a large ottoman with extendable footrests in the middle.

Designer Andre Hoek from Hoek Design Naval Architects, Holland Jachtbouw and a very dedicated owner worked together on this unique project. This collaboration led to the launch of a number of technical innovations, including a unique hydraulic system that spans more than 30 kilometres of wiring and delivers around 450 kW of power.

This superyacht features an impressive 61.4m mainmast, Reckmann furling systems and Doyle sails. The twin Volvo Penta diesel engines deliver a cruising speed of 12 knots with a maximum of 14 knots and a range of 5,000 nautical miles at 11 knots. Furthermore, Athos has dual redundancy for virtually any system, to eliminate single points of failure. She also has a dynamic positioning system, a fully integrated stern anchor, a 5383 aluminium hull and a hydraulically operated centreboard.

Athos is the most technologically advanced classic sailing yacht built to date. She is Bureau Veritas classified and MCA compliant.

Athos is the most technologically advanced classic sailing yacht built to date.

Specifications

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ATHOS YACHT CHARTER

63.4m  /  208'   holland jachtbouw   2010 / 2023.

• Previous Yacht

Cabin Configuration

Special Features:

• Cutting-edge engineering
• Dynamic positioning
• Master suite with own private terrace
• Spacious cockpit for dining and lounging
• Staterooms all furnished in different woods

One of the most innovative sailing yachts to be launched in recent years, ATHOS guarantees extraordinary luxury yacht charters for all the family

The 63.25m/207'6" 'Athos' sail yacht built by the Dutch shipyard Holland Jachtbouw is available for charter for up to 12 guests in 5 cabins. This award winning yacht features interior styling by Hoek Design.

For the ultimate sailing experience, Athos offers the perfect mix of luxurious living coupled with plenty of adventure once her sails are unfurled. Step aboard and experience the magic of a sailing yacht charter for yourself.

Guest Accommodation

Families will particularly love Athos thanks to her child-friendly setup. Built in 2010, She offers guest accommodation for up to 12 guests with a layout comprising three double cabins and two twin cabins. There are 7 beds in total, including 1 king, 2 doubles, 4 singles and 2 pullmans. She is also capable of carrying up to 10 crew onboard to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht charter experience.

Onboard Comfort & Entertainment

Keeping comfortable and entertained on Athos is easy thanks to the available amenities, notably a state-of-the-art movie theatre for movie nights.

Whatever your activities on your charter, you'll find some impressive features are seamlessly integrated to help you, notably Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to stay connected at all times, should you wish. Guests will experience complete comfort while chartering thanks to air conditioning.

Performance & Range

Athos is built with a aluminium hull and aluminium superstructure. Powered by twin Volvo engines, she comfortably cruises at 10 knots, reaches a maximum speed of 17 knots.

When not cruising Athos has onboard an incredible selection of water toys and accessories for you and your guests to connect with the waters around you. Principle among these are two Optimist sailboats to bring out the explorer in you. Also there are towable toys offering fun and adventure. In addition there are three waterskis that are hugely entertaining whether you are a beginner or a seasoned pro. If that isn't enough Athos also features wakeboards, fishing equipment, scuba diving equipment and inflatable water toys. Athos features two tenders, but leading the pack is a 6.2m/20'4" Naiad Tender to transport you in style.

Athos and her crew are available for charter this summer for cruising within the South Pacific. She is already accepting bookings this winter for cruising in Central America.

With its luxurious interiors, vast array of onboard facilities and a highly-trained and professional crew, a luxury yacht vacation onboard sail yacht Athos promises to be nothing short of spectacular.

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Athos Photos

Amenities & Entertainment

For your relaxation and entertainment Athos has the following facilities, for more details please speak to your yacht charter broker.

Athos is reported to be available to Charter with the following recreation facilities:

• 1 x 6.2m  /  20'4 Naiad Custom Tender Yamaha 6BY2-260 on ZT-380 outdrive
• 1 x 5.3m  /  17'5 Custom RIB Yamaha

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

Athos Awards & Nominations

• The World Superyacht Awards 2023 Refitted / Rebuilt / Converted Yachts Winner
• International Superyacht Society Awards 2023 Best Refit Finalist
• + shortlist

For a full list of all available amenities & entertainment facilities, or price to hire additional equipment please contact your broker.

'Athos' Charter Rates & Destinations

Summer Season

May - September

$220,000 p/week + expenses

High Season

$235,000 p/week + expenses

Cruising Regions

South Pacific Fiji, French Polynesia

Winter Season

October - April

Central America Costa Rica

Charter Athos

To charter this luxury yacht contact your charter broker , or we can help you.

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More About Athos

Athos Yacht

Motoryacht athos.

The Athos yacht is a 203ft / 61.9m luxury yacht built and launched by yacht builder Holland Jachtbouw . Delivered to a proud yacht owner in 2010, this luxury yacht sleeps guests in 5 staterooms and has accommodations for 10 crew. She has a beam of 35ft / 10.7m, a draft of 26ft / 7.9m. Her hull is aluminum. Her max speed is 15.6 knots and cruising speed is 10 knots. She is propelled by Volvo engines.

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Contact: Merle Wood & Associates | web(Contact us at)merlewood.com | +1.954.525.5111

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Athos Yacht Price & Rate

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CHARTER RATE

When it comes to purchasing a luxury yacht, like the yachts themselves, pricing may vary greatly. In the event there is no Athos yacht price , the industry knowledge of Merle Wood & Associates will help you with everything you need to know in order to make the right decisions when buying a luxury yacht. If you’d like to know the availability of the Athos yacht for charter and the weekly rate, view the Athos yacht charter price and summary .

Athos Amenities & Features

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For a complete list of amenities available or for a first-hand review of the Athos yacht, simply request assistance from our qualified luxury yacht brokers. Our team of yacht specialists travel the world visiting and experiencing yachts for sale and not for sale. Because of this, they have expert knowledge about every yacht, and can provide further details about the features, amenities and condition of the most notable yachts on the water.

Athos Yacht Specifications

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Athos Yacht Location

In Mallorca

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Athos Yacht Enquiry

For more information or to enquire about the Athos luxury yacht, simply contact a qualified yacht broker at Merle Wood & Associates for assistance.

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At an impressive 62 meters in length (203 feet), the Athos , a sailing yacht by Holland Jachtbouw one of the leaders in the yacht building industry, will be the largest privately owned two-masted schooner in the entire world. Located near Amsterdam, Holland Jachtbouw is known for their stunning yachts and the Athos is one such piece of superior workmanship.

The process of transporting Athos to the water via a Dutch port from the shipyard was a rather dramatic one as she is too heavy for cranes to lift at 400 tons. Before being outfitted with her giant rigs, the Athos took a two day journey by land after the wheels of a giant trailer carefully guided it onto a pontoon, then with the aid of a 2,000 ton lift, the Athos was gently lowered into the waters in the port of Harlingen.

After her initial trip, the Athos was towed back to the shipyard on her own keel to add her phenomenal rigging before the long awaited sea trials soon begin.

The interior design as well as the naval architecture of Athos was a collaborative effort between Holland Jachtbouw and Hoek Design and marks the twenty fifth project in which the two companies have worked together with one another. The V-shaped hull and sophisticated lines of the Athos certainly make it a sight to behold.

With an ample interior, private owner’s suite aft and four guest cabins, the Athos is able to accommodate up to 10 guests at a time. The largest suite features a spacious walk-in closet and its own roomy head situated between the owner’s deckhouse and the bedroom. Beyond the owner’s suite are the ample sized guest cabins that are equally as comfortable as their larger counterpart.

Athos also includes a dining area, lounge, stewardess area, lower saloon, and galley that can either stay closed or be opened. The yacht also features a crew galley, five cabins for crew members, and a separate engineer’s area for the captain including an integrated control room.

Athos will be powered by twin engines that drive controllable pitch propellers along with two shaft generators and two diesels to provide additional power.

Athos Specifications at a Glance:

LOA: 62 m/203 ft LWL: 40.20 m/132 ft Beam: 10.88 m/36 ft Draft: 3.52 m/11 ft Displacement: +/- 370 tons Accommodations: Up to 10 guests in 1 owner’s cabin and 4 guest cabins, 5 crew cabins

Related links: Holland Jachtbouw Hoek Design

Photo: hollandjachtbouw.nl

• Hoek Design
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Super Sailing Yacht ATHOS a Holland Jachtbouw Schooner 2010

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Written by Mike Smith

Holland Jachtbouw Yachts , Holland has launched the modern classic schooner sailing yacht Athos. Superyacht ATHOS is now the world’s largest privately owned two masted schooner. Measuring 62m overall and designed by Andre Hoek, the operation to bring luxury yacht Athos to water involved a dramatic journey through the Dutch countryside.

Holland Jachtbouw Sailing Yacht ATHOS at launch 2010

Too heavy to lift with a crane, the wheels of a giant trailer were carefully inserted under the cradle and the entire 400-tonne structure was carefully driven on to a pontoon. The next stage of this major logistical operation saw the barge and its precious cargo towed on a two-day journey from our yard in Zaandam (close to Amsterdam) to the northern Dutch port of Harlingen. It was here that Athos’ deep-V hull made her first contact with the water as the yacht was launched by a massive 2000-tonne lift.

The sailing yacht ATHOS was then towed on her own keel back to the HJB yard, where we are mow making a start with stepping Athos’ phenomenal rig. At 62m, the main mast is the longest built by Rondal or anyone else in Holland and, like the 15m fore boom and 23.5m main boom, is made of carbon fibre.

Holland Jachtbouw ATHOS at launch

A technical marvel in every respect, sea trials of this breathtaking superyacht will begin shortly.

At 62 metres, superyacht Athos will be the world’s largest privately owned, modern two-mast schooner when she is launched in 2010. Her deep-V hull arrived at the yard in February 2008 after being built and engineered in partnership with our sub-contractor. The structure is made of the special high modulus 5383 aluminium, making Athos the largest sailing yacht yet built in this super-strong alloy. We are building her to MCA specifications and Veritas rules.

The Yacht Owner’s privacy Designed by our colleagues at Hoek Naval Architects, Athos has a shallow draught keel and integrated centre board. Her 11-metre beam provides ample interior volume, including a private owners’ area aft with deckhouse and cockpit. The full beam owner’s suite will feature a large bathroom between the owner’s deckhouse and bedroom, as well as a walk-in closet and a wealth of locker space. Direct access is provided to the owner’s deckhouse and owner’s cockpit on the aft deck. Privacy is assured in the deckhouse by having the wheel positioned forward of this location.

Forward of the owner’s suite will be four good sized guest suites. The main deckhouse will have a large dining area to starboard, with a lounge and stewardess area to port. The lower saloon is arranged as a large library to starboard, with a galley opposite that can be either open or closed. Cooking will be an integral part of the interior set-up as the owners also enjoy creating haute cuisine. Forward are a large crew mess, crew galley, five crew cabins, and a large separate captains-chief engineer’s office with an integrated control room.

Sailing Prowess Sailing yacht Athos will have a 1980 m² upwind sail area on carbon spars, while a mast height of 62 metres will ensure that she can pass the Bridge of the Americas. An almost entirely pushbutton-operated rig will include furling booms on boomvangs, carbon spars and captive winches on sheets and halyards.

The twin main engines of ATHOS will drive controllable pitch propellers, while two diesel and two shaft generators provide a parallel power supply. First class maneuverability is assured thanks 150kw retractable bow-and stern thrusters. Athos will have a flyboat on the forepeak and two Vago dinghies in lockers adjacent to the deckhouse.

ATHOS Specifications:

Yacht builder: Holland Jachtbouw

Design Hoek Design Naval Architects Interior Design Hoek Design Naval Architects Loa 62.00 m / 203 ft Lwl 40.20 m / 132 ft Beam 10.88 m / 36 ft Draft 3.52 m / 11 ft Displacement +/- 370 tons Year of Launching 2010

Hoek Design

Founded in 1986 by Andre Hoek, Hoek Design is one of the world’s leading offices for yacht design, naval architecture and engineering. Our current partnership on Athos marks the 25th project on which Hoek Design and Holland Jachtbouw have worked together.

If you would like to charter a magnificent modern classic luxury sailing yacht such a ATHOS please contact CharterWorld.

Pingback by Luxury Sailing Schooner Yacht Athos rigged with SmartRigging PBO, Netherlands. — 2010-04-23 @ 2:47 am

[…] Wednesday April 21st 2010, the two carbon fibre masts of giant schooner sailing yacht Athos were stepped and supplied with SmartRigging PBO. The event took place in the early morning at […]

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Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria: More than Mt. Elbrus!

If you’ve traveled to the North Caucasus before, there is a good chance you’ve already been to Kabardino-Balkaria, and you didn’t even know it!  Kabardino-Balkaria lies in the center of the North Caucasus region, is home to Mt. Elbrus, but more than that is a treasure chest of travel possibilities.  Here is our guide to traveling through the republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, or 9 travel tips to this beautiful land:

1. How do I get there?

Kabardino-Balkaria hosts a large number of both foreign and Russian travelers every year, and has an improving infrastructure able to handle the incoming masses.  Let’s start with the obvious.  You might be a mountain climber or skier coming to enjoy the slopes of Mt. Elbrus.  That means you’re likely arriving on an airplane to Russia.  Here are your travel options:

A. Plane – We advise you fly into the Mineralni Vodi (MRV) airport in the Stavropol Region, which is about 45 minutes from the border of Kabardino-Balkaria.  MRV is the largest airport in the North Caucasus, and has daily direct flights to and from all 3 airpots in Moscow (SVO, DME, and VKO), direct flights from St. Petersburg, and several international flight routes as well, including from Istanbul, Dubai, Greece, Tel Aviv, and Bishkek.  The MRV airport has a growing infrastructure and is the most obvious choice to fly into if going to Elbrus.  From MRV, it’s a 2 hr. drive to Nalchik, and a 3.5 hr. drive to Mt. Elbrus.

That being said, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, Nalchik (NAL), also has a small regional airport with a daily flight to/from Moscow as well as weekly flights to Istanbul. As is to be expected in most smaller, regional airports around Russia, the service standard at a small airport like this will be minimal.  As a result, we recommend you flying in and out of MRV if able.  It’s a 2 hr. drive to Elbrus from Nalchik.  You can also fly into other regional airports which are 2 hrs. from Nalchik, such as OGZ in North Ossetia (Vladikavkaz) or IGT in Ingushetia (Magas).

B.  Car/Public Transport – If you have a car, are using a taxi, or are hitch-hiking your way to Kabardino-Balkaria, the region is accessible by a variety of roads and vehicles.  A major Russian federal highway E50 runs through Pyatigorsk into Kabardino-Balkaria, and can take you towards Mt. Elbrus, Nalchik, and deeper into the North Caucasus.  There are daily mini-buses, or “marshrutkas”, that travel to Nalchik from Pyatigorsk, Vladikavkaz, Grozny, and Magas, if you’re coming from a neighboring republic.  From the main Nalchik bus station, there is a marshrutka that goes to Terskol (i.e. Mt. Elbrus) daily around 12:30 pm; for that matter,  marshrutkas run daily into every valley of this beautiful republic.  For the seasoned international traveler, you can drive from the country of Georgia up the famed “Georgian Military Highway” through the heart of the Caucasus Mountains, cross the border into Russia at the “Verkhni Lars” border stop, and be in Nalchik in about 2.5 hours as well. 

Anyone traveling on their own should download the “Yandex” taxi app, which is Russia’s version of Uber, and has a very user-friendly app with affordable prices.  In smaller villages/towns where Yandex’s service doesn’t reach, just ask a local and they’ll direct you to a friend or relative who can taxi you where you need to go!

C.  Train – Kabardino-Balkaria is also very accessible by the famous cross-country Russian train system if that’s your preferred method of travel.  Almost all trains to the North Caucasus pass through Mineralni Vodi in the Stavropol region to the north, so make sure wherever you are coming from, Mineralni Vodi is one of the stops.  Despite Nalchik having a train station, the city is about 45 minutes from the main railway route that runs diagonal through the North Caucasus, and as a result it’s a bit convoluted to get a train directly to Nalchik.  That being said, the town Prokhladni is a regular stop on trains going to/coming from Baku, Makhachkala, Grozny, Nazran, and Vladikavkaz, so you can always hop off there and find your way by public transport or taxi.

2.  What are the best places to stay?

This list could get exhaustive, fast. 🙂  Let’s first look at an overview of the republic’s geography, followed by hotel recommendations:

A. Nalchik – This is the capital city of Kabardino-Balkaria, with a population of around 250,000.  Nalchik is growing and new, modern hotels are being built regularly.  Here are some of our recommendations:

-Modern and comfortable:  Azimut , Butik Otel

-Budget with less frills:  Hotel Rossia , Korona

You could comfortably spend a week in Nalchik, while doing day trips into Kabardino-Balkaria’s beautiful mountain valleys.

B.  Baksan Valley – This is the most traveled road in Kabardino-Balkaria, the road to Mt. Elbrus.  If you have questions about its safety because of travel warnings, please see our detailed blog here of the drive to erase any doubts or fears.  Needless to say, because of the draw of Mt. Elbrus, there are a huge variety of lodging options at the end of this valley, from 4-star to mid-range to budget to hostel.  Here are just a few we’ll recommend from our experience:

-Modern and comfortable 4-star-ish:  Azau Star , Kristall 139

-Budget with less frills 3-star-ish:   Laguna , Povorot

If you’re a mountain climber with your sites set on the summit of Elbrus, you’ll have to spend at least 3-4 nights at Elbrus’s famous base camp at 13,000 feet.  The “barrel huts” are not easy to book directly with, and we highly recommend you do your climb (and hence, have your bookings handled) through a trusted climbing company.  Here are two shelters at base camp we recommend:

-Modern and comfortable:  Leaprus

-Budget with less frills:  Heart of Elbrus Lodge

If you’re interested in climbing Mt. Elbrus and staying in these barrel huts, click  here  to see our climbing itineraries, pricing, and group dates.

C.  Chegem Valley – Chegem Valley is the adjacent valley to Elbrus’s Baksan Valley, and is famous for its beautiful waterfalls as well as being Russia’s top paragliding location.  The “ Paradrome ” has modest accommodations for those wanting to get to know this beautiful valley for a longer period of time.

D.  Upper Balkaria, or Cherek Valley – This is another beautiful mountain gorge not too far from Nalchik.  There is an authentic lodging complex in Upper Balkaria called Tau-El, with amazing local food for meals as well.

E.  Border Zone lodging – Several of Kabardino-Balkaria’s mountain gorges run into the border zone with neighboring country Georgia, i.e. an area that foreigners cannot enter without a special permit from the local government (often taking 2 months to receive).  There is a famous mountaineering lodge in Bezengi Valley, where several generations of Russian mountain climbers have honed their craft in the Caucasus Mountains.  Perpendicular to Baksan Valley (about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus) is Adyr-Suu Valley, where there is a lodge for back-country skiers to stay, while trying their hands (and feet!) on the untouched snow of that valley.  Both these valleys require border permits for foreigners, but are possible to access for the more adventurous!

3.  Top cities to visit?

Most locals would agree that Nalchik is the main city of significance to visit in Kabardino-Balkaria, but let’s be honest, even more would say, “Just go to the mountains!”  Tirnauz is the capital of the Elbrus district, and is an interesting town to spend some time in, with its unique location in the mountains and place in Soviet history as a once-booming mining town.  The main thing to consider in visiting Nalchik and other cities in the lowlands, is the chance to experience Kabardian culture and food.  Whereas the deeper you go into the valleys, the more you’ll encounter Balkar culture and food.

4.  Best local foods to try?

There are 3 types of food that come to mind, when spending time in Kabardino-Balkaria:

A. Khychiny – This is one of the staple national dishes of the Balkar people, and what you’ll inevitably be served if guests of local Balkars.  It’s a thin buttery flat bread, sometimes cooked with fillings of cottage cheese, fresh greens, or potatoes.  It is often slathered in butter, but wow is that some tasty greasy goodness! 🙂

B.  Shashlik – Shashlik is a MUST for any visit anywhere in the North Caucasus!  Most people would agree that it’s the national food of the entire region.  Shashlik is meat shish kabobs; while pork and turkey can be found in some parts of the Caucasus, lamb or chicken are the preferred shashlik meats of choice in Kabardino-Balkaria. 

C.  Soup – No matter where you are in Russia, you’re sure to find a local soup that people love.  Kabardino-Balkaria is no different.  Especially in the winter months in the mountain valleys, there’s nothing better than to come inside from the cold weather and warm your body up to a bowl of hearty Caucasus soup.  Whether Georgian kharcho or local Balkar lakhman, make sure to try your hand at one of these soups with a side of fresh baked bread/lavash!

5.  Top Hole-In-The-Wall restaurants:

Of course, for a republic of this size, we’re bound to leave at least a few great local joints off our list, but here are a few to get you started. ***Note:  Restaurants in the North Caucasus are much better known for their food than their service, so prepare for tasty food, but manage your expectations about service:

-Elbrus – Kogutai Restaurant at Mt. Cheget – While this isn’t a hole-in-the-wall restaurant per se, it’s one of many to choose from in the Cheget tourist village, and we have found them to provide consistently good food and service.  Kogutai has a nice interior, and maybe most important, an English-language menu with good pictures. 🙂  There also is a nice outdoor patio with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

-Nalchik #1 – Tameris Restaurant – This is a cafe with a relaxed atmosphere in the capital Nalchik.  Local tour company Elbrus Elevation has taken foreign groups there on multiple occasions and always had good experiences.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 3. 

-Nalchik #2 – Cafe-Bar Oasis – You have to know where this restaurant is to find it, but once inside, you won’t regret it!  There is a unique cafeteria-style ordering process, that includes several dishes being cooked on the spot once ordered.  You can sample local Kabardian dishes here.  The seating area is very modern and a pleasant atmosphere to have a meal in.  Address is ul. Kuliyeva 2. 

-Upper Balkaria – Tau-El Restaurant – This is the restaurant part of the Tau-El Tourist Complex in Upper Balkaria.  Whether spending the night or just passing through, make sure to stop here for a meal!

6.  Must-See Sites

This republic is so chock full of “must-see” destinations, it’s impossible to narrow the list down.  Here are just a few suggestions to get you started: (***Mt. Elbrus is a no-brainer and we’re assuming that’s on your list)

A. El-Tyubu and Paradrome – This is an amazing area towards the end of Chegem Valley.  Many tourists visit the famous Chegem Waterfalls and don’t drive any further down this gorge, which really is a shame.  El-Tyubu is a picturesque Balkar village with several historical sites to see, including some ancient mausoleums.  The real gem of the area, though, is the Paradrome , which is Russia’s premier paragliding destination.  The combination of the scenic surrounding mountains and constant winds produces almost daily conditions to sail through the beautiful Caucasus sky.  Highly recommend!

B.  Upper Balkaria – Also known as Cherek Valley, the entire drive to the actual village of Upper Balkaria is one big destination.  First, you can spend time at the 3 consecutive “ Blue Lakes ”, one of which is one of Russia’s deepest lakes with an underground spring.  Then, the drive itself becomes an adventure, as you pass by steep rock walls with a huge drop-off on the other side.  If you’re able to walk this part of the road, that is a bonus!  Once you’ve made your way through the valley walls, the region opens up into a beautiful panoramic view.  Many years ago, there were multiple villages in this region, but they’ve since been condensed into one main village.  You can see some of the ancient Balkar towers that their ancestors used to live in as well.

C.  Djili-Suu – Although hard to pronounce and not easy to get to, Djili-Suu is one of those places in the North Caucasus that people rave about that you “have to” visit.  It’s actually on the North side of Mt. Elbrus, and more accessible from the Mineral Waters region (2 hrs. from Kislovodsk).  The base camp for Elbrus climbers summiting the mountain from the North side is at Djili-Suu.  This area is famous in Russia for its numerous natural healing springs, as well as unique climate conditions that make for beneficial, long holidays for seeking a respite from their daily grind.  There are wide swaths of land available for camping, with probably the most unrivaled views of Mt. Elbrus in the North Caucasus.  Make sure to check this out!

7.  Off-the-beaten path destinations

A. King’s Waterfalls (Tsarskie), or Gedmisht – Probably the valley in Kabardino-Balkaria with the least amount of hype is the Malka Valley, which is the northernmost valley and mainly runs through the Kabardian lowlands.  At the point where the villages end, though (Khabas), the asphalt turns into dirt and the hills start to rise, culminating with the incredible King’s Waterfalls, or as one friend put it, Avatar Waterfalls.  These stunning waterfalls are best visited in the early summer, when everything is lush green and the water flow is strong, with many streams of water flowing down the earth’s surface.  The different colors are incredible and it’s hard to look away.  Once you’ve enjoyed the waterfalls, enjoy a meal of shashlik at one of the nearby lunch huts.  Having an off-road vehicle is ideal to visit these falls, but worth the time and effort!

B.  One-seater chair lift at Elbrus – As the infrastructure at Mt. Elbrus has modernized, some of the more “authentic” experiences have gone to the way-side.  This is one experience still available, though!  From the 2nd (11,000 ft.) to 3rd level (12,500 ft.) of Mt. Elbrus (whether skiing, going to base camp, or just touring), there is a single-seater chair lift for 100 rubles each way (less than $2).  This is an amazing experience if you have the time.  It’s 8-10 minutes each way, and a surreal experience of the majestic Caucasus mountain range surrounding you, skiers silently passing you by underneath, and in general enjoying the silent expanse of nature all around.  The chair lifts are from the Soviet times and so it feels like something from a different era.  For mountain climbers, the newer group cable car gives better access to most of base camp, but several huts are pretty close to this chair lift, so it still may be a good option for you.

C.  Abandoned Mines above Tirnauz – Tirnauz is about 1 hr. from Mt. Elbrus, and a town everyone drives through to and from the mountain.  Although today it looks old and half-abandoned, it was a booming mining town in the 20th century.  About a 45-minute drive above the city with an off-road vehicle, you can see the remains of the mining operations.  Learning about this history combined with the breath-taking views of the Baksan Valley and even into Georgia, you’ll wonder why more people aren’t visiting this place.  This is a great spot to see eagles soaring in the sky, as well as admire the Soviet city plan of Tirnauz from above.

8.  What do I need border zone passes to visit?

In Russia, any area within 5-10 km of a neighboring country, without a clearly delineated border (i.e. in the mountains) is considered a special border zone, and patrolled by Russian border guards.  This area IS accessible to all Russian citizens with their passports, but is NOT legally accessible to foreign citizens UNLESS you have a special permit from the FSB (Federal Security Bureau).  These permits are accessible, either through a tour operator or local friend, but require you to submit your application 45-60 days in advance.

Areas in Kabardino-Balkaria that are worth a visit if you have a border zone pass:

A.  Bezengi Wall – This is at the end of the Bezengi Valley, and holds a place of lore among Russian mountain climbers.  Many mountain guides go through training in this valley.  Five of the Caucasus Mountain’ range’s highest seven peaks are a part of the Bezengi Wall, so you can imagine the draw it has for climbers. There are great areas for trekking and camping in this area. 

B.  Adyr-Suu Gorge – This remote valley runs perpendicular to Baksan Valley and is about 25 minutes from the base of Mt. Elbrus.  It’s marked at the entrance by a relic of the past, a car lift from Soviet days that auto-cranks your car (and you) about 50 meters up the mountain.  After 45-60 minutes of driving on gravel road, the gorge opens up into a flat valley with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.  The Adyr-Suu Alpine Lodge is at the end of this valley and where back-country skiers base out of during the acclimatization phase of their Mt. Elbrus ski tours.  This is truly a place where you can experience untouched powder!

C.  Mt. Cheget (Elbrus) – Cheget is a neighboring mountain to Mt. Elbrus and where many climbers will acclimatize, both at its base and while doing some hikes.  It also is famous in Russia for its free-ride terrain for more experienced skiers.  Standard access to the chair lifts and mountain are available to all (i.e. mountain climbers don’t need to worry about accidentally crossing into the zone), but anyone wanting to summit the peak of Cheget OR visit the beautiful Cheget Lake needs a border permit. 

Foreigners violating the border zone areas is considered a serious offense in Russia; make sure to do your due diligence if wanting to visit one of these areas!  We highly recommend using a local tour operator and always traveling with a local person if visiting one of these areas.

9.  Any cultural “do’s” or “don’t’s” to be aware of

Kabardino-Balkaria is a fascinating republic with a combination of traditional and modern society.  The more you interact with local people, the more you’ll see a mixture of Muslim faith, post-Soviet mentality, and ancient local traditions all wrapped together.   

Kabardians mainly live in the lowlands (Nalchik, Baksan, and lowland villages), while Balkars primarily live in the mountain valleys (Elbrus, Chegem, Upper Balkaria, etc.).  There is a large population of Russians in the region as well.  Foreigners visit every area of the region regularly, and so local people are used to and will welcome your presence.

Come with an open mind to learn about these peoples, their traditions, and their land.  You won’t regret your trip to Kabardino-Balkaria!

***Want to learn more?  Here are several self-published resources from the podcast “ CaucasTalk ” related to Kabardino-Balkaria:

– Travel Tips to Kabardino-Balkaria (audio version of this blog)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 1)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 2)

– Interview with Local Elbrus guide

– Climbing Elbrus: Interview with American guide

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 1)

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 2)

– Skiing in the North Caucasus (Elbrus and more)

READY TO EXPERIENCE KABARDINO-BALKARIA FOR YOURSELF?

Where to find us.

• +1 704-810-4296
• [email protected]
• 1578 Pine Creek Rd., Gastonia, NC 28056

Travel Information

• We no longer offer travel services to Russia. See Caucasus Quest Tours for new destinations
• Is it Safe to Travel to the Caucasus in 2024?
• Climbing Kazbek & Kilimanjaro: Comparing two 5,000+ meter peaks
• How to Train to climb Mt. Kazbek in Georgia

Our Elbrus Climbing Tours

• Climb Elbrus South Route
• Climb Elbrus North Route
• Climb Elbrus & The Capitals
• Climb Elbrus & The Caucasus

Russia Cultural Tours

• Capitals of Russia
• Lake Baikal on Ice
• Delightful Dagestan
• Heart of the Caucasus

ALL Travel Services to Russia and Mt. Elbrus have been indefinitely suspended as of Feb. 2022.

Explore our new tour branch Caucasus Quest to climb Mt. Kazbek (5,054 meters) in Georgia or for immersive cultural touring experiences in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

Visiting Russia - Nalchik, Capital of Kabardino-Balkaria

By Koryo Tours

Nalchik, capital of Kabardino-Balkaria

Visiting Russia – Nalchik

Yoshkar-ola | cheboksary  |  astrakhan | elista | stalingrad (volograd)  | abakan  |  nalchik  | validkavkaz  | makhachkala  |  grozny.

Nalchik is a small city of around 240,000 people and serves as the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, one of the lesser-known republics spread across the beautiful North Caucasus area of Russia, the mountain range that separates the former soviet states of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan from the Russian Federation.

This region has incredible diversity in ethnic groups and is a melting pot at the edge of empire. While there have been civilisations in the Caucasus for millennia Nalchik as a city is only a century old, having been a Russian fort since 1724. Today’s Nalchik is a mostly peaceful and relaxing place, being in the foothills of the mountains it has many areas of great beauty and multiple sanatoria for people looking to take the waters, over the last century it has certainly had its share of turbulence though, being occupied by Romanian troops fighting on the side of the Nazis, who embarked on an effort to exterminate the ancient community of Mountain Jews in the area (unsuccessfully), plus a 2005 Islamic militant attack on Russian security forces.

These days Nalchik is known as a clean city, a place for relaxing, and the starting point of expeditions to summit Mt. Elbrus, the tallest mountain in Europe, which lies within Kabardino-Balkaria.

Kabardians make up the largest ethnic group at just under 50% of the city’s population, followed by Russians, Balkars, other Caucasian nationalities as well as Ukrainians, Mountain Jews still live in the area but in very small numbers now, most having emigrated to Israel.

Arriving/Departing

Nalchik Airport (NAL) is a small one but is fully functional for getting in and out, usually the foreigners arriving here will be mountaineers heading for Elbrus.

The Airport is only 3km from the city centre so you could even walk into town from here, otherwise, there are taxis and marshrutkas waiting for arrivals. Flights arrive only from Moscow and St. Petersburg usually, the Caucasus has other larger airports for other international flights (such as those to Sochi). Nalchik has a railway station, dating from 1915, with links to Moscow and across the Caucasus. A good option for travelling around the region in a relaxing manner (usually slower than taking a marshrutka between cities though) For getting around inside Nalchik there are public buses all over the place, easy to use and very cheap. Otherwise most of the centre is very walkable, the main ‘high street’ is Lenin Avenue, which runs for several km through the centre of the city.

Concord Square

The centre of Nalchik and a good place to start a walking tour of the city, with the Kabardino-Balkaria parliament building on one side and Lenin stands at the other, fountains in the middle and Lenin Avenue cutting through the square

Religious Buildings

The central buildings of the main religions practised in Nalchik are both fine examples of their respective architectural styles; the Central Mosque and the Cathedral of Mary Magdalene are both worth visiting. Dress codes apply.

Not actually in Nalchik, but only 50km or so away so the city is the ideal base for starting an expedition. This is Europe’s highest mountain and a dormant volcano. There are cable car/chairlift options to get t the top for those who don’t wish to do it the hard way. It is possible to get up and down this mountain n a single day, making it certainly the simplest of the 7 continental highest peaks to climb.

Museum of the Kabardino-Balkar Republic

Great for explaining where you are and the history of the area. Mostly in Russian only though and does tend to assume some knowledge in advance. Still a good stop to get some intro into the complex history of this city and area in general.

Atazhukin Garden

A large park complex running for more than 2km along the eastern side of the city, alongside the Nalchik River. A very pleasant place with so much to see and do. The basic Nalchik Zoo is here, walking trails, restaurants and cafes, theatres, a very retro funfair, and a rickety but reliable cable car running up to a lovely viewpoint to see over the city and out to Mt. Elbrus.

Topped by a restaurant building built in the shape of a Kabardian warrior. An excellent few hours can be spent exploring this park and mingling with the locals of all ages who do their relaxing here.

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