Activities in Russian Caucasus
-
Narzan Gallery
The warm yellow stone of this graceful, well-preserved 1850s building recalls the spa town of Bath, England. Inside, the rich, carbonic Narzan Spring bubbles up inside a glass dome and spits out nearly undrinkable water into several fountains. Never mind the foul taste; if you come here you’re obliged to have a cup, so drink up!
reviewed
-
A
Reinfo
Well-established tour operator with range of programs: heliskiing and white-water rafting in Krasnaya Polyana; sailing in Sochi; hiking to Mt Fisht, Vorontsovskaya Cave and lesser-known places. Handles visas, foreigner registration and accommodation booking.
reviewed
-
Elsi-Trek
Elsi-Trek runs full-day tours to Chegem Waterfall (per tour group with English guide R3000), multiday mountaineering expeditions in the mountains around Bezengi, and various other tours up the valleys south and west of Nalchik.
reviewed
-
Volodya
Look for entrepreneurial rafting guide Volodya hanging out riverside near the Alpika base area. Volodya also runs day or overnight hiking trips into the mountains. Guides cost R1500 per day.
reviewed
-
Bars
Exclusive agent for foreigner border permits, in the basement of the new cable-car base station. Guides day hikes, multiday mountaineering expeditions, rock climbing, backcountry skiing (freeriding) and heliskiing.
reviewed
-
Narzan Baths
The main Narzan Baths are in an eye-catching 1903 Indian temple–style building that has been closed for years. Narzan means ‘Drink of Brave Warriors’ in Turkish.
reviewed
-
Polyana Pesen
Polyana Pesen is an extreme sports park. Various trails and a skate park have been carved into the side of Mt Mashuk for the benefit of skaters, mountain bikers and ATV aficionados.
reviewed
-
Adventure Studio
Specialises in canyoning, rock climbing, rafting, caving, backcountry skiing and one- to 10-day trekking trips. Partnered with superb Elbrus-based extreme-sport specialist Go-Elbrus.
reviewed
-
Teberdinsky Nature Reserve Office
The nature reserve office issues reserve passes and can arrange guides for hikes originating in Teberda. It’s just off the main road on the north edge of Teberda.
reviewed
-
Alpika
The most challenging slopes for skiing will be found at Alpika. An all-day lift pass costs R1200 on weekdays and R1400 at weekends.
reviewed
Advertisement
-
B
Park Rivera
Inside Park Rivera are several fun fairs, an aquarium pony rides and various other diversions for the kiddies.
reviewed
-
C
Spa Lermo
Spa Lermo is an intimate, good-value banya. There’s a two-hour minimum and up to 6 persons allowed per group. Reserve ahead.
reviewed
-
Central Gryazelechebnitsa
If you just want to get dipped in mud and be done with it the Central Gryazelechebnitsa is the place to go. Bring a translator along.
reviewed
-
D
Cable Car
Closer to the city centre, a cable car whisks you to the top of Mt Mashuk for fresh breezes and a great panorama.
reviewed
-
Sea Cruise
The snow-capped mountains behind Sochi can only be appreciated from a sea cruise, and there may be the bonus of seeing dolphins.
reviewed
