Digorskoe Gorge in North Ossetia-Alania. Holidays in North Ossetia: Digorskoe Gorge Under the protection of the Caucasus Range

Alpine Digoria is the most remote southwestern part of North Ossetia, located in the upper reaches of the Urukh River and its sources. Wild and unusually majestic nature, a great distance from the beaten track attracts more and more attention of tourists and climbers every year.

The famous conqueror of the Alpine peaks N. V. Poggenpol wrote: “Why is Digoria so good, why in other places I did not feel the same pleasure as here, among the green meadows washed by the Urukh, and magnificent coniferous forests, into the dark green of which white ribbons of glaciers descend ? Separate elements of the mountain landscape are combined in Digoria with amazing softness and picturesqueness, there is nothing gloomy and gloomy, and the fresh emerald green of the meadows, the noble, architectonic lines of finely carved peaks with a brilliant firn cover at their feet caress the eye with a happy combination of colors ... "

On the Internet, we found a lot of positive reviews, for example:

If I say about this place BEAUTY! It doesn't say anything. I have been climbing and hiking for many years and prettier places did not meet anywhere. These are 3 glaciers, waterfalls, caves, a mineral spring, horseback riding, fresh air and memories for the rest of your life. It is cooler than Turkey and many times cooler than any other vacation spot. if you are active, full of strength and extreme, this is the place for you, if you are calm and feeling nature, tired of the bustle of the city, you will be welcome here. I have never heard a negative reaction in so many years. Everyone from Moscow to France is delighted with these places. My advice to you: children and loved ones in an armful and forward

At the entrance to the gorge, the main thing is not to slip through the Urukh canyon Akhsinta (also called the Digorskaya gorge), a major automobile bridge has been laid through it (in the common people, the Devil’s Bridge), from which a stunning view opens, from a height of 80 meters the Urukh River looks like a stream, in fact it is a mighty a river that has carved a narrow canyon over the centuries, in some places no more than 2 meters wide. Akhsinta canyon is the main gate of mountainous Digoria

Swimming pool in a bathhouse with ice-cold spring water

We steamed in the next one, but taking pictures because of the high temperature of 110 degrees is simply unrealistic. Therefore, this is a neighboring steam room.

Number for 1500 thousand. There is also a TV, many channels, a coffee table and a shower with a toilet.

Dining room, delicious food, breakfast is not included in the price.

Hotel building

Separate houses that can be rented for a family.

The building where the bathhouse and swimming pool are located

In the morning we went to the Three Sisters waterfalls. The Three Sisters waterfalls look especially spectacular from afar. Three snow-white streams fall at a distance of 150-200 meters from each other. "Three sisters" originate on the Taimazi glacier. Their official name is "Taymazinsky waterfalls". They make an unforgettable impression of the fall height and beauty. Below, the streams break on the ledge stone pyramids. Over the years, in the pyramids, water has hollowed out many recesses, which are a real decoration of each of the waterfalls. Water, falling into these recesses, splashes out of them in fountains. Somewhere at the foot of one of them is a source of carbonic mineral water, which we never found. They have an excellent hiking trail. But the waterfalls unfortunately froze ((. But we didn’t walk in vain, the weather was beautiful, warm and sunny. A beautiful river.

An attempt to cross :) Only I failed, Zhenya passed, and my slippery boots just wanted to plunge into the invigorating stormy river.

Then we went to another waterfall, deeper into the gorge, I'm not completely sure of its name, but it seems to be "Small Taymazinsky waterfall". They looked at him from the road, they did not rise. Further, the passage was blocked by a stretched cable and a sign "Danger, collapse for 2 km." But as it turned out, the danger was not closed with a cable, but the passage to the border zone, as we were kindly told by a detachment of "border guards" descending from the mountains.

For travel lovers, photographers and non-photographers. Difficulty level zero. Suitable for absolutely all categories of wandering people, including children. Completely family style.

Autumn version of the tour in North Ossetia. On this journey, you will visit the real mountains of the Caucasus, get acquainted with the culture, history and life of the Ossetians and Digorians still living in. And, of course, you will see amazing not just from afar, but directly touch the nature of this region and walk with your feet along its roads and paths. And most importantly, the dates of the trip were chosen precisely on the basis that at this time there is a real autumn riot of colors. Do not be afraid, everything is only light and in a sparing mode. We will not have to live in tents, everything will be quite comfortable.

To warm up, we will visit the unique medieval necropolis in the village and see many other sights along the way. Then we will have the central part of the tour where we will explore one of the Digoria gorges in the territory national park"Alania". In Digoria we will visit the old ones, with their amazing stone architecture and where the traditional way of life and way of life are still preserved, and even visit local residents. Here we will go through simple routes lightly along the slopes of the Rocky Range and visit. Then we will have the third, final part of the journey. To do this, we will have to rebase in ski resort Tsey, which at this time is just a tourist center. There we will make a hike along the ecological path to the Tsey glacier. And as the final chord of the whole trip, we will go to the villages of Tib, Sadon and Upper Zgid.

Contacts for applications and proposals at the end of the program.

Detailed travel itinerary:

October 7th. Everyone gathers in the city of Vladikavkaz. There are options by plane, train and even bus. We check into a hotel, put ourselves in order, get to know each other, go for a walk around the city. If you haven't been here yet, I'm sure you'll like it. If we are lucky with the weather, on this day we will already see the snow-covered head of Kazbek and the Table Mountain, angular with a flat top, hanging over the city. And we will definitely see the Terek and walk along its embankment, as well as take a walk along Mira Avenue, which is freed from car traffic just for truants like you and me.

October 8th. Today we have a long trip. We are going to real mountains, to one of the Caucasian gorges, which is called Kurtatinsky or sometimes it is also called Fiagdonsky. On the way, we will stop at the place where the river cut through the limestone canyon so narrow that in some places the huge boulders hanging over it completely close. But even higher, the gorge opens wide and a fairly large village of Fiagdon is located here. We will drive a little further than Fiagdon to visit the Holy Dormition Alan Monastery. This is a modern temple, but very beautiful. After the sightseeing tour, we will return a little back and begin to climb along the road to the pass. On the rise, right above the cliff, there is an Ossetian watchtower, and if you have not yet seen such towers, then this will be the first, but far from the last one in our route. A little more along the mountain serpentine and then the pass and descent down to the village of Dargavs, on the outskirts of which is the main object of our trip that day. This is the so-called "". In fact, a medieval necropolis, striking not only in architecture, but also in the way of burial. Looking inside, you will see human bones and even sometimes mummified remains. Why this is so, the history of these burials is not yet very clear to me personally. They say that epidemics once raged here, and sick people themselves went to these stone crypts to die so as not to infect the healthy. But the researchers did not find traces of these infections in the remains. Dargavs is the most representative and impressive crypt complex in Ossetia, but they are everywhere here and we will see them in other places. On the same day, if there is a normal road and if there is still time, we may have time to look a little further, through another pass to the Karmadon Gorge, famous for its tragedy of 2002, when people died during a catastrophic glacier descent. But do not be afraid, nothing threatens us, we will spend the night again in a city hotel. During this trip, a light snack is a good reason to lose some weight. But in the evening it will be possible to come off.

October 9th. The excursion part is over, now we have a real journey, with a deep immersion in the environment. We leave the city, we go to Digoria and to the Digorians. Digoria is one of the regions of North Ossetia, adjacent to Kabardino-Balkaria, and the Digorians are Ossetians, but speaking their own Digor dialect. To begin with, we will drive for a long time along the plain and look at the Caucasus Range from the side, but when we reach the village of Chikola, we will turn right into the mountains and drive a little further into a narrow gorge. And here the Urukh River carved a very narrow canyon in the limestone, 70 meters deep and only 10 meters wide in some places. We will definitely stop at the observation point, which is called the "Devil's Bridge". And the bridge over the abyss was indeed thrown, but it is unlikely that the devil did it. There is also a short tunnel nearby and an old road to bypass this tunnel. And next to the tunnel is a real natural cave. A little further we will stop at the rider on high rock, this is a statue of Uastirdzhi, the most important Ossetian saint, in the Orthodox incarnation associated with St. George. And a little further we will stop at a holy place, inside which women are forbidden to enter. I don't think you should be outraged about gender inequality when it comes to some historical traditions. Having traveled even further, we will get to the territory of the Alania National Park, which will be announced by the full house by the road. Here we have to turn left into another gorge, which forms the right tributary of the Urukh, the Songutidon River. And then a little more, and right after the village of Makhchesk we will climb a little hill and already in the village of Kamata we will find our new home. This is the visitor center of the National Park, equipped to receive tourists. I will immediately indicate that living here is for not very demanding travelers. No, for me personally, this is the height of comfort, but maybe you have slightly higher requirements. In fact, this is an ordinary village house, it has four rooms. One large, for ten people and three family rooms for three beds. Plus there is a large kitchen with a dining area and a common table on big company. Separate shower and toilet room. For the shower there is a gas heater from a gas bottle, there is also an electric water heater in the kitchen. It's okay, even if a little Spartan, but it's worth it, here we have the most interesting part of the trip and it's only three days. Already on the same day, we will have time to go around the nearest neighborhood, climb the Abisalov tower and even go on a visit, probably.

10 October. On this day we will get acquainted with the old ones in the Songgutidon Valley and even higher in the Wallagcom Valley. In the village of Fasnal you will see the old walls of the Belgian mining and processing factory, which functioned here back in the 19th century, and even then there was electricity and sewerage. Then we will climb higher along the road, where the previously very narrow mountain valley opens wide and here it is already called Wallagk. Three mountain villages are concentrated here - Dunta, Kamunta and Galiat, where there are very few local residents left, and where the life and atmosphere of the old mountain villages are still preserved. And you will definitely be amazed by the stone village architecture and tower-towers, often this is all, of course, in the form of ruins. But you will definitely be impressed. And then, if there is time and energy left, the volunteers will follow me on foot by the upper road along the slope of the Rocky Range to the very base where we settled. Walk here, if you just walk, and not be distracted by anything, at a brisk pace for about two hours. But I hope we have enough enthusiasm and shoot something. And the scenery here is amazing. Yes, even in some places, herds of horses walk by themselves. Plus, bright autumn colors. This will be our first hiking route. Those who refuse to walk in the mountains, after a tour of the villages, will simply go back to the base.

October 11. But on this day we are waiting for a very good walk. On the way, we will again reach the village of Galiat, and then the pedestrian part will begin, although along a relative road, but in some places quite steeply upwards. Our goal is to climb the pass in the Rocky Range. This place looks like a huge gap in a solid limestone wall. It's really beautiful and there Holy place, which is periodically visited by local residents. And if we are lucky, we will be able to look on the other side of the pass, in May 2016 I was not able to do this, because everything there was covered with clouds. For those who came to take pictures, there are a lot of landscape scenes. But this is not our only goal on this day. At this time, a herd of yaks should be grazing here. Naturally, animals will also become the object of our visual contact and photography. The ascent to the pass can take quite a long time. But if there is time left, and also if there is enthusiasm in our ranks, we can march up the slopes of the Rocky Range right to our base. Those who have time to work up already in the area of ​​the pass will go to the base by car.

12 October. After breakfast, we will leave the hospitable shelter in the village of Kamata. And also leave Digoria. On this day we will leave for Tsey, which is located in another mountain gorge. Before entering the Alagir gorge, we will visit the Epiphany Alan convent. A little further we will make a stop at a holy place near the huge monument of Uastyrdzhi, which seems to fly out of the rock and hangs over the road. Even higher we will pass tunnels and old mining villages, where the architecture of the Soviet era is still preserved. And then we will climb steeply into the mountains and finally reach Tsey, a tourist and ski center, which is nestled in a narrow gorge under the Monk rock. We will stay at the hotel. For those who found the former base in the village of Kamata not very comfortable, living here will seem like the height of bliss. But we still have time to walk around the neighborhood and visit such interesting objects as the sanctuary of Recom. This is a male sanctuary, but for women there is one.

October 13th. This day will be completely dedicated to the hike to the Tsey glacier. Walk along the path along the riverbed Tseyadon. We will go slowly to examine everything in detail and shoot something. I hope we are lucky with the weather, and the landscapes here are amazing, real mountainous. Most likely, there will still be time on this day, and those who wish will be able to climb the cable car up to the Skazsky Glacier.

October 14. On this day we will go to the mountain village of Tib. On the way, we will look from above at the Zaramag reservoir, which is spread out in a narrow valley among high mountains. In Tibe we will touch the ruins of ancient ancestral towers, visit unique mineral springs. And on the same day we will visit the old mining villages of Sadon and Upper Zgid. We will see in these villages a unique Soviet architecture and still preserved traces of a catastrophic mudflow that destroyed Sadon. We still spend the night in Tsey.

October 15th. Well, the journey is over. On this day, we say goodbye and go home. Departure from Tsey in the morning with the expectation that everyone would have time for their transport from Vladikavkaz.

Conditions for participation in the trip:

The cost of participation is 44,000 rubles. Prepayment - 15,000 rubles, the rest can be on the spot.

Included in the price:

All transport movements, starting from the airport or train station and ending there.
- Accommodation at all points of our route, including in Vladikavkaz. These are hotels and the visitor center of the National Park. Double, triple accommodation in hotels. In the visitor center it is possible to stay in a more populated room. Single accommodation everywhere is negotiated and calculated separately. Single accommodation is not guaranteed in the Visitor Center.
- Meals throughout the route. The usual three. Snacks will be organized on routes outside hotels and bases.
- Your guide
- Photography and other consultations
- Entrance ticket to Dargavs Necropolis

The price does not include:

Travel from your city to Vladikavkaz and back.
- Souvenirs and personal expenses.
- Alcohol.
- Cable car in Cee, if you use it.

Equipment:

The journey is simple, without any extreme. But still, we will have easy routes in the mountains, so we need to prepare for these conditions.

Special attention to shoes. Normal trekking boots or mountain hiking boots are best here. If not, then at least take rubber boots. In the dry places of the Rocky Range it will be possible to walk in sneakers, but on a hike to the Tsey glacier, in the absence of boots, boots will come in handy. In addition, there should be removable shoes, such as sneakers and slippers for hotels and bases.
- Waterproof clothing is also important. In case of rain, you should have a waterproof raincoat or cape or suit.
- Simple and comfortable clothing for hiking in the mountains.
- It can be quite cold, especially in the evening or morning. Warm clothes are needed, but not winter, but autumn-spring.
- A small backpack for photographic equipment, clothes in case of rain and other small things during the routes.
- Change of clothes for the hotel and the city.
- Lightweight headgear.
- Personal hygiene items.
- A personal mug and spoon will not hurt either.

Send applications, questions and suggestions by mail [email protected] or by phone 8 903 102-99-36 .

By mutual agreement, some changes in the program are possible.

Below in the photos are some of what you will be able to see on this trip:

Necropolis in Dargavs. In details .

Kurtatinsky gorge in its narrowest place.

Male Holy Dormition Alan Monastery in the village of Khidikus beyond Fiagdon.

Watchtower over the Kurtatinsky gorge.

Damn bridge.

Visiting local residents. More details Bogoyavlensky Alani Convent.

Sanctuary Rekom in Tsey.

Tseyadon along which the trail to the Tsey glacier passes. In the spring performance, it is not as good as it should be in the autumn.

And some landscapes of Digoria, which you can also see and shoot.

Digorskoe gorge in the Irafsky region of North Ossetia - one of the most beautiful and wild gorges of the North Caucasus. It is dug by the Urukh River in the Rocky Range parallel to the Main Range. The road here goes along a narrow ledge carved into the rocks above the stormy waters of Urukh.

Conditions for rest and recreation in the gorge - at different heights above sea level there are dry mountain steppes, humid forests, alpine meadows, forest-steppe zone, lakes, glaciers, streams, waterfalls. There are opportunities for hiking along ecological trails, you can go in for educational tourism, making excursions to different landscapes with their historical, cultural and architectural monuments, and go in for water slalom.

Currently, you can relax here mainly in the warm months. In winter, during the season of heavy snowfalls, the recreation areas do not function, but the landscapes here are beautiful in their own way at this time of the year, and it will be interesting to see these places also in the winter months.

WHERE TO STAY

There are the following options for accommodating tourists for recreation: the Dzinaga LLC camp site, the Digoria-Rostselmash health-improving climbing base, the Taimazi climbing base of the Taganrog Radio Engineering Institute, the Komi-Art climbing base, the Eagle's Nest recreation center.

Tourist base "Dzinaga" provides for vacationers hiking and walking through the territory of the National Park "Alania", multi-day trips to the Bartuy gorge, to the Paradise glade and the Taimazi glade, to the Karaugom glacier - one of the largest glaciers in the Caucasus Mountains, to the village of Zadalesk - the place of Alan's revival, to waterfalls, along "Digorsky ring" with visits to villages and historical and architectural monuments.

The camp site is more focused on summer holidays for children and teenagers, whose stay here is financed from budgetary funds and non-budgetary sources. There is an opportunity to receive families, tourist groups and individual vacationers. On the territory of the base there are eight buildings designed for recreation of 450 children. The cost of one day with a three-time stay is 500 rubles.

The distance from Vladikavkaz to the tourist center "Dzinaga" to Vladikavkaz is 115 kilometers, travel by bus (minibus "Gazelle") from Vladikavkaz from bus station No. 1, the fare is 75 rubles. Travel time 2 hours 30 minutes. Departure daily at 15.55.

Vacationers on recreation center "Digoria-Rostselmash" have the opportunity to take walks to the waterfalls, hiking to Paradise Glade, Karaugom Glacier, excursions to the territory of the Alania National Park, acquaintance with its flora and fauna, to the Zadaleski Nana sanctuary are popular.

On the territory of the recreation center there are summer houses and brick buildings. The total capacity is 250 people. The cost of accommodation together with three meals a day is from 300 rubles in a quadruple room and up to 600 rubles in a double room.

The distance from Vladikavkaz to the recreation center is 125 kilometers, travel by bus from Vladikavkaz from bus station No. 1, the fare is 75 rubles. Travel time is about three hours.

Tourist base "Komi-Art"(former name "Digoria"). The total capacity is 150 people. Accommodation in double and quadruple rooms in wooden cottages and brick houses. The cost of living is 500 rubles per day per person.

The most popular in the summer are routes to the peaks of the eastern part of the Sugan Range and hiking in the Gebe Gorge. For more trained climbers, climbing to the peaks of the central and western parts of the Sugan Range is expected.

For experienced climbers, there are routes of a high category, involving climbing the peaks of Mount Uruimagova, Aikhva, Zagadok, Agibalova, Akritov, which are located in the eastern part of the Sugan Range.

The distance from Vladikavkaz to "Koma-Art" is 125 kilometers, the bus departs from bus station No. 1, the fare is 75 rubles, the route to the settlement with. Stur Digora, and from there five kilometers to the base.

Recreation center of the Taganrog State Radiotechnical University "Taimazi" located in a picturesque place of the Digorsky Gorge on the Urukh River, at an altitude of 2100 m. Accommodation in houses for 4-6 rooms (in rooms for 2-5 people), the total capacity is 100 people.

For vacationers, two-three-day trips along tourist routes of all categories of complexity are possible. The proximity of the mountains of the Main Caucasian Range allows you to use the camp as a base for climbing.

During walking tours, you can get acquainted with historical monuments and ancient towers, you can collect unique medicinal herbs, berries, mushrooms, hazelnuts.

The formation of groups and transportation to the place of rest is under the jurisdiction of the Taganrog State Radio Engineering University, and vouchers are purchased directly from the administration of the university.

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CLIMATE CONDITIONS

The climate of mountain Digoria is very diverse. Relief is the most important climate-forming factor for this region. mountain ranges and their spurs, many valleys, gorges and intermountain basins greatly complicate the general circulation of the atmosphere and create a wide range of microclimatic features.

Within this region, according to climate, two territories are distinguished: the Zadaleska basin as a mid-mountain zone and a high-mountain zone.

Zadalesskaya hollow , like all basins of the North Jurassic depression, is characterized by a peculiar dry climate. The rocky ridge protects it from the intrusions of cold arctic air. Therefore, winter temperatures are low here. In Fasnal, the average January temperature is -2.4 degrees. This is the highest winter air temperature in North Ossetia. Rare temperature drops here can reach -30 degrees. The average July temperature reaches 15.8 degrees. In summer, although there are some hot days, the nights are always cool. The annual air amplitude, as a rule, is small and amounts to 18-19 degrees. The basin is characterized by low precipitation (400-500 mm) and optimal relative humidity (62%).

The protective influence of the relief is reflected not only in a small amount of precipitation, but also in a low wind speed. Local winds include mountain-valley winds and foehns inherent in mountains.

Alpine zone , located above 2000 m, has a harsh climate. During the long winter there is a significant accumulation of snow. A stable snow cover lasts 120-160 days. Winter is relatively cold here. The average monthly temperature in February at an altitude of 3000 m is 11 degrees below zero. Spring comes in late April and early May. Summer is cool. At an altitude of 2500 m, the average August temperature is a little over 10 degrees.

The glaciation of the Dividing and Sugan ranges has a great influence on the local climate. The significant reflectivity of the ice and the heat costs of melting glaciers create a noticeable temperature difference between the upper and lower parts of the valley. This generates downward glacial winds that merge with mountain winds at night.

ATTRACTION

The main attraction of the Digorsky Gorge is Lake Tsada (Tabarakhtytsad). This is a unique mountain natural reservoir, a relict lake - the only one located on an ancient landslide, at the southern foot of the Rocky Range in the Digorsky Gorge, in the valley of the Aigamugidon River, above the village of Upper Faraskat (1500 m above sea level). In 2004, the first joint expedition of the employees of the North Ossetian Reserve and the National Park of Ossetia to the specified lake was undertaken.

According to experts, the lake is in the age stage called "old age", it overgrows abundantly and gradually turns into a pond. The bottom and walls of the original basin are covered all over with a more or less thick layer of silt, completely hiding its original shape. The original depression has turned into a lake bed.

Above the lake rises a rock-outlier - Alhoyna ("spindle") of limestone, once slipped from the Rocky Range. Near it - traces of collapses with separate blocks and screes. A karst spring springs from under the rocks, and the sound of water is constantly heard. West of the lake a small stream flowing through.

The lake has an oval shape about 60 m long and 20-25 m wide. Along the periphery, the lake is already overgrown with reeds and other moisture-loving herbs. On the dam itself there are separate birch trees. Shrub willows, birches and shrubby cinquefoil (Kuril tea) grow from woody plants around the lake. This overgrown part, apparently, is flooded with water only during periods of snowmelt and heavy rains, that is, when the lake overflows with water.

In winter, the lake freezes over. Ice formation begins in late November-December. The shallowness of the lake, its relatively small size and low water exchange are not very remarkable, but for this region, that is, the southern foot of the Rocky Range, this is the largest natural reservoir. The lake is a good object for natural-science excursions.

There are other places in the South of Russia that are well suited for winter holiday. A wide range of materials with practical information about the resorts and sights of the Caucasus is offered to the attention of readers on the "Tourism" page and in the corresponding thematic section of the "Reference Book" on the "Caucasian Knot" website. We also invite you to see and appreciate the natural beauty of the Caucasus, with its unique landscapes and landscapes, in our special photo album "

This article will talk about amazingly beautiful mountainous places famous for its numerous historical monuments and magnificent natural landscapes.

This unique natural monument is located in the Digorskoye Gorge. The relief, sights and many interesting things will be discussed in this article.

North Ossetia: general information

Alania (North Ossetia), belonging to the Russian Federation, is located in the north of the Caucasus Mountains. The entire territory has an area of ​​approximately 8 thousand square meters. km, and inhabited by more than 670 thousand people. Ossetians (approximately 53%) and Russians (30%) live here in the overwhelming majority. There are also Ingush and Armenians in the Republic. The administrative center of the Republic is the city of Vladikavkaz.

The largest cities in the region are Beslan, Mozdok and Alagir. Since 1991, North Ossetia has had the status of a Republic that is part of the Russian

Forests occupy one fifth of the territory, and they are mainly broad-leaved (hornbeam, beech, linden, ash, alder, oak, maple).

Mountain range of the region

Let's take a brief look at the mountain range of these places before we find out what it is - the Digorsky Gorge.

North Ossetia in the west has a border with Kabardino-Balkaria, with the Stavropol Territory - in the north, and in the east - with the Chechen Republic and Ingushetia. Its southern territory borders on Georgia.

The whole republic is located in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus and on its northern slope. The northern territories were located on the Stavropol Plain, the southern ones - on the Sunzhensky and Tersky ridges. In the southern part of the region, the Lateral and Main ranges of the Greater Caucasus are located. highest point is the peak of Jimara (height 4780 m). The Ossetian plain extends into the central part of the North Caucasus. The low mountain ranges mentioned above rise from it, and behind them is the Mozdok Plain.

In the Ossetian mountains there are eternal glaciers, the largest of which are Tseisky and Karaug. The highlands are crossed by numerous Kasarsky, Dargavsky, Kurtatinsky, Alagirsky, Kobansky, Tseysky. Digorskoe gorge also belongs to them. Along them and their lateral branches are the beds of mountain rivers of glacial-snow origin and connecting at the exit from the mountains with large full-flowing Ardon, Urukh, Kambileevka.

Features of climatic conditions

The climate in these places is temperate continental. On average, January temperatures reach -4 °С, and in mid-summer - up to +22 °С. In total, about 800 mm of precipitation falls annually.

The zone of North Ossetia is marked by increased seismicity. Also in the mountains there are quite frequent descents of powerful snow avalanches, numerous mudflows and rockfalls occur. Strong hail is often observed on the foothill plain. It causes great harm to the Republic.

In any case, North Ossetia (Alania) is very popular among tourists and vacationers.

The most beautiful and farthest from the city of Vladikavkaz (120 km) is the Digorskoye Gorge, located in the west of North Ossetia.

It is located in the basin of the Urukh (Iraf) River, whose tributaries originate in the realm of huge centuries-old glaciers and ancient snows. The rocky ridge, in which the gorge was formed, is located parallel to the main ridge.

In Digoria there is a wonderful national natural park "Alania". Depending on the height above sea level, here you can find either moist forests or magnificent ones. There is also a forest-steppe zone, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, streams.

Like the entire North Caucasus, the Digorskoye Gorge is also replete with amazing historical and cultural monuments.

Facts from history

The narrowest point of the gorge is Akhsinta, which is a natural fortress. It should be noted that its walls have repeatedly saved local highlanders from enemies.

There is another interesting point. On the site of the villages of Lezgor, Donifars, Nar and Zadalesk, there was the 2nd defensive line (Matsuta center). On the watchtowers, on the hills, in case of any danger, wet straw was lit. Thanks to the resulting smoke, the news of the threat quickly spread throughout Digoria.

Watchtowers and family towers have been preserved in many parts of Digoria. Some ancient dwellings have also remained here, especially in the villages of Dzinaga, Kamunta, Moska, Dunta and Odola.

Rest in the Digorsky Gorge: attractions

As a rule, a trip to Digoria usually starts from the village of Chikola. Due to the large distance from major settlements and due to the lack of a good road, people come to these places to rest not for 1-2 days.

In general, you can relax in these places only in the summer months, and in winter it is better not to go there, since heavy snowfalls prevail during this period. However, it is worth noting that the landscapes in the gorge are beautiful at any time of the year.

Let's take a short excursion on the way to the gorge. After the first village, the road along the plain leads through the village. Ahsarisar. Its name translates as "the height of military prowess." It is named in honor of the fact that in ancient times the Alans heroically fought in these places with the Tatar-Mongols (Timur's troops), who tried to penetrate deep into the gorge.

Further, the road passes by the village of Kalukh and stretches to the very foot of the Skalisty ridge. In these places, not far from the tunnel, there is the Akhsinta Canyon, through which a concrete bridge was built, nicknamed by tourists "Devil's". This bridge offers a magnificent view of the Urukh River, the forest in the western part of the gorge and the streams descending from steep walls, flowing from karst sources.

North Ossetia has many not only historical monuments, but also natural attractions. The Digorskoye Gorge is famous for one of the most magnificent and largest glaciers - Karaugomsky, which is the second largest in the entire North Caucasus.

A little about the origin of the name of the gorge

It comes from the name of the Ossetian ethnic group - Digorians (in Ossetian - "Digoron" or "Dyguron").

They are native speakers of the Digor dialect of the Ossetian language and represent the bulk of the population of this republic.

Looking at the Digorsky Gorge on the map, you can immediately notice its distinctive feature. It lies in the height of its location above sea level - about 2000 meters. Ossetians call the Digorsky Gorge “Country”, because people with an ancient history and original traditions, passed down from generation to generation, live there.

Otkritie Tourist Club offers exciting adventure tours to the world of ancient towers and shrines, turbulent mountain rivers and glaciers, alpine meadows and hot southern sun. Our travels include:

• outdoor activities;
• acquaintance with the rituals, architecture and national cuisine of the Ossetians.

We select unique author's routes for each traveler, based on his preferences and individual preparedness.

Geographical characteristics of the Digorsky Gorge

Digoria is located in the south-west of North Ossetia, in its farthest corner. From the capital Vladikavkaz to the gorge, you need to drive three hours to cover a distance of 120 km. The Urukh River flows along the bottom of the Digorsky Gorge.

Conventionally, the whole area is divided into parts:

• Stur-Digora (Ustur-Digoræ - "big Digoria");
• Tapan-Digora (T'æpæn-Digoræ - "plane Digoria");
• Donifars (literally - "side of the river");
• Wallagkom (Uællagkom - "upper gorge").

First, an asphalt highway spreads over flat terrain before and for some time after the village of Chikola. And only after a while you realize that you are already in the mountains. A steep serpentine twists higher and higher around the grandiose rocks. It is not difficult to rent a holiday home in the Digorsky Gorge. People here have always been famous for their hospitality and respect for the traveler.

A new discovery awaits the traveler at every turn. The first to meet the traveler at the entrance to the Digorskoye Gorge is the Devil's Bridge. The height from its level to the bottom of the abyss is equal to the height of a 25-story building. In this place in 1919, near the bridge, Red detachments defeated the disunited White Guards of General Denikin.

It is from this transition that one can contemplate the whole perspective deep canyon Akhsinta, whose length is 5 km. In some places, seething springs and mountain streams break out from the mass of rocks. According to tourist reviews, the waterfalls are the pearl of the Digorsky Gorge, irrigating barren stones.
Soon the mountainous area parted somewhat and a sunny valley opened up to the gaze. Above its banks you can see stone security structures and ancient settlements of the highlanders:

• Donifars;
• Lezgor;
• Zadalesk;
• Hanaz.

On flat pastures, you can still see large herds of horses. You can see such photos of the Digorsky Gorge on our website, and then take pictures of these beauties on your own during the hike.

Sights of the Digorsky Gorge

Zadalesk is now a residential village. Several families live here, and some stay in the gorge for the winter. The deserted streets of the village make you think that the inhabitants have left them. But in fact, everyone is busy with their own business, who tends herds of sheep, who makes cheese. No gourmet restaurant food can match the taste of these natural products grown in the purest air of the highlands. The weather in the Digorsky Gorge favors the cultivation of grain and the maintenance of small livestock.

Our adventure tours allow you to get a powerful boost of energy, improve your health and expand your horizons during outdoor activities in North Ossetia.