disney animation studio tour

Whether you're a fan of Disney, an avid cruiser or are just looking for a unique travel experience, Disney cruises are known for bringing stories to life and creating unforgettable experiences. As the fifth and largest ship in the Disney fleet, the Wish is known for its top-quality entertainment and immersive activities for a fun-filled sailing.

I recently sailed on the Disney Wish with my family of four (including two kids). I've visited Walt Disney World with kids over a dozen of times and have sailed on a variety of cruise lines, but this was my first time sailing on a Disney ship. Besides experiencing the cruise firsthand, I was also able to take tours onboard and meet with the Disney Cruise Line team to learn more about the ship and its offerings. I also spoke with other passengers to hear their experiences and takeaways.

So is the Disney Wish worth booking? Ahead, I'm breaking down everything you need to know to decide whether sailing on the Disney Wish is the right vacation for you. And if you've already decided that it is, this insight includes plenty of tips to make it a successful trip, including what I learned and what I wish I knew before I sailed.

An overview

The Disney Wish is fairly new; it first set sail in 2022. It's the largest ship in the Disney Cruise Line fleet, holds 4,000 passengers and has 1,254 staterooms. It's also the first ship in its class, meaning the newer models to come in the near future are going to be similar in layout. The ship departs from Port Canaveral (the closest port to Walt Disney World; it's about an hour away from the theme parks) and sails in the Bahamas, with itineraries that are typically between 3-4 days long.

My biggest takeaway from sailing on the Wish was just how much it offers — and the fact that it offers something for everyone . On past cruises, I sometimes felt like I had to search for things to do in order to fill up my day, but on the Disney Wish it felt like there was always something fun and exciting happening. From themed restaurants and bars to unique attractions at sea to live entertainment, character meet & greets and much more, I was amazed by how much my family was able to do in just one day. The Wish also stood out for incorporating a wide-range of Disney franchises, including Star Wars, Pixar and Marvel.

Ship details & highlights

Disney decor.

As a lifelong Disney fan, one of the thing I loved most about the ship was its attention to detail. From the outside you can see a Rapunzel figure that appears to be painting the Disney Wish emblem on the back of the vessel, but the inside is filled with hidden touches that are fun to look for.

The Grand Hall (i.e., the main atrium) makes it feel like you're inside a castle when you first walk onto the ship. Not only is there a statue of Cinderella, but the chandelier is designed as an upside-down version of her gown. There are also subtle nods to Cinderella in the rug, light fixtures and more.

Even the art onboard has lesser-known details that were fun to learn about, often with a unique story behind it. I highly recommend signing up for the hour-long walking tour of the ship if you're a Disney fan, art fan or would just like to learn more about the hidden gems.

While the Grand Hall is the main hub indoors, the pool deck is main hub outdoors. It's made up of six small pools named after Mickey and friends. The focal point is a giant screen called Funnel Vision, which shows Disney movies throughout the day. This space is also home to entertainment, including a sail away party as the ship embarks and live shows during Pirate Night. Behind the screen, there's a Toy Story- themed splash area for young kids ages 6 and under and a family-friendly water slide called Slide-a-saurus Rex.

The coolest part of the pool deck area is AquaMouse , Disney's first-ever attraction at sea. You sit on a two-seater inflatable and head into a tunnel with animated scenes from The Wonderful World of Mickey Mouse . It then turns into a water ride, including a clear tunnel slide that extends over the side of the ship. Though AquaMouse is known to have lengthy waits throughout the sailings, we found there to be certain times of the day when there was little to no wait. For instance, the mornings of port days when other passengers have headed ashore and around dinnertime.

Adult-only areas

Just above the pool deck is quieter area of the ship for guests 18 and over. Here you'll find the Quiet Cove Pool, Signals pool bar and Cove Café. This area is located at the back of the ship, giving excellent views when the cruise is docked in the Bahamas . There are also some adult-only bars located throughout the ship.

Indoor venues

One of the things that stood out most compared to other cruises I've been on was how many indoor spaces there were onboard the Wish. We'll explore these spaces when going over entertainment and activities, but from a top level, there's a show theater, movie theaters, sports complex, kids' club for each age group, Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, salon, barbor shop, spa, fitness center and more .

Laundry room

Whether or not to do laundry on vacation is highly debatable, but to me, access to a self-service laundry room was one of my favorite aspects of the ship. We combined the vacation with time at Walt Disney World, so knowing that I could do laundry onboard (without having to pay the high costs of sending out for the laundry service) made packing much less stressful. And because I paid with my room pass (it's $3 per machine), I got alerts on my phone via the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App when the washing machine and dryer cycles were finished. This room even has ironing boards, which is a perk given that you can't bring irons or steamers on board. Called Fairytale Fresh Laundry, this space is located on Deck 8 Forward (i.e. the front).

A note on crowds

One thing to keep in mind is that compared to other cruise lines I've sailed on, I noticed more crowds on the Wish than on other ships. It wasn't constant, but it may be helpful to plan around lines at certain times and locations. For instance, there were often lines to get onto the elevators (located at the front and back of the ship) so my family and I opted to take the stairs as much as possible. There were also lines to get into dining reservations, though they did move quickly. It was sometimes difficult to find a good viewing spot for the outdoor shows on the pool deck, so you should go earlier if you want a good view (just like you would for a show at Walt Disney World).

That being said, the overall vibe of the crowds felt fun, casual and spirited compared to other cruise lines. Guests decorate their doors with magnets and participate in "pixie dusting" (the term guests use to randomly surprise each other with small trinkets and gifts). We experienced rain when we were visiting Castaway Cay (Disney's private island in the Bahamas) and as I rode the tram back to the ship from the beach, other passengers were cheering on guests who were walking through the downpour. This camaraderie felt like a perk of choosing a Disney vacation.

There are 1,254 staterooms onboard the Wish. 90% of them face outside the ship, while 10% are interior. Here are the main room types:

These rooms are 169 square feet and like other staterooms, they sleep up to 3-4 guests with a queen bed, a single convertible sofa and a pull-down bed from the wall.

Available as a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom (218 square feet, sleeps 3-4) and a Deluxe Oceanview Family Stateroom (237 square feet, sleeps 4-5), these rooms have a porthole window.

Available as a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (243 square feet including verandah, sleeps 3-4) and Deluxe Family Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah (284 square feet including verandah, sleeps 4-5), these rooms have an outdoor balcony.

Available in a series of staterooms and suites, this top-tier class offers upgraded amenities, a concierge to help with your planning and more add-ons.

My family of four stayed in a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah. On other cruises that we had previously sailed on as a family, we had opted for larger family rooms with more space. I admit that I was a little nervous about the four of us sharing this stateroom; however, I was pleasantly surprised and found this to be the most functional stateroom we've ever stayed in. Here's what I specifically loved about our room:

My kids slept on the "bunk beds" (i.e., a pull down sofa below and a pull-down berth above) and there's a substantial curtain that separates this area, meaning I could continue to clean up and be productive after my kids went to sleep.

There was a ton of storage in the room, including cabinetry in the vanity area and deep shelves in the closet area. I've always struggled to unpack on other cruises, but I had plenty of space in this stateroom without having to live out of our suitcases. (I packed in clear, zippered organizers that went right into the closet shelves.) We could fit all of our luggage under the queen-size bed, and the room had hooks throughout to hang up wet bathing suits and other essentials. And although we weren't traveling with another party, our room did have a connecting door, making it a great choice for larger groups.

Split bathrooms

One bathroom has a toilet and sink, while the other has a shower and sink. What I found to be extremely rare is the size of the shower, which includes a bathtub. This made it much easier to bathe kids compared to other cruises.

The art varies in each room, but my kids loved the Moana-themed art behind the bed in ours. And when the bunk beds were pulled down, there was a celestial design on the ceiling with the phrase "When You Wish Upon a Star." Overall, I found the design of the room to have subtle and tasteful nods to Disney without making it feel excessive.

The restaurants for dinner were next-level fantastic when considering service, food and theming, though the breakfast and lunch offerings weren't quite as good as other cruise lines I've sailed with. This comes down to more crowds and less variety during the day. Still, as a whole, I thought the Wish dining was excellent. Here are more details on the dining experiences that are included in the cost of the cruise (except for alcohol and a few other optional add-ons).

Dining rooms

One of the most unique (and exciting!) aspects of this cruise was the rotational dining for dinner. You dine at each of the three themed restaurants, but your waitstaff follows you so that you have the same servers each evening. This means they get to know you and your preferences — and they can have any special requests ready for you each night. For instance, my daughter ordered chocolate milk the first night, and there was chocolate milk waiting for her each night thereafter.

There are three themed restaurants: 1923 (inspired by the golden age of animation when The Walt Disney Company was founded), Worlds of Marvel (a super hero-themed venue with an interactive show) and Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure (a celebration of Queen Anna and Kristoff's engagement, with characters and live performances from the Frozen movies). Each of these restaurants have a themed menu based on the venue, and of course, there's a kids' menu at each. Because we sailed on a 4-night cruise, everyone repeated a dining room twice, but the second time was with the Pirate Night theming and menu.

There are two dinner seatings that you can request when you book. We opted for the earlier dining time and went to dinner around 5:45-6:00 pm. This was an ideal time for us our family to eat dinner, but we did feel a bit rushed to get ready after a jam-packed day of activities, so there's certainly an appeal to eating at the later time, around 8:00-8:30pm. Each dinner was about an hour-and-a-half long, but didn't feel too long (even with kids) given the multiple courses and interactive components.

Quick-service

The buffet on the ship is called Marceline Market (named after Walt Disney's home town) and is similar to other cruise lines in the sense that it offers a variety of stations. Most items are served to you from the stations (instead of helping yourself), which I appreciated from a cleanliness standpoint. It's only opened for breakfast and lunch.

The Wish also has a food court area called Mickey & Friends Festival of Foods , which is located right near the pool deck. Its offerings include grill food, pizza, barbecue, Mexican fare and ice cream. Because the buffet closes after lunch, this is the only place to pick up food during a few hours in the afternoon and we experienced long lines during a late lunch.

Room service

My family typically ordered room service for breakfast; you leave your order on your cabin's door handle the night before and select a 30-minute window for delivery . We also ordered it a couple of times during the day and it arrived fairly quickly (within around 20 minutes). Insider tip: It's not on the menu, but you can order a Mickey ice cream bar to your room with room service. There's no extra charge, but you can leave a tip for delivery.

Additional dining options

There are a variety of venues throughout the ship that cost extra. Although they're not included in the price of the ship, some are definitely worth visiting — for coffee, cocktails, desserts and more — depending on your preferences.

Cafés : I'm personally a fan of iced coffee drinks, so I opted to buy my morning brew rather than go for hot coffee from room service. Our preferred spot was the Cove Café, located on the adult-only deck, where I got cold brew to go in the morning and latte with Disney designs later in the day. (To be honest, the latte art was a huge highlight of my trip!) Other options include The Wishing Star Café (inspired by Pinnochio ) and The Enchanted Sword Café (inspired by The Sword in the Stone ), which are both located in more common areas of the ship.

Bars & lounges: There are a variety of bars and lounges to choose from throughout the ship. Standouts (in my opinion) include Nightingale (an adults-only piano bar with hand-crafted cocktails inspired by Cinderella's “Sing Sweet Nightingale"), Bayou (a stunning, kid-friendly lounge inspired by Princess and the Frog with delicious beignets) and Hyperspace Lounge (an adults-only Star Wars -themed spot with immersive details).

Desserts : Regardless of whether you want extra sweet treats, it's worth a visit to Inside Out: Joyful Sweets. There are life-size figurines of the Inside Out characters and a display of memory spheres from the movie that make for great photos. Plus, the dessert offerings — including gelato, cupcakes and more — are both photo worthy and decadent.

Adult-only restaurants: My husband I dined at Palo, an Italian steakhouse inspired by Cogsworth from Beauty and the Beast . The brunch was fantastic — even the focaccia bread — and we enjoyed having an adult-only meal while our children enjoyed the kids' club. Another adult-only option is Enchanté by Chef Arnaud Lallement for French-inspired cuisine.

Kids' clubs

Disney Wish had — by far — the best kids' clubs I've seen. They're broken up into four age groups, and I was able to take a tour of all four with cruise staff. My kids were both in the 3-10 age group and couldn't get enough of the club. This meant my husband and I could enjoy some of the adult-only spaces throughout the ship while my kids were (literally) having the times of their lives.

One thing to note is that we often experienced a line at the kids' club, and once had to wait twenty minutes to pick up our kids around 8:15 p.m. So keep in mind that you should buffer in some pick-up time if you're on a schedule, especially around dinner and showtimes. Also, make sure to leave time to register your child on the first day (you can even start this process during online check-in before you sail). You can attend open houses during select times, where you're able to explore the clubs with your children. Here's a breakdown of each of the four clubs:

"It's a Small World" Nursery (Babies & Toddlers)

This space is designed for ages 6 months to 3 years old. It has mats for playing, tables for crafts, cribs for naps and more. From a decor standpoint, this was one of my favorite spaces in the ship, with characters from Disney movies designed into their home countries.

Oceaneer Club (Kids)

This is the biggest kids' space on the ship for ages 3-10. It's made up of a series of themed rooms with different activities happening in each. The club uses bands (or kids can bring their own MagicBand+), which lets staff know what room a child is in at any given time. Disney characters join in on the fun, giving kids more face time than typical meet & greets. These events are for kids only and scheduled times can be found in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App during your sailing. Here's a look inside to show what makes this space so special.

Slide Entrance

Kids can get checked in through a desk at the club level, or they can get checked in one story above and take a slide down into the club. There are fully automatic handwashing stations immediately upon entering, which kids got a kick out of.

Walt Disney Imagineering Lab

This space shows what went into making favorite attractions at Disney theme parks, and it allows kids be Imagineers by creating their own projects.

Build-Your-Own Virtual Rides

In the Ride Studio, kids can design their own roller coaster (inspired by Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Space Mountain or Matterhorn Bobsleds), then ride it virtually in a capsule.

Fairytale Hall

Children can make art projects in Rapunzel's Art Studio, read books and relax in Belle's Library and play an interactive Frozen -themed video game in Anna and Elsa’s Sommerhus.

Marvel's Super Hero Academy

Here's where they can select a superhero suit with powers, then see the suites brought life in a tech game called "Avengers: Mission Training."

Star Wars: Cargo Bay

This intergalactic-themed room includes a variety of exotic creatures from the franchise and has kids partake in special assignments using augmented reality.

Mickey and Minnie Captain’s Deck

Designed for the younger ages in this club, this is a nautical-themed room with climbing and crawling structures as well as interactive elements, including a screen and wheel that lets kids feel like they're steering the ship.

Pixar-Themed Bathrooms

While this isn't a play space, it's still a hit. Each stall is themed with a Pixar character, and the room contains a row of the kid-favorite hand-washing stations.

Edge (Tweens)

The next kids' club level is for 11-14 year olds. This place is designed just for tweens: It has an urban loft vibe with big screens and gaming areas. There's a good mix of free play with structured activities.

Vibe (Teens)

Offering older teens their own space, Vibe is for 14-17 year olds. It also looks like a loft, but includes retro vibes and amazing views from floor-to-ceiling windows. This space offers screens for movies, games like foosball and plenty of space to hang out.

Entertainment & activities

Disney Wish evenings are designed to be dinner and a show, meaning you're scheduled to see Broadway-style shows in the main theater either before or after your dinner reservation. The three shows include "Disney Seas the Adventure" (which combines favorite songs and characters from a variety of Disney classics), "The Little Mermaid" (which is a modern take on the original story) and "Aladdin" (which has special effects and a comical Genie).

Theme nights & parties

When the cruise sails away on the first day, there's a show on the pool deck with classic Disney characters. You can view it from the pool deck or the deck directly above, which overlooks the space. I tend to skip sail away parties on other cruise lines, but was told this one is a can't miss, and it turned out to be true. This party was a great way to kick off the excitement for the rest of the cruise. It does get crowded, so try to arrive 15 minutes early if you'd like a good viewing spot.

On Pirate Night, mosts guests dress up in pirate-themed gear. Some people go all out with costumes, while others are more subtle. (My family brought pirate accessories and parrot shoulder props to wear.) There were two shows during our sailing's Pirate Night: "Pirates in the Caribbean" was held earlier in the evening and includes favorite Disney characters. Pirate's Rockin' Parlay Pater was held later at night with a pirate-themed rock band and fireworks. This was another highlight of my trip; seeing fireworks at sea is not something you'll find on other cruise lines.

There are two movie theaters onboard: The Wonderland Theater (inspired by Alice in Wonderland ) and The Neverland Theater (inspired by Peter Pan ). Both of these show popular Disney movies throughout the day, including movies only in theaters at the time. You can also access a range of Disney movies from your stateroom.

Onboard activities

Like other cruises, you can find a schedule of big events and low-key activities happening throughout the cruise. My daughter participated in a door hanger decorating activity on the first day and liked being able to hang it in our stateroom for the rest of the cruise. We also heard from other passengers that Bingo was a hit. One thing to note is that unlike most major cruise lines, Disney does not have casinos on its ships.

The Wish also offers a simple yet special goodnight activity called a Kiss Goodnight. Located in the Grand Hall, guests will hear a song and see the lights twinkle. During our sailing, guests could watch a Kiss Goodnight at 7:30 p.m., 10 p.m., 11 p.m. and 12 a.m., offering multiple opportunities to experience this popular winding-down moment.

Recreation center

The Wish has its own indoor sports complex called the Hero Zone, which is unique because many ships only have outdoor areas for sports. Y ou can play basketball, pingpong, corn hole and other games most of the time. This space is also used for the Incredi-Games, an inflatable obstacle course that is typically only set up once during the cruise. It's designed for two people at a time (one on each side), meaning you can make it a friendly competition. Note that you'll need socks to enter this course.

Character Meet & Greets

The ability to meet characters on board is a huge draw for families, especially those with young kids. You can check when the characters will be available for scheduled meet & greets on the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App. Most of these meet & greets take place in the Grand Hall area and have lines (especially popular characters like Mickey, Minnie and friends), so be prepared to wait up to 20-30 minutes to take photos.

There's also an event called the Royal Gathering, where you can make a reservation to meet several princesses at once in the Grand Hall. These reservations are made in advance and book up quickly. During our sailing, we met Rapunzel, Tiana, Belle, Moana and Cinderella, but the specific princess are subject to change.

Beyond that, we interacted with Captain Hook and Captain Jack Sparrow when we walked off the ship at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island. We also saw Spiderman at the Marvel-themed dinner and Anna, Elsa, Kristoff and Oaken at the Frozen-themed dinner, though these interactions are more brief.

Shopping & retail

There are several stores onboard that are opened when the ship is at sea. We browsed the jewelry stores and Mickey's Mainsail for souvenirs, which had a good amount of items for those looking to take home a souvenir tied to the cruise. That being said, my kids preferred to save their souvenir purchase for a store at Walt Disney World, which offers a bigger variety of products.

Kids can visit Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, a store and salon combo that transforms them into princesses, knights or sea captains. (There's also an option for a pirate makeover on Pirate Night.) This experience is known to fill up fast, so make sure to book in advance; though you can certainly try once you're in board in case there are any cancellations.

Spa & fitness

Senses Spa offers massages, facials and other treatments. There's also a salon called Untangled Salon (inspired by Rapunzel), where services include hair styling, manicures, pedicures and more. Lastly, there's Hooks Barbery (inspired by Captain Hook's headquarters) for grooming services, including shavings and haircuts. There's even a hidden bar for speakeasy-style whiskey tastings. I personally didn't visit the spa or salon during our sailing, but my husband had a shave and said it was a great experience.

The fitness center is an adult-only space with views overlooking the water. It seems on par with other cruise lines, including workout equipment, weight machines and group fitness classes. You can also opt for personal training sessions.

Cruise itineraries

Disney Wish offers sailings ranging from 3-4 nights long, leaving from Port Canaveral and sailing to the Bahamas. The stops can include Nassau, Bahamas; Disney Castaway Cay and Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point . We sailed on a 4-night cruise and stopped in Nassau, Bahamas and Castaway Cay. I've typically taken week-long cruises with several stops, but found the 4-day length to be a perfect amount for this cruise (plus we spent some time in Orlando during our trip). My family and I didn't disembark at Nassau, Bahamas; I've been there several times and wanted to experience more onboard the ship, but we did explore Castaway Cay.

Disney Castaway Cay

When it comes to cruising, I'm a big fan of the cruise line private islands because the convenience: It's easy to get around and get back to the ship in a timely matter without having to worry about all of the logistics. This held true to Castaway Cay; we played at the beach, had lunch at Cookie's Too BBQ (a buffet that's included with your cruise package), rode Pelican's Plunge (a large water slide) and much more.

One thing to keep in mind if you visit: We couldn't find any open chairs on the beach when we arrived. This had never happened to me on other private islands, but chairs did eventually open up after lunch time. If you plan to spend a lot of time on the beach, it's worth getting there early to secure a spot.

Getting there, embarkation and disembarkation

Port Canaveral is located about an hour away from Orlando and Walt Disney World Resort. My family rented a car and parked in the lot at Port Canaveral, but there are also rental car locations near the port with shuttles that can get you to the ship terminal after you drop off the car. It's also easy to book bus transfers to and from Orlando airport and Walt Disney World resorts through the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App.

Embarkation and disembarkation were surprisingly smooth with no hiccups or issues to report. Just keep in mind: There was a long line when we pulled up to drop off our luggage and there was a long line to disembark the ship on the final morning. These lines moved steadily and did not put a damper in our overall cruise experience. Another tip: Cast members handed out Disney Wish wands to kids in the Grand Hall when you enter, so make sure to keep an eye out for these.

The cost will vary based on the date and room type, but you can expect the price to start around $1,000 a person. I checked sailings for 2025 to include two adults and two kids, and found that Ocenview rooms for a 4-day cruise ranged from starting at $4,600 to over $8,000 depending on the dates. While Disney cruises certainly aren't cheap, the price covers a lot , including top-notch dining, Broadway-style live shows, one-of-a-kind activities and much more.

How it compares to other Disney cruises

There are four other cruises in the Disney fleet: Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. While there are a lot of similarities overall (like having exceptional kids' clubs, unique dining experiences and character meet & greets), the ships vary based on dining venues, entertainment, activities and theming. However, the biggest differentiator between the Disney Wish and most other Disney cruises is the itinerary. Disney cruises sail from all over the world (ports of call include locations in Florida, Texas, California, Australia and Europe). The Disney Wish currently sales from Port Canaveral to the Caribbean, so it's ideal for looking to combine it with a trip to Walt Disney World.

The Disney Wish won't be the newest for long: The Disney Treasure will be setting sail in late 2024. The Treasure is in the same class as Wish, meaning the ship layout is similar. However, the Treasure's theme is "adventure" and its itineraries will be 7-nights long in the Caribbean. Disney Cruise Line also recently announced it will be adding four new ships to its fleet, including the Disney Destiny, which is another in the same class as Wish but will have a heroes and villains theme, as well as additional ships sailing in Asia.

We had a chance to meet with the hotel director, Alberto, and cruise director, Christaan, during our sailing. When asked what they thought made the Disney Wish different from other cruises, they highlighted aspects like the fireworks — currently it's the only Disney ship that has the fireworks show synchronized to the music — and the indoor spaces, allowing for more flexibility with activities.

Bottom line: Is the Disney Wish worth it?

Yes; at least, my family thinks so! I've sailed on a wide range of cruises and found that the Disney experience was unlike any other. The main highlights that made it so exceptional were the top-notch kids' clubs, unique dining experiences and spot-on theming throughout. I also appreciated that the shorter itinerary allowed us to stack on time in Orlando to our trip.

That being said, the Disney Wish is not for everyone. If you're a fan of the Disney parks but have never cruised before, it's important to consider what a cruise entails. There are a few aspects I heard first-time cruisers complain about on the Wish, but are normal aspects for cruising — like smaller pools, not being able to visit the stores when the ship was in port and having to put their luggage out the night before debarkation if they didn't want to carry it themselves.

I found that the Disney Wish was especially great for families, including extended families. There was truly something for everyone, covering different age groups, Disney franchises and activity preferences. All in all, this is one of the best vacations my family has ever experienced.

Meet Your Disney Wish Guide

Lexie Sachs is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute , where she oversees travel content ranging from the best luggage to Good Housekeeping’s Family Travel Awards . Lexie has been on nine cruise ships from a range of cruise lines (including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival and Disney) and has sailed through Alaska, the U.S. East coast, the Caribbean, Bermuda, South America and Europe. She recently sailed on the Disney Wish with her husband and two daughters.

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In winter, skiers and snowboarders can shred some sweet gnar on 23 kilometers of slopes serviced by 6 ski lifts. The winter sports area is situated between the elevations of 2,350 and 3,840 meters. There are plenty of accommodation options for a comfortable stay and a good selection of cafes and restaurants to refuel your energy supplies.

2. Dzhily-su

Translated from the local language, “Dzhily-su” means “warm waters”. The Tract is located on the slopes of the heart of the Caucasus at an altitude of about 2,400 meters above sea level, where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of Mount Elbrus on a clear day. On the territory of Dzhily-su, there are many unique mineral springs that aid in healing from various diseases and strengthening the body.

“It’s an amazing sensation when you lie in a warm mineral bath and dozens of small bubbles rise around you. Also, Dzhily-su is the land of waterfalls that bear beautiful male names like Sultan, Emir and Shah. Thanks to the unusual energy, esoterics are particularly fond of this place, because there are natural sand castles, amazing stone mushrooms and the energetic mountains Sirkh and Tuzluk,” Artyem says.

The road to Dzhily-su is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Russia: It’s a serpentine-like asphalt mountain road that follows along a huge cliff, over which you will see many eagles circling. If you decide to do the trip on your own, Artyem warns that you must get hold of an off road vehicle, because many of the roads that you will need to take are dusty gravel roads. 

3. Chegem Canyon, Gorge, Waterfalls and Paragliding 

This is one of the main tourist attractions of Kabardino-Balkaria and it’s not hard to see why.

“The views that stretch along the Chegem gorge are simply amazing. The Chegem gorge is quite big. You will begin your encounter with this area with the beautiful Chegem waterfalls that cascade down the rocky slope. Right at the foot of the rocks, there is a small market where local women sell various hand woven wool products. There is a ‘ladder of happiness’ consisting of two 222 steps, leading to the source of the waterfalls at the top of the cliff. Climbing it is not at all difficult, the views are amazing and there is a cozy cafe at the top, as well as at the bottom, where you can enjoy dishes of national cuisine,” Artyem says.

In winter, the Chegem waterfalls freeze and have a certain wild beauty to them. Some locals say that, perhaps, they are even more beautiful than in the summer. Ice pillars and columns of frozen jets and streams of water, like giant twisted candles, or stalactites, hang down all the way to the river.

There is no more asphalt road beyond the waterfalls, but you can still continue along the gorge on gravel, along the turbulent Chegem River. The road is very dusty, so Artyem advises visitors to drive along it in a car with closed windows and the air conditioning on. After about 30 kilometers, you will arrive at a paragliding station.

According to Artyem, the Chegem paragliding station is famous for its powerful, ascending wind currents. Thanks to them, paragliders can soar in the sky from morning to evening. On the territory of the station, there is also a zip line and a few other adrenaline-filled activities for those looking for some thrills. 

4. El-TyuByu

If time permits, you can continue moving along the Chegem gorge and arrive at the village of El-TuByu, a place with enormous history. This mysterious ancient Balkarian village is the focal point of the history of the entire Balkaria. Ancient watchtowers, remains of Greek temples and anomalous phenomena attract both adventure seekers and connoisseurs of beauty. The main highrise, the Balkarukov Tower, is also dubbed the ‘Tower of Love’. Legend has it that Akhtugan Balkarukov built it to defend against the relatives of the beautiful Kerime, stolen by him from Dagestan.

Not far from the village, two ancient defensive Greek stairs go up a rocky wall. They rise to a height of about 30 meters and lead to a small area surrounded by walls up to two meters high and about half a meter thick. A bit above the Greek stairs are the ancient Balkar mausoleums, where local nobility were buried in the VIII-XVIII centuries. Artyem advises to go with a tour guide, because there is just so much incredible history in this village. 

5. Valley of the Narzans

The Valley of the Narzans is a balneoclimatic resort area. It is located in the foothills of the northern slope of the Skalisty Ridge of the Greater Caucasus, in the Khasaut River valley, at an altitude of 1,300 meters above sea level (near the border with Karachay-Cherkessia).

What is Narzan water? It takes six years for the water from the melting snow in the mountains to become Narzan water. It needs this time to find its way through the fissures and cracks in the underground rocks, become enriched by more than 20 minerals and salts, congregate in the underground lakes and then appear on the surface as a spring. In the local language, its name sounds like “Nart-san-e”, which means “a drink of brave warriors”.

Visitors can come with empty bottles and fill them with different kinds of mineral water. The territory of the valley also has cafes with local delicacies and plenty of souvenir stands, where the local women sell traditional knitwear, mountain honey and other arts and crafts and delicacies from the region. 

6. Shadkhurei Karst Lakes

The two lakes - Lower and Upper Shadkhuei - are still little researched. Underwater currents, turmoils and a large network of underwater canals prevent scientists from doing deeper research. The estimated depth of each lake is more than 200 meters, though there is no data yet on the actual depth.

“This is a great place to spend some time, especially during the summer months. The water temperature is kept at the same level all year round – about +15 degrees Celsius. The two lakes are located close to each other and fascinate visitors with their magical colors, luring them into their emerald water,” Artyem says.

In Artyem’s experience, only with rare exceptions, no visitor can resist the urge to plunge into the water. Even without bathing accessories, both ladies and gents make it their priority to jump into the turquoise waters. Around the lakes there are a few gazebos so you can easily stay for the whole day, have a picnic and swim in the lakes to your heart’s content.

7. Chateau Erken

A little piece of Europe in the middle of the Caucasus Mountains, Chateau Erken is a majestic pseudo castle in the Romanesque style (it was actually built in the 1990s) surrounded by about 1,000 hectares of vineyards.

“If you want to have a relaxing day, try experiencing the fairy tale that is Chateau Erken. It stands right on the water and is absolutely stunning. There is also the option to do some wine tasting inside,” Artyem says. 

8. Upper Balkaria, Blue Lake and Aushiger Thermal Springs

These three places make for an easy day trip, because of their proximity to one another. Start your journey at the Blue Lake . The deep blue waters of this stunning lake, hidden in Russia’s Caucasus mountains, are shrouded in mystery. It’s uninhabited by fish and avoided by locals, but, in recent years, it’s become a popular site for tourists.

After soaking in the lake’s beauty, continue onwards to Upper Balkaria, which is just several kilometers away along the Cherek gorge. This is a small ancient village that almost seems like it’s hiding from the outside world. Architectural monuments, defensive towers, graves and ground crypts have been preserved there. Upper Balkaria serves as an excellent example of Balkarian life and culture. You’ll learn a lot about the ancient auls (Caucasian mountain or desert settlements) and Balkarian settlements from different historical periods. 

On the left bank of the Cherek River, in the village of Aushiger, there are a few healing hot springs. The territory of the health resort includes a healing lake, an open reservoir and indoor baths.

9. Adyr-su Gorge

“This place can be reached by car, mostly by asphalt road. Then, the car drives into a special lift, together with people and climbs up along the cliff. What a sight this is! There is a border control here, so it’s a good idea to have some ID on you,” Artyem cautions.

After driving along a relatively easy dirt road, you will get to a mountain climbing base. From there, you can take part in some light trekking, 4 kilometers there and back. Adventurers also have the opportunity to make a wish in the Valley of Desires, see waterfalls, go to the glacier and the huge, magical mountain Ulu Tau, which means “Mother Mountain”. Finish up the hike at the Silver Spring.

“Here, you can always encounter wild mustangs, they always come to graze on the beautiful meadows of lush grass and drink the healing water from the spring. The spring is the source of incredible strength - locals say that whoever plunges into it three times will be healed of many diseases,” Artyem boasts.

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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?

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• [email protected]
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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

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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.