kraken yacht prices

Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

• David Harding
• September 19, 2019

Conceived as a true blue-water voyager, the Kraken 50 incorporates a host of features that set her apart from other cruising yachts. David Harding reports

Credit: David Harding

Product Overview

• Belt-and-braces design and construction
• Good sailing performance
• Excellent value for money
• Centre cockpit means a high boom
• Interior styling a little bland in places
• Cockpit can feel crowded

Price as reviewed:

One glance at the Kraken 50 tells you she’s unlike most modern production cruisers: you see no plumb stem, broad stern or twin rudders. There’s not even a bolt-on fin keel.

To those accustomed to modern design, she will raise a lot of questions.

The answers might well change the way you look, not only at her, but also at many other boats.

We need to get one thing straight before going any further: the Kraken is intended for cruising beyond what we might loosely call the ‘civilised world’.

Owners are expected to have their sights set on far-flung parts, away from marinas, lift-out facilities and repair yards and where coral heads lie in wait.

With 18 tonnes of displacement, the Kraken 50 powers through choppy conditions. Credit: David Harding

When you’re doing this sort of cruising, you  have to look at things from a different perspective.

Features such as the Kraken’s raked stem, moderately proportioned stern, integral keel and single rudder on its full-length skeg are fundamental to the design.

They’re among the many that Kraken’s founder and chairman, Dick Beaumont, considers essential in a blue-water yacht.

The jib set on the inner forestay is the headsail for windward work. Credit: David Harding

Whether or not you go along with all his reasoning and whether or not you’re contemplating serious long-distance sailing, the Kraken approach provides much food for thought.

After all, who doesn’t want ruggedness, reliability and sea-keeping qualities? The question is what you may have to sacrifice to achieve them on this scale.

THE TEST VERDICT

If you like the concept of the Kraken, you will probably approve of the design and attention to detail, both external and internal.

If you don’t subscribe to the idea of the integral keel, raked stem, full-length skeg and Solent rig, everything else becomes irrelevant.

The Kraken way of doing things involves compromises, as does any other.

What the Kraken 50 does, however, is to give traditional, tried-and-tested features a modern twist.

The raised saloon sole hides the three separate fuel tanks. Credit: David Harding

With the help of 21st-century design, technology and styling the boat is faster, sleeker, more fun to sail, more manoeuvrable and easier to manage than older boats that would-be Kraken buyers might otherwise be drawn to.

She also poses a serious challenge to modern yachts aimed at those planning blue-water voyages, not least because she’s very competitively priced.

The addition of a few interior styling details, as might now happen with the move to Turkey, will make her even harder to ignore.

WOULD SHE SUIT YOU AND YOUR CREW?

A boat of this size can be managed by a crew of two given the extras, such as electric winches and a bow-thruster, that most owners are likely to choose. Otherwise the Kraken 50 comes with much of what you need.

Our test boat had add-ons to the tune of around £100,000, which is modest in relation to her total value. Something many owners will inevitably choose is in-mast reefing.

The cockpit’s modest width and central table enhances security, though space to move from side to side can be tight. Credit: David Harding

A centre cockpit pushes the boom higher than it would be with an aft cockpit, so the gooseneck is around 6ft above deck level and the head of the stowed mainsail closer to 10ft (3m), though a Harken Switch T-Track system will lower the stack a little.

Even if you’re not planning blue-water voyages, the Kraken has much in her favour for coastal sailing where rocks abound and seas can be rough.

Whatever your sailing plans, she might well be a serious contender if you’re after a semi-custom boat of this size that’s rugged, functional and practical as well as pleasingly plush.

FACTS AND FIGURES

Price as tested: £800,500

LOA: 15.70m (51ft 6in)

Hull Length: 15.24m (50ft 0in)

LWL: 13.68 m (44ft 10in)

Beam: 4.50m (14ft 9in)

Draught: 2.3m (7ft 6in)

Displacement: 18,250kg (40,233lb)

Ballast: 6,500kg (14,330lb)

Ballast ratio: 35.6%

Displacement / Length: 198

Sail area: 134.2m2 (1,444.52sq ft)

SA/D ratio: 19.2

Diesel: 850 litres (187 gal)

Water: 670 litres (147 gal)

Engine: 80 hp

Transmission: Shaft

RCD category: A

Designer: Kevin Dibley

Builder: Kraken Yachts

Tel: 00 852 26189335

Website: www.krakenyachts.com

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• Description

General information

Accommodation.

Abundant on-board features and luxuries normally specified for larger yachts are standard within the spacious interior - designed to create maximum internal volume and plentiful storage space.

The Kraken 50 is perfect for all types of sailing, from a weekend around local waters to long ocean passages. The 50 will perform in all weathers and sea conditions beautifully, with excellent visibility from the helm whether standing or sitting. Her twin headsail rig is ideal to give the sailor many options of sail configuration according to conditions, with sail controls easily managed from the accommodating cockpit.

Timeless refinement and style make the Kraken 50 a sailor’s dream that will turn heads wherever she goes.

Specifications

- Easily driven hull with full length skeg hung rudder

- Encapsulated lead ballast for maximum stability

- Transom platform for easy access to the water

- Transom and side gates for boarding

- Twin headsail rig for sailing in all conditions

- All sail controls are cockpit led

- Secure deep cockpit with protected companion way

- Comfortable seating around cockpit table for eight

- Easily reached sail controls from the helm

- Choice of solid timber interiors and layouts

- Customisable interiors according to requirements

- Kevlar reinforced forward sections for impact resistance

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Kraken 50 boat test

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All photos by  Trystan Grace

Kraken Yachts believe that their new 50-footer is the ultimate blue water cruiser. Are they right? Sam Jefferson finds out

Anyone who has spent a long time on passage will know that by the end of the trip, you have a list as long as your arm of ways in which the boat can be improved. It’s natural. Next thing you know, you’re sketching out a few plans of your dream blue water cruising yacht. And that, of course, is as far as it goes. There are exceptions however and Dick Beaumont, CEO and founder of Kraken Yachts, is one of them. After many years of blue water cruising, he decided to make that dream boat a reality, launching Kraken Yachts. Some years later and he now has a line up of blue water cruising yachts crammed with clever ideas garnered from years afloat. Beaumont has pursued his vision of producing the ultimate blue water cruiser with Ahab like monomania.

So anyway, what makes Mr Beaumont so confident this is the ultimate blue water cruiser? Well, it starts from the keel up with a stubborn unwillingness to compromise. The hull lines were drawn up by Kiwi designer Kevin Dibley and the first requirement was an integrated keel and a single rudder protected by a skeg. This means that in the event of a collision, you are in the best shape possible to retain both your keel and steerage. Integrated keels (as in a keel moulded into the hull when the boat is laid up in the mould) are a rarity these days but Kraken has gone further with what it terms the Zero keel which boasts a lead bulb right at the foot of the keel, precisely where it’s needed, which is moulded in when the yacht is being built. This means zero bolts and a torpedo bulb keeping almost all the weight of the keel in the most effective spot – right at the tip. On top of that, the rudder skeg with a massive steel frame is also moulded in, providing excellent protection. The lay up of the yacht is extra thick with a minimum of 18mm thickness of laminate and is reinforced with Kevlar in vulnerable spots. There is a crash bulkhead at the bow for further protection.

It’s an interesting start, brimming with good ideas. Yet the road to hell is paved with good intentions and the next step is to see if that hull can be married to an alluring yacht. A first look at the boat on the water is promising; this is a handsome boat that looks stylish. Although Dibley’s lines are conservative, with relatively modest beam and plenty of taper aft, the boat does not look dated. The smart wraparound deck saloon windscreen makes the boat look purposeful and the slightly jarring mullions from the Kraken 50 MK1 are gone, as too is the much more upright bow. Combine this with a powerful rig and this looks like a boat that means business.

Step aboard and the first thing to note is the centre cockpit and single helm position. This is, of course, the most practical solution for a blue water cruiser but it is becoming a bit of a rarity. This is a comfortable area with the helm slightly raised up above the seating area for better vision. The helm features a supremely comfortable seat because, as Beaumont notes, this is where you’re going to be sitting for a long time on a blue water passage. From the helm you can control everything. The chart plotter is directly in front of you where it should be and there are a total of six very beefy winches, three to each side. The mainsheet and traveller are just where it should be, right behind you and there is a feeling of tremendous control when you are sat at the helm. There are two rather pleasing seats to either side of the helm, ideal for keeping an eye on sail trim. Forward is the cockpit table with seating for six. The cockpit sole has three massive drains, hugely overspecified, which mean that in the event of the yacht taking a wave over the stern, the cockpit will drain within five seconds. The cockpit sole also features cut out section that is Sikaflexed in for removing the engine should the need ever arise.

Having tested the Kraken 66 back in 2018 I recall it was a smart yacht that featured ‘classic’ styling which contrasted with some of the starkly modern styling of other yachts I tested. This is not the case with the 50. The company has enlisted the help of a New Zealand design team to do the interior and they have managed to strike a nice balance with a space that feels modern but not jarringly so.

The other thing that hits you is the sheer quality of the woodwork; Turkish boatbuilders have long had a reputation for superb carpentry and steelwork skills and these are much in evidence throughout the boat. The quality of woodwork was truly exceptional though, with panels matched for grain to the most absurd extent and beautiful levels of finish. Perhaps the ultimate test though was the floorboards which, when you lifted them up were sealed around the edges. For some reason, the number of manufacturers that do this is virtually nil.

Up forward is a bunk room to starboard, a second heads – also with separate shower stall – to port – and a modest single berth beyond that. There are a number of layout permutations up here but it’s better to refer to the website and some diagrams to be honest.

All the remained was to go sailing and, given I was testing the boat in the Sea on Marmara in August boisterous conditions were bound to be at a premium. In a way this was a blessing as it’s fairly clear that this is a boat designed to excel in whole sail, booming trade winds. The big question was, therefore, how would she perform in fickle conditions when her 18,000kg displacement might well hamstring her. In the end we had 7kn or wind in the morning and a maximum of 12 in the afternoon. This was genoa weather and the boat performed astonishingly well. That powerful rig is a real boon and, despite the fact the Code 0 was still at the sailmakers, the big fore triangle and ample mainsail meant that we bowled along and 6kn plus. The boat is designed to put the first reef in at 15kn so that gives you a measure of the power of the rig. Unfortunately the blade jib was not required but the concept behind this as opposed to a cutter set up is that with a Solent rig you have a sail that sets perfectly for upwind work and also has the power to drive you upwind. The problem with a cutter rig is that beautifully shaped headsail is often too small to give you adequate power.

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

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

1. How do I get there?

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

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

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

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

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

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

2.  What are the best places to stay?

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

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

-Modern and comfortable:  Azimut , Butik Otel

-Budget with less frills:  Hotel Rossia , Korona

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

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

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

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

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

-Modern and comfortable:  Leaprus

-Budget with less frills:  Heart of Elbrus Lodge

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

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

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

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

3.  Top cities to visit?

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

4.  Best local foods to try?

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

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

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

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

5.  Top Hole-In-The-Wall restaurants:

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

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

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

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

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

6.  Must-See Sites

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

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

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

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

7.  Off-the-beaten path destinations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 1)

– History of Mt. Elbrus (Part 2)

– Interview with Local Elbrus guide

– Climbing Elbrus: Interview with American guide

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 1)

– Who are the Kabardians? (Part 2)

– Skiing in the North Caucasus (Elbrus and more)

READY TO EXPERIENCE KABARDINO-BALKARIA FOR YOURSELF?

Where to find us.

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

Travel Information

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

Our Elbrus Climbing Tours

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

Russia Cultural Tours

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

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

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

Poor Economic Outlook and Lack of Security Undermine Kabardino-Balkaria’s Governor