Digorskoe gorge village. Digor gorge in north ossetia

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

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

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

WHERE TO STAY

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

Tourist base "Dzinaga" provides for vacationers hikes and walks in the territory of the National Park "Alania", multi-day hikes in the Bartuy gorge, to the Paradise glade and the Taymazi glade, to the Karaugom glacier - one of the largest glaciers Caucasus mountains, to the village of Zadalesk - the place of the Alan revival, to the waterfalls, along the "Digorsky ring" with a visit to auls and historical and architectural monuments.

The tourist base is more focused on summer vacations for children and adolescents, whose stay here is financed from budgetary funds and extra-budgetary sources. There is a possibility to host families, tourist groups and individual vacationers. On the territory of the base there are eight buildings designed for 450 children. The cost of one day with a three-time stay is 500 rubles.

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

Vacationers on recreation center "Digoria-Rostselmash" have the opportunity to take walks to the waterfalls, popular trekking to the Paradise glade, the Karaugomsky glacier, excursions around the territory of the Alania national park, acquaintance with its flora and fauna, to the sanctuary of Zadaleski Nana.

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

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

Tourist base "Komy-Art"(formerly "Digoria"). The total capacity is 150 people. Accommodation in two and four-bed rooms in wooden cottages and brick houses. The cost of living is 500 rubles per day per person.

The most popular routes in the summer are routes to the peaks of the eastern part of the Sugan ridge and hiking in the Gebe gorge. For more prepared climbers, ascents to the peaks of the central and western part of the Sugan ridge are supposed.

There are routes for experienced climbers high category, suggesting climbing the peaks of Mount Uruimagova, Aikhva, Zagadok, Agibalova, Akritov, which are located in the eastern part of the Sugan ridge.

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

Recreation center of Taganrog State Radio Engineering University "Taymazi" located in scenic location Digorsky gorge on the Urukh river, at an altitude of 2100 m. Accommodation in houses for 4-6 rooms (in rooms for 2-5 people), the total capacity is 100 people.

For vacationers, two-three-day hikes are possible along tourist routes of all categories of difficulty. The proximity of the mountains of the Main Caucasian Range allows using the camp as a base for mountaineering ascents.

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

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

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CLIMATE CONDITIONS

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

Within this region, two territories are distinguished by climate: the Zadalesskaya depression as a mid-mountain zone and a high-mountain zone.

Zadalesskaya depression , like all the basins of the North Jurassic depression, is distinguished by a peculiar dry climate. A rocky ridge protects it from the intrusions of cold arctic air. Therefore, winter temperatures are not high here. In Fasnal, the average January temperature is -2.4 degrees. This is the highest winter air temperature in North Ossetia. Rare drops in temperature here can reach -30 degrees. The average July temperature reaches 15.8 degrees. In summer, although there are some hot days, the nights are always cool. The annual amplitude of the air is usually small and amounts to 18-19 degrees. The basin is characterized by a low amount of precipitation (400-500 mm) and optimal relative humidity (62%).

The protective effect of the relief affects not only an insignificant amount of precipitation, but also a low wind speed. Local winds include mountain valley winds and hair dryers.

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

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

ATTRACTION

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

According to experts, the lake is at an age stage called "old age", abundantly overgrown and gradually turns into a pond. The bottom and walls of the original basin are covered throughout by a more or less thick layer of silt, completely hiding its original shape. The original depression turned into a lakebed.

Above the lake rises an outlier rock - Alhoyna ("spindle") of limestones that once slipped from the Rocky Range. Near it there are traces of landslides with separate boulders and talus. A karst spring gushes out from under the rocks, and the sound of the water is constantly heard. To the west of the lake flows a small, non-drying stream.

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

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

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

Tour itinerary: Mineralnye Vody - Digorskoye gorge - Matsuta - Karaugomskoye gorge - Uazakhokh massif - medieval settlements Zadalesk and Khanaz - gorge r. Tana-don - Tana-tsete glaciers - Taymazinsky waterfalls - Mineralnye Vody

In the mountainous Digoria you will be greeted by clean soft air, silence, broken only by the eternal splash of the waters of the Hares River, the blessed sun, which is getting closer to you by as much as 2000 meters, the endless blue ocean of the sky, icy rocks, indescribable beauty and grandeur tops of mountains and, of course , an indescribable feeling of the infinity of the universe and a living connection with it. Active walks to glaciers and waterfalls are the main part of the program, and it will be adorned by visiting local residents, touching the history of this ancient land.

Suitable for active tourists who have no contraindications to active physical activity.
The tour does not require any special physical training, but a normal state of health.
Recommended age up to 65 years.
According to the number of seats, one group can consist of 6-10 people.

Transport: Bus / minibus.

Accommodation

1-, 2-seater:
"Tana Park Hotel" 3* comfortably located in the farthest picturesque corner of the Digorsky gorge on the left bank of the Khares river in the "horseshoe" of natural attractions: the Metelaska waterfall, Mount Kubus, the spurs of Laboda and the Sugan ridge. On the guarded territory of the complex there is a hotel building and a bar-restaurant "Hares". There is a small library and a chess table in the lobby. The hotel's plumbing system is supplied with the purest glacial water, so you can drink from the tap. The hotel has a swimming pool under open air and a Russian bath.
Standart room assumes single or double occupancy (22 sq.m.). The room has a hairdryer, refrigerator, TV, internet (wi fi), bathrobes, slippers.
Bar-restaurant "Hares" will be glad to offer you dishes of Caucasian and European cuisine, prepared with all the heart by a team of chefs from the products of local farmers and the gifts of nature. In the cozy halls of the restaurant, made in the author's style, you will be served by attentive staff and will guide you according to the menu.
Breakfast buffet from 08.30 to 10.00.
Check-in from 14.00.
Check-out until 12.00.

Tour program

1st day

Arrival. Acquaintance with Digoria.
Arrival in the morning at the airport (railway station) in Mineralnye Vody.
Group transfer at 11.30 to the Digorskoye gorge of the republic North Ossetia-Alanya(3 hours to the border on the way).
Lunch on your own. In the national cafe of the village of Chikola, you will be offered Ossetian cuisine.
In the company of a guide, you will drive to the main gate of mountain Digoria - the Akhsinta canyon. It is in this place that the canyon narrows so much that it turns into a stone gutter, and it becomes clear how the Urukh River beats at a depth of 70 meters among the rocks. The canyon is striking in its grandeur. Its steep walls are formed by cliffs of gray layered Jurassic limestone. Several karst springs effectively fall into the depths.
On the way, you will be met and taken on a good journey by the sculpture of the most revered saint in Ossetia - St. George (Osset. Uastyrdzhi). You will also visit the village of Matsuta, located at the confluence of the Aygomugidon and Urukh rivers. "There is no further way" - this is how its name is translated.
Arrival at the Tana Park hotel, which is comfortably located in the farthest picturesque corner of the Digorsky gorge on the left bank of the Khares river in the "horseshoe" of natural attractions: the Metelaska waterfall, Mount Kubus, the Laboda spurs and the Sugan ridge. In the evening, acquaintance with the group, discussion of the tour program.

Cities: Mineral Waters, Matsuta

Sights: Akhsinta canyon, Sugan ridge

Reservoirs: Hares river

2nd day

Walk along the Karaugomsky gorge.
Breakfast in the hotel.
Meeting with the guide, departure by off-road vehicle on the auto-walking route to the Karaugom gorge (the length of the walk in both ends is 10-12 km).
Outside the village of Dzinaga, you will issue a pass to the border zone and go towards the glacier. The trail goes along the Karaugom-don River among deciduous and coniferous forests, in which there are a lot of strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. Once the Karaugomsky glacier was the only glacier in the Caucasus that cuts deep into the forest zone, but its ice has moved away and it is now dangerous to come close to it because of rockfalls. The route ends at the crossing of the Karaugom-don river, which offers a magnificent view of the glacier and picturesque Mountain peaks... The length of the Karaugomsky glacier is now just over 13 kilometers, it has two magnificent icefalls and is considered one of the largest in the North Caucasus.
Lunch on the way (dry rations).
Return to the hotel, rest. Dinner on your own at the hotel restaurant.

Nutrition: Breakfast, lunch (dry rations).

Cities: Dzinaga

Sights: Karaugom gorge

3rd day

Mount Kubus and Taymazinskie waterfalls.
Breakfast in the hotel.
Today you will climb to the top of Mount Kubus. This low mountain is covered with legends and traditions. The ascent will delight you with beautiful panoramas and virgin forests that cover the slopes of Kubus. Descending from the mountain, you will continue your walk around its foot to the Taymazinsky waterfalls, which look especially spectacular from afar. Three snow-white streams fall at a distance of 150-200 meters from each other. The waterfalls originate on the Taymazi glacier and picturesquely fall off the sheer cliffs.
On the banks of the crystal clear Tana-don river, lunch (rations) and herbal tea are waiting for you.
On the way to the hotel, the guide will invite you to get acquainted with the Bayradi waterfall, which, falling from the rocks, breaks with thousands of splashes, if you are not afraid of an ice shower, then you can come very close to this waterfall.
Return to the hotel, rest. Free time at the resort.
Dinner on your own at the hotel restaurant.

Nutrition: Breakfast, lunch (dry rations).

Sights: Taymazi glacier, Tana-dona gorge

Reservoirs: Taymazinsky waterfalls, Bayradi waterfall

4th day

Ancient Ossetian villages Khanaz and Zadalesk.
Breakfast in the hotel.
Today you will go on a journey through the medieval Ossetian villages and get acquainted with the life, culture and architectural traditions of medieval Ossetia. Rising on an off-road vehicle to the village of Khanaz, you will see unique monuments of medieval architecture - the Fregat castle, which looks like a ship, Ossetian corts and crypts, the Sedanovs tower, located on an inaccessible rock. Then you will go to the village of Zadalesk. Near the village there is the main active sanctuary of these places, Dzuar Digori-Izad (Angel of Digoria), which has been revered by the Digors since time immemorial. Digori Izad is a large cave with tables for sacred meals, the ceiling is made of deer antlers, and the walls are decorated with the skulls of sacrificial animals. In the village of Zadalesk you will visit the museum of the mother-rescuer of Alan children - Zadaleskaya Nana.
Lunch awaits you in the Uallagkom gorge, in a hospitable Ossetian family, where you will be treated to homemade Ossetian pies and tea on herbs collected in the mountains. During the meeting, you will learn about the lifestyle and customs of modern locals.
Leaving Uallagkom you will climb to the Abisalovs' battle tower located in the village of Makhchesk. The tower is built on a mountain ledge and, as it were, hovers over the gorge.

Nutrition: Breakfast lunch.

Sights: Uazakhokh massif, medieval settlement Zadalesk, medieval settlement Khanaz (North Ossetia-Alania republic)

5th day

Tana-tsete glaciers.
Breakfast in the hotel.
Exit on the route. Today you will hike along the Tana-dona gorge to the Tana-tsete glaciers. The length of the route in both ends is 10-12 km. During the walk, you will find yourself captivated by unique intricate vegetation: juniper, dwarf perennial deciduous trees. The mountain trail will lead you to the amphitheater of the mountains: Western Taymazi, Chashura, Tsiteli, Digoria peak, Zapadnaya and Glavnaya Laboda peaks. Glaciers lie on the slopes of these peaks, among which the largest is the Tana-Tsete glacier.
Lunch on the way (dry rations).
Return to the hotel. Dinner on your own at the hotel restaurant.

Nutrition: Breakfast, lunch (dry rations).

Sights: Tana-dona gorge, Tana-tsete glacier

6th day

Trekking to the upper reaches of the Khares river.
Breakfast in the hotel.
It is not for nothing that Digoria is often called “the valley of a thousand waterfalls and rainbows”. There are really a great many waterfalls here. Today, under the guidance of a guide, you will go hiking along the gorge of the Khares River (the length of the walking part in both ends is 11-12 km). During the walk, you will see a deep and narrow canyon of the Kharese River, many waterfalls and rocky peaks of the Sugan ridge.
Lunch (dry ration). Return to the hotel.
In the evening, a group gala dinner, during which you will share your impressions of acquaintance with Digoria.

Nutrition: Breakfast, lunch (dry rations), dinner.

Sights: Sugan ridge

Reservoirs: Hares river

7th day

Departure.
Breakfast in the hotel. Check-out from the hotel before 12.00. Free time at the resort.
Optionally, you can take an excursion to the village of Galiat (additional fee).
The village of Galiat is located in the Uallagkom gorge. It is unique medieval architectural complex... Houses here used to be built in tiers. The roof of one house served as a courtyard for another, so the Galiatans could easily visit each other without leaving their own courtyard. Preserved in Galiat and typical Ossetian towers, consisting of four floors.
Lunch on your own.
At 14.00 departure from the gorge to Mineralnye Vody airport (5 hours on the way) for evening flights after 19.00.

Nutrition: Breakfast.

Cities: Mineral water

Tour conditions

Venue Meeting on the day of arrival at the airport or at the railway station of Mineralnye Vody with a sign “Legends of Mountain Digoria”.
Meeting at the Mineralnye Vody airport in the parking lot opposite the arrivals hall, bus / guide with a sign “Legends of Mountain Digoria”. Group transfer from the airport leaves at 11.30 (the number and brand of the bus, the driver's phone number are announced in advance).
A meeting is possible at the Mineralnye Vody railway station with the arrival of trains before 11.00, contacts by meeting are transmitted before arrival. At the railway station in Mineralnye Vody, meet in front of the central entrance to the railway station.
Seeing off- on the day of departure (from the gorge) at 14:00 a group transfer is carried out (about 5 hours on the way) to the airport (to the railway station) Mineralnye Vody to trains / flights departing after 19:00.
Moscow time. Transport Bus / minibus. The price includes Transport services according to the program, including group transfers airport (railway) Mineralnye Vody - hotel - airport (railway) Mineralnye Vody, accommodation at the Tana Park hotel, meals according to the program (breakfasts at the hotel, lunches in the form dry rations on days 2, 3, 5, 6, lunch with a family on day 4, gala dinner on day 6), mountain guide services, eco-taxes of the national park. Possible surcharges Meals not included in the program (lunches on days 1 and 7, dinners), add. accommodation services, alcoholic drinks, individual transfers, luggage service, insurance.
Individual transfer - add. fee 6000 rubles / car. Discounts According to the price table. Meals According to the program. Complex. Breakfast at the hotel, lunch in the form of dry rations on days 2, 3, 5, 6, family lunch on day 4, gala dinner on day 6. Important In case of worsening weather conditions, we reserve the right to change the program or route of the tour.
Citizens of the Russian Federation are advised to take on a trip a compulsory health insurance policy card for each participant in the trip.
The travel agency reserves the right to change the order of excursions, as well as replace them with equivalent ones while maintaining the total volume of the excursion program.
The travel agency reserves the right to replace the hotel with an equivalent one.
If tourists do not appear by the appointed time, refunds for unused excursions will not be made.
It is necessary to arrive at the meeting point at the appointed time, otherwise the responsibility for joining the group rests entirely with the tourist.
Accommodation in a 2-bed room (ie booking one seat in a 2-bed room) is possible by agreement with the Dolphin tour operator. Children are accepted from 12 years old Attention The route passes through the border area. For citizens of the CIS countries, it is necessary to issue a border pass, submit documents 45 days in advance. For citizens of the Russian Federation, a pass will be issued during the tour. Useful Tips Recommended items: sunscreen and glasses, a sun hat, comfortable walking shoes (sneakers with non-slip soles or boots for easy trekking), comfortable clothes according to the season (insulated jacket, sweater, light hat, gloves), waterproof windproof jacket (raincoat), bathing accessories, towel, individual medicines for chronic diseases, polyurethane foam "seat", trekking sticks, headlamp with spare batteries, flask or plastic bottle for drinking water. Travel documents Tourist voucher, REMINDER for the tour, passport (civil), for children under 14 years old - birth certificate. Cancellation terms By agreement.

Mountain Digoria is subdivided into Eastern and Western parts. The conventional boundary between them is considered to be the channel of the main waterway of Digoria - Urukh (Irafa in the Digorian manner), which is formed in the upper reaches from the confluence of the Karaugomdon and Khares rivers. After the confluence with the Karaugomdon River (absolute height 1490 m), flowing out from under the Karaugom glacier, Urukh immediately becomes abundant, increasing in volume by 2.5-3 times. Flowing further along the bottom of the wide Urukh gorge, the Urukh river receives its two largest tributaries: on the left - Bilyagidon, on the right - Aigamugidon. The Urukh plain comes out near the village of Kalukh (absolute height 750 m). Thus, on a relatively short distance - 20 km, the altitude drop is almost 750 m. You can imagine the speed of the water flow.

The road to the upper reaches of the Digorskiy gorge is laid along the Urukh River and passes the "gate" of the Alania National Park in the village of Matsuta.

Almost all natural attractions of Western Digoria are located on the territory of the Alania Park, access to which is still free (2016).
Beyond Matsuta, the road turns to the left bank of the Uruh. The valley gradually narrows, the slopes become steeper, a forest appears. The outlines of the surrounding mountains become sharp, the peaks are sharp, rocky, and the slopes become steep and steep.

After 6 km from Matsuta we find ourselves in the village of Akhsau, beyond which the Digorskoe gorge becomes wider. From here you can clearly see the entire Urukh gorge - a grandiose trough with a flat wide bottom and steep steep slopes. To the right of the road are the spurs of the Sugan ridge, to the left of the Kazatykhokh massif — two huge links of the Lateral ridge, separated by the transverse valley of the Urukh River. The river flows along a wide bottom, winding and splitting into numerous branches.

A peculiar trough-shaped (trough-shaped) shape indicates that it was created not only by the river, but also by an ancient glacier that descended 20-25 thousand years ago from northern slope Main Dividing Range.

Another 4 km of path, and at the foot of the Chirkh ridge, where the Karaugomdon and Khares rivers merge - the two main sources of the Urukh River, the road forks. On the left, across the bridge along the Karaugomdon River, the road goes to the Dzinaga tourist center and further to the Dzinaga village.

We will continue along another road along the Khares River to the Khares, or Verkhne-Digorskoe, gorge. It would be appropriate here to talk about the origin of the name of the Digorsky gorge. It comes from the name of the Ossetian ethnic group - the Digors (in Ossetian - "Digoron" or "Dyguron"), who have long inhabited the Urukh gorge.

The Upper Digorskoye gorge is very beautiful. From the south, over the green of the forests, the peaks of the Main Dividing Range, exceeding 4000 m, sparkle with the whiteness of the snow, from the north no less high granite massifs of the Sugan Range rise.

The road passes through the villages of Moska, Odola and Stur-Digora, which is 6 km from the fork in the road. At the end of the XIX century. it was the largest village in the mountainous Digoria. In 1884, there were 588 inhabitants (67 households).

Nowadays, like all mountain villages, Stur-Digora (Ustur-Digora, Big Digoria - Osset.) better times... The number of households and, accordingly, the number of residents decreased sharply. But there were also many new brick houses under tiles and slate. Old buildings (khadzars) are well preserved in Stur-Digor. The lower floor of such a house had an economic purpose, and the upper one served as housing.

In 2007, a chapel was consecrated in the village in honor of the Icon of the Mother of God “Seeking the Lost”. This is one of the highest (2300 meters above sea level) chapel in Europe and the Russian Federation. A sight of sorts.

The blue (the color of the Mother of God) pyramidal dome of the chapel seems even bluer against the background of snow-white peaks, because from the village of Stur-Digora a wonderful view of the mountains opens. The cone-shaped green mountain Kubus, sacred for the Digors, is perfectly visible, which separates the valleys of the Hares and Thanadon rivers.

The last village in the gorge is Kussu, which is located not far from Stur-Digora - 3 km. When you are on the top of Kubus, you notice that the villages of the Verkhne-Digorskiy gorge are located on the left bank of the Khares almost nearby. In between are suburban settlements and new recreation centers, so the impression is that the houses of the villages stretch along the road as a single street.

Another 1 km from Kussu, and we drive up to the recreation center "Rostselmash".

From here begins resort area Digorsky gorge with recreation centers of various sizes and comfort - for every taste and budget. On a section of the gorge 3 km from the recreation center "Rostselmash" among pine forests there are such comfortable shelters as "Eagle's Nest", "Threshold of Heaven", "Tana-Park", "Komy-Art".

Looking at the Digorskoye gorge on the map, you can immediately notice its distinctive feature. It lies in the height of its location above sea level - about 2000 meters. Ossetians call the Digorsk gorge "Country", because people with ancient history and original traditions passed down from generation to generation.

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

• outdoor activities;
• acquaintance with rituals, architecture and national cuisine Ossetian.

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

Geographical characteristics of the Digorsky gorge

Digoria is located in the southwest of North Ossetia, in its farthest corner. It takes three hours to drive from the capital Vladikavkaz to the gorge to cover a distance of 120 km. The Urukh River flows along the bottom of the Digor Gorge.

Conventionally, the entire area is divided into parts:

• Stur-Digora (Ustur-Digoræ - "big Digoria");
• Tapan-Digora (Tæpæn-Digoræ - "flat Digoria");
• Donifars (literally - "side of the river");
• Uallagkom (Ullagkom - "upper gorge").

At first, the asphalt road spreads over flat terrain before and some time after the village of Chikola. And only after a while you realize that you are already in the mountains. The steep serpentine winds higher and higher around the grandiose rocks. It is not difficult to rent a holiday home in the Digorskiy gorge. People here have always been famous for their hospitality and respect for the traveler.

A new discovery awaits the traveler at every turn. The first to meet the traveler at the entrance to the Digorskoe gorge is the Devil's Bridge. The height from its level to the bottom of the abyss is equal to the height of a 25-storey building. At this point in 1919, near the bridge, Red detachments defeated General Denikin's disunited White Guard.

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

• Donifars;
• Lezgor;
• Zadalesk;
• Khanaz.

Large herds of horses can still be seen on flat pastures. You can see such photos of the Digorsky gorge on our website, and then photograph these beauties yourself during the hike.

Sights of the Digorsky gorge

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

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

Digoria is not a mystical country from the world of Harry Potter, but a picturesque area in North Ossetia. Here so unique nature that they took her under protection by organizing national park Alania. Digoria is a great hiking destination!

Protected by the Caucasus Range

The Republic of North Ossetia - Alania is located on the northern slope of the Greater Caucasus Range. In its western part there are two districts - Irafsky and Digorsky. It is here that the mysterious Digoria is located. Since the area has not an administrative, but a historical status, it has no clear boundaries. Unlike the Alania National Park, the area of ​​which is strictly defined.

Irafsky region is the third largest in the republic. Almost all of its territory is occupied by mountains. The administrative center is the village of Chikola. A little more than 15 thousand people live in the entire district. Perhaps the same number of tourists come here during the year. Many old buildings have survived in these places, and there are many natural monuments. In the park "Alania" there are tourist and ecological trails... There are places attractive for mountaineers and rock climbers.

Digorsky district is half the size of Irafsky district, but 18 thousand people live here. The administrative center is the city of Digora. It was founded in 1852 on the banks of the Ursdon River. It is curious that the population of the town took an active part in the 1917 revolution. A small copy of Christ installed in Rio de Janeiro is a local landmark. The city has a local history museum.

Digoria is often referred to as the Digor Gorge. The entire territory is conventionally divided into four parts - Stur-Digora (big Digoria), Tapan-Digora (plain Digoria), Donifars (side of the river) and Uallagkom (upper gorge). Large settlements the city of Digora, the villages of Chikola, Dur-Dur and Lesken are considered. It is believed that the name of the area comes from the Ossetian-Digors, who lived here for a long time.

Winter in these parts is rather mild. Summer is not sultry. During this period, rains are frequent guests. Tropical cyclones often visit Digoria, which bring with them thunderstorms with heavy downpours. The wind rose is such that in the winter season, precipitation comes from the Caspian. The average temperature in July is +20 degrees, in January - minus 3 degrees. Of course, it decreases with height.

Iron water

The largest river in the Digoria is the Urukh, 104 kilometers long. Its sources are located on the Mostocete glacier, the shell of which covers the mountain slopes in the upper part of the Digorsky gorge. Urukh flows into the famous Terek, every second supplying it with 20 cubic meters of water. The estuary is located near the village of Aleksandrovskaya. In narrow gorges, the mountain river creates downright postcard views.

The most a nice place is called Akhshinta, where the river cut through the Black Mountains like a knife. Urukh feeds several rivers, which are also of glacial origin. These include Aygamuga, Thanadon, Karaugomdon and Khaznidon. If in the upper course the river has a clearly defined channel, then in the lower one it breaks up into many branches.

Several small settlements are scattered along the banks of the Urukh. In the Ossetian language, its name means "wide". Downstream it really is. However, among the local residents, another name is common - Iraf, which translates as "iron water". The Ironians are a branch of the Ossetian people.

Cornucopia

Wealth local nature caused the creation of the national park "Alania" on the territory of Digoria. It happened in 1998. You can get into it along the only road that winds along the banks of the Urukh River. The lower boundary of the park is located at an altitude of 1350 meters, the upper one - at around 4646 meters. The northern end of the buffer zone borders on Georgia. Animals are completely safe here.

There is no doubt that the fauna thrives here in such comfortable conditions. Twenty-five of its representatives are included in the Red Book. Among mammals, these are the Caucasian otter, the Caucasian forest cat and the Lesser Horseshoe Bats, a rare species of bats. The list of valuable birds is much wider. These are golden eagles, Caucasian black grouse, peregrine falcon, eagle owl and many others. An odorous beetle got into the Red Book - a beetle that emits a pungent odor in times of danger.

On the territory of the reserve it is possible to meet a wild boar, a yak and a brown bear. Local roe deer are very graceful. Tours and chamois live high in the mountains. The forest is home to foxes, martens and squirrels. Quite a lot of "migrants" live in the park. Crossbills and bullfinches moved here from Siberia, songbirds from Europe, from Central Asia- bearded men and ulars. In total, there are 34 species of mammals and 116 species of birds in the park.

The flora of the reserve is no less diverse. In total, about a thousand plant species grow in the mountains. But quantity is not the main thing. The uniqueness of the local flora is that many of its representatives are found only here. These include dolomite bell, Digor rye, Caucasian gentian and others. Almost 60% of the park's territory is covered with forests, where the Kokha pine, Litvinov birch, and gray alder grow. Mountain poppies and alpine asters are a spectacular decoration of subalpine meadows.

Resting place cannot be changed

In terms of tourism, the most attractive is the Irafsky region, which is part of the historical Digoria. Amateurs come here hiking, horseback riding and alpine skiing... The excellent ecology is of particular value, since there are practically no industrial enterprises here. The operation of the Fasnalskaya HPP does not affect the air purity in any way. Since the Russian-Georgian border runs in the south of the region, you should worry in advance about getting a pass to the border zone.

There are few traditional hotels in the area, but there are enough tourist centers. Among them are "Eagle's Nest", "Threshold of Heaven", "Tana-Park", "Taymazi", "Dzinaga", "Rostselmash". In the village of Kamata there is a visit-center of the park "Alania", where you can also stay for the night. Here tourists are received by two guest houses - "Kamatahostel" and "Khonh". By the way, as many as 12 start from here tourist routes according to Digoria. In summer, there are four children's camps in the region, including "Balts" and "Komy-Art".

Alania Park provides a wide variety of activities and entertainment. Tourists are offered mountain biking, horseback riding, rafting, paragliding, agricultural tours, mountaineering and even photography. For those wishing to organize excursions to the Galdoridon waterfall, to the Tana glacier, to the Karaugom glacier and to the Chifandzar swamp. The first two tours are available even for children and seniors. The other two have the 3rd category of difficulty. The length of the routes is from 3 to 16 kilometers. The passage time is from 2.5 to 12 hours. Guided tours are available from May to October.

Hits from God and Man

As expected national park, in "Alanya" most of the attractions are of natural origin. In total, there are 22 sites with the status of a natural monument. Perhaps the largest of them is the Karaugom glacier, which has an area of ​​35 sq. kilometers. In the Digor Gorge, he is the undoubted leader, and in the entire Caucasus he occupies an honorable second place. In length, it is second only to the Bezengi glacier and Dykh-su.

The glacier begins at the peaks of Wilpat, Bubis-Khokh, Burdzhula, Karaugom and goes down the slope of the Main Caucasian ridge, stretching for 15 kilometers. Its width reaches 9 kilometers. Down it squeezes through a narrow depression in a ridge no more than one kilometer wide. Since the pressure in this place is maximum, downward, from a height of 3.5 kilometers, it collapses with an enchanting icefall. The end of the glacier is at an altitude of 1750 meters.

Karaugom has long been a tasty morsel for climbers - the climb was too difficult. For the first time the glacier was conquered by the English climber Douglas Freshfield. In 1868 he managed to climb the icefall and cross the Main Caucasian ridge. In 1902, the Russian climber Nikolai Poggenpol tried to repeat the ascent of the Briton, but he did not manage to climb to the very top. Were at Karaugom and their own champions. So climber Yendrzhevsky 40 times stormed the glacier, but never climbed above the end of the icefall.

It is hard to believe in this, but the Chefandzar bog is considered a natural monument of Digoria! It would seem, where from high in the mountains can a swamp appear? The fact is that at an altitude of 2400 meters there was once a moraine lake formed by a glacier. Gradually, it was overgrown to such an extent that it turned into a swamp. The thickness of its peat deposits today reaches three meters. Chefandzar is 3 kilometers long and about one and a half kilometers wide. Outwardly, it is an ideal intermountain plain covered with yellow vegetation.

Digoria is rich in waterfalls - Taymazinsky waterfalls, Bayradi, Galauz and others have been seething here since time immemorial. The waterfall with the sonorous name Galdoridon has five steps and falls from a height of 35 meters. It is located on the river of the same name in the Hare Gorge. A powerful stream of water knocked out a vast bowl in the black shale. The name "Pearl" is also popular among tourists. And it is also called "Kroshkin's waterfall" - in honor of deceased climber from Taganrog. Very picturesque alpine lakes Huppara and Gularsky.

The Fasnalsky pine forest, which spreads on a slope at an altitude of one and a half kilometers, is considered an attraction. Dzinaginskaya glade Fatanta on the banks of the Karaugomidon-Urukh river is very picturesque. It impresses with giant boulders that a glacier once brought here. Part of the ancient irrigation system has been preserved in the Dzagaraska tract. This place is located just two kilometers from the "Dzinaga" tourist center.

In the Donisar gorge, at an altitude of 3 thousand meters, the glacial Donisar lake flaunts. You should definitely visit the Scottat mineral water spring on the banks of the Aygamugidon River. Besides him, the springs "Astavkort", "Koltisaur" and "Humez" gush in the reserve. All of them are cold - the temperature of the "mineral water" does not exceed 6 degrees all year round. The water is highly carbonated.

Photo: Digorskaya mineral water is a natural soda

But not only natural masterpieces are protected in Alania Park. On the territory of Digoria there are many ancient structures - crypts, tower complexes. For example, the mountain village of Galiat is entirely an architectural complex of the Middle Ages. Ossetians built houses in the form of four-story towers, which were called ganakh. The buildings were located on the slopes of the mountains, so the roof of one house served as a yard for neighbors. Petroglyphs have been preserved on the rocks near the village. Once upon a time, the Silk Road passed through Galiat.

Photo: Tower of the Abisalovs in the village of Makhchesk

In the village of Makhchesk you can see the Abisalovs' tower, the ancient crypt complex and the Gumerkhan sanctuary. The famous Digor sanctuaries are also Izad, Avd Dzuar and Rekom. By the way, Rekom is a men's sanctuary, so women are not allowed to enter there. You can get inside the temple only during religious holidays. Pass through the village of Fasnal climbing routes to the Taymazi and Tantantsete glaciers. Hang gliding fans also come here. There is a club in the village, there is a deltadrome.

How to get there

The way to Digoria lies through Vladikavkaz or Mineral water... These cities have railway stations and airports. Next, take a bus to the village of Chikola, which is considered the starting point for traveling in the western part of North Ossetia.

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