skyfall yacht ozarks

Your european yacht experience awaits

At the #1 rated yacht charter company at lake of the ozarks, missouri, welcome aboard skyfall, the #1 rated yacht charter company at lake of the ozarks, welcome aboard.

As Lake of the Ozarks’ only true European style yacht charter service, Skyfall is for the most discerning guests that demand the best experience.  From our crew and hydraulic swim platform beach, down to our interior styling and state-of-the-art sound system, you’ll experience lake luxury as soon as you step aboard. We are proud to be the #1 rated yacht charter company at Lake of the Ozarks! We were featured by Lake Lifestyles as their cover story in June 2022. Looking for a smaller vessel? Check out our brother yacht, Spectre.

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Beach towels, experience lake of the ozarks in style.

Skyfall serves the entire Lake of the Ozarks region, from the OMM up to the 45mm and the Gravois Arm. We depart from the world famous Camden on the Lake (Toad Cove), which is prominently located besides several local hot spots including including Coconuts, Tap and Grill, Millstone, Horny Toad, Shady Gators and Lazy Gators.

What is/isn't Included

6 hr or 8 hr charters (weekdays), special rates, holidays & lake events, special events, cancellations, what our prior guests have to say, "one of the most luxurious weekend getaway spaces we've ever had in the ozarks".

I had the best weekend on Skyfall! It’s one of the most luxurious weekend getaway spaces we’ve ever had in the Ozarks. Josh was so easy to get in contact with and made the experience so smooth. Would highly recommend a weekend on Skyfall!!

"I was absolutely blown away by this amazing boat"

I didn’t know what to expect when I rented Skyfall but I was absolutely blown away by this amazing boat. I’ve rented other boats at the Ozarks before and I always felt like I was let down. The pictures don’t even do Skyfall justice! Skyfall is so luxurious! We love it so much we literally didn’t want to leave! We will definitely be renting this boat again. Not to mention that coordinating with the Skyfall management team was so easy. They made the whole experience very simple and they were so flexible!

"The Epitome of Nautical Luxury on the Lake"

I was fortunate enough to stay on Skyfall in Summer 2020 and could not have been more impressed! Not only was the yacht itself absolutely stunning, Joshua and his team were all outstanding, professional and eager to go above and beyond to ensure our mini holiday was nothing short of perfect. As if Skyfall wasn’t already impressive enough with its newly-renovated, pristine interior that that easily accommodated our relatively large group with room to spare, the large sunpad and European synapse were ideal for sunbathing while the other spent the better part of an afternoon on the available jetskis which, to the delight of the men from our group, literally launched from the back of Skyfall into the water. If you’re looking for an unforgettable and, shall we say, bouyant getaway then do yourself a favor and reserve Skyfall with it’s stellar crew today!

"Perfect for a group of friends or family that want to enjoy a luxe weekend"

Skyfall is one of the most stunning boats I’ve ever been on. Perfect for a group of friends or family that want to enjoy a luxe weekend at the lake!

"the greatest charter at the lake"

If you’re on the fence about this experience, you don’t even deserve to step foot on this majestic beauty of a yacht. Clearly, a person hasn’t lived or even reached puberty until they have christened the Skyfall. It has FALLen from the SKY with its prestige workmanship on every inch of this floating oasis. The incredible detail throughout the cabins and custom sound system will literally and figuratively blow the socks off of you and the others next door. This boat just oozes excellence with those twin Cummins diesels chirping waiting to whip your hair back with their sheer power. You won’t regret kicking it and big d*cking it with all your homies atop this monster. So don’t tell me again about some fence and step on this life changing experience upon the greatest charter at the lake, SKYFALL!

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SkyFall Yacht Charter

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2359 Bittersweet Rd

Lake Ozark, MO 63021

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Welcome to SkyFall Yacht , The number 1 largest Private Yacht Charter at the Lake of the Ozarks, 60' feet in length with all the amenities. Comes with Captain and 1st mate with catering available, max Charter guest count is 13. Welcome aboard …

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SkyFall Yacht Charter

2359 Bittersweet Rd, Lake Ozark , Missouri 63021 USA

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Here's your list of captains and chartered yachts to get you on the lake of the ozarks in no time.

on 14 Apr 2019

The best part about vacationing at Lake of the Ozarks is being out on the water. But what if you don't own a boat or have a boating license ? No worries, because there are tons of businesses that offer captains for hire, private chartered yachts, boat rentals with a captain, and even a boat shuttle service. With all these options for getting out on the lake, you'll be coving out in no time.

There are lots of reasons to hire a captain . Bachelor and bachelorette parties love the freedom of having a driver as they have fun all day and night- with no stress about who will drive the boat. Chartered yachts are perfect for romantic getaways so you can focus on each other instead of trip logistics. Family reunions love the flexibility of hiring a captain so both adults and kids can take full advantage of their day in the sun. Even groups of friends like taking a shuttle boat from bar to bar so they can see more of the lake on their vacation. (Here's a full list of the great ways to take advantage of captains and chartered boats .)

Ok. Now that you've decided to enjoy full freedom on your next vacation, we've got the list of local businesses that can help you out. These friendly captains, taxis, and chartered yachts will have you out on the Lake of the Ozarks in no time flat.

1. Leisure Lake Charters

Leisure Lake Charters offers chartered boat rentals on one of their two boats. Choose from a 30 foot Rinker (for up to 10 people) that includes a fridge and rockin' stereo system, or a 40 foot Sea Ray (for up to 12 people) that cruises up and down the lake with ease. Either boat is perfect for your family or your party people. And with a seasoned captain at the helm, you know you'll be safe and stress-free the whole time.

2. Playin Hooky Water Taxi

Playin Hooky offers several different ways to get out on the water in a snap. For groups of 2 to 49, you can get a chartered boat to take you on the water in style. This option is great for couples, parties, and family reunions.

Daytime and Moonlight Bar Hop Cruises take you and your buddies to four bars in four hours on Friday and Saturday nights. It's the perfect way to see what different bars offer and check out the nightlife at each. Of course, there's a bar on the cruise as well, so you definitely won't go thirsty.

Playin Hooky's Aqua Shuttle charges a flat rate to be your water taxi all night. Choose from any of the waterfront bars on their list and go crazy.

3. Lake Ozark Water Taxi

Think of Lake Ozark Water Taxi as you would think of a regular taxi. They're happy to take you from waterfront location to waterfront location when you need them. No need to rent a boat or pay a captain for the day. Taxis are available anywhere from Bagnell Dam to the 14 MM. Just text them to schedule a ride. With payment options like major credit cards, Apple Pay and Android Pay, you won't be stuck looking for an ATM either.

The company also offers 4 hour charters if you want a dedicated captain or a larger travel area at your disposal. What a nice way to guarantee you can come and go to bars and restaurants as you please. Families, family reunions, bachelor and bachelorette parties all love this service!

Most of the taxis hold up to 13 people. Part of a big group? Lake Ozark Water Taxi is happy to send several taxis to your location so the whole group can travel at once. They're also dog friendly so you don't have to leave your best friend at the resort.

4. Mike Fink's Marina

At Mike Fink's Marina , you can choose any of their boats and then add on driver services. Head out on a party barge or a luxury tritoon. You can have your captain take you to an amazing fishing spot or a quiet cove to swim in the sun. They also offer parasailing if you're ready for a Lake of the Ozarks adventure!

5. Captain Bob's Boat Rental & Charter

Although you can easily rent  boats at Captain Bob's , their chartered boats come highly recommended. The Sea Ray Cruiser can pick you up at your resort and take you to the cove, restaurant, or bar of your choosing. Choose the chartered Sea Ray for your next employee appreciation day- it will be a hit with your staff. The captains are friendly, knowledgeable, and ready to help you have a fund day in the sun.

6. Four Seasons Marina

Located at the beautiful Lodge of the Four Seasons, this full service marina is ready to help you get on the water with minimal work on your part. For a totally hands-off experience, choose the captain service with your boat rental.

The marina also offers leisure cruises with a catered meal on their pontoon boats. Bring your family reunion and leave the cooking to the Lodge! Or surprise that special someone with a romantic steak dinner at sunset as you cruise up the lake and take in the view.

If you are new to fishing at Lake of the Ozarks, you'll love their professional bass guides who can guide you to the right cove and give you tips and tricks as you fish the day away.

7. Celebration Cruises

If you're looking for a chartered boat tour on a really large yacht, The Celebration should be your go-to. With two huge cruisers to choose from, you'll find one close to your resort. They offer lunch cruises with a narrated tour of your ride, while the sunset cruises let you take in the beauty of the lake without the noise. You can also order dinner on the sunset cruise. Don't forget to check out the holiday tours like on Christmas and New Year's Eve. Planning a wedding, anniversary, or other party? They are happy to work with you to make your celebration one to remember.

Celebration cruises are also perfect for those who need an ADA accessible way to get out on the water.

Whether you want to bring your whole office, entire extended family, or just your sweetie, there's a captain at the Lake of the Ozarks will be happy to make your boating dreams a reality. Sit back, relax, and don't lift a finger as your chartered boat takes you exactly where you want to go.

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SKYFALL Yacht – Alluring $33M Superyacht

The SKYFALL yacht is Trinity Yacht’s custom motor yacht built in 2010 and fully refitted in 2018. Her modern styling and superb upkeep make her one of the best charter yachts to have a lavish cruise experience. 

She offers a perfect get-away with lots of on-water activities and a luxe atmosphere for relaxation.

This 57.91m beauty is cleverly designed to maximize all living spaces where guests can enjoy the best of alfresco living. 

On top of that, she is also wheelchair friendly equipped with a beautiful utility elevator accessible from the common deck to the sky lounge. 

There is no doubt that she is a hybrid of the latest marine technology and exquisite styling.

SKYFALL yacht interior

This archetypical yacht owes its luxurious interior design to Patrick Knowles .

The urban contemporary styling highlights huge, illuminated spaces with an intricate blend of wood designs from Honduran mahogany, European maple burl, Australian lacewood, Wenge, and exquisitely etched glasses. 

As you enter from the aft to the main deck salon, guests will be greeted with a unique foyer pseudo wine cellar that leads directly to the spacious entertainment room with comfortable seating and a formal dining room for a dozen people. 

She is also equipped with a sky lounge that is packed with large windows for panoramic viewing, a 60-inch flat-screen television, a game table, and a Tiger’s eye bar. 

She is defined by her luxurious fittings, generous layouts, and exceptional attention to detail.

Specifications

The SKYFALL yacht is 59.71m long with a 2.59m beam and 2.59m draft. She is powered by 2 Caterpillar engines with 3384 horsepower each.

She has a cruising speed of 13.5 knots and can go up to 21 knots at maximum speed. At normal cruise speed, she has a range of 4600 nautical miles. 

SKYFALL also boasts an advanced stabilization system with anchor stabilizers that gives onboard comfort whether at anchor or on rough waters. 

Accommodation

The SKYFALL yacht can accommodate 12 guests in her six lavish staterooms and an additional 13 cabin crews to make sure every guest’s need is catered.

The master staterooms are designed to be split-level. The lower spaces house the lounge, private study, and Jacuzzis, while the loft space is where guests can comfortably rest in the VIP beds opposite the large windows that offer ambient light and a 270-degree viewing experience. 

Her amenities include tenders, wave runners, sea bobs, paddleboards, pedalboards, a swimming pool with jellyfish net, water skis, wakeboard, inflatable toys, a trampoline, and snorkeling gears, among others.

This all-aluminum unique SKYFALL yacht is designed to have a shallow draft allowing her to wade in shallow waters. 

Her outdoor living spaces showcase an exquisite sun deck where guests can enjoy the panoramic view while relaxing.

She is also equipped with a hot tub, splash pool, and luxurious sun pads. 

She was bought for $36.95 million and was listed for sale again in October 2014 for $36.5 million.

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SKYFALL Yacht Layout & GA Plans

57.91m  /  190'   trinity yachts   2010 / 2020.

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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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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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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.

Visiting Russia - Nalchik, Capital of Kabardino-Balkaria

By Koryo Tours

Nalchik, capital of Kabardino-Balkaria

Visiting Russia – Nalchik

Yoshkar-ola | cheboksary  |  astrakhan | elista | stalingrad (volograd)  | abakan  |  nalchik  | validkavkaz  | makhachkala  |  grozny.

Nalchik is a small city of around 240,000 people and serves as the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, one of the lesser-known republics spread across the beautiful North Caucasus area of Russia, the mountain range that separates the former soviet states of Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan from the Russian Federation.

This region has incredible diversity in ethnic groups and is a melting pot at the edge of empire. While there have been civilisations in the Caucasus for millennia Nalchik as a city is only a century old, having been a Russian fort since 1724. Today’s Nalchik is a mostly peaceful and relaxing place, being in the foothills of the mountains it has many areas of great beauty and multiple sanatoria for people looking to take the waters, over the last century it has certainly had its share of turbulence though, being occupied by Romanian troops fighting on the side of the Nazis, who embarked on an effort to exterminate the ancient community of Mountain Jews in the area (unsuccessfully), plus a 2005 Islamic militant attack on Russian security forces.

These days Nalchik is known as a clean city, a place for relaxing, and the starting point of expeditions to summit Mt. Elbrus, the tallest mountain in Europe, which lies within Kabardino-Balkaria.

Kabardians make up the largest ethnic group at just under 50% of the city’s population, followed by Russians, Balkars, other Caucasian nationalities as well as Ukrainians, Mountain Jews still live in the area but in very small numbers now, most having emigrated to Israel.

Arriving/Departing

Nalchik Airport (NAL) is a small one but is fully functional for getting in and out, usually the foreigners arriving here will be mountaineers heading for Elbrus.

The Airport is only 3km from the city centre so you could even walk into town from here, otherwise, there are taxis and marshrutkas waiting for arrivals. Flights arrive only from Moscow and St. Petersburg usually, the Caucasus has other larger airports for other international flights (such as those to Sochi). Nalchik has a railway station, dating from 1915, with links to Moscow and across the Caucasus. A good option for travelling around the region in a relaxing manner (usually slower than taking a marshrutka between cities though) For getting around inside Nalchik there are public buses all over the place, easy to use and very cheap. Otherwise most of the centre is very walkable, the main ‘high street’ is Lenin Avenue, which runs for several km through the centre of the city.

Concord Square

The centre of Nalchik and a good place to start a walking tour of the city, with the Kabardino-Balkaria parliament building on one side and Lenin stands at the other, fountains in the middle and Lenin Avenue cutting through the square

Religious Buildings

The central buildings of the main religions practised in Nalchik are both fine examples of their respective architectural styles; the Central Mosque and the Cathedral of Mary Magdalene are both worth visiting. Dress codes apply.

Not actually in Nalchik, but only 50km or so away so the city is the ideal base for starting an expedition. This is Europe’s highest mountain and a dormant volcano. There are cable car/chairlift options to get t the top for those who don’t wish to do it the hard way. It is possible to get up and down this mountain n a single day, making it certainly the simplest of the 7 continental highest peaks to climb.

Museum of the Kabardino-Balkar Republic

Great for explaining where you are and the history of the area. Mostly in Russian only though and does tend to assume some knowledge in advance. Still a good stop to get some intro into the complex history of this city and area in general.

Atazhukin Garden

A large park complex running for more than 2km along the eastern side of the city, alongside the Nalchik River. A very pleasant place with so much to see and do. The basic Nalchik Zoo is here, walking trails, restaurants and cafes, theatres, a very retro funfair, and a rickety but reliable cable car running up to a lovely viewpoint to see over the city and out to Mt. Elbrus.

Topped by a restaurant building built in the shape of a Kabardian warrior. An excellent few hours can be spent exploring this park and mingling with the locals of all ages who do their relaxing here.

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