Alpine camp in Tsey Gorge (North Ossetia): описание

The pearl of the North Caucasus - Tsey Gorge - has been very popular among hikers and climbers since 1930s. Wonderful nature, healthy climate, plenty of sun - it's a perfect place for a mountain resort.
Many athletes and alpinists took their first steps there and now it's your time to explore Tsey!
Our journey begins on the Ossetian Military Road. We'll definitely make a stop to see the monument to St. George - "Uastyrdzhi" as it's called by locals. Uastyrdzhi is the patron saint of travelers so he'll wish us a great journey.
An exciting adventure lies ahead of us: – Beautiful Karmadon canyon. The consequences of the biggest glaciological disaster of the 20th century are still noticeable there. – Ancient Alanian Fortress and Monastery, Dargavs Necropolis and Recom sanctuary. Getting to know Alans' traditions, history and cuisine will be extremely interesting!
– Famous Tsey and Skazka glaciers. – "Tourist" (Sadontsvek) Mountain ascent. It offers a beautiful view of the Rocky Ridge and the Greater Caucasus Mountain Range, as well as the majestic Mount Kazbek - one of the most vivid impressions of our tour! – Thermal springs on the way back.7
We stay at the legendary alpine camp "Tsey" in 3-/4-person suites (shared facilities). Double rooms are available on request, please ask your coordinator for more information.
Breakfasts and dinners in the local cafeteria. Snacks and thermoses with hot tea for walks.
Games and other group activities in the evenings.
We invite guests from 10 to 60 years old. This route is recommended for families with children (minors must be accompanied by a relative).
Permits. This route passes through the border area, permits are necessary (at 60 days in advance for foreign citizens). Please plan your vacation ahead of time.
 

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1

Meet the guide and the rest of the group in Vladikavkaz at 13:00.

It's time to forget our busy city lives and go the mountains! At the village of Alagir we turn onto Ossetian Military Road. We make a stop at the holy place “Dzuar”, where we are greeted by the monument to St. George. The 28-ton monument is attached to the rock only by the outer part of the cloak, so it seems like the Ossetia's patron is floating in the air... There is an offering bowl below - there you can make a wish and ask for protection.

Approaching mountains. In a couple of hours we meet the statue of God when turning onto Tsey Gorge. Another fifteen hundred meters of serpentine and...Welcome to the legendary mount camp "Tsey"!

Check into the guest house and have a walk around the camp. After dinner we will get to know each other better and play fun games in the best traditions of Adventure Club!

DAY 2

Recom sanctuary and Shagacikondon waterfall

Today is the first hiking day. After having breakfast we enjoy a leisurely walk to the most famous sanctuary in Ossetia - Recom sanctuary. This is a house made of massive pine logs, built without a single nail. Here, in the high mountain meadow, people have worshipped Recom since ancient times. Historically, he was the patron of the Carazon family but extended his influence over the whole country.

Getting inside is possible only for men and only on major holidays. But there're lots of curious things outside as well - the locals still leave gifts and ask the deity for good luck and intercession.

Ladies, do you want divine patronage too? You are welcome, because our next stop is the female sanctuary.

After taking a break, we continue our way along the eco-path. It leads to the first tier of Shagatcikondon waterfall. Here we have a snack and take photos on a completely fantastic background. You can also climb to the second tier (with the guide) and swim in cool jets of the waterfall.

DAY 3

Skazka glacier

Today we will go to the headwaters of Skazdon River. By the way, the word "don" is of Sarmatian-Scythian origin and it's still used in the Ossetian language - "don" means "water". The names here can be very simple.

Let's explore Skazka glacier - a large, perennial accumulation of fresh ice on land. Unlike one that covers lakes and rivers in winter, glacier ice is created by the compression of snow that has piled up over many years.

The green hill, where the chairlift ends, remains to the right. Take a look at the upper cable car station and anti-aircraft gun used by avalanche control service. Weather permitting, we'll continue to go higher.

Magnificent mountain landscapes, mountain passes and the glare of lakes on the moraine of the glacier are right in front of us!

Time to return to the camp, have dinner and spend our evening playing fun games and having interesting conversations!

DAY 4

Tsey Glacier

Today we go to the source of the river Tseydon. We pass the upper bridge and slowly begin the ascent. But first let's fill our bottles with the purest water from the spring!

After passing the gates on the bank of a mountain river we go to the eco-trail, exploring the local geology, flora and fauna. Our path leads through a coniferous and deciduous forest surrounded by rocks.

Along the way there'll be a cozy gazebo where we can relax and enjoy a picturesque view. Time to take some memorable pictures!

Soon we'll find ourselves in the area of alpine meadows. Look at Tsey Glacier, mountains and their passes! Can you see the ice cave, in which depths lies the source of the river Tseydon? We will be able to come closer, so prepare to feel the glacier's cold and even touch it.

After a snack we set off towards the camp, continuing to contemplate the incredible beauty around us!

DAY 5

Today is the big day! We get up early and go out to the mountain Sadontsvek.

We have to climb about 900 meters, so take some water and tea and let's begin our way to the top! But first we'll reach the starting point by a comfortable bus.

Along the way, we'll check the village of Upper Tsey with ruins of ancient ancestral towers. Then we'll have a brilliant chance to admire the surrounding mountains while going on a serpentine road. But the biggest star of today's pictures is undoubtedly the proud Kazbek that's rising behind mountain ridges.

It's so breathtakingly beautiful on the top - you must see it! Enjoy the 360 degree view of the mountains and valleys, the Rocky and Greater Caucasus Mountain Range. We'll have lunch there and then start our way back.

After some rest time at alpine camp we'll all get together for an evening meal.

DAY 6

Excursion programme

We are going to Kurtatiya and Tagauria (Kurtat canyon - Dargavs-Genaldon canyon).

Day program:

- tasting mineral hydrosulphuric waters;

- Kadargavansky canyon nature monument, a trip along the “Path of reconciliation”;

- Dzyvgis village. Rock fortress of 16-17 centuries, crypt burials of 17-19 centuries, sanctuary of Uastyrdzhi;

- visiting the first monument to Lenin;

- Dargava Necropolis - the largest burial ground in the Caucasus (11-17 centuries);

- Alansky friary, the highest-elevation monastery in Russia;

- Genaldon canyon (we'll see the place of Kolka Glacier surge - which was the largest glaciological disaster of the century);

- dinner at "Sun Valley" restaurant.

What a busy day!

DAY 7

You know how they say - "All good things come to an end" - well, the time has come to say goodbye to the mountains. Let's pack our bags, have breakfast and look at the glorious peaks once more.

Leave for Vladikavkaz by minibus.

If possible, we'll stop at the thermal springs in Biragsange. That healing place was discovered by chance: in the mid-90s, drillers searched for oil in the region and found a fountain of hot mineral water. It turned out soon it could perfectly help with polyarthritis and various skin diseases. Now it's our turn to try the healing power of the springs!

By 4 p.m. we'll be back in Vladikavkaz.

Until we meet again, friends!