land yachting magazine

Land Sailing in Nevada

January – february 2013.

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By MATTHEW B. BROWN

Nevada has many claims to fame, and you can add one more to the list: land sailing. In fact, I was interested to learn recently that the Silver State is arguably the premier land-sailing destination in the United States.

“We have the dry lakebeds, the hard mud,” says nine-time national champion and current treasurer of the North American Land Sailing Association, Mark Harris. “Nevada is a very popular location because we can go the fastest.” Nevada also has wind galore, which is as valuable to a land sailor as fuel is to a racecar driver.

Land sailing, also known as sand yachting or land yachting—or as Harris likes to call it, “dirt boating”—has evolved primarily into a racing sport in the last half century. Its roots can be traced as far back as 6th-century China. Centuries later, some European royalty used land yachts for entertainment, and they were even used hundreds of years ago in the U.S. to transport goods.

Today, however, they are used primarily for competition. Land-sailing events are held internationally from the vast beaches of Western Europe, Ireland, New Zealand, and Brazil to the dry deserts of the U.S. It’s no surprise then that the arid sands of Nevada have become the epicenter of the fiercely competitive dirt-boating world.

OK, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration. “It’s friendly competition,” says Harris, an electrical engineer for the Public Utilities Commission of Nevada. “The Europeans are big on entertainment, so that tradition has carried over to the states.” The sense of community and family is strong in land sailing. Harris says a group of spectators and racers, which rarely exceeds 100 at most events, will enjoy potluck dinners, fly remote-control airplanes, hold stargazing parties, and socialize around bonfires.

The next major Nevada event is America’s Landsailing Cup (this and most others are open to the public) on March 23-30 at Ivanpah Dry Lake, just south of Primm—a shopping and entertainment destination known for its Primm Valley Resorts and Desperado roller coaster.

Richard Jenkins set the world land speed record for a wind-powered vehicle (126.2 mph) there on March 26, 2009 in his yacht Greenbird. The previous record of 116.7 mph was set at Ivanpah in 1999.

While Ivanpah is technically in California just over the Nevada border, it’s still largely considered a Nevada event because Primm is the gateway. Other Silver State terrain used primarily for land sailing includes Misfits Flat, just south of Stagecoach; Smith Creek Valley Dry Lake southwest of Austin via State Route 722; and Diamond Valley northeast of Eureka via S.R. 278.

On the NALSA website there are images from the 1998 “Holy Gale” event held in the Black Rock Desert. The Thrust SuperSonic car (jet-powered in this case) famously bolted across northwestern Nevada’s Black Rock Desert in 1997 at a world-record speed of 763.035 mph, or 2 percent above the speed of sound.

The annual Holy Gale has since moved to Smith Creek Valley, which is Nevada pilot Lester Robertson’s favorite event. Robertson is the owner of the aforementioned Misfits Flat land—where much of the famous 1961 film starring Marilyn Monroe was filmed—and the Carson City company Complete Millwork Service.

Robertson loves the competition of land sailing, but he also cites, “the silence of the desert; just setting down these contraptions, accelerating, and seconds later flying along at 50 mph in a cloud of dust,” he says. “The dust subsides, and you will find yourself five miles from camp without a breath of wind, hoping for the next puff to come in and take you home.”

Robertson, who heavily promotes youth land sailing, also speaks highly of the camaraderie that is such a big part of the sport’s makeup. “A lot of guys and gals have been friends for years—the same bond you find with the rock hunters, rocketeers…all of us waiting for the next year’s trips to the heart of Nevada, the Great Basin.”

Black Rock Goes Soft

The Black Rock Desert in northwestern Nevada was once a premier land-sailing destination, but that’s not so anymore. The key, believe it or not, is moisture—or lack thereof. “It has not flooded since 2000 or thereabouts,” says Nevada pilot Lester Robertson. “Four years ago the surface went from so hard you did not leave imprints with your motorhome tires to so soft and crumbly a 250-pound dirt boat would sink so deep you cannot sail.”

According to Robertson, the Black Rock needs a substantial flood covering after which the water would soak deep into the subsurface. “Perhaps this will be the year we get the type of snow and rain we had when the Truckee River flooded and the Helms pit became Sparks Marina; that’s what it will take to repair the Black Rock Desert,” he says.

• City Limits

Dirtboating Magazine

See you in the Dirt!

Launching into our third year, Dirtboating Magazine is an online magazine dedicated to reporting on and promoting Dirtboating, Landsailing, or Land Yachting with occasional forays into the ice boating world.

How Do Land Yachts Work? (Discover the World of Land Yachting)

Have you ever dreamed of sailing through the air, feeling the rush of wind in your hair? Well, you don’t need the ocean to achieve this feeling – you can experience the thrill and freedom of land yachting! A land yacht is a lightweight vehicle that’s propelled by wind and steered with a sail, allowing you to glide across land with ease.

In this article, we’ll explore the world of land yachting – from the design of a land yacht to the safety tips you should keep in mind.

So get ready to experience an adventure like no other – let’s discover how land yachts work !.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Land yachts are a type of sail-powered vehicle that is designed to move over land, usually on a flat surface.

They use a sail to catch the wind and propel the vehicle forward, similar to a sailboat.

The driver of a land yacht uses the rudder to steer, and can also adjust the sail and the height of the mast to adjust the speed.

Land yachts can reach high speeds, making them popular for recreational use.

What is a Land Yacht?

A land yacht is a type of sailboat designed to traverse the open terrain of land rather than the ocean or other bodies of water.

These yachts are typically equipped with a three-wheeled frame, a large sail, and a rotating mast that can be adjusted to catch the wind.

The wheels are used to steer the yacht, providing an exciting and adventurous ride that allows people to explore open areas such as deserts and beaches.

The land yachts design is tailored to harness the power of the wind and its ability to propel the yacht forward.

The position of the sail and the angle of the mast can be adjusted to maximize the yachts speed, while the wheels are able to provide directional control in order to steer the yacht.

Land yachts are a unique and fun way to explore open areas, and have become increasingly popular in recent years.

They provide an exhilarating experience, and can be a great way to experience the outdoors in a new and exciting way.

Land yachting is becoming a popular activity for those looking for an adrenaline-filled adventure, and can be a great way to explore the world around you.

The Design of a Land Yacht

Land yachts are designed with a frame that is usually made from aluminum or steel, and can be built in a variety of sizes to accommodate a single rider or a larger group.

The three-wheeled frame is designed to allow for a stable ride and easy maneuverability, and the wheels are typically made from a lightweight material such as plastic or rubber.

The sail is mounted on a rotating mast, which can be adjusted to catch the wind effectively and propel the yacht forward.

The mast is also adjustable to allow for the changing direction of the wind, and the steering of the yacht is done via the wheels.

In addition to the frame and sail, land yachts come with rigging, which is the set of ropes and pulleys that attach the sail to the frame and mast.

This rigging is adjustable and can be adjusted to capture the wind more effectively, allowing for greater speed and control.

The rigging also includes a brake system that allows the rider to slow down or stop the yacht with ease.

Land yachts also come in a variety of styles and designs, from traditional sailboats to modern, aerodynamic designs.

The frame and sail can also be customized to suit the riders needs, with color and design choices available to make the yacht look unique and stylish.

Overall, land yachts are designed to provide an exciting and adventurous ride on land, allowing riders to explore open areas such as deserts or beaches.

With the adjustable rigging and frame, the yacht can be tailored to the riders needs, allowing for a safe and comfortable ride.

How a Land Yacht is Propelled

The key to land yachts is how they are propelled.

It uses the power of the wind to move the vehicle, much like a sailboat does in the water.

This is done by mounting a large sail to a rotating mast that can be adjusted to catch the wind.

The wind then fills the sail, providing thrust and pushing the yacht forward.

The sail can be adjusted to catch the wind coming from different directions, allowing the land yacht to change direction and navigate around obstacles.

The wheels of the land yacht are used to steer it, allowing it to turn in different directions.

The size of the sail is important when it comes to propelling the land yacht.

The bigger the sail, the more wind it can catch, and the faster the vehicle can go.

The size of the sail can be adjusted to suit the conditions of the environment, allowing the land yacht to travel at a comfortable speed.

It is also possible to adjust the angle of the sail to make it more efficient, allowing the yacht to make the most of the available wind.

In addition to the sail, some land yachts also have a motorized propeller that can be used to help propel the vehicle.

This can be helpful if there is not enough wind to fill the sail, or if the terrain is too challenging for the yacht to travel through.

The motorized propeller can also be used to help the yacht travel up steep hills or through shallow waters.

Land yachts are an exciting way to explore open areas such as deserts and beaches.

They provide a unique and thrilling ride, with the rider able to take advantage of the wind to travel quickly and navigate around obstacles.

With a little practice, anyone can master the art of land yachting and enjoy the adventure of exploring new places.

Steering a Land Yacht

Steering a land yacht is a unique experience that requires skill and practice.

Unlike a boat that uses a rudder to control its direction, a land yacht uses its wheels to steer.

The wheels are connected to the sail by a complicated system of ropes and pulleys.

By adjusting the angle of the sail in relation to the wind, the yacht will turn left or right depending on the direction of the wind.

Additionally, the wheels can be used to turn the yacht in the same manner as a car.

In order to steer a land yacht, the driver must be familiar with the principles of sailing and the forces that act upon the sail.

The driver must be aware of the wind direction and the angle of the sail relative to the wind.

The driver must also be aware of the terrain in order to choose the best line for the yacht to travel.

The driver must also pay close attention to the rope and pulley system connected to the wheels and the sail.

By adjusting the ropes, the driver can make small adjustments to the sail in order to optimize the yachts speed and direction.

This can be a difficult task, as the driver must maintain a delicate balance between speed, direction, and terrain.

The most important part of steering a land yacht is practice.

With enough practice, a driver can master the art of sailing and be able to maneuver their yacht with ease.

With practice, a driver can become an expert at land yachting and enjoy the thrill of exploring open areas with the wind at their back.

The Benefits of Land Yachting

Land yachting is an exciting and adventurous way to explore open areas such as deserts and beaches.

It offers a unique experience that is not found in traditional sailing, allowing you to explore new places and have a thrilling ride.

Land yachting has many benefits that make it a great activity for those who want to try something new and exciting.

First, land yachting is a much simpler form of sailing than traditional sailing.

It requires less skill to learn and operate, and is generally easier to maneuver.

This makes it a great option for anyone looking to take up a new hobby or just enjoy some time on the water.

Second, land yachting is often much less expensive than traditional sailing.

Since land yachts are designed to be used on land, they often require less maintenance and upkeep than traditional sailing vessels.

This makes them more affordable, allowing more people to enjoy the experience.

Third, land yachting is a great way to explore and experience new places.

Since land yachts are designed to be used on land, they are able to access places that traditional sailing vessels cannot.

This makes it a great way to explore areas that may otherwise be inaccessible.

Finally, land yachting is a great way to get exercise.

While sailing, you will be active and moving, which can help to keep your heart healthy and your muscles strong.

Additionally, being in the sun can help to give you a healthy dose of Vitamin D.

Overall, land yachting is an exciting and adventurous way to explore open areas such as deserts and beaches.

With its simplicity, affordability, and ability to access remote areas, land yachting is an appealing activity that anyone can enjoy.

Where to Go Land Yachting

Land yachting can be an incredibly exciting and adventurous experience.

Whether you’re looking for a thrilling day trip or a weekend getaway, land yachting is a great way to explore the great outdoors and take in the sights and sounds of nature.

Land yachting is an activity that can be enjoyed on a variety of terrains, from beaches and deserts to open fields and more.

For those looking to explore the great outdoors, land yachting is a great way to get out and about and explore the world in a unique and fun way.

Beaches and deserts are great places to try out land yachting, since they provide plenty of open space and the wind can be used to propel the yacht.

Open fields, such as large grassy areas or fields with no trees, can also be great spots to go land yachting.

Another great place to try out land yachting is on a lake.

Lakes provide plenty of open area for the wind to catch the sail and propel the yacht, and it’s a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area.

Lakes are also less likely to have obstacles such as trees or rocks that can get in the way, which makes it a great option for those looking for a safe and enjoyable experience.

No matter where you choose to go land yachting, it’s important to make sure you have the right equipment and supplies.

Make sure you have the right size sail for the wind conditions in the area, as well as a helmet and protective clothing.

It’s also important to be aware of the terrain and make sure there are no obstacles that could get in the way.

Land yachting is a great way to explore the outdoors and take in the sights and sounds of nature.

With the right safety precautions and equipment, land yachting can be an exciting and unique experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

So why not give it a try? It’s sure to be a great adventure!.

Safety Tips for Land Yachting

Land yachting is a thrilling and adventurous way to explore open areas such as deserts and beaches, but it is important to remember that safety should always come first.

Before you set out on your land yachting expedition, there are a few key safety tips to remember: 1.

Wear protective clothing Land yachting can be a fast and bumpy ride, so make sure to dress appropriately.

Wear a sturdy pair of shoes, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt to protect yourself from any debris that may be kicked up.

Wear a helmet Land yachting can be a dangerous activity, and you should always be prepared for the worst.

Wear a helmet to protect your head in case of an accident.

Check the weather Make sure to check the weather forecast before you set out on your journey.

Strong winds can make land yachting dangerous, so make sure the conditions are suitable for your activity.

Check your equipment Before you go, make sure to check that all your equipment is in good working order.

Check your sail and mast to make sure they are properly rigged and adjusted, and make sure your wheels are secure and in good condition.

Stay aware While land yachting, be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Pay attention to any changes in the wind direction, look out for any obstacles, and be ready to adjust your course if necessary.

By following these safety tips, you can make sure that you have a safe and enjoyable land yachting experience.

Remember to always use caution and common sense, and you’ll be sure to have a great time.

Final Thoughts

Land yachting is an exciting, adventurous way to explore the world! With its unique design, a land yacht is propelled by the wind and steered by its wheels, making it a thrilling ride.

With the right safety precautions, land yachting can be an unforgettable experience.

So what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore the world of land yachting today!.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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Nalchik city, Russia

The capital city of Kabardino-Balkaria republic .

Nalchik - Overview

Nalchik is a resort city located in the south of European Russia, the capital of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria, its administrative, cultural, and educational center.

The population of Nalchik is about 239,600 (2022), the area - 67 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 8662, the postal codes - 360000-360904.

Nalchik city flag

Nalchik city coat of arms.

Nalchik city map, Russia

History of nalchik, foundation of nalchik.

The official date of foundation of Nalchik is considered to be 1724 - the time of the foundation of the first settlements on the banks of the mountain river of Nalchik at the foot of the wooded mountains of the Main Caucasian Range, when the auls of Prince Aslanbek Kaitukin moved here from the upper reaches of the Kuma River. From 1724, the auls of the main princes of Kabarda - Aslanbek Kaitukin, Dzhambot Tatarkhanov, Kuchuk Dzhankhotov - were located on the present territory of Nalchik.

The fortress of Nalchik was founded by General Aleksey Yermolov either in 1818 or in 1822, during the Caucasian War (1817-1864). The military settlement at the fortress was founded in 1838. In 1850, its population was 272 people.

In 1871, the military settlement of Nalchik was transformed into a civilian settlement (sloboda). Since that time, the local economy and industry began to develop. In 1884, about 3.5 thousand people lived in Nalchik. There were 13 brick-tile and lime factories, 4 smithies, 4 water mills, 20 inns, more than 50 shops, dozens of taverns and wine cellars.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Nalchik began to turn into a resort. Thanks to the mild climate and the presence of mineral waters, it became very famous. By 1913, the population grew to 18,600 people.

More historical facts…

Nalchik in the 20th century and beyond

Nalchik sloboda received the status of a city by the decision of the Constituent Congress of Soviets of Kabardian Autonomous Oblast in 1921. At the same time, the decisions were made to build a power plant in Nalchik, as well as a mechanical plant with a foundry (later transformed into a hydro-turbine plant) and a timber mill. In 1923-1928, an elevator, a mechanized mill, and the Nalchik confectionery factory were built.

In 1923, the Lenin Educational Town was established (today’s Kabardino-Balkarian State University - one of the largest universities in the North Caucasus) with pedagogical, agricultural and cooperative technical schools. In 1939 the population of Nalchik was 47,970 people.

During the Second World War, Nalchik was occupied by the Germans from October 28, 1942 to January 3, 1943, the city was largely destroyed. About 9 thousand residents died in the battles.

On March 8, 1944, the forced deportation of the Balkars began. In total, 37,713 people were sent from the Nalchik railway station to permanent exile to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Officially, the deportation was based on the facts of participation of the Balkars in collaborationist formations that sided with Nazi Germany during the Second World War.

Subsequently, by the highest state bodies of the USSR, and later - of Russia, this deportation was declared illegal, criminal, and an act of genocide. In 1957, a massive return of the Balkars to their homeland began. In 1959, the city’s population was 87,600.

In the 1960s-1970s, Nalchik was developed according to a new general plan corresponding to its status of a resort city. A distinctive feature of the urban development was that between the main streets with multi-storey buildings there were whole quarters of “hidden” private houses, many of which were pre-revolutionary buildings.

In the sanatoriums of Nalchik, about 36,000 people rested and were treated in 1958, 80,000 - in 1968, and 100,000 - in 1971. In the late 1980s, the Nalchik resort reached the peak in its development and presented an almost idyllic picture of the prosperity of a socialist state. In 1989, the population of Nalchik was 234,500 people.

In 1991, Nalchik became the capital of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria within the Russian Federation. Just as in all of Russia, the collapse of the USSR and the severance of industrial ties led to the fact that most of the city’s enterprises were closed. By 1995, the situation worsened even more when refugees from Chechnya were accommodated in local sanatoriums and rest homes. The entire resort area and city park fell into disrepair.

1997 was a turning point for Nalchik - the city began to be actively decorated and landscaped again. In 1999, by the decree of the Government of the Russian Federation, the Nalchik resort was assigned the status of a resort of federal significance.

In October 2005, the city was attacked by Islamist militants. 14 civilians and 35 police officers and law enforcement officers were killed, more than 240 people were wounded, including 129 law enforcement officers. The number of militants killed according to various sources ranges from 41 to 97 people.

In 2010, Nalchik was awarded the honorary title “City of Military Glory”.

Pictures of Nalchik

Rainbow in Nalchik

Author: Deni Altmar

The restaurant Sosruko in Nalchik

Author: Vladimir Shelyapin

Nalchik Railway Station

Author: Karolina P.

Nalchik - Features

The Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria is one of the most beautiful and unique places in Russia in terms of natural, historical, and cultural characteristics. Nalchik, the capital of the republic, is located in its center in a picturesque area at the foot of the Main Caucasian Range at an altitude of 512 meters above sea level.

There are several versions of the origin of the city’s name. The most probable is that it got its name from the mountain river of Nalchik, which flows through its territory, and its geographical location in a semicircle of mountains resembles a horseshoe. The name of the city is based on the word “nal” - “horseshoe”, which is used in both the Kabardino-Circassian and Karachai-Balkarian languages. The horseshoe is depicted on the city’s coat of arms along with Mount Elbrus.

The climate of Nalchik is the climate of the foothill zone. The average temperature in July is plus 21 degrees Celsius, in January - minus 2.5 degrees Celsius. The main feature of the local climate is the daily fluctuations in air temperature, especially in summer.

According to the 2010 All-Russian Population Census, the ethnic composition of the population of Nalchik is as follows: Kabardians - 49.25%, Russians - 28.77%, Balkars - 12.16%, Ossetians - 2.04%. The majority of the city’s population are Sunni Muslims.

The federal highway “Caucasus” passes through Nalchik. From the Nalchik railway station, trains leave in the direction of Moscow located about 1,700 km north of it. The airport of Nalchik offers regular flights to Moscow and St. Petersburg. Minibuses (known as “marshrutka”) form the basis of the city’s public transport.

Nalchik is a fairly large industrial center. The leading branches of industry are non-ferrous metallurgy, light industry, food and pharmaceutical industries. Kabardino-Balkaria and its capital Nalchik are a popular center for tourism, mountaineering and skiing.

Due to the mild natural and climatic conditions, the presence of various mineral waters and therapeutic mud, the balneological resort of Nalchik is on a par with the resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters - Kislovodsk, Yessentuki, Pyatigorsk, Zheleznovodsk. About a quarter of the city is a resort area. In the resort part of the city and around it, there are about 40 sanatoriums, rest houses, tourist centers, boarding houses. On a relatively small territory of Nalchik, there are 18 mineral springs of various physical and chemical composition.

The valley of the resort is surrounded by mountains in a semicircle protecting this beautiful place from the winds. A magnificent panorama of the majestic peaks of the Greater Caucasus opens from any point.

Main Attractions of Nalchik

Atazhukinsky Garden - the largest park in the North Caucasus. Named after the Kabardian prince Atazhuko Atazhukin, it was founded in 1847. The total area is about 250 hectares, the length of the main alley - 1.5 kilometers. The park has over 150 species of plants, a river, lakes, an observation deck, sculptures, a pavilion with mineral water, a zoo, cafes and restaurants, a summer concert hall (Green Theater). In 2002, Atazhukinsky Garden was recognized as the best green park in Russia. Shogentsukova Avenue.

Nalchik Hippodrome . From time immemorial, Kabardino-Balkaria has been famous for its thoroughbred horses. Therefore, it is not surprising that one of the main attractions of Nalchik is its hippodrome. The hippodrome was built in the 1930s. In 2006, reconstruction was carried out. Horse races held here are very popular among locals and tourists. Malbakhova Street, 30.

Nalchik Central Mosque (2004) - not only one of the most original architectural objects of the city, but also a unique religious building of Islam. As conceived by the architect Andrey Asanov, not traditional canons were used in the construction of the building, but a modern high-tech style. The height of the mosque is 21 meters, the minarets - 30 meters. Shogentsukova Avenue, 133.

Restaurant “Sosruko” - one of the symbols of Nalchik. In the 1950s, it was decided to build a new restaurant in Nalchik where numerous vacationers could spend their evenings. The winner of the competition was the architect Palagashvili, who proposed to make the building recognizable and unique.

The exterior of the restaurant is stylized as a head dressed in a helmet and a hand with a flaming torch - the hero of the national epic Sosruko, who seems to grow out of a mountain 640 meters high. The helmet has an observation deck, which offers impressive panoramic views.

National Museum of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria . The exposition of the department of nature displays a huge relief map of the republic and samples of minerals extracted in its different parts. Slides and dioramas introduce visitors to the natural monuments, flora and fauna of Kabardino-Balkaria, the uniqueness of which is due to the presence of five climatic zones on the territory of the republic.

The historical part of the exposition tells about the most interesting archaeological finds of Kabardino-Balkaria, about the history of the Kabardians and Balkars (the indigenous inhabitants of the republic) from ancient times to the present day, about their traditions, customs, ethnography, and culture. Gorkogo Street, 62.

Kabardino-Balkarian Museum of Fine Arts named after A.L. Tkachenko . The exhibition halls of this museum showcase works of European, Russian and national artists, sculptors, masters of decorative and applied art created in the 19th-20th centuries. The pride of the museum is the collection of masterpieces created by French watchmakers of the 18th century, antique Japanese, Chinese, European, and Russian porcelain. Lenina Avenue, 35.

Chegem Waterfalls in the Chegem Gorge - a picturesque natural monument, one of the natural tourist attractions of Kabardino-Balkaria and one of the most beautiful places in Russia located about 55 km from Nalchik. Here you can also buy wool products, souvenirs, and other Kabardian and Balkar goods. There are several small cafes with national cuisine.

Nalchik city of Russia photos

Streets of nalchik.

Nalchik - a city surrounded by mountains

Author: Shlykov Kirill

On the street in Nalchik

Author: Valery Podlesny

Apartment house in Nalchik

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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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