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Landyachtz Dinghy Review – Overhyped? (Bought & Tested)

By: Author Ruben Vee

Posted on Published: November 2, 2021  - Last updated: December 7, 2023

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Whenever you consult the web and ask what the best possible cruiser is, almost everybody mentions the Landyachtz Dinghy. Now Landyachtz has been in the business for 20+ years and boasts high quality, great price, amazing design, and superior functionality. I got curious and wanted to see for myself so I decided to buy a Dinghy and do an in-depth review.

The Landyachtz Dinghy is great for short distances. It’s responsive, portable, and consists of quality parts that work straight out of the box. It handles well on rough roads but it’s not for tricks, downhill, or riding skateparks. Beginners might find the Dinghy challenging.

I’m going to cover everything and even made a video that demonstrates what this board can do. I and my friend decided to take it out for a test ride and take it apart piece by piece to find out why this board has such a great reputation.

Here’s the short version of this review.

• The Dinghy is very portable
• Durable, it can last for a decade
• Very responsive
• Low effort to get up to speed
• Also suitable for beginners, the learning curve might be challenging
• Great components that go really well together
• It just looks great
• Wheels and bearings aren’t great
• Heavier than a regular skateboard, lighter than a longboard
• Tall people might find it too small, not suitable for heavy riders
• Takes some time to break in the bearings and tweak the trucks

This review contains links that earn me a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.  

Let’s roll right into the action and watch our test ride. Already convinced? For the best deal check evo.com , or check for prices on Amazon right here .

Not Really for Freeride Longboarding

Pumping is possible, tricks are possible but limited, rough roads, the dinghy is the perfect portable commuter, concave and shape, polar bear trucks, bear riser pads (0.25 inches), swapping the wheels, bear spaceball bearings, dinghy durability, is the landyachtz dinghy too small, loads of designs, is the landyachtz dinghy for beginners, recap: the good and the bad, price of the landyachtz dingy, about landyachtz, in conclusion, how does the landyachtz dinghy perform.

The Dinghy performs great on all sorts of surfaces . It handles everything with ease though sometimes you need to know what you’re doing.

So, is the Landyachtz Dinghy any good in terms of cruising? The simple answer… absolutely. Actually, this board was specifically designed for cruising in urban areas and cities. Thanks to the size of the wheels, this board can catch speed quickly (acceleration). Not only that, but this board is great for handling turns, thanks to the length of the board.

You’ll probably come across times when you’ll have to hop a curb while cruising around. The kicktail of the Dinghy makes this possible, and with ease. Expect the full urban transportation experience when riding this board. It’s fit for any city that you plan on commuting around and an ideal campus cruiser.

You’ll then have to quickly catch speed again. Want to hit a pedestrian? Of course not, so you’ll be making a lot of quick turns. You’ll be hopping curbs like no tomorrow. With all of this going on, the Dinghy really delivers on quality and control. You’ll be able to handle all of these situations with ease. It’s exactly what the Landyachtz Dinghy was built for.

The Landyachtz Dinghy is not specifically made for freeriding . However, you can still pull this off and have a good time doing so. The Dinghy is a shortboard, while freeriding boards are typically a bit longer. If your main goal is for freeriding, then you should probably consider another board. 

But, just because there are better freeriding options, that doesn’t mean you can’t pull some nice slides on the Landyachtz Dinghy. Thanks to the concave shape of the board, sliding will be easier since you’ll be able to lock your feet. The wheels of the Dinghy won’t keep you from sliding either. This board was built for cruising in the city.

Is the Landyachtz Dinghy appropriate for pumping? It sure is! It does require experience and you need to know what you’re doing but this board can pull it off. I actually had a hard time keeping up with my friend while he was pumping. I switched to a longboard because I was pushing like a madman on my regular board to keep up.

The Polar Bear trucks come stock on the Dinghy, and though they might not be ideal for pumping, this video proves you can. You could consider other trucks, but why waste money. You’re better off assembling a cruiser or longboard yourself.

You can pull off ollies, manuals, and some old school tricks but I wouldn’t take it to a skatepark. While the Dinghy is capable of doing more technical tricks that are closer to skateboarding, I can’t really recommend it. The board wasn’t made for that and you’re better off with a regular skateboard.

Only really experienced skateboarders can pull this off. I’m going to test this soon and will add a video to show you how it performs in skateparks.

Sure, the Dinghy is capable of handling really tight turns which is great for bowls/pools, but the wheels are rather soft . Manuals, slides, and plenty of pop tricks are all possible with this board but don’t expect to be the next Rodney Mullen on this board.

As opposed to regular skateboards, the Dinghy has big soft wheels, which makes your rolling more smooth but landing tricks just feel a bit sketchy and unstable compared to a popsicle skateboard. Riding a bowl would be possible I guess, but I still recommend a different setup for that purpose.

The Dinghy is perfect for rough roads. The large Hawgs wheels have no issues with debris like rocks or twigs, you hardly even notice them . As you can see in the video it’s able to ride over small patches of grass and uneven surfaces. Coming from a skateboarding background this was a fun experience. You need to get to know the board before you do stuff like this or you’ll eat dirt.

I really wanted to try out its downhill capabilities but it was already late. Looking at the setup I don’t think this board is suitable for downhill . To quickly summarize… there are definitely better boards for downhill riding. This board is ultimately designed for cruising. It’s a small board with narrow trucks which will become unstable at a high velocity.

The Landyachtz Dinghy has a small wheelbase. This is not an advantage when going downhill, because with a smaller wheelbase comes less stability. And you need to be stable when you’re going downhill. Not only this, but you won’t be able to reach the same speeds that you would reach while riding on a downhill board. City riding doesn’t involve many huge hills, and therefore the Dinghy wasn’t specifically designed for riding downhill.

However, it’s not all negative. Thanks to the stiffness of the maple deck and Fatty Hawgs wheels, you can catch some decent speed downhill while maintaining your balance. Also, thanks to the mellow radial concave, you’ll have better foot lock-in when you’re traveling fast. Still, it’s rather risky and you should pick a different setup if this is your main goal.

This Dinghy is a compact commuter board. You can carry it around without feeling awkward and it can easily fit under your arm or just strap it on a backpack . The 24″ mini version actually fits inside a backpack! 

The compact design allows you to carry it pretty much anywhere you want which is convenient when you need to use public transport. It’s slightly smaller than a regular skateboard as you can see in the image below.

The Landyachtz Dinghy was specifically made as a longboard for cruising in urban areas or cities. Thanks to the size and design of its trucks and wheelbase, the Dinghy is capable of managing sharp turns while maintaining stability.

The design of the kicktail will allow you to do tricks, such as ollies and manuals. Experienced riders can use it to slide or even do some technical tricks on a quarter pipe, though it wasn’t really designed for that.

This board isn’t t for serious downhill riding or freeriding and not for technical street skaters . It accelerates fast but doesn’t have a high top-speed as compared to downhill boards. I still think it goes fast enough to do what it’s supposed to when you push hard enough. It takes a while to slow down so this means a great cruising experience without having to push all the time.

This board is made for people who want to commute and have a fun and relaxing riding experience , and Landyachtz certainly succeeded. It has no issues with rough roads and you can even plow through a patch of grass when needed (as demonstrated in the video).

I took the Dinghy apart to see what kind of parts you get. Overall the components are of superior quality but I have some doubts about the bearings which I will address later on. Let’s see what you get:

• 7-ply maple wood deck with a medium concave 
• Square shaped kicktail and short oblong-shaped nose
• Wheel wells to prevent wheelbite
• Width: 8.0″.
• Length: 28.5″.
• Wheelbase: 14.6″.
• This version has clear grip tape lasts for many years under heavy use
• Two 4″ bear trucks 
• 1/4″ rubber riser pads to absorb shocks
• Four Hawgs wheels size 63mm with a durometer of 78A
• 8 Bear Spaceballs 8mm ABEC7 Bearings
• 8 speedwashers
• 8 bolts and nuts to attach your trucks

Stiff Maple Wood Deck 

Longboarders and skateboarders all over the world speak highly of the Landyachtz Dinghy deck and my test only confirms this. It’s both strong, durable and consists of high-quality 7-ply maple wood .

If we’re talking length, the Dinghy comes in sizes from 24”-28.5”. The range of widths are from 6.5”-8.5”, and you can get the wheelbase between 14”-15”. Overall, this board is fairly short with a small wheelbase.

The deck is very sturdy and doesn’t have any flex . This is something you might need to get used to if you also ride a flexy longboard. The Landyachtz Dinghy was made for fun , and the sturdiness allows you to do ollies though you can feel it wasn’t really made for that purpose.

I was a bit skeptical about the clear grip tape at first, but it’s actually pretty good and last for a very long time. I friend of mine owns an older model and the grip tape still holds after 8 years , even after abusing the board over and over again. I’ll go into durability in a moment. The clear grip will allow you to stand steady on your board and it just looks really nice.

Not all versions have clear grip tape, this is only the case with the Dinghy Summit. The grip provides enough grip to keep your feet in place but also allows you to move around for minor corrections.

It comes with wheel wells to prevent wheelbite which is great for people that love loose trucks and deep carves. I personally didn’t experience any wheels touching the board.

The combination of wheel wells and riser pads prevent any wheel blocking on sharp turns. 

The deck of the Landyachtz Dinghy has a mellow radial concave . The side is slightly elevated to get more board feel when performing tricks, it makes the board respond faster. Concave isn’t for everyone, it takes away from the stability you get from a board that’s entirely flat, but this thing is designed for playful rides .

On top of that, it allows you to perform sliding movements with a bit more ease. I think the concave is perfectly balanced, I hardly notice it but I come from a skateboarding background. I’m perfectly able to move my feet around despite the brand-new grip.

The Dinghy shape is directional and features both a nose and tail that are elevated , just like a popsicle. The nose is pointier shaped than the tail. The tail allows you to ollie or hop curbs or dig in a little when you come across a patch of grass. It will help you stay balanced while you lean back. 

The kicktail allows you to hop curbs while cruising and the soft wheels will make the landing pleasant. I was expecting it to bounce a lot but it really holds up well.

Another benefit of the tail is that you can do a few kickturns in parks or diagonal street objects if you’re up for it. Since this board is so stiff and the wheelbase is short, you may experience speed wobbles when you’re moving fast.

It also features a nose similar to regular skateboards though I haven’t really discovered the advantages yet. You could use it for nose manuals I guess.

As you can see in the image, the Dinghy has Polar Bear trucks, the axle width is 105mm. They seem a bit narrow and they are. It’s a compact board and the trucks need to fit right? Landyachtz did a really good job of balancing out all the parts . If you’re a longboarder the narrow trucks might feel a bit less stable than that you’re used to. Skateboarders will probably have no issues.

Bear trucks did a lot of R&D and found the perfect balance between the elastic zone permanent deformation by testing them on a destructometer. This means the truck can withstand huge impacts by bending and returning to its normal shape. 

The aggressive angle of the hangers increases their strength and the axels are heat-treated and reinforced to keep them from bending.

The trucks baseplates consist of 8 holes, which you can use to adjust the wheelbase. I tried but the result was a small gap between the board and the baseplate.

Still for a board this small I find it surprisingly stable so something was done right. The trucks are highly maneuverable, which also has to do with the soft bushings. 

The cup washers hold the bushings in their place and protect them from being damaged by the kingpin nut. The Pivot cups in the baseplate keep the Dinghy turning effectively at the baseplate’s intended angle.

I can’t seem to find any specifications about the hardness of the bushings but they feel medium soft. The bottom bushing is shaped like a barrel, while the top bushing is shaped like a cone. Bushings have different shapes to allow for different riding styles.

This barrel/cone combo is just great for the ability to perform maneuvers in tight corners. If you really can’t get used to them and the trucks feel too loose, it might have something to do with your weight . Consult my bushings guide in order to find out what you need.

The large bushing seats on the Dinghy help control your turning abilities (along with the pivot cup and washers) but at first, they felt incredibly loose. You don’t want to tighten the kingpin nut right away as this may lead to crushed bushings. Break them in first by riding the board or rocking it sideways by leaning.

After an hour or so tighten them just a little, if I recall correctly I only turned the nut once which was enough . This board was designed for commuting the city. This means that you will have to make a lot of quick and sharp turns and a reliable, responsive board.

The Landyachtz Dinghy has quarter-inch riser pads equipped between the trucks and the deck. These are to prevent wheel bite when you make sharp turns or land a bit hard on the sides. Heavier riders run more risk getting wheel bite compared to lightweights. The Risers give a little bit of extra clearance between the board and the wheels (the board also has wheel wells just in case). 

They are rather soft which helps to absorb impact from shocks and they reduce vibration from rough roads. 

The Dinghy Hawgs Wheels

The wheels of the Dinghy have diameters of 63mm. These are Fatty Hawgs wheels which were designed and created by Landyachtz themselves. The average size of wheels on most longboards is around 70mm (guestimate), meaning that the Dinghy’s wheels are a lot smaller. But what does that mean?

The smaller wheels will allow for quicker acceleration. However, your overall top speed will be decreased because of these smaller wheels. The Landyachtz is not quite as fast as a downhill board, but it will still reach incredible speeds for what it’s worth .

Although these wheels are smaller than average, they are still extremely smooth. You’ll hardly feel small bumps even at the highest speeds and they can take on rough surfaces like no other.

With a durometer of 78A, these wheels are very soft but still rather solid. I had no issues with cracks, grass patches, and really rough concrete. You’ll be able to tackle cracks in the sidewalk and plenty of metal objects without severely damaging your wheels.

Stay away from glass though, splinters can get stuck in your wheels. You’ll find the huge 50mm contact patch of these wheels to have great grip while still being able to perform slides in a controllable manner.

You do feel their limitations when you try ollies though. It’s just a bit bouncy and harder to control your board when landing. I also would like to point out that (like any wheel) they will wear down faster on rougher surfaces. Still, they’ll last you for a few years but I’ll update this post once I learned more.

After testing out other wheels I can say that the Fatty Hawgs are ok but to make this the best cruiser, consider other wheels. It performed so much better after replacing the wheels with Orangatang Fat Free wheels, way more grippy and smooth. I also swapped the bearings for Bronson Raws and the difference is night and day.

I also tried OJ Super Juice wheels but the contact patch is just a bit too small. Want the most out of this board? Go for the Fat Free wheels.

As with the rest of the longboard, Landyachtz manufactures its own bearings. This specific brand is called Bear Spaceball bearings. These bearings boast a rating of ABEC7. However, it’s good to keep in mind that ABEC doesn’t really factor too much into longboards and skateboards .

ABEC rating is for machines with high RPMs, like over 9000. You won’t get more than 2000 RPM on a skateboard (downhillers might disagree).

The Bear Spaceball bearings are equipped with built-in spacers, I was a bit surprised actually because I never saw that before. The good news is, they are open bearings which makes it a lot easier to clean and lube compared to closed bearings.

I still would prefer separate metal spacers with open bearings and I’m not sure why Landyachtz decided to use built-in spacers, they are the experts so I’m sure I’m missing something here. Fancy stuff though, can’t argue with that.

The Bear Spaceball bearings are open bearings which makes them easy to clean and lube. You don’t have to worry about dust because the outer rings and spacers keep dirt out. I wouldn’t recommend riding in the rain though.

Spacers are often overlooked but they help to keep the dirt out and prevent destroying them when you tighten the nut too much and prevent crushing the inner workings. They also allow you to tighten your axles without screwing up the rest of your setup. If you decide to replace the bearings, make sure to get spacers!

I’m not yet convinced yet about these bearings and already noticed they perform less than in the first week. I might lube them a bit but I expected more. If they start to wear down sooner than expected I’ll replace them with Bones bearings. 

The board is quite heavy and made of quality maple wood and will chip if you don’t handle it right. I wouldn’t recommend smashing into the corner of a wall, but that seems pretty obvious. It takes a bit of effort to pop the tail and landing ollies is a bit more challenging compared to a popsicle. This probably has to do with it’s slightly narrower profile and bigger wheels.

This board is meant for cruising and not for flip tricks. Treat her right and she’ll hold up just fine. Don’t ride in the rain, this will dissolve the epoxy resin holding the layers together and your board will delaminate, not to mention damaging the bearings.

In the picture above are an older and rather trashed Dinghy and a brand new model. A friend of mine owns it for almost 8 years and he’s known for trashing boards. Oh boy, that tail suffered hard but even after almost a decade, it still is his favorite board.

This longboard is a lot smaller than most others. So, you may be wondering if it’s big enough for you to ride on. Basically, all of this comes down to 2 things: your own size (height, and arguably shoe size), and the type of riding you plan on doing.

If you have an above-average shoe size, then you may have problems getting comfortable on this board. The deck is 8” wide, so you’ll need to decide if this is large enough for you to be comfortable with the size of your shoes. When encountering tight turns, you may experience instability because of your toes sticking out.

Also, due to the short length of this board, it may be tough for taller people to get a good stance. However, if you’re around 6’4” or shorter, you shouldn’t have a problem here. It’s also a preference thing, I know tall riders that ride small boards and short riders that ride large boards.

And onto the “type of riding” part… the size of this board is great for what it’s meant to do, which is commuting around a city and just cruising. This smaller size is going to be great for weaving in and out of obstacles, such as other pedestrians. And with most things, it’s going to come down to your personal riding preference.

So you’re interested in the Landyachtz Dinghy. But you’re curious as to what your options will be as far as the designs go. Well, here’s the good news… there are over 20 designs for the Dinghy and 3 different sizes . The largest is 28.5″, in between the 26″ and the smallest is only 24″.  There’s a good chance that there’s a design out there that will fit you and your personality.

If you need some examples to look into, I got you covered. One of the top-selling Dinghy boards is the Emboss. Some other very popular designs include the Dinghy Beach Party, the Dinghy Summit (as reviewed here), and the Dinghy Trout. Be sure to check out all of the others as well.

I picked the Summit because I just adore the design. My friend now rides this board in the city and people actually compliment him on his fine board.

Lastly, if you want a board without concave go for the Landyachtz Dinghy Handstand. This is a dedicated cruiser without a curved nose and kicktail which results in a more stable ride.

The learning curve might be a bit steeper for beginners. Many reviews claim that this board isn’t for beginners but I’m not entirely convinced after riding and testing it myself. I even let a beginner ride this board and she didn’t have much trouble at all.

Sure there’s a bit of a learning curve here, the concave might feel a bit awkward at first but you should get used to it fairly quickly. Take some time to learn how to ride, you’ll get it. Find a spot that’s not crowded and preferable a smooth surface.

The Landyachtz Dinghy has been designed as a board for city cruising. It has extremely responsive trucks and is very twitchy. It’s a bit less stable than most boards that are recommended for beginners. Don’t skip on this board because you’re a beginner or inexperienced rider.

It takes a bit more effort to get to know the board, but once you do you won’t look back. If you want to be on the safe side, consider the Landyachtz Dinghy Handstand. It doesn’t have any concave, the deck is entirely flat making it easier to ride. If you eventually want to hop curbs and slide a bit, go for it. It’s a waste of money to buy another board first.

Are you fairly-experienced in either skateboarding or longboarding? Then go for it! Skip it when you are heavier or your shoe size 11+ (US). In this case I would recommend the Landyachtz Tugboat (review).

We’ll start off with the good parts. The Landyachtz Dinghy has that longboard feel to it, yet has the control and agility of a skateboard. It’s rather stiff and lacks flex, and a medium concave to help you perform tricks. Thanks to the kicktail of the Dinghy, it’s possible to do a few tricks such as ollies and manuals.

The Fatty Hawgs wheels will enable you to do slides on this board. The Bear Spaceball bearings are supposed to be top-rated and high-quality,and they hold up fine so far. Although it’s not a downhill board, you’ll still be able to have fun cruising downhill (if you’re experienced enough) but do so at your won risk. And of course, this board is a bit smaller than the average, making it easier to carry around to your next destination.

I think this board is fine for beginners but the learning curve might be a bit steeper, make sure you really want to get into skateboarding/longboarding. You can always go for the version without concave if this is holding you back.

This is a great cruiser and you won’t regret buying the Dinghy, check evo.com for prices or compare prices and models on Amazon.

Now for the bad parts. The board designs are beautifully-crafted (pro), but this decreases your motivation for doing heavy tricks (con). If you have big feet, you may find it riding on the small deck of the Dinghy uncomfortable, though my friend with size 13 doesn’t have any issues.

The board is a bit heavy but you won’t notice when you ride it. I think the weight makes it more stable and can’t be considered a con. It’s really portable and you won’t be bothered carrying it around.

While the price isn’t a part of the actual board itself, it’s something to put in perspective. If you’ve gotten this far and are truly interested in the Dinghy, then it’s only fair that we talk about costs.

Here’s the good news… for its quality and efficiency, this board is truly affordable . Prices will vary depending on where you look, but you should expect to spend no more than $150 for this high-quality cruiser (except for Europeans like me, I paid about 170 Euros but got a bunch of really cool stickers). And that’s with all the top-notch components included.

There are many boards of similar quality that sell for much higher prices, but they can’t do what the Dinghy does. This board almost gets you the best bang for your buck in but there is a contender that is even better.

Landyachtz was started by only 2 people and has now grown to 60+ employees. This Canadian company now has shops in California and British Columbia as well. Landyachtz has been making longboards and accessories for over 20 years, and still going strong.

So Landyachtz specializes in longboards, but how about the accessories? By now you’ve heard of Hawgs Wheels and Bear Trucks. Both of these brands are well-known in the longboarding community as being of the highest quality. And they are both brands of Landyachtz. Are you environmentally friendly? Landyachtz is, as they plant a maple tree every time someone buys a board .

The Landyachtz Dinghy is a compact cruiser that is made for commuting around a city or any other urban area. This longboard has great stability and offers a comfortable ride. Hop curbs, pop a few ollies, slide when you’re ready and most of all… enjoy the experience. The Dinghy comes stock with high-quality components, all manufactured by Landyachtz themselves.

The Landyachtz Dinghy is one of the best at what it does: commuting through urban areas. The design will allow you to make all the quick turns you need when venturing through urban obstacles. You’ll be able to accelerate quickly whenever you need to. And although it’s not specifically a freeriding or downhill board, you can still pull this off (moderately) with enough experience.

There are more than 20 artistic designs to choose from, smaller versions and a dedicated cruiser without concave. What more can you ask for? If this is not your board check out a few more mini cruisers that I’ve tested and reviewed or check my top 11 list of best cruisers I personally tested.

Even though I’m not much of a longboarder, I am impressed by the quality. My friend likes it even more, so I decided to let him keep this board and I had to convince him because he thought it was too much.

Oh, I almost forgot. Why the 4star rating instead of 5? It mainly has to do with the bearings and wheels, not a fan when compared to other brands. Only the Comet Cruiser gets 5 stars.

I’m an aged skateboarder and still shred responsibly. Started skateboarding 25 years ago, peaked in the 2000’s, and still ride to this day. I am a total geek when it comes to skateboard gear, love test to stuff and share my findings.

Our editorial process is dedicated to providing high-quality, fact-checked content, ensuring the best experience. If you spot any inaccuracies, please let us know ([email protected]), and we will take immediate action.

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The Kabardino-Balkaria Republic, Russia

The capital city of Kabardino-Balkaria republic: Nalchik .

The Kabardino-Balkaria Republic - Overview

The Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria or the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic is a federal subject of Russia located in the northern part of the Greater Caucasus on Kabardinskaya plain. It is part of the North Caucasian Federal District. Nalchik is the capital of the region.

The population of the Kabardino-Balkaria Republic is about 870,500 (2022), the area - 12,470 sq. km.

Kabardino-Balkaria republic flag

Kabardino-balkaria republic coat of arms.

Kabardino-Balkaria republic anthem

Kabardino-balkaria republic map, russia, kabardino-balkaria republic latest news and posts from our blog:.

29 May, 2012 / Picturesque views of the North Caucasus .

6 May, 2012 / Climbing up Mount Elbrus - the highest peak in Russia .

News, notes and thoughts:

20 February, 2011   / Three car bombs defused in Elbrus area in Russia's North Caucasus Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria had the combined strength of 70 kg of TNT. The area of attacks is constantly growing.

History of Kabardino-Balkaria

Before the founding of Kabardino-Balkaria, two historical regions were located within its territory - Kabarda and Balkaria.

Kabarda consisted of two principalities - Bolshaya (Large) Kabarda and Malaya (Small) Kabarda that occupied the plains and foothills of the present republic, as well as the mountain and alpine area in the upper reaches of the Malka River and its tributaries. Balkaria, divided into five mountain communities, occupied mainly mountainous and highland areas of the present republic.

In 1557, Kabarda formed an alliance with Russia. In 1561, Ivan IV the Terrible married the daughter of the famous Kabardian Prince Temryuk Idarov.

In 1774, according to the Treaty of Kucuk Kaynarca between the Russian Empire and the Ottoman Empire, the land of Bolshaya Kabarda formally ceded to Russia. In 1827, Balkaria also became part of Russia.

After the Civil War in Russia, Kabarda and Balkaria became the administrative districts of Gorsky Autonomous Socialist Republic. In 1922, Kabardino-Balkar Autonomous Oblast was formed. In 1936, it received a new status - Kabardino-Balkar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic.

In 1942, most of the republic including the city of Nalchik was occupied by the Germans during the Second World War. In January 1943, Kabardino-Balkaria was liberated.

In 1944, the deportation of the Balkars in Central Asia and Kazakhstan was organized by the Soviet authorities. It was a punishment for “collaboration” with the Germans during the occupation. The republic was renamed in Kabardian ASSR. In 1957, the Balkars began to return to their homeland and the republic received its old name - Kabardino-Balkar ASSR.

In 1992, it became an independent republic of the Russian Federation.

Beautiful nature of Kabardino-Balkaria

Kabardino-Balkaria scenery

Author: Molchanov Igor

Mountain stream in Kabardino-Balkaria

Author: Sergey Vasiljev

Mountain waterfalls in Kabardino-Balkaria

Author: Mikhail Yermolenko

Kabardino-Balkaria - Features

On the coat of arms and flag of Kabardino-Balkaria, you can see a two-headed mountain - Mount Elbrus, which is the main natural attractions of the republic. Mount Elbrus (5,642 m) is the highest point of Russia, the Caucasus and Europe.

The maximum length of Kabardino-Balkaria from north to south - 167 km, from east to west - 123 km. The republic’s territory is divided into three main areas - mountainous, foothill and plain. The mountainous and foothill areas occupy a large part of the territory. The plain area is located in the north-eastern part of the region. The main rivers are the Terek, Malka, Baksan, Cherek, Chegem. Forests cover one tenth of the territory.

The climate in the republic is diverse: humid continental climate (plains and foothills), alpine (highlands) and subarctic (mountains). The average temperature in January is from -3 degrees Celsius on the plains to -12 degrees Celsius in the mountains, in July - from +24 degrees Celsius to +5 degrees Celsius respectively.

The national composition of the Republic of Kabardino-Balkaria according to the 2010 census: Kabardians (57.2%), Russians (22.5%), Balkars (12.7%), Turks (1.6%), Ossetians (1.1%). The official languages ??are Kabardian, Balkar and Russian.

The republic’s economy is based on tourism and agriculture: grain crops (wheat, corn, millet), industrial crops (sunflower, hemp), livestock (dairy and beef).

Kabardino-Balkaria is a region of tourism, mountaineering and skiing. There are tourist centers, climbing camps and comfortable hotels. An important part of the republic’s economic potential is its recreational complex, based on curative mineral springs and unique natural environment.

Tourism in Kabardino-Balkaria

The unique natural wealth and scenic mountain landscapes of Kabardino-Balkaria, the area around Mount Elbrus in particular, attract travelers from all over the world. You can reach Nalchik, the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, by plane or train from Moscow.

Kabardino-Balkaria is known as one of the main centers of mountaineering in Russia. Six of the seven peaks above 5,000 meters in the Caucasus are located in the territory of the republic: Elbrus (5,642 m), Dykh-tau (5,204 m), Koshtan-tau (5,152 m), Shkhara (5,068 m), Jangi-Tau (5,058 m), and Pushkin Peak (5,033 m).

Main Attractions of Kabardino-Balkaria

Aushigerskiye thermal springs . Therapeutic mineral water beats straight out of the ground and forms a large warm lake.

Chegem Gorge - one of the most popular tourist destinations. It is rich in historic monuments and spectacular landscapes. Chegem waterfalls are the jewel of the gorge. Streams of water cascade down from a height of 50-60 meters forming numerous rainbows. “Chegem” is translated as “broken land.”

Golubyye (Blue) Lakes . Five unique natural lakes are located in Chereksky district of Kabardino-Balkaria: Nizhneye Goluboye or Lower Blue (Chirik-Kel), Sekretnoye, Sukhoye and two Verkhneye Goluboye or Upper Blue. Lower Blue Lake is of particular interest. It is a huge artesian well with a consistently low temperature at all depths.

Mount Cheget . One of the most difficult ski resort tracks in the world known as a venue for national and international competitions in alpine skiing and freeride.

The National Park “Prielbrusye” and Kabardino-Balkaria mountain reserve .

Kabardino-Balkaria republic of Russia photos

Mountains of kabardino-balkaria.

Horses in the mountains of Kabardino-Balkaria

Author: Yegorin Sergey

Snowy peaks of Kabardino-Balkaria

Author: Kirill Lvov

Majestic mountains of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic

Landscapes of Kabardino-Balkaria

Mount Elbrus in the Kabardino-Balkaria Republic

Author: Alexander Dmitriev

Small settlement in a mountain gorge in Kabardino-Balkaria

Road trip in Kabardino-Balkaria

Author: Peshkov Sergey

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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)

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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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