Republic of Ingushetia: top 10 most colorful places in 2022

The small but unique country of Ingushetia remains a mystery to most tourists. An unexplored land with many legends and mesmerizing towers. The location of the republic attracts tourists (it is located on the slopes of the Greater Caucasus Range, which creates all the conditions for sports tourism). A large number of natural, historical, and cultural attractions, shrouded in an aura of mystery, attract the attention of travelers and tourists from all over the world.

The most famous historical sites and architectural monuments are located in the mountainous part of Ingushetia, a little more about this.

Erzi Nature Reserve

The relatively young reserve (created in 2000) on the territory of the Sunzhensky and Dzheirakhsky districts is famous not only for its unique nature, but also for the large tower complex of the same name. Giant structures (the height of some towers reaches 30 meters) were built in the Middle Ages. For scientists, the creation of these towers is an inexplicable mystery. And tourists who have seen them in person consider the unique tower complex a wonder of the world. After all, this complex is one of the largest tower-type settlements, which includes more than 20 military and residential structures, as well as solar burial grounds and a temple.

The flora and fauna of the reserve pleases with its diversity. Here you can find birch, pine, rowan, linden, sea buckthorn and many others. other representatives of the flora. The fauna of the unique reserve is also quite diverse. Various animals (bears, wolves, goats, leopards, Dagestan tur and many others) coexist in this territory.

The unique beauty of Erzi will not leave anyone indifferent. Here you can admire another miracle - the Armkhi waterfall in a forest gorge and a beautiful pine grove. Mountain walks and fresh air will remain in the memory of anyone who has been here for a long time.

Flora and fauna

Ingushetia, whose attractions make it possible to attract more and more tourists to the country every year, includes the largest rivers Terek, Assu and Sunzha, as well as Lake Karabulakskoe, which gives fishermen from all over the country the opportunity to catch such rare fish as:

Terek barbel;
bystryanka;
gudgeon;
subdust, etc.

There are many mineral springs in Ingushetia, Borjomi and Narzan water is extracted here, some springs are thermal, with temperatures above 20°C. The valley of the Caucasus Mountains is dominated by forests with broad-leaved trees and conifers, the total area of which occupies 844 km₂.

Typical trees for Ingushet forests:

pine;
beech;
birch;
sea buckthorn;
ash;
hornbeam, etc.

In the forests live both animals common to Russia (bears, wild boars, hares) and mammals characteristic of the Caucasus (snow leopard, bearded goat, wildcat).

Ingushetia has its own Red Book, which contains 136 species of rare animals, birds and plants, including such representatives of the animal world as:

black stork;
bison;
chamois;
mute swan;
Caspian trout;
carpenter bee, etc.

Vovnushki Castle

This tower complex is an architectural miracle of Ingushetia. It consists of two separate castles, which were connected in ancient times by a suspension bridge on ropes, which were cut when attacked. The structure was built in such a way that the enemies could not understand where the entrance to the tower was (it was on the second floor). The tower contained living rooms, an observation deck, and a prison.

The ancient Vovnushka castle has a mysterious, dark charm, full of various legends. After all, he survived more than one great battle. Its name literally translates as “place of battle towers.” The checkpoint of the famous Great Silk Road was once located here.

The towers of the majestic complex are built in such a way that they seem to be a continuation of the rocks created by nature. This fortress could withstand a long siege, which was an important factor for travelers who found temporary shelter here.

In 2008, the unique Vovnushki tower complex became a finalist in the “Seven Wonders of Russia” competition. In honor of this, a commemorative silver coin with a face value of 3 rubles was issued, on which images of the towers flaunt. It was minted in the “Architectural Monuments” series. A commemorative postage stamp depicting the towers was also issued.

Castle “Chateau Erken“

The fabulous wine palace “Chateau Erken” is located 20 km from Nalchik, the capital of the Kabardino-Balkaria. Locals call this creation a unique landmark of the North Caucasus. The castle was built in the Romanesque style by a talented architect. It stands almost in the middle of an artificial lake, where you can see exotic fish.

The castle is famous for the production of unique alcoholic drinks. The labels bear the family symbol of the Erkenovs, after whom the unique castle is named. Here you can try the famous “Caucasian Tuscany”.

How to get there

Ingushetia has well-developed transport links with various cities of Russia, and especially with Moscow, which allows tourists from all over the country to enjoy local attractions. You can get to the republic in any convenient way: on your own by car in 24 hours or by public transport, plane or train in a little more travel time.

By plane

The airport in Ingushetia “Magas” is located 32 km from the capital of the same name. Flights from Moscow operate every day, ticket prices range from 9,500 to 11,600 rubles, travel time is 2 hours 35 minutes. The flight from St. Petersburg will take 13 hours 35 minutes, the ticket price will be 12-13 thousand rubles.

By train

Railway lines from Moscow to Ingushetia are also relevant. The train leaves on odd days from the Kazansky railway station in Moscow and travels to the city of Nazran. From Nazran to the capital Magas can be reached by taxi in 15 minutes.

The travel time by train will be 33 hours, the price of a ticket in a reserved seat car will be 3884 rubles, in a compartment 3559 rubles, a luxury ticket will cost 11895 rubles.

By car

Ingushetia, whose sights can be observed by driving, has 2 routes to Moscow. The first runs through Voronezh along the M4-M29 highway, amounting to 1,760 km, the second lies through Volgograd along the M4-M6 highway, the travel distance will take 1,700 km. From St. Petersburg you need to move in the same direction to the south, the travel time will be 30 hours.

Table Mountain (Maat Loam)

One of the highest mountains in the republic is Stolovaya (3003 m above sea level). It is located on the border of Ingushetia and North Ossetia. From its top you can enjoy indescribably fabulous views at any time of the day. Legends have surrounded this place since ancient times. The mountain has long been considered sacred; it was here, according to popular belief, that deities lived. The pagan faith of the mountaineers was strong until the beginning of the twentieth century. There are many unique sanctuaries on the mountain that were built in the 10th-18th centuries. One of the most popular is the Sanctuary of Myat-Seli, the patron saint of agriculture.

Table Mountain is also interesting for mountain climbing; although it is quite simple, it takes several hours. Here you can see numerous climbers and fans of the extreme sport of base jumping.

Leisure

Ingushetia is a country located on the Caucasus plains, so the main active recreation here is mountain sports, mountaineering, jeep tours, etc. In winter, in the mountains the temperature can drop to -20-30 °C, maintaining a snow cap throughout the winter and part of spring.

The most popular recreation area is located in the village of Armkhi at st. Lyanova, 57. The length of the ski slope is 1200 m with difficulty levels for both experienced skiers and beginners. In addition, the complex includes a rich infrastructure with hotels, 3 swimming pools, shops that provide rental equipment and restaurants.

Another ski resort recently opened in the village of Tsori in the Dzheyrakh region. This resort only plans to establish transport routes from different cities of Ingushetia, Georgia and Chechnya, but for now the types of entertainment that are presented in Tsori include:

medical and health complex;
ski resort on the slopes of the Tsoreilam ridge;
extreme amusement park;
a golf course covering 1.8 km₂;
jeep safari;
restaurants and hotels;
horseback riding excursions, etc.

Dzheirakh-Assinsky State Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve

One of the largest museum-reserves in the Russian Federation is located on the border of Ingushetia and Georgia. The vast territory of the museum includes many unique architectural, archaeological and historical objects (about five thousand).

The natural beauty of the Dzheirakh Gorge, which is part of the reserve, combined with historical values create a unique and inimitable ensemble of panoramas in the open air. The Assa River, which flows through the Assinsky gorge, which is part of the reserve, is striking in its purity and transparency. The values of the unique reserve include masterpieces of the unique culture of the peoples of Ingushetia from the Bronze Age to the end of the Middle Ages.

Route for exploring the city on your own in 1-2 days

You can get around the cities of Nazran and Magas on your own in a couple of days, using a car or public transport.

On the first day, you can start by traveling around Magas, following this route:

the journey will begin from the Alan Gate at the entrance to the capital;
visit the observation deck from which you can see the entire city;
moving south, after a few km there is a memorial complex in memory of the fallen;
across the road is the Celebration House building;
You can have lunch in 5 minutes. from the last point at the Delicatessen cafe or at the Ezdi pizzeria;
return to the route to Zyazikov Avenue and visit the Tower of Concord.

The next day, having arrived in Nazran, start the excursion from the park named after Kartskhal Malsagov and follow the following route:

visit the Malsagov Museum of Local Lore, where exhibits dedicated to the history of the city and the people as a whole are presented;
after 6 km, moving southwest, look at the Abi-Guv mound in the open air;
following the route along the E50 highway, visit the Memorial of Memory and Glory, also located in an open area;
turning north onto the street. In Chechenskaya there is a workshop “Shadi”, where fashionable products are made from fish skin;
nearby is the shopping center “Capitol” and “Gallery”, where you can have lunch in cafeterias and buy souvenirs;
from the shopping center move to the northwest, where there is a railway station, from where buses depart to Moscow.

Egikal

This unique tower complex is rightfully considered the pearl of Ingushetia. According to historical data, the first buildings of the complex’s towers appeared in the 10th century. At one time, this complex was the largest cultural center. Each tower of the complex belonged to a specific dynasty. In total there are about 100 buildings. The tallest towers are military ones (there were 6 of them here, only one survived). The height of one of them is 27 meters.

On the territory of the tower complex, time seemed to stop and freeze. It seems that history itself breathes here. Only high-voltage poles and lines bring us back to the modern world.

Shopping

It is better to make purchases immediately in the central or large cities of Ingushetia such as Magas, Nazran, Malgobek and Karabulak, where all trade is concentrated, aimed at a population with high purchasing power and tourists.

Guests of Magas can find a wider selection of goods by visiting the store on the street. Mutalieva and "Megapolis" in the Nasyr-Kort district, traveling around Nazran. These shopping centers contain construction goods stores, a children's world, grocery departments and recreation areas with cafeterias.

There are many specialized stores in the capital, for example, the Korean cosmetics store Lalik on the street. Borova, 2 or the Ingushet branch of the IKEA furniture store at st. Khrushcheva, 3.

Guests traveling with children should visit the specialized children's store "Madagascar" on the street. Gorchkhanov, where the main assortment of children's goods is collected, so as not to waste money on small retail outlets throughout the city.

Mausoleum of Borg-Kash

This unique monument of Islamic architecture is one of the oldest in the North Caucasus. The structure is built entirely of white stone and is 3.2 m in height. The architectural historical site is located 11 km from the village of Nazran.

The mausoleum was decorated inside with unique paintings and ornaments. But after the fire the walls were painted white. There is a hole inside the room, which is closed with a stone slab.

For the population, this place became sacred. Fertility rituals and prayers for good hunting or rain were performed here.

Where to live

This is the main problem for tourists. On Booking.com there are only 7 options for the whole of Ingushetia: 2 in Magas and 5 in Nazran. Plus, there is the Armkhi resort, which does not cooperate with Booking - their double rooms cost from 2,200 rubles.

A hostel costs 350 rubles per person, the cheapest hotel is 1200 rubles, a good hotel is from 3600 to 6000 rubles, a villa is 12500 rubles.

An unpleasant surprise awaited us when we checked into the Safar hostel: it turned out that in Ingushetia there are no mixed rooms - separate for men and women. At the same time, we booked a mixed booking on Booking. The administrator rudely responded to our complaint: “I don’t know what’s on Booking.” I had to share a room with strangers.

Mosque in Ingushetia.

Hamhi

A large tower settlement is located on the banks of the Assy River. Among the buildings here you can see a rare above-ground crypt with a funeral chamber. The ancient towers are in perfect harmony with the mountainous landscape and show the resilience and strength of the nation. This tower village is the pride of the local population.

Currently, there are practically ruins left, from which one can judge the scale of the settlement. Only 4 combat towers, 4 semi-combat and 16 residential towers have survived. According to historical data, many famous families of Ingushetia came from this mountain tower settlement.

National dishes

The dishes are simple and unpretentious, mostly meat:

Khyaltam dulkh - meat with dumplings. There is a similar thing in Chechnya and Dagestan: they bring boiled meat with flour dumplings, garlic or potato sauce and strong hot broth in a glass. Meat and dumplings should be dipped in sauce and washed down with broth.
Chiapilgash (chapilgash) - flatbreads with various fillings: cottage cheese, potato, cheese or with herbs. They look like khychins.
Olgash - wheat flatbread without filling.
Khyngalish - pumpkin cakes.
Halva - can be made from corn or wheat flour with or without raisins and walnuts.
Honey.

Read more about the national cuisine of the Ingush here.

Memorial complex to victims of repression

This complex was opened in 1997 in honor of people who became victims of repression and the political regime of Stalin. The memorial structure consists of nine towers (they symbolize the architecture of the peoples who suffered during the repressions), entwined with barbed wire. The tallest tower houses a museum with factual evidence of that time. Among the 1,320 exhibits you can see photographs and names of people who were victims of repression.

Resort "Armkhi"

What do beautiful views, leisurely walks, ski slopes and completely extreme base jumping have in common? The correct answer is the Ingush resort of Armkhi. In 1928, a sanatorium was built in these places, which fell into disrepair in the 90s and would have likely fallen into complete oblivion if not for investors who decided to build a year-round resort in the Ingush mountains. In winter, guests can enjoy ski slopes, in summer, swimming in an outdoor pool with spring water, walking along the wooden health staircase, consisting of 1,780 steps, jumping from the inaccessible Caucasian cliffs for base jumpers. Fresh air and stunning views are guaranteed all year round.

Targim

The ancient settlement of Targim can rightfully be called a city. It is located on the relatively flat terrain of the Dzheyrakh-Assinsky Museum-Reserve. Stone towers of unique beauty resemble forgotten scenes from a historical film. You can look at these beauties for hours. The towers impress with their regular shapes, proportions and grace at the same time. It seems that the complex of these structures looks like a painting, they are so unreal.

But this is just the first impression. Now the ancient buildings are in excellent condition and do not look abandoned. Above the river there are 4 combat towers, 4 semi-combat and 16 dilapidated residential buildings. It's hard to believe that the age of these buildings exceeded 3000 years.

What to bring as a souvenir

When visiting the North Caucasus, you definitely need to bring something to your loved ones as a souvenir. The rich history of Ingushetia will allow you to create various souvenirs and products of various themes, symbolizing Caucasian life.

So, for example, when visiting Nazran, you should go to the souvenir shop at the address: st. Baku from 8.30 to 18.30. The store's assortment includes models of ancient towers, painted dolls dressed in national costumes performing Lezginka, copies of Kazakh daggers and much more.

It is not necessary to look for specialized souvenir shops; just look into the shopping centers of large cities and select some goods that you can buy from the manufacturer.

For example, in Ingushetia, the fish skin industry is widely developed; it is used to decorate both branded textiles and household items, such as jugs, boxes, as well as expensive wallets and women's bags.

Another symbol of the Ingush are felt carpets (istings), intended for use as rugs or to decorate walls. The carpets depict symbols and patterns of the republic; they are made by the hands of local craftsmen, which is reflected in the high price of such elegant handmade work. The cost of a carpet varies from 18 to 35 thousand rubles.

Ingushetia is a small Caucasian world with a special nature and local mentality. To begin to study the ancient history of the country, it is worth making your route through the sights of the former capital - the city of Nazran, along the outskirts of which there are still symbols of the once existing ancient people of Galga.

Article design: Mila Friedan

Village of Falkhan

The ancient castle-type settlement is located in a gorge on the spur of Table Mountain. This unique place amazes with its beauty. The majestic Dzarakhov castle, which is located on the territory of the settlement, consists of a combination of residential and combat towers, reaching 25 meters in height.

There are more than a dozen tombs in the village, some of them are dilapidated. An interesting fact remains that the bodies of the dead were preserved; natural mummification occurred. According to historical estimates, the village was founded approximately in the 12th–13th centuries.

Weather

The climate in the Dzheirakh Gorge is comparable to the Swiss Alps. Studies have shown that there are even more sunny days here - about 140 per year, and the air is drier. But you should always understand that in the mountains the weather can suddenly deteriorate. Therefore, a light raincoat and a warm jacket in your backpack will never be superfluous.

Weather in the Dzheirakh Gorge - Gismeteo

Alansky Assumption Monastery

The magnificent Alan Assumption Monastery is located in the Kurtatinsky Gorge. This structure was built within a year, like all the towers of the complexes in ancient Ingushetia. The Assumption Monastery continues to function in modern times. Numerous tourists are amazed by the majesty and beauty of the monastery, located among colorful nature.

This is the highest mountain Orthodox monastery located in Russia.

Ecology

In 2021, the environmental situation in Ingushetia has improved significantly due to the closure of some enterprises that emit harmful substances into the atmosphere. Inspections are also carried out frequently throughout the republic.

In 2021 alone, they were carried out 86 times, and 2.5 million rubles were recovered from violators. fines for environmental pollution. The authorities are loyal to improving the environmental situation; regular raids are carried out to clear areas of debris, purify groundwater and eliminate forest fires.

Thaba-Erdy Temple

The ancient Christian temple is located deep in the Assinsky gorge. The place of worship is a unique monument of religion and culture. The temple is surrounded by many legends and mysteries, which attracts many tourists. The structure was rebuilt several times, as evidenced by historians. Archaeological construction took place here, during which stone slabs with decor and traces of pilasters were discovered.

The historical monument is decorated with a unique relief and decorative elements, carvings, and bas-reliefs. Its mystery and location attract you like a magnet.

Dudarova Castle

An unusual and interesting castle is located in a picturesque location on the banks of a mountain stream. The complex of buildings includes a combat tower and three dilapidated residential towers. The castle is surrounded by a moat, which was filled with water from a stream. There is also a crypt there.

The complex structure attracts the attention of tourists due to its name. The castle, according to one legend, is named after the warrior Dudara, who built it. Legends surround the historical site. According to one of them, Dudara left the castle after the death of his sons. But he soon returned and took cruel revenge on his offenders.

Dzheirakhsky district of Ingushetia: attractions (photo, description, map)

Dzheirakhsky district is one of the main tourist destinations in Ingushetia. It includes natural attractions, historical and cultural monuments that are definitely worth seeing. This area is often called Ingush Switzerland for the beauty of the meadows covering the mountain slopes and the purest ecology. Tourists who have been here note the amazing lightness of the Dzheirakh climate: clean mountain air filled with the aromas of herbs and pine needles. This gives it healing properties. People come here not only to enjoy the cleanliness of the environment, to relax their soul and body, but also to explore the local attractions. If you look at the map, you can see that this region of Ingushetia borders on Georgia, therefore, in many architectural structures, along with Ingush ones, Georgian motifs are also visible.

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Dudarova Castle

On one of the streams in the Dzheirakhsky district stands the almost destroyed Dudarov Castle - a historical and architectural landmark of Ingushetia, which is now in danger of disappearing. It's all about destruction: time does not spare the buildings of long ago. That’s why it’s worth coming to see the castle and photographing it while it’s still possible.

Dudarova Castle

Now this Dzheirakh landmark consists of four towers - one combat and three residential. The residential buildings were almost completely destroyed, but the 4-story combat building has been preserved for now. The entire structure is surrounded by a fortress wall. To the west of the castle you can see the crypt. Its unusual jagged roof attracts the attention of lovers of original travel photos.

According to legend, the castle received its name from Dudara. Many legends are associated with his name, telling about his appearance in Ingushetia and the main milestones of his life. Some call him a brave warrior, the leader of the squad and attribute significant feats to him. Others call it a robber who devastated the local settlement of Kharp. Some of them claim that he comes from mountainous Chechnya. However, these assumptions were refuted. Be that as it may, Dudarov Castle is a family estate. You can look at it, take photos and hear the legends associated with it on excursions to this famous landmark.

Duhargisht Towers

This is an ancient settlement in the Dzheyrakh region. The towers are located on Mount Matlotam. Now this place is complete ruins, the buildings continue to collapse. Therefore, you should hurry up to look at this attraction before the mountain winds and precipitation completely destroy it.

Previously, the towers were surrounded by a stone wall. Now it is all destroyed. The castle included 4 residential towers and one semi-combat tower - its design has special compartments for storing supplies. Their size is impressive. Most tourists examine this particular structure with interest and take photos. Here you can still feel the spirit of those times, and it defies description: you need to see everything for yourself.

This is not all that can be seen here: two burial grounds are located nearby. They are rectangular crypts: two- and three-tiered. You can climb to the top of each of them using special square manholes.

Thaba-Erdy Temple

Another attraction of the Dzheyrakh region. If you look at the map, it can be found on the border of Ingushetia and Georgia. The time of construction of the temple has not been established, but the first description dating back to the 18th century has been found. Who built the temple is also unknown, but its architectural style combines traditional features of Georgia and Ingushetia.

Studying the structure, archaeologists made the assumption that the temple could have been founded in the 8th century, and then repeatedly completed, which changed its appearance. This building with an apse is 17 meters long. The external walls are decorated with decorative relief elements. The unusual architecture of this basilica is worth examining it carefully and capturing it in a photo: like many ancient buildings in Ingushetia, it is being destroyed.

Tower complex Vovnushki

This Dzheyrakh landmark dates back to the Middle Ages. Translated from Ingush, the name means “place of defensive towers.” The complex consists of three towers, two of which are located on one rock, and the third on the other. The place for their construction was not chosen by chance: this created maximum visibility around and the convenience of repelling any raids. According to descriptions of ancient Ingush towers, many were built on rocky hills.

The towers, made of stone, seem to be a continuation of the rocks on which they stand (especially when viewed from afar): they fit so well into the natural landscape of these places. This attraction is both an architectural and natural monument. The towers are located in a very picturesque location: they are surrounded by numerous mountain slopes. Despite the fact that Ingushetia is a land of towers, and there are a lot of them here, these stand out among all. They are definitely worth a look: don't be content with just descriptions and photos.

Erzi Nature Reserve

If you look at the map, the Erzi Nature Reserve belongs not only to the Dzheyrakhsky, but also to the Sunzhensky district. The nature reserve is located on an area of 35,300 hectares. It was founded only in 2000, but it is no less popular natural attraction than others. It was created to protect a large number of representatives of flora and fauna that are found in the Republic of Ingushetia. Forest cats, aurochs, chamois and other rare animals live here, and more than 180 rare plant species grow. About a third of the reserve is occupied by forests, where mainly oak and beech trees, as well as Norway maple, grow. The rest of the area is covered by picturesque meadows. Tourists will love the beauty of the local nature, which is definitely worth seeing and capturing in photos when coming here on vacation.

Duhargisht Towers

Another unique historical monument is the dilapidated towers of Duhargisht. They are located on a spur of the mountain slope of Mount Matlotam. The unique structure was surrounded by a high stone wall, as evidenced by archaeological excavations and the study of historians. The entire complex consisted of 1 combat and 4 residential towers. Not far from them there are 2 ancient crypts covered with a slate roof.

The picturesque republic of Ingushetia is famous for its historical sites - numerous towers. They stand for hundreds of years, soaring into the sky. These unique buildings tell about the traditions, customs of the mountain people, and their living conditions. Stone buildings have become a symbol of the Caucasian Republic, which is often called the “country of towers.” Ingushetia has many unique attractions and natural beauties that must be seen in person.

The mountainous part of Ingushetia attracts the attention of many tourists with its incredible landscapes, color and originality. The heady mountain air has healing properties, which will serve as a good bonus for tourists.

Safety

Don't worry - Ingushetia is safe now! There are more security forces in the republic than local residents - at least according to the statistics of our meetings. There are often checkpoints on the roads: they check documents, record them in a log and ask about the route. In Magas, military personnel patrol the city center, and convoys of vehicles on the roadside are a common sight. Security forces are sociable and friendly, they like to joke.

A typical day in Ingushetia:

Tower of Concord and soldiers in Magas.