marina
marina
Tours
Included
Skill level

Summary

Fly in the North Caucasus, one of the most interesting and beautiful parts of Russia. You will be amazed by its unspoiled spots and old culture. Not so many foreign pilots have visited Russia but the interest has always been huge. A rare chance for an unforgettable aerial experience in Caucasus.
Paragliding conditions
Intermediate, Advanced
Flying Style: Cross Country, Soaring
Terrain: Flatlands, Mountains
Spot guidance
Retrieve (XC)

We will have a great diversity on our tour, from big to small mountains, flatlands and coastal sites! Conditions will differ according to the spot where we are. Takeoffs are mostly wide and easy. Thermals are mostly gentle from +2 to +4 on flatlands getting stronger untill +6 in the mountains. Due to the remote areas we might be reaching, it is recommended to carry a SPOT /inReach device if you plane to fly XC.

Trip characteristics
Typical Pickup: Mineralnyje Wody, Stavropol, Rússia
Flight search assistance
Suitable for: Solo traveler, Group
Ambience: Wilderness, Relaxed
Experience Type: Collective

The Destination

The Caucasus is a mountainous area nestled between the Black Sea and the Caspian Sea, consisting of southern Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. This transitional region has a foothold in both Eastern Europe and Western Asia, but is generally viewed as part of modern Europe. Covered in some of the world's most stunning alpine landscapes, Caucasus is home to Mount Elbrus, the highest mountain peak in Europe. In many ways, Caucasus is comparable to the Balkans: it is a patchwork of ethno-linguistic groups, sits at the intersection of Christian and Muslim cultures, and has suffered ethnic instability for most the 1990s and early 2000s. At present, these lingering geopolitical issues are strategic and long-term in nature, so they do not ordinarily affect the day-to-day safety of visitors, which can vary from country to country. We will have the privilege to travel around and see it from above.

The Experience

We start our tour with arrival in the airport of Mineralnye Vody on the south of the European part of Russia, around 2 hours flight by plane from Moscow. We will stay in the city of Pyatigorsk which is a historical and resort town in the region of Caucasian mineral waters, surrounded by 5 small, but nice mountains chains. After flying it will be possible to spend some good time in the famous healing mineral springs. We will fly from the mountain Yutsa, the cradle of Russian paragliding . We will also visit and fly mount Mashuk, from where we can fly in flatlands to different directions. Usually 60-80km cross-country flights are easy.

Next we'll travel to the gorge of Chegem in the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. These are completely different high mountain flights with access to the beautiful and long Skalisty (Rocky) ridge. From there we'll visit the highest peak in Europe: the Elbrus! If we're lucky with the weather, you may fly in the morning from the slope of this giant.

Next, we visit the Baksan gorge, one of the most beautiful in the North Caucasus, there will also be an opportunity for those wishing to make hike&fly and (optionally)to spend one night in the shore of wild mountain lake. In those places we will also visit the famous Blue lakes, the real depth of which no one never knows. Further our path lies in the Republic of Dagestan.

There are nice soaring spots on the shore of the Caspian sea and mountain flights to several unexplored areas depending on the weather and the level of pilots in groups. As a side option and for entertainment, we will have a visit to the ancient city of Derbent and the factory of sparkling wines. The tour ends with returning to Mineralnye Vody.

This tour is tailored for a group and the indicated price applies for a minimum of 3 pilots. Individual tour has a different price (1-2 pilots: 1000€ pp).

Accommodation

We will stay in local comfortable hotels en-route. The standard package consists of a shared double room. If you travel alone or prefer to change for a more private accommodation, we can arrange providing you give us this information in advance.
Stats
Show spot conditions
Login
From €800 / 7 nights From €800 / 7 nights
Contact Host
Save to Wish list
Need help?

No need to look further. Best price guarantee.

Moderate cancellation policy. Don't wait with the booking as spots are limited – secure yours well in advance.

Flight search support.

Direct communication with the host.

Russia

More about Paragliding in Russia
marina

Your Host: marina

Member since April 2017

marina is your host for this experience and will provide you with all the information needed.

I am flying more than 16 years.12 years from them I made Paragliding World Cup. Have many female's podiums and even overall :) 8th times Russian Female champion. Personal best: 300 km in Brazil, 6000m hight in Pakistan. As I visited and flew more than in 40 countries , I would like to share my knowledge and expirience on travel&fly with other pilots with big pleasure!
marina has been selected as a host by bstoked. We only accept hosts which are trustworthy and have a great quality in service to make sure you get the best experience possible.