South Ossetia Tours and Travel

YPT tours to South Ossetia

Our South Ossetia tours will take you to this beautiful mountainous region home mostly to native Ossetian people whose language is related to Persian, very distinct from the Georgian population.

South Ossetia is amongst the youngest breakaway states in the world. In 2008, the region was the site of a brutal 5 day war between Russia and Georgia known as the Russo-Georgia war. Since then, the border with Georgia is sealed and the only way to enter is through the Caucasus mountains on the Russian border. Georgia lost control of the region and to this day South Ossetia is an independent republic recognized by Russia, Venezuela, Nauru, Nicaragua, Syria and the other post-Soviet breakaway states (Transnistria and Abkhazia).

South Ossetia is a paradise for adventure travellers, being one of the least visited republics on Earth due to the difficulty of entering. Luckily, YPT can guarantee entry into it and obtain permits fast. So join us to one of our South Ossetia tours to discover this bastion of how the Caucasus used to be, with ancient traditions, beautiful food and warm, hospitable locals.

Group tours to South Ossetia

Currently, YPT offers one yearly group tour to South Ossetia, for its Independence Day. You can visit South Ossetia alongside Moscow, Chechnya, Ingushetia, Stavropol Krai, Karachay-Cherkessia, Adygea & Krasnodar Krai and Abkhazia. This is one epic road-trip in the Caucasus!

South Ossetia Independence Day Tour – September 18^th – 22^nd 2024 – $2195

South Ossetia Independence Day Tour

Ultimate Chechnya and Caucasus Unrecognised Countries Tour – September 9^th – October 1^st 2024 – $7595

Ultimate Chechnya and Caucasus Unrecognised Countries Tour

INDEPENDENT TOURS TO SOUTH OSSETIA

South Ossetia is less frequented by international travellers compared to other post-Soviet separatist states, such as Abkhazia or Transnistria. But our team in South Ossetia is highly connected through the country and can arrange anything with ease. We know all of the hidden sights from war ravaged ghost towns to forgotten ancient monasteries and pagan sites nestled deep in the Caucasus mountains.

Example of a South Ossetia itinerary (4 days)

Day 1 – Vladikavkaz (Russia)

Arrive at your own leisure in Vladikavkaz. The largest and capital city of North Ossetia-Alania is well connected with Russia, Dubai and Turkey. Airport transfer to our centrally located hotel.
Meet your guide for a pre-tour meeting will be held at hotel lobby to discuss the tour itinerary.
We’ll visit the site of the Beslan school massacre and pay our respects before we begin the tour. In 2004, during the height of the 2nd Chechen war, a group of terrorists captured the school and took over 1,100 people hostage. After three days and an intense battle with security forces, the school was liberated but over 334 people (including 186 children) died.
Mukhtarov Mosque. Visit this iconic beautiful mosque set against the dramatic backdrop of the Caucasus Mountains. It was used to serve the Ingush residents of Vladikavkaz before they were expelled from North Ossetia in the 1990s.
We’ll then check out the enormous Soviet monument to Issa Pliyev on horseback. He was a Soviet general who commanded forces during the battle of Moscow and Stalingrad and also played a vital role in the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Afternoon

We’ll then walk down the picturesque main boulevard of Vladikavkaz set against the mighty Caucasus Mountains. Here we’ll have a traditional Ossetian lunch with Caucasian tea and people watch.
Visit the Victory Park full of hulking Soviet monuments to the NKVD, Cossacks or WW2 battles. The park also features one of the last surviving statues of Joseph Stalin left in the former USSR. Locals claim Stalin was an Ossetian and he is well thought-of here.
If dates align, we’ll try and catch a concert at the national university of North Ossetia.
Dinner at a local restaurant followed by drinks.
Overnight stay in Vladikavkaz.

Day 2 – Vladikavkaz – Tskhinvali (South Ossetia)

Breakfast at our hotel before depart to Tskhinvali, the capital city of the Republic of South Ossetia.
The drive will take 4 to 5 hours. Along the way, we’ll stop to see the imposing Soviet monument to the Red Army soldier and hero of the Soviet Union Peter Barbashov who sacrificed his life during the brutal fighting for the city of Vladikavkaz in 1942. There are also a selection of original WW2 tanks and weaponry alongside the monument.

Afternoon

Along the epic mountainous journey, we’ll stop at some Soviet monuments before having lunch at a small village.
Next, we’ll continue to the famous Roki Tunnel to cut through the Caucasus Mountains before reaching the South Ossetia border. Your guides will take care of all formalities and get you inside.
Keep an eye out on the road to South Ossetia and you’ll see various artillery guns on standby.
After arriving in the capital of South Ossetia, we’ll check into our hotel, drop our bags and freshen up before heading out.
We’ll walk through the main city park and see the “I love Tshkinval” sign before going for dinner at one of the best eating spots in the city. If we’re lucky, we may even see the South Ossetian president who’s a regular here! We’ll order traditional South Ossetian chacha to toast your arrival in one of the hardest to visit breakaway republics on Earth!
Overnight stay in Tskhinvali

Day 3 – Tskhinvali

Breakfast at our hotel before we head out to explore South Ossetia.
We’ll start by walking in the old town of Tskhinval. This is a harrowing experience as it has been left the same since it was obliterated in a Grad rocket strike in 2008. Some people still live here despite many buildings being in ruins. There is a former synagogue here and only one Jewish person left living in the city.
Next, we’ll drive out to the Highway of death monument, a sobering ring of burnt out cars which were part of a refugee column fleeing the capital. Many were slaughtered in a rocket strike on the column and the memorial stands as testament to the war crime.
We’ll drive along the lonely mountain road to Leningor, the second biggest city in the republic and inhabited by Georgians. On the way, we’ll be passing through stunning scenery and war torn ghost towns.
We’ll stop at 8th century fortified churches on the way with stunning views of the Caucasus Mountains.
In Leningor, we’ll see the local museum, medieval monuments, Soviet WW2 memorial and monuments to Pushkin. Here it’s possible to buy Georgian wine, brandy, and bizarrely, even magnets saying ‘I love Georgia’.

Afternoon

We’ll enjoy a traditional Georgian lunch in Leningor before returning to the capital.
A genuine tour highlight, we’ll visit the vineyard of a former field commander and sample some wine. You’ll have the opportunity to hear stories and ask the commander questions (a rare and exclusive opportunity).
Journey back to Tskhinval, on arrival we’ll head straight out for dinner and drinks to celebrate our epic journey.
Overnight in Tskhinval.

Day 4 – Tskhinvali – Nalchik (Russia) – Mineralnye Vody

Breakfast at the hotel.
We’ll have a free morning to explore the capital and pick up souvenirs.

Afternoon

Picnic lunch during our journey to Nalchik, the capital city of Kabardino-Balkaria.
On arrival we’ll have a city tour of Nalchik before meeting Felix Nakov, a skilled master of the shashka, a North-Caucasian sabre.
Tour concludes on the arrival to Mineralniye Vody, YPT can arrange additional nights in Mineralniye Vody and airport drop off along the route.

Bespoke South Ossetia Tours

For those with a specialist interest in breakaway states, we can arrange private independent South Ossetia tours throughout the year for any length of time. The tour can begin in Moscow or Vladikavkaz and can also include trips to other parts of the North Caucasus such as Ingushetia, Chechnya and Dagestan. We can arrange trips across the entire country and in the past have arranged specialist trips focusing on ancient monasteries, war history, political history, cultural trips and Paganistic history.

For more information on the following programs, or if what you are looking for not be on this list, simply get in touch and we’ll arrange it.

Victory Day tour

Although we offer group tours for the National Day celebrations in South Ossetia, we only take small private groups exclusively for the Victory Day celebrations in Tskhinvali.

Soviet Heritage tour

South Ossetia boast many Soviet relics, which are slowly disappearing in the former Soviet republics. Our bespoke tours can discover Soviet art, from architecture, bus stops, mosaics, monuments and more.

Nature tours to South Ossetia

The mountainous region with breath-taking scenery is perfect for those who wish to take advantage of the beautiful nature, we can arrange hiking, camping and outdoor activities.

South Ossetia and Abkhazia by train

We can create bespoke and independent tours covering the de facto states of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. This can be done by train to cover both regions at your own pace.

Moscow to South Ossetia

Our independent South Ossetia tours can start in Moscow or even St Petersburg. You can discover these beautiful cities before taking the train for a beautiful journey to Mineralnye Vody, then continuing with private transfer to North and South Ossetia.

South Ossetia and North Caucasus tours

As the Georgia and South Ossetia borders remain closed for international travellers, you are required to enter Russia, which gives you the opportunity take advantage and explore the less frequented republics of the North Caucasus.

Filming in South Ossetia

Through our media arm Pioneer Media, we can make arrangements for productions, journalists, or others to film within South Ossetia from big-budget to guerrilla productions.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TRAVEL TO SOUTH OSSETIA

Do I need a visa to visit South Ossetia?

South Ossetia has one the hardest entry requirements for foreign tourist. We are able to secure your permits to enter South Ossetia. All you need to do is provide us with your passport details. This process must be done 8 weeks prior.

Do I need a visa for Russia if I want to book South Ossetia tours?

Yes, as you must enter the Russian Federation before entering South Ossetia, you’ll need a Russian visa. We will provide you with a letter of invitation (LOI) for you to obtain a double entry visa.

Is it safe to travel in South Ossetia?

South Ossetia is a very safe country. Like in any other city, avoid displaying your passport, large sums of cash and valuables. Always be cautious of your belongings in bars and busy areas.

Can I get vegetarian and vegan food in South Ossetia?

South Ossetia offers a wide range of dishes which can cater for vegetarians and vegan. Although in rural areas, options are limited.

Can I visit South Ossetia, Abkhazia and Transnistria together?

You can visit all three post-Soviet separatist states. We can create bespoke independent tours starting from South Ossetia to Abkhazia then take a flight from Sochi to Chisinau where you can explore Transnistria.

How do I get to South Ossetia?

The only way to enter South Ossetia is by overland border crossing from North Ossetia. Therefor your journey can start from Vladikavkaz (North Ossetia), Moscow or even Sochi.

Can I visit South Ossetia from Georgia?

Georgia does not recognise South Ossetia and Abkhazia, and the border remains closed for to the unrecognized states. However, we run tours to South Ossetia which can start from either Moscow or Vladikavkaz. Get in touch to find out more.

Do I need travel insurance to visit South Ossetia?

We do strongly recommend that travellers to all our destinations have travel insurance. Accidents or medical conditions can happen anywhere and it’s best to be prepared. A proper travel insurance should include coverage for (medical) evacuation/repatriation costs by helicopter, plane or ship.

You should always do your own research about insurance, but we at YPT use IATI. Using our referral link below will give you a 5% discount off their usual price: https://www.iatitravelinsurance.com/en/?r=23612524710385

Why travel with Young Pioneer Tours on South Ossetia tours?

We are currently the only international tour company offering tours to Russian and South Ossetia. We’ve been running tours to South Ossetia for many years and continue to do so, as we believe in travel and transparency.