elysian yacht location

Yacht, IMO 1012189

• VesselFinder
• Miscellaneous

The current position of ELYSIAN is at North Sea reported 2 mins ago by AIS. The vessel ELYSIAN (IMO 1012189, MMSI 319072300) is a Yacht built in 2014 (10 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of Cayman Islands .

Position & Voyage Data

Map position & Weather

Recent port calls, vessel particulars.

ELYSIAN current position and history of port calls are received by AIS. Technical specifications, tonnages and management details are derived from VesselFinder database. The data is for informational purposes only and VesselFinder is not responsible for the accuracy and reliability of ELYSIAN data.

• Impressions

(built as Ester III)

A 66-meter luxury yacht delivered in 2014, Elysian features strong lines and an extraordinary deck layout and near-vertical bow. Her external profile is unique, distinct and masculine, with a big swimming pool aft, a helicopter landing pad positioned above the wheelhouse and two separate al-fresco outside dining locations. Espen Øino International worked closely with the owner to create an individual look. Elysian's interior, by Reymond Langton Design, includes features such as a stunning piece of hand-carved leather artwork that runs the length of the main stairwell and a glass lift that grants access to all levels.

Do you wish to talk about yacht design?

We would love to hear from you

Please use a modern browser to view this website. Some elements might not work as expected when using Internet Explorer.

• Landing Page
• Luxury Yacht Vacation Types
• Corporate Yacht Charter
• Tailor Made Vacations
• Luxury Exploration Vacations
• View All 3697
• Motor Yachts
• Sailing Yachts
• Classic Yachts
• Catamaran Yachts
• Filter By Destination
• More Filters
• Latest Reviews
• Charter Special Offers
• Destination Guides
• Inspiration & Features
• Mediterranean Charter Yachts
• France Charter Yachts
• Italy Charter Yachts
• Croatia Charter Yachts
• Greece Charter Yachts
• Turkey Charter Yachts
• Bahamas Charter Yachts
• Caribbean Charter Yachts
• Australia Charter Yachts
• Thailand Charter Yachts
• Dubai Charter Yachts
• Destination News
• New To Fleet
• Charter Fleet Updates
• Special Offers
• Industry News
• Yacht Shows
• Corporate Charter
• Finding a Yacht Broker
• Charter Preferences
• Questions & Answers
• Add my yacht

• Yacht Charter Fleet
• New to Fleet News

Superyacht ELYSIAN Expected To Join The Charter Fleet

• Share this on Facebook
• Share this on X
• Share via Email

By Oliver Pearson   21 October 2016

Confirmed to attend the Antigua Charter Yacht Show this December, the 60m/197ft motor yacht ELYSIAN is believed to be available for charter vacations in the Caribbean this winter.

Hugely voluminous and with an interior designed by Bannenberg & Rowell , it’ll be no surprise to find out that ELYSIAN will generate plenty of interest as she becomes available for private yacht charter vacations .

Delivered from Abeking & Rasmussen in 2009, the motor yacht features a truly unique open plan layout to optimise the space in both the communal and guest spaces.

What’s more, with everywhere from the main salon to the master cabin accented by modern and playful finishes, the experience of being on board is a wholly unparalleled experience and nicely enhances the feeling of being at sea.

Nicely child-friendly, ELYSIAN not only includes a number of entertainment options but was thoughtfully designed with kids in mind. A fact not to be overlooked, there’s also plenty going on around the yacht to keep charterers of all ages satisfied.

The news that superyacht ELYSIAN is open for charter is sure to pique the interest of many discerning travellers

The interior of ELYSIAN is largely governed by symmetry, with both the guest and communal areas conforming to a pleasing order.

The colour scheme is similarly refreshing, with vibrant greens and deep reds offset by splashes of light from recessed lighting.

With the choice of a main salon and a 1960s inspired skylounge to gather in, guests will find themselves surrounded by a number of fascinating artworks and furnishings which manage to be inviting rather than overbearing.

No doubt the crowning achievement of the accommodation on board ELYSIAN is the 80-sq foot owner’s suite which features the unusual addition of materials such as ray skin and backlit oak.

The exterior of superyacht ELYSIAN is just as well-appointed as her interior, with a number of dedicated alfresco dining areas and lounging options on hand for those on board.

Perfectly situated for taking in the views around her charter grounds in style, a full size Jacuzzi occupies the forward section of the sundeck, with no surrounding bulwarks to disrupt the line of sight.

Sofa seating and sunloungers fringe the aft decks to provide a comfortable spot whilst underway, with a bar located amidships on the sundeck for any necessary refreshments.

Along with such vast sunbathing areas, ELYSIAN also provides effortless access to the water via a retractable swim platform which makes reaching the yacht via her bespoke tender an incredible experience in itself.

In order to find out more regarding M/Y ELYSIAN, please feel free to get in touch with your preferred charter broker .

Alternatively, take a look at all of the superyachts attending the Antigua Charter Yacht Show 2016 .

More Yacht Information

60m Abeking & Rasmussen 2009 / 2022

• READ MORE ABOUT:
• Abeking & Rasmussen
• Bannenberg & Rowell
• Donald Starkey
• Antigua Charter Show
• Antigua Charter Show 2016

RELATED STORIES

Previous Post

S/Y NERO Signs Up to Antigua Charter Yacht Show

M/Y SUNRISE Takes Bookings in the Maldives and Thailand

EDITOR'S PICK

Latest News

13 August 2024

9 August 2024

8 August 2024

• See All News

Yacht Reviews

• See All Reviews

Charter Yacht of the week

Join our newsletter

Useful yacht charter news, latest yachts and expert advice, sent out every fortnight.

Please enter a valid e-mail

Thanks for subscribing

Featured Luxury Yachts for Charter

This is a small selection of the global luxury yacht charter fleet, with 3697 motor yachts, sail yachts, explorer yachts and catamarans to choose from including superyachts and megayachts, the world is your oyster. Why search for your ideal yacht charter vacation anywhere else?

136m | Lurssen

from $4,368,000 p/week ♦︎

115m | Lurssen

from $2,831,000 p/week ♦︎

85m | Golden Yachts

from $980,000 p/week ♦︎

88m | Golden Yachts

from $1,179,000 p/week ♦︎

84m | Feadship

from $1,072,000 p/week ♦︎

93m | Feadship

from $1,501,000 p/week ♦︎

Maltese Falcon

88m | Perini Navi

from $490,000 p/week

122m | Lurssen

from $3,000,000 p/week

As Featured In

The YachtCharterFleet Difference

YachtCharterFleet makes it easy to find the yacht charter vacation that is right for you. We combine thousands of yacht listings with local destination information, sample itineraries and experiences to deliver the world's most comprehensive yacht charter website.

San Francisco

• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Follow us on Instagram
• Find us on LinkedIn
• Add My Yacht
• Affiliates & Partners

Popular Destinations & Events

• St Tropez Yacht Charter
• Monaco Yacht Charter
• St Barts Yacht Charter
• Greece Yacht Charter
• Mykonos Yacht Charter
• Caribbean Yacht Charter

Featured Charter Yachts

• Maltese Falcon Yacht Charter
• Wheels Yacht Charter
• Victorious Yacht Charter
• Andrea Yacht Charter
• Titania Yacht Charter
• Ahpo Yacht Charter

Receive our latest offers, trends and stories direct to your inbox.

Please enter a valid e-mail.

Thanks for subscribing.

Search for Yachts, Destinations, Events, News... everything related to Luxury Yachts for Charter.

Yachts in your shortlist

The global authority in superyachting

• NEWSLETTERS
• Yachts Home
• The Superyacht Directory
• Yacht Reports
• Brokerage News
• The largest yachts in the world
• The Register
• Yacht Advice
• Yacht Design
• 12m to 24m yachts
• Monaco Yacht Show
• Builder Directory
• Designer Directory
• Interior Design Directory
• Naval Architect Directory
• Yachts for sale home
• Motor yachts
• Sailing yachts
• Explorer yachts
• Classic yachts
• Sale Broker Directory
• Charter Home
• Yachts for Charter
• Charter Destinations
• Charter Broker Directory
• Destinations Home
• Mediterranean
• South Pacific
• Rest of the World
• Boat Life Home
• Owners' Experiences
• Conservation and Philanthropy
• Interiors Suppliers
• Owners' Club
• Captains' Club
• BOAT Showcase
• Boat Presents
• Events Home
• World Superyacht Awards
• Superyacht Design Festival
• Design and Innovation Awards
• Young Designer of the Year Award
• Artistry and Craft Awards
• Explorer Yachts Summit
• Ocean Talks
• The Ocean Awards
• BOAT Connect
• Between the bays
• Golf Invitational
• BOATPro Home
• Superyacht Insight
• Global Order Book
• Premium Content
• Product Features
• Testimonials
• Pricing Plan
• Tenders & Equipment

The high-tech, highly original Lürssen superyacht Elysian

“Special clients make for special boats – it’s true,” asserts naval architect Espen Øino as he explains the Lürssen superyacht Elysian (ex-Ester III) . “The owner asked me to design an exterior that looked unique, aggressive – but not in a mean way and different from everything he had seen before.”

As a result, although Ester III is one of the smaller Lürssens launched in recent years, she is jam-packed with originality in looks, layout and technology.

Espen Øino on the design of Ester III

Øino and the couple who commissioned Ester III are friends, having met in Monaco a number of years ago. Friendship, the designer says, is both an opportunity and a risk. “He gave me a free hand in design, but I always knew he was looking over my shoulder. Actually, sometimes he was the one who was a little too experimental or futuristic and I would pull things back a bit,” Espen Øino recalls.

The owners have been on a steep yachting learning-curve, beginning with chartering one month a year, then buying a 35 metre Falcon and next a Codecasa that was built for an extremely knowledgeable owner. They loved that yacht and appreciated all the thinking the owner had put into what was his seventh vessel; but eventually they outgrew the Codecasa four years ago and decided it was time to create one of their own.

As I’m guided through the yacht on a beautiful Bahamian afternoon, it’s clear how much the new yacht reflects these owners’ personalities and their family’s lifestyle, and how perfect the arrangement is for a family that plans to spend 16 weeks a year or more on board.

Ester III is designed for family use

Lürssen sales director Michael Bremen recalls with pleasure the satisfaction of building a boat strictly for family use: “When they came for the blessing of the yacht, I happened to be in the saloon when she walked through, although she didn’t notice me. She sat on the couch, let out a sigh and said, ‘It feels like home’. That was our mission.”

The decision making started at where to store the tenders and land the helicopter. Putting the tenders forward on the main deck in a yacht this size makes sense, according to Øino, because it has the effect of pushing the accommodation farther aft into a more comfortable area.

The tender garage opens with gull-wing doors. This is a very substantial and well-finished space for the eight metre custom Windy limo tender and the crew boat. The emergency generator is located in a separate soundproof space, protected from a salty environment and away from the well-organised and well-lit workspace for the tenders and spare parts.

Garage access is from the deck, forward of the Portuguese bridge. Its hatch hinges at the forward end, exposing a safe run of stairs. Because of the bow’s shape, the drop of the tender to the water is short, relatively straightforward and easy to monitor. If the sea is rough, the captain simply uses the dynamic positioning system to create a sheltered area for the tender to be launched.

The forward position of the helipad was next, as the working deck is covered and this has the added benefit of not disrupting the lifestyle on the aft deck during helicopter landing or take off. Moving the tenders to the bow, meanwhile, also freed the aft lower deck for more general use, in particular the owner’s gym, which has direct access to the swim platform.

I did not want the gym to be on the upper deck taking up valuable real estate for something that will only be used an hour a day

Ester III's owner

“I did not want the gym to be on the upper deck taking up valuable real estate for something that will only be used an hour a day,” says the owner.

The gym and entire spa area, which also includes a massage room that doubles as a hair salon, a changing room, dayhead, a sauna and a steam room are accessible from the main saloon and have great views of the sea, even if the stern door is shut. Colourful mosaic designs and a large bas-relief impression of an ancient Assyrian sculpture dominate the scene and give it masculine energy.

Ester III ’s interior

The saloon itself is gently arranged in three sections, the aft-most of which is a transitioning lounge with bar focusing on the aft deck where the spectacular pool reigns supreme. In fact the large glass doors separating the deck from the saloon can fold and disappear completely. The centre section narrows between the plenums for the engine room below and creates a cosy sitting area that on one side faces a fireplace and on the other a TV.

At the forward end is a stunning dining table by Silverlining and the whole area is surrounded by velvet curtains. Tooled leather on the ceiling, upholstered walls and amboyna joinery with hints of gilding introduce the French classical theme. The joinery throughout the yacht is all satin finished for a patinated or hand-rubbed look. Taken together, the style is classic yet light enough to encourage relaxation.

“We knew from our experience that we did not want the dining area divided because we don’t use it that much. This way it just enlarges the size of the entire saloon,” says the owner’s wife. The interior design is by Reymond Langton , a firm more known for its art deco sympathies, but Ester III is definitely not deco.

“We interviewed several designers and in conversation with Pascal (Reymond) and Andrew (Langton), they mentioned my favourite textile designer, Sabina Fay Braxton and I sensed a connection… If they could just take it back to a more classic style,” she says.

In fact, there is something about Braxton’s colour palette and her atypical medieval fabric techniques that establishes the design vocabulary and provides a background for custom hardware: the onyx that appears throughout, new custom furniture and a few treasured antiques.

The entrance to the owner’s domain begins with the foyer. Its floors are stunning: vanilla onyx banded in black granite and tiger’s eye. At the corners, the black granite has been carved out in a small floral design and inlayed with gold for very understated elegance. The foyer features a lift wrapped by a grand staircase with a carved leather surround, also by Silverlining, which features cranes in flight and a bronzed banister.

The suite proper begins with a study and then a dressing area with laudable his and hers wardrobes. The full-beam suite, they agree, is one of their favourite places aboard. Gold leaf, bronze detailing, thick silk carpets, ornately detailed classical furniture and an overhead height of 2.4 metres give it grandeur.

Her bath is finished in ivory onyx and his in white onyx, both with the showers positioned outboard providing views out large windows. Suites for the children and nannies are below and while they carry forward a classical look, each has a different colour scheme, with the family’s two daughters indulged with the opportunity to choose colours and fabrics.

Ester III ’s power and technical equipment

As the boat is at anchor with two gensets running, it’s easy to assess the sound levels throughout and the at-anchor stabilisation. Every boat should be so quiet. Typical luxury displacement yacht standards for sound levels were expected by the owner and written into the contract by project manager Scott Wightman.

The actual levels the builder achieved are notable, however: 42.28 dB(A) in the guest cabins, 44.53 in the upper lounge, 45.5 in the saloon/dining area and an unbelievable 37.33 in the master suite, which has extra insulation to isolate any noise from the tender garage and helipad. What is equally noticeable is the lack of whooshing air-conditioning. The air outfalls in the rooms are very subtle and large so that there is no wind sound or sensation of cold air. Packing such sophisticated HVAC in a boat of 66 metres is a remarkable achievement and shows progression from even the Lürssens of just a few years ago.

The outdoor living on Ester III

But while the interior is lovely – installed as it was by German firm bsw yachteinrichter – the family practically lives outdoors. The main pool deck area is surrounded by sunpads for keeping an eye on the younger children.

In fact the pool itself is on two levels with a shallow end and a swim-up seat. Equal consideration has been given to food and hospitality. On the bridge deck, aft of the main TV lounge, is the yacht’s main alfresco dining area shaded by an overhang and awning.

Well-positioned serving stations as well as a large hidden pantry support elegant service.The top deck dining is less formal and is organised around a barbecue and a teppanyaki grill arranged with an outdoor kitchen fronted by a bar. This is a fantastic hangout space with a drop-down cinema screen for use at night, when all of the sunloungers make great theatre seating. The space is also wired to become a full-blown discotheque with built-in sound system and plug-ins for a DJ station. Opaque glass panels port and starboard light up in seven colours to create a party atmosphere.

Some of the best spots, however, are the two “snugs” hidden behind the grillwork that make up Ester III ’s mast arch. They can be configured as little dining spots with U-shaped seating around a table, or the table can be lowered and filled with cushions to make a spectacular nap or reading space hidden from view yet open to breeze. Sliding windows can enclose the space in cold or rainy weather.

The owner’s input on Ester III

Rather than micromanage the build, the owner says he made just two or three trips to the Rendsburg yard during construction, choosing instead to trust his designer, Wightman and five of his crew – all department heads – from Ester II to advise on the new build.

The galley, for example, was designed by the owner’s personal chef and together with its service pantry is quite smart: it is out of the traffic flow to the crew quarters below but has easy access to the hull door on the lower deck for bringing large amounts of stores aboard. The galley also features a large centre island, numerous owner-specific pieces of equipment, deep sinks, a soft, non-skid floor, and day fridges and freezers. A food lift reaches all decks and is convenient to the dry store, wine storage and walk-in fridge and freezer on the lower deck. The laundry is a pleasant surprise: it has two spaces with machines, which feature folding space in one and ironing boards, a mangle and hanging space in the other.

Ester III ’s bridge was arranged by the yard but the details were left to captain Gino Battaglia. Large for this size boat, it has a dedicated ship’s office with a second computer station for the interiors department. Visibility from the wheelhouse is very good due to vertical windows and a large overhang forward to shelter the seating area of the Portuguese bridge. The star features are the wing stations. Due to their outboard placement and the tapering shape of the wheelhouse, they have spectacular views fore and aft and diagonally across the bow. Recessed into the exterior overhead is a large monitor that shows the captain lots of data, but he generally leaves it on rudder angle(s) and manoeuvres with just the single control for angle and amount of thrust. The boat has the ability to make the rudders respond independently or in sync.

As bold as she looks, Ester III is also about intricacies and subtleties. The complicated angles and accent colour of the deep silver exterior create a panoply of features that reveal themselves as the light angle changes. “Many times, when there was a decision to be made, he would say, ‘Just do it as if the yacht was for you,’” says Øino. That’s a brief hard to resist.

Photography by Klaus Jordan; Guillaume Plisson

More about this yacht

Similar yachts for sale, more stories, most recent, from our partners, sponsored listings.

Posh superyachts moor up in Devon harbour

T hree superyachts worth millions of pounds have been photographed moored alongside one another in Devon. The vessels, identified as the Aviva, the Elysian, and the Constance, made a spectacular sight as they lined up along the Dart together this week.

Posting photos of the vessels to X - formerly known as Twitter - Lawrence Bennett said he saw a "nice trio of super yachts in Dartmouth harbour". Together they are worth just shy of £400 million.

The three vessels were still in Dartmouth today (August 8) and it is not known when they will depart for distant waters. They have garnered a lot of interest from local residents, with many posting their own pictures of the vessels on social media.

• Thugs stamped on unconscious victim's head in brutal Devon pub attack
• Mum's warning as trip to Devon woods turns into nightmare

The 66m Elysian, owned by Liverpool FC owner John W Henry, was spotted by keen-eyed locals a couple of weeks ago moored up in Salcombe, and was photographed on Wednesday, August 7 in Dartmouth. The vessel is thought to be worth £95 million.

It was spotted alongside the Aviva, said to be worth £250 million and owned by Joe Lewis, a British billionaire whose family trust owns Tottenham Hotspurs. Superyachttimes reports the 98m vessel arrived from Troon, Scotland, this week. She is reported to be the 87th largest yacht in the world.

The smaller Constance was also moored alongside the other vessels. Reportedly worth £50 million, the 46m Feadship vessel is owned by US entrepreneur Alan Dabbiere.

• Vessels: 209892
• Vacancies: 95
• Registered: 65415

ELYSIAN , IMO 1012189

• Current position
• Certificates

World’s fastest growing seamen employment service!

• Apply for a vacancy (updated daily) Vacancy list
• How does it work? Learn more
• Receive job opportunities by email
• CHIEF OFFICER
• SECOND OFFICER
• THIRD OFFICER
• FOURTH OFFICER
• TRAINEE OFFICER
• ABLE SEAMAN
• ORDINARY SEAMAN
• SAND BLASTER
• CHIEF ENGINEER
• SECOND ENGINEER
• THIRD ENGINEER
• FOURTH ENGINEER
• TRAINEE ENGINEER
• ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
• GAS ENGINEER
• REEF ENGINEER
• ELECTRICIAN
• TRAINEE ELECTRICIAN
• MOTORMAN/OILER
• MOTORMAN GRADE 2/WIPER
• ELECTRONIC OFFICER
• SUPERINTENDENT
• ENGINE CADET
• ELECTRICAL CADET
• CHIEF STEWARD (-ESS)
• STEWARD (-ESS)
• WAITER (-RESS)
• MESS MAID/BOY
• JUNIOR OFFICER
• CRANE OPERATOR

Upload vessel photos

Add to block list

Delete note.

Do you really want to delete this note?

Add to a vacancy

E-mail: [email protected]

MARINE VESSEL TRAFFIC

CORONAVIRUS SHIPS

PLANS & PRICES

FLEET ANALYSES Coming soon

ELYSIAN Yacht, IMO 1012189

This ship info includes data on what are the dimensions and general vessel particulars, last and next special class survey, who is the owner of the ship elysian , its commercial manager, ism manager, classification society, their addresses and contact details and shipyard where it was built as well as statistics for the number of owned and managed ships and companies related thereto..

20 emails/day

Send 0 emails out of 20 today

ELYSIAN current position is received by AIS. Ship info reports, fleet analysis, company analyses, address analyses, technical specifications, tonnages, management details, addresses, classification society data and all other relevant statistics are derived from Marine Vessel Traffic database. The data is for informational purposes only and Marine Vessel Traffic is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness and reliability of data reported above herein.

WELCOME TO SHIPSPOTTING.COM X

ELYSIAN - IMO 1012189

Photo details

Description:

ELYSIAN Yacht

Vessel particulars

Former name(s):

 -    Ester   (Until 2014 Jul )

AIS Position of this ship

Photo Categories

This ship exists in the following categories:

Motor Yachts from 65 feet or 20 m LOA - 28 photos

Ships under Construction - 2 photos

Photographers of this ship

Nektarios Papadakis

Aleksi Lindström

Cees Bustraan

Lyndon Henry

Lennart Rydberg

Andreas Hoppe

frode adolfsen

LUIS ZUNINO

Drago Brdar

More of this ship (29)

COMMENT THIS PHOTO (0)

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)

READY TO EXPERIENCE KABARDINO-BALKARIA FOR YOURSELF?

Where to find us.

• +1 704-810-4296
• [email protected]
• 1578 Pine Creek Rd., Gastonia, NC 28056

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

Our Elbrus Climbing Tours

• Climb Elbrus South Route
• Climb Elbrus North Route
• Climb Elbrus & The Capitals
• Climb Elbrus & The Caucasus

Russia Cultural Tours

• Capitals of Russia
• Lake Baikal on Ice
• Delightful Dagestan
• Heart of the Caucasus

ALL Travel Services to Russia and Mt. Elbrus have been indefinitely suspended as of Feb. 2022.

Explore our new tour branch Caucasus Quest to climb Mt. Kazbek (5,054 meters) in Georgia or for immersive cultural touring experiences in Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan.

CNN values your feedback

Defense secretary orders submarine to middle east, accelerates arrival of strike group ahead of anticipated iran attack.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered a guided-missile submarine to the Middle East and accelerated the arrival of a carrier strike group to the region ahead of an anticipated Iranian attack against Israel, the Pentagon said in a statement Sunday evening.

The USS Georgia, a nuclear-powered submarine armed with cruise missiles, was operating in the Mediterranean Sea in recent days, according to the Navy, having just completed training near Italy.

Austin ordered the submarine into the waters of the Middle East, the Pentagon said. The movement of US missile submarines is rarely revealed publicly, and the nuclear-powered vessels operate in near-complete secrecy.

The announcement of a submarine’s movement is a clear message of deterrence to Iran and its proxies, who the US and Israel believe are preparing for a potential large-scale attack on Israel.

The looming Iranian attack would come in response to Israel last month killing the  top military commander  for Iran’s most powerful proxy, Hezbollah in Lebanon. The next day, Israel is widely believed to have  assassinated Hamas’ political leader  in Tehran, which Israel has not admitted to carrying out.

The Israel Defense Forces reported Sunday evening that around 30 rockets were launched from Lebanon, though some fell into open areas and no injuries were reported. Hezbollah said overnight that the rockets were in support of “steadfast Palestinian people” in Gaza and in retaliation to Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.

Austin’s announcement came in a readout of a call between the defense secretary and his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant. The two spoke about “efforts to deter aggression by Iran, Lebanese Hizballah, and other Iran-aligned groups across the region,” the readout said.

Austin also ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to accelerate its transit to the Middle East, the Pentagon said. The defense secretary had ordered the Lincoln strike group to the Middle East on August 2, but its ships carried out port calls in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands along the way,  according to the Navy.

The Lincoln strike group consists of the carrier, which operates with stealth F-35C fighter jets, as well as several destroyers.

The USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group has been operating in the waters of the Middle East for several weeks, giving the US a formidable presence in the region. The USS Wasp amphibious ready group, which includes a force of thousands of Marines capable of special operations, is already operating in the Mediterranean Sea.