North Caucasus Unveils 2,500-Kilometre Hiking Trail to Boost Tourism
A major new hiking route is set to transform tourism in the North Caucasus. The National Caucasus Trail, stretching 2,500 kilometres, will officially open on April 30, 2026. It will connect historic cities, mountain resorts, and natural landmarks from Derbent in the east to Sochi on the Black Sea coast. The trail will pass through some of the region’s most famous destinations. Hikers can explore Arkhyz, the slopes of Mount Elbrus, the scenic valleys of Dombay, and the dramatic Mamison Pass. These locations are already well-known to travellers, but the new route aims to link them into a single, cohesive experience.
Transport links in the area are also improving. Airports in Vladikavkaz, Stavropol, and Mineralnye Vody have undergone modernisation, while Arkhyz Airport is expected to open in the near future. On the ground, the federal Caucasus Highway is being widened, and new bypass roads are being built around Gudermes, Khasavyurt, and Derbent to ease congestion. Tourism infrastructure is expanding beyond transport. The region now has over 160 health resorts, part of a revived sanatorium and spa network. In Chechnya, Veduchi Resort will add a new ski slope by the end of 2026, complete with a cable car system connecting two mountain peaks. Meanwhile, Dagestan’s Caspian Cluster has received nearly 22 billion rubles in funding, including private investment, to boost coastal and cultural tourism.
The National Caucasus Trail is designed to bring together the region’s diverse attractions under one unified route. With upgraded roads, airports, and resorts, officials expect visitor numbers to rise. The project also aligns with broader efforts to develop tourism as a key part of the local economy.
