Ethnographic tours in the Caucasus

Over 60 indigenous peoples live in the Caucasus, making it one of the most ethnically diverse places on Earth. Many gorges remained inaccessible up till mid-80s of the 20th century, which helped retain the archaic elements of culture – crafts, complicated feasting rituals, recipes of dishes from local foods, and even carnivals.

A blend of pagan sacrifices and Christianity brought about peculiar traditions, such as feasting rituals of Abkhazian or Ossetian people. Several waves of Islamization gave rise to no less vibrant customs, Sunni as well as Shia – Sufi ‘Dhikrs’ and Shia processions on the day of Ashura. To witness the most remarkable and exotic trips should be planned according to the dates of the holidays.

Our travels are not about showy entertainment – specially hired bands do not sing or dance for us. Turning culture into leisure activities for tourists devalues and destroys it. We get involved in the feasts and rituals with genuine interest, or observe trying to be as discreet as possible in the spirit of true seekers.

01 Harvesting and haymaking in the village of Balkhar, Dagestan. Photo by Vladimir Sevrinovsky

02 A tightrope walker in the high-mountain village of Tsovkra in Dagestan. Photo by Dmitry Lemeshev

03 Sufi dhikr of Chimmirza brotherhood in Chechnya. Photo by Vladimir Sevrinovsky

04 A jeweler at work, Kubachi village, Dagestan. Photo by Anton Agarkov

05 A hostess in an Abkhaz village prepares abysta (a dish of corn grits) in the traditional way. Photo by Dmitry Lemeshev

06 Photo of tourists dressed in traditional clothes of brides in the village of Balkhar, Dagestan._Photo by Vladimir Sevrinovsky

07 Mugham musicians in Baku. Photo by Anton Agarkov

Our Tours

Ethnographic Adventures in Abkhazia

This tour is an excellent opportunity to get a taste of the ethnographer’s life. We will visit the remotest corners of Abkhazia, learning about the diverse aspects of Abkhazian culture, and about the many different nations that populate the country—Russians, Armenians, and Mingrelians to name just a few.

02 — 09 July

8 days

From $2150

Religious Rituals of the North Caucasus

The North Caucasus, despite its relatively small territory, is one of the few places in the world where you can learn a variety of religious traditions and see some impressive rituals such as Ossetian prayers, Dhikrs (devotional acts in Islam) of various Sufi communities, and Shia mourning rituals on the day of Ashura.

12 days

From $3150

Private Tours To The CaucasusPrivate Tours

If you saw our travel plan and did not find the ideal one for you – write or call us.

We will draw up an itinerary taking into account all your wishes. We have enough experience, best practices and contacts in the Caucasus to organize any trip at your request.

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