What to see in Ingushetia: where it is, beautiful places and attractions of Ingushetia

Ingushetia is a mountainous republic, on the territory of which you can visit many picturesque, beautiful and interesting places, and also capture them in photos and videos, for example, the amazing natural monuments of the Targim Valley, the gorges of the Assa and Armkhi rivers. There are many cultural and historical monuments here, the most significant of which are Thaba-Erdy, Albi-Erdy, Vovnushki Castle, architectural buildings Targim, Khamkhi, Egikal and others.

The towers of mountainous Ingushetia are unique in their architecture. They have stood for hundreds of years, soaring high into the sky. The monuments tell about the skill of ancient architects, about the traditions and customs of the highlanders, the people who once glorified this beautiful region.

Nazran

Some routes start in Nazran, as there is an airport, train station and bus station here. There are few attractions in the city. Among them are the ruins of a fortress built by Russian troops in the 19th century during the Caucasian War. The so-called Gamurzievskoye settlement, in which people lived more than 2 thousand years ago, has been preserved on the territory of the fortress! To better get acquainted with the history of Nazran, it is worth visiting the local history museum.

Among the unusual attractions is the Shadi factory, where shoes are made from fish skin! The factory's products are sold in the company store. Among the attractions in the immediate vicinity of the city, it is worth noting the 15th century Borga-Kash mausoleum and the six-meter Abi-Guv mound, erected 5 thousand years ago! Of interest are the Barsukinskaya water mill, the Duan-Guv prayer mountain and the central mosque of Magomed-Basir Ozdoev.

Between Nazran and Magas there is a huge Memorial of Memory and Glory. It includes a monument to victims of repression, dedicated to the deportation of the Ingush in 1944. It was built in the form of nine ancestral towers, surrounded by barbed wire. The monuments to the last defender of the Brest Fortress and the Ingush cavalry regiment “Wild Division” are impressive. There is an open-air exhibition of military equipment. You can spend several hours in the park.

Religious sights of Ingushetia

On the territory of the Republic of Ingushetia there are many sanctuaries and religious buildings that are also worth seeing.

Mago-Erdy

The most famous ancient sanctuary located on the territory of Ingushetia. According to legend, it was built by Mago, the progenitor of five Caucasian clans, three of which were Ingush. The construction of the temple is attributed to the XIII-XIV centuries. Sacrifices were performed here on the summer and winter solstice until the mid-19th century. Most researchers believe that the temple was originally created as a Christian one, as evidenced by many factors: a six-pointed cross with a calvary carved on the southern part of the wall, and a handwritten psalter dating back to the 10th century.

Seska-Solsa-Erdy

Not far from the Mago-Erdy temple there is another ancient sanctuary - Seska-Solsa-Erdy. It is named after the Nart leader. According to some legends, Seska-Solsa-Erdy was a demigod. The temple named after him is considered a gift from God, and local residents endow it with miraculous powers. It is believed that everyone who visits here will be cured of any ailment. In the summer, at night the temple literally glows: such a bright light emanates from it that you can even read or sew as if it were daylight.

Alan Assumption Monastery

This monastery is not only a religious, but also an architectural landmark of Ingushetia. This Orthodox monastery is the highest in the whole country. It is located in the Kurtatinsky Gorge, near the village of Verkhniy Fiagdon. The monastery is widely known throughout the Caucasus: not only in Ingushetia, but also in North Ossetia and other neighboring republics. The majestic building of the temple itself attracts many tourists who want to capture its architecture in photographs.

Mausoleum of Borg-Kash

It is a cultural and historical monument of all-Russian significance and a significant monument of Islamic architecture. It is located at an altitude of 650 meters. The name is translated from Ingush as “Borkan’s grave.” Both pilgrims and tourists come here, who are interested in the significant religious sights of the republic.

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National dishes

The dishes are simple and unpretentious, mostly meat:

Khyaltam dulkh - meat with dumplings. There is a similar thing in Chechnya and Dagestan: they bring boiled meat with flour dumplings, garlic or potato sauce and strong hot broth in a glass. Meat and dumplings should be dipped in sauce and washed down with broth.
Chiapilgash (chapilgash) - flatbreads with various fillings: cottage cheese, potato, cheese or with herbs. They look like khychins.
Olgash - wheat flatbread without filling.
Khyngalish - pumpkin cakes.
Halva - can be made from corn or wheat flour with or without raisins and walnuts.
Honey.

Read more about the national cuisine of the Ingush here.

Beyni Tower Complex

Ruins of ancient towers

In the Dzheirakhsky district of Ingushetia there is a village c. During the deportation of the Ingush in 1944, it was completely depopulated. Subsequently, people returned to their native lands, but no more than a hundred people still live in Beyni. The village is used as a transit point for climbing Mount Stolovaya. In the vicinity of the village there is a permanent tent camp, which operates during the tourist season. There are two toilets and a shower on site. You can pitch your own tents.

Beynie attracts tourists with its nine surviving residential towers and outbuildings. Ancient ruins rise at the foot of Table Mountain. The buildings are surrounded by picturesque mountains and alpine meadows. From here you can clearly see the Main Caucasus Range and Mount Kazbek. At sunset, you can take spectacular photos with the ancient towers in the background.

The importance of the city in the modern world

Ingushetia, the attractions of which will be discussed in this article, is an adjacent entity that is part of Russia. In the south of the country it borders with Georgia, in the west with North Ossetia, in the east with Chechnya, and in the north with Russia.

In the 18th century, Ingushetia first became part of the Russian Empire. Having been part of the USSR since 1917, it was proclaimed as a separate republic in 1994.

The capital of Ingushetia is the city of Magas, and the territory of the country itself occupies 3,628 km₂, which is almost 100 km₂ more than the Moscow region. Ingushetia occupies 10% of the territory of the Caucasus Mountains and is washed by more than 10 rivers entering the Caspian Sea.

Administrative division of Ingushetia

The republic is of great importance for the Russian Federation in terms of mineral resources, where gas, oil, marble, mineral waters and much more are extracted. The prevailing black soil in the country and the favorable climate contribute to agriculture on 60% of the territory of the republic.

Lyazhginsky waterfall

The waterfall is 20 meters high

There are no mountains without waterfalls. Ingushetia is no exception. Lyazhginsky is considered the largest waterfall in the republic. It is formed by the Lyazhgi River in the Dzheirakh Gorge. The water in the river is very clear, trout are found. The height of the waterfall is 20 meters, width is 5 meters. Height above sea level – 1310 meters. In sunny weather, a rainbow hangs over the water stream. The nearest settlements are the village of Lyazhgi and the resort of Armkhi. They are located two kilometers from the waterfall.

The waterfall got its name from the nearby village of Lyazhgi. This is what they used to call a leather bag in which grain was stored. The local land gave large harvests, and a whole load of grain was collected from a tiny plot - hence the name. Five powerful tower complexes have been preserved in the village. Particularly impressive is the 36-meter-high battle tower of the Khutiev family. A stone defensive wall with a large gate has also been preserved.

Castle "Chateau Erken"

The majestic castle in the Romanesque style, located 20 kilometers from Nalchik, is called by the local population a new man-made landmark of the North Caucasus. Chateau Erken, built by a talented architect, is surrounded by a beautiful artificial lake inhabited by exotic fish and a dense forest inhabited by pheasants and deer.

In the traditions of Italy and France, the castle bears the family Kabardian surname of the Erkenovs, and their family symbol is printed on the labels. Erkenov in 1991 became the first entrepreneur to receive a license for the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in the RSFSR. It was this year that became the date of the emergence of the family concern “ZET”, which owns “Chateau Erken”.

The Wine Palace is a very beautiful place and looks fabulous; many tourists come here who want to get to know “Caucasian Tuscany” better and try a high-quality aromatic wine drink.

Furtoug waterfall

Mendeleev visited the waterfall in 1880

Furtougsky waterfall is considered the second highest after Lyazhginsky. It seethes on the slope of Table Mountain at the very beginning of the Dzheirakh Gorge. The village of Furtoug is located one kilometer away from it - hence the name of the waterfall. The place is located at an altitude of 1380 meters above sea level. Water falls down from a twelve-meter ledge. The canyon through which the river flows looks very impressive. In some places, streams flow down steep cliffs.

The waterfall is sometimes called Mendeleevsky because in 1880 a famous Russian chemist visited it. Then he headed a geological expedition that studied oil fields. In the village of Furtoug, the scientist was warmly received by his former student Saadula Akhriev, who was in the government service with the rank of senior adviser. On this occasion, a memorial plaque was erected near the waterfall.

Flora and fauna

Ingushetia, whose attractions make it possible to attract more and more tourists to the country every year, includes the largest rivers Terek, Assu and Sunzha, as well as Lake Karabulakskoe, which gives fishermen from all over the country the opportunity to catch such rare fish as:

Terek barbel;
bystryanka;
gudgeon;
subdust, etc.

There are many mineral springs in Ingushetia, Borjomi and Narzan water is extracted here, some springs are thermal, with temperatures above 20°C. The valley of the Caucasus Mountains is dominated by forests with broad-leaved trees and conifers, the total area of which occupies 844 km₂.

Typical trees for Ingushet forests:

pine;
beech;
birch;
sea buckthorn;
ash;
hornbeam, etc.

In the forests live both animals common to Russia (bears, wild boars, hares) and mammals characteristic of the Caucasus (snow leopard, bearded goat, wildcat).

Ingushetia has its own Red Book, which contains 136 species of rare animals, birds and plants, including such representatives of the animal world as:

black stork;
bison;
chamois;
mute swan;
Caspian trout;
carpenter bee, etc.

Mount Dining

Table Mountain

Mountains with flat, truncated tops are called table mountains. A mountain of this type rises on the border of Ingushetia and North Ossetia. They didn’t bother with the name of the mountain - they simply called it the Dining Room. True, the mountain has a middle name - Myat-Loam. The peak has a height of 3003 meters. She is so popular that she is depicted on the coat of arms of Ingushetia. The mountain is clearly visible not only from Magas, but also from Vladikavkaz. The ascent to the top is made from the village of Beyni.

Among the Ingush, the mountain is considered sacred. At the top there is the Myat-Seli sanctuary. The stone building surprises with its unusual ribbed roof. The god of fertility was worshiped in the temple. The building has two arched doors. One faces east, the other faces west. Thanks to this, you can watch the sunrise and sunset from the temple doors. The height of the building is five meters. Dimensions: three by seven meters. During times of drought, residents of surrounding villages came to the sanctuary and asked for rain. The last time the prayer was created was in 1925.

Mausoleum of Borg-Kash

An amazingly well-preserved ancient architectural monument of Ingushetia. The mausoleum is located 11 kilometers from the village of Nazran. It is built from a rare, but strong and reliable stone with a yellow tint. The structure itself is small, about 3 meters high. The entrance is made in the form of a regular, exquisitely folded arch, and its roof is decorated with a dome in the form of a hemisphere.

Borga-Kash, in addition to the above-ground part, also has an underground part, the hole into which is closed with a heavy stone slab. The inside of the crypt was decorated with ornamental paintings, but after the fire and repair work there were clean whitewashed walls. For the Ingush, the mausoleum became sacred; in this unusual place, the population performed pagan fertility rituals and prayed for good luck in hunting or rain.

Erzi Nature Reserve

This is what the ancestral towers look like in the Erzi Nature Reserve

The Erzi Nature Reserve is located on the territory of the Dzheirakhsky and Sunzhensky districts of Ingushetia. It was founded relatively recently - in 2000. At first, the area of protected land was 6 thousand hectares. Now it exceeds 35 thousand hectares. About a third of the territory is occupied by forests, dominated by pine, oak, hornbeam, and beech. Above 1500 meters, alpine meadows begin, and above 3500 meters there is a zone of glaciers and bare rocks.

Animals such as chamois, aurochs, bezoar goats and wild cats are protected by the state. More than 180 types of plants grow on the mountain slopes. Here you can find thickets of sea buckthorn and groves of hooked pine. Ancient tower complexes are of great interest to tourists. Some battle towers are 30 meters high - these are real skyscrapers. Giant structures were built in the Middle Ages.

Egikal

This unique tower complex is rightfully considered the pearl of Ingushetia. According to historical data, the first buildings of the complex’s towers appeared in the 10th century. At one time, this complex was the largest cultural center. Each tower of the complex belonged to a specific dynasty. In total there are about 100 buildings. The tallest towers are military ones (there were 6 of them here, only one survived). The height of one of them is 27 meters.

On the territory of the tower complex, time seemed to stop and freeze. It seems that history itself breathes here. Only high-voltage poles and lines bring us back to the modern world.

Silver spring "Khiovra-hiy"

Silver water actively kills germs

Not far from the village of Guli there is a silver spring “Khiovra-khiy”, which all Ingush know about. “Khiovra” translated from Ingush means “wound” or “abscess”. Even in ancient times, people noticed that wounded animals went to the source. It turned out that water has healing properties, quickly healing wounds. This was later confirmed by research by St. Petersburg scientists. They found that the water contains large amounts of silver.

Silver is an excellent natural preservative that kills germs. If flowers are placed in a vase with silver water, they will last a very long time. Local residents argued that it is better to collect water from the source after sunset. And there was a scientific basis for this. The fact is that light reduces the activity of silver ions many times, reducing the healing properties of water. Now “Khiovra-hiy” is a popular tourist site.

What to bring as a souvenir

When visiting the North Caucasus, you definitely need to bring something to your loved ones as a souvenir. The rich history of Ingushetia will allow you to create various souvenirs and products of various themes, symbolizing Caucasian life.

So, for example, when visiting Nazran, you should go to the souvenir shop at the address: st. Baku from 8.30 to 18.30. The store's assortment includes models of ancient towers, painted dolls dressed in national costumes performing Lezginka, copies of Kazakh daggers and much more.

It is not necessary to look for specialized souvenir shops; just look into the shopping centers of large cities and select some goods that you can buy from the manufacturer.

For example, in Ingushetia, the fish skin industry is widely developed; it is used to decorate both branded textiles and household items, such as jugs, boxes, as well as expensive wallets and women's bags.

Another symbol of the Ingush are felt carpets (istings), intended for use as rugs or to decorate walls. The carpets depict symbols and patterns of the republic; they are made by the hands of local craftsmen, which is reflected in the high price of such elegant handmade work. The cost of a carpet varies from 18 to 35 thousand rubles.

Ingushetia is a small Caucasian world with a special nature and local mentality. To begin to study the ancient history of the country, it is worth making your route through the sights of the former capital - the city of Nazran, along the outskirts of which there are still symbols of the once existing ancient people of Galga.

Article design: Mila Friedan

Targim

Targim is a grandiose ancient city located on the territory of the Dzheirakh-Assinsky Museum-Reserve. At the foot of the mountain on the river bank there are tall stone towers of amazing beauty. Since people do not live in the ancient settlement, it seems that this is a set that was forgotten to be removed after the filming of a historical film was completed. The spectacle is so mesmerizing that you can look at it for hours.

Despite the huge size of the buildings, against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains they look microscopic. In total, the complex has 8 military towers, 16 residential towers, 19 burial grounds, 5 sanctuaries and two mausoleums. This is really a city! It's hard to believe that some of the buildings are over 3 thousand years old. In the immediate vicinity of the complex are the villages of Gureti and Ismail-koa, as well as a border post. Beyond the crest of the ridge is Georgia.

Dudarova Castle

Dudarova Castle is located in a picturesque location on the bank of a mountain stream. It consists of 1 combat and 3 destroyed residential towers, surrounded by a defensive wall. There is a moat around the complex, which was once filled with water from a stream.

To the right of the dilapidated building there is a crypt with a beautiful jagged roof. According to legend, the castle was named after the brave warrior Dudara. It was he who became the founder of the castle. After the death of his sons, the warrior left the walls of his home, but a few years later he returned and brutally took revenge on his enemies.

Egikhal

The ancient city of Egikhal is located in the Dzheyrakh region, next to the Targim tower complex. It includes about fifty residential and a dozen military towers. There are also about a hundred burial grounds and three sanctuaries. Most of the buildings are destroyed, but there are also well-preserved examples. Some structures were erected more than 3 thousand years ago. All of them are located on the territory of the Dzheirakh-Assinsky Nature Reserve.

Not far from the ancient city is the Egikalsky burial ground. A large number of burial chambers were discovered in it, which were stone slabs placed on edge. Archaeologists discovered arrowheads, women's jewelry, and many ceramic vessels, including two-handled pots and jugs. Since 2012, an international competition called “Battle in the Mountains” has been held in Egikal every year.

Village of Falkhan

Falkhan is one of the ancient Ingush castle-type villages, located slightly north of the village of Lyagzhi in a gorge on the spur of Table Mountain. This is a little-known but very beautiful place.

Here stands the majestic Dzarakhov castle, consisting of a combination of residential and military towers, reaching a height of 25 meters. The construction of all buildings in the settlement dates back to the 16th-17th centuries. Currently, most of the structures are in a dilapidated state; the corner of one of the main watchtowers has completely collapsed.

On the mountain slope in the north-western part of the village there is a crypt necropolis. In total there are more than a dozen tombs, some are destroyed, but the bodies of the dead have been surprisingly preserved: thanks to the good ventilation of the crypts and the clean mountain air, natural mummification has occurred.

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Mountains and towers. Auto tour in Ingushetia and Chechnya

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Safety

Don't worry - Ingushetia is safe now! There are more security forces in the republic than local residents - at least according to the statistics of our meetings. There are often checkpoints on the roads: they check documents, record them in a log and ask about the route. In Magas, military personnel patrol the city center, and convoys of vehicles on the roadside are a common sight. Security forces are sociable and friendly, they like to joke.

A typical day in Ingushetia:

Tower of Concord and soldiers in Magas.

Thaba-Erdy Temple

The oldest Christian temple, founded in the 8th century, is located in the Dzheirakh region of Ingushetia, near the border with Georgia. It is called Thaba-Erdy. It is believed that translated from Ingush its name sounds like “temple of faith.” The stone building is 17 meters long and 8 meters wide. There is no consensus among scientists about who founded it. The exact date of construction is also unknown.

From an architectural point of view, the temple is a basilica. Its appearance absorbed both Ingush and Georgian traditions. Inside there is one large hall with a vaulted ceiling. The walls and vaults are made of large stone. On one of the walls there is an image made of light stone. Two figures are clearly visible. It is believed that one of them symbolizes Christ sitting on the throne. The second figure depicts a man with a cross and a sword. Other paintings carved in stone have also survived.

Where to live

This is the main problem for tourists. On Booking.com there are only 7 options for the whole of Ingushetia: 2 in Magas and 5 in Nazran. Plus, there is the Armkhi resort, which does not cooperate with Booking - their double rooms cost from 2,200 rubles.

A hostel costs 350 rubles per person, the cheapest hotel is 1200 rubles, a good hotel is from 3600 to 6000 rubles, a villa is 12500 rubles.

An unpleasant surprise awaited us when we checked into the Safar hostel: it turned out that in Ingushetia there are no mixed rooms - separate for men and women. At the same time, we booked a mixed booking on Booking. The administrator rudely responded to our complaint: “I don’t know what’s on Booking.” I had to share a room with strangers.

Mosque in Ingushetia.

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Kamchatka from all sides. Multitour with comfort

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How to get there

Ingushetia has well-developed transport links with various cities of Russia, and especially with Moscow, which allows tourists from all over the country to enjoy local attractions. You can get to the republic in any convenient way: on your own by car in 24 hours or by public transport, plane or train in a little more travel time.

By plane

The airport in Ingushetia “Magas” is located 32 km from the capital of the same name. Flights from Moscow operate every day, ticket prices range from 9,500 to 11,600 rubles, travel time is 2 hours 35 minutes. The flight from St. Petersburg will take 13 hours 35 minutes, the ticket price will be 12-13 thousand rubles.

By train

Railway lines from Moscow to Ingushetia are also relevant. The train leaves on odd days from the Kazansky railway station in Moscow and travels to the city of Nazran. From Nazran to the capital Magas can be reached by taxi in 15 minutes.

The travel time by train will be 33 hours, the price of a ticket in a reserved seat car will be 3884 rubles, in a compartment 3559 rubles, a luxury ticket will cost 11895 rubles.

By car

Ingushetia, whose sights can be observed by driving, has 2 routes to Moscow. The first runs through Voronezh along the M4-M29 highway, amounting to 1,760 km, the second lies through Volgograd along the M4-M6 highway, the travel distance will take 1,700 km. From St. Petersburg you need to move in the same direction to the south, the travel time will be 30 hours.

Tower complex "Vovnushki"

The towers resemble crystals that grew from the rock

The Vovnushki fortress rises above the picturesque gorge of the Guloikha River. The citadel does not have a continuous fortress wall - in the mountains it has no military significance. Vovnushki are several single defensive towers on the tops of rocks. They seem to have grown straight out of the mountain like crystals.

In the 18th century, stone towers were part of the Ozdoev family castle. At that time, a busy trade route through the Caucasus ridge passed through the neighboring Assinsky gorge. Caravans with goods moved along it, which were often attacked by robbers. Vovnushki served as shelter and protection for travelers. The fortress could withstand even a long siege. Such buildings were typical of medieval Europe.

Vovnushki consists of three main towers. Two rise on top of one rock and another one on another rock. All have the shape of a truncated pyramid with flat roofs and narrow loopholes. Access to the towers is blocked by protective stone walls. The entrances are located on the second floor, so the gate cannot be knocked out with a battering ram. Previously, the towers were connected by suspension bridges. Along them, defenders could run from one fortress to another.

Unusual technology was used during construction. The building site was first watered with milk. The soaked soil was removed and the milk was poured again. The layer of soil was removed again. This was done until the milk stopped being absorbed. Then huge stones were placed on the site as supports. Before the walls were built, the ground was sprinkled with the blood of a sacrificial ram.

A kind of winch was used to deliver the stones to the top. To prevent the massive stonework from crumbling, casein was added to the solution. This protein is formed when milk sours. The solution also contained lime and sand. The result was a kind of “glue moment.” Even today it is impossible to separate one stone block from another.

The height of the tower is equal to the current seven-story building. The first floor had no windows or doors. Food was stored here. On the second floor they hung the fraternal cauldron on a chain. In those days it was considered sacred. If a blood member escaped persecution but managed to touch the cauldron, his life was spared. The upper floors were residential. At the very top, weapons and household utensils were stored.

Each tower took exactly one year to build. Not a day more! Violation of the construction deadline was considered a disgrace for the family. If the craftsmen did not have time, the tower was dismantled or left abandoned. The fortresses turned out great. In 2008, the mountain citadel became a finalist in the “Seven Wonders of Russia” competition. Images of battle towers adorn the commemorative silver coin with a face value of 3 rubles. It was minted in the “Architectural Monuments” series.

All ancient buildings are associated with legends, and Vovnushki is no exception. Old-timers say that during the construction of the base of the tower they used stone blocks of such size that they had to be dragged with the help of nine pairs of bulls. Twelve horses couldn't even move them.

There is also a legend about the heroic rescue of children. The attackers destroyed the suspension bridge and set the tower on fire. The woman walked several times along the remaining rope from the bridge from one tower to another. In this way she moved several cribs with babies.

It is strictly not recommended to pick out stones from the walls of the tower. So soon nothing will remain of the ancient cultural monument. Take any stone from the mountainside - it will serve as a wonderful memory of visiting an unusual place. As souvenirs, you can buy products from local craftsmen - wood carvings, carpets and embroidery with gold and silver threads.

The fortress can be reached through Nazran or Magas. From here you should go to Targim, from where it is six kilometers along a dirt road to the ancient towers. This path can be covered on foot. Local residents provide delivery services.

The second route lies through Vladikavkaz. A regular bus runs from here to the regional center of Dzheirakh every day. In Dzheirakh, you can negotiate with one of the local residents about a trip to Targim. If you want, you can actually walk – the distance to the towers is about ten kilometers. The best time to travel is from May to September.

Towers of Ingushetia (photo, description, map)

The main attractions that tourists want to see in the Republic of Ingushetia are the towers. The area where they are concentrated is predominantly Dzheirakh: its territory is covered with mountain ranges, and Ingush towers are traditionally built on the tops of mountains and rocks. This made it possible to realize their main purpose - defensive. Along with defensive ones, residential ones were often built. This is how entire tower complexes were formed, which are worth seeing for everyone who comes here on vacation.

Interesting fact: the Ingush clan had exactly one year to build the tower. During this time, the structure should have been completely finished. If the construction was not completed during this time, the clan was subjected to all possible contempt.

Furtoug tower complex

Furtoug

The buildings of this complex date back to the 17th century. It got its name from the village of the same name, which is located nearby. From the once impressive structure, only the base of the battle tower and partially five buildings remain. Tourists will be interested in visiting not only the attraction itself, but also interesting historical and archeological monuments located nearby, as well as natural beauty: burial grounds, rock shelters, the 12-meter Furtoug waterfall. This waterfall is the second highest in the republic. And in beauty it is not inferior to most similar ones throughout the North Caucasus, which are marked on the map. Therefore, everyone who comes here on vacation should take a photo of this natural attraction. At the end of the 19th century, Mendeleev himself visited it as part of a geological exploration expedition.

Targim tower complex

The complex is easy to find on the map by the village of the same name, not far from which it is located. In the old days, this was the ancestral settlement of several influential Ingush families. And the tower complexes belonged to them. They included residential buildings and several defensive ones. There were also burial grounds here.

These buildings were created in traditional Ingush architecture: pyramidal in shape, tapering towards the top. The entrance to such towers was located on the second floor: an extension staircase led to it. In case of a threat, the stairs were removed to prevent the enemy from entering the tower. Most of these buildings had five floors. The defensive towers are the best preserved to this day. The rest of the buildings are badly destroyed, but there is still something to see and photograph. Thus, not far from this place the ruins of a Christian temple were found, and in the village of Targim - artifacts dating back to the 2nd-1st millennium BC.

Tower complex Tsori

The complex was supposedly built in the XII-XVII centuries. It is named, like many others, after the name of a nearby village. This helps tourists easily find it on the map. This is a fairly large complex, which includes three combat towers and about twenty residential ones. Burial grounds and outbuildings were also found here.

The uniqueness of this place lies in the original decor of each building. They are similar in size and shape, but each of them has petroglyphs. They are carved on stone walls and depict various solar symbols and ornaments. It will also be interesting for tourists to explore another complex located not far from here. It consists of three small towers. However, you have to go to it along a mountain slope without a hiking trail.

Tower complex Egikal

Egikal is one of the largest tower complexes in Ingushetia. Everyone who comes here on vacation should look at this attraction and take memorable photos. Moreover, such towers quickly collapse over time. However, about a hundred buildings have survived here. The scale of the complex is already visible from afar: all the buildings are located on the mountainside in the Assinsky Gorge. The complex dates back to the 12th century, when the first people settled here. Gradually Egikhal became a major cultural center. Each tower here belonged to one family, many of whom specialized in pottery and weaponry.

In modern life, this complex is used not only as a tourist attraction. Holidays and tournaments are held here. If you're lucky, you can get to one of these events and take a lot of interesting photos, recharge yourself with the spirit of the local people and experience their cultural values.

Nyakist tower complex

The complex, located in the Tumgoi Gorge, dates back to the late Middle Ages. Two battle towers, 11 residential buildings and three burial grounds have survived to this day. All buildings were surrounded by a defensive wall. Most of the complex's buildings were destroyed by two-thirds. Therefore, tourists should definitely see this place and capture it in photos before the towers finally collapse under the influence of winds and weather elements. Moreover, the complex is located in a picturesque place, on the top of a mountain. From here you can enjoy magnificent views of the Ingush mountains.

Falhan Tower Complex

The location of the complex is Dzheyrakh district. It is easy to find among the attractions of Ingushetia on tourist maps. The buildings date back to the 12th-13th centuries. This ancient village was inhabited until 1944 and became empty after the deportation of its inhabitants. Until this time, it was a prosperous settlement, whose residents were engaged in crafts, weapons manufacturing, and mining. Only part of the buildings has survived to this day: two battle towers and 12 family crypts. Previously, there were 12 residential towers located here, which are now almost completely destroyed.

The complex is located on the top of a mountain, surrounded by grazing meadows. It’s worth coming here at least to take memorable photos before this attraction is completely destroyed by winds and weather conditions.

Morch Tower Complex

Morch-Seli

Dzheyrakh architectural monument of the 16th-17th centuries, the name of which is translated as “death” or “shroud”. Like the previous complex, it was abandoned in 1944 during the deportation of the population and was never restored. The surviving towers and fragments of buildings are monuments of Ingush culture, which are protected by the state. The best preserved is the high pyramidal tower, which rises above the rest of the buildings. She often becomes the main figure in tourists' photos. Another interesting attraction located on the territory of the complex is the Morch-Seli temple-sanctuary.

Niy Tower Complex

This Dzheirakh tower complex is one of the best preserved in the region and the Republic of Ingushetia as a whole. It is part of the museum-reserve and is under state protection. There are 13 residential towers, 14 burial grounds and four battle towers preserved here. The complex is surrounded by mountains and incredibly beautiful views: it is impossible not to capture them in the photo.

Doshhakle Complex

The main attraction of this ancient settlement is the six-story tower. Its roof has been destroyed, but the structure still rises above the ruins of the former residential towers and fortress wall. In the old days, its height was 28 meters. The complex itself is located in the Galgai Gorge. This is a highland part of the Republic of Ingushetia. To get here you will need a good map or an experienced guide. But it’s worth it: the picturesque views of the Ingush mountains surrounding the architectural and historical monument simply need to be captured in a photo by everyone who comes here on a trip.

Mount Tsey Loam

At the foot of Mount Tsey Loam

Tsey-Loam is a mountain in the Dzheyrakh region with a height of 3171 meters. Quite often it is hidden by fog or clouds. Perhaps because of this, the mountain acquired an aura of mystery. In ancient times, the Ingush believed that the god Sela, who was the patron of nature, lived at the top. In the Ingush pagan pantheon this was the most revered god.

It was Sel who was subject to the elements - wind, rain, lightning, thunder. Even the place where lightning struck was considered sacred. A sieling, a pillar-shaped sanctuary, was usually built on it. An excellent view of Tsey Loam opens from the pass of the same name. It is equipped with an observation deck with a gazebo, benches and canopies. From here you can also admire Kazbek, on the top of which lie eternal snow.

Shopping

It is better to make purchases immediately in the central or large cities of Ingushetia such as Magas, Nazran, Malgobek and Karabulak, where all trade is concentrated, aimed at a population with high purchasing power and tourists.

Guests of Magas can find a wider selection of goods by visiting the store on the street. Mutalieva and "Megapolis" in the Nasyr-Kort district, traveling around Nazran. These shopping centers contain construction goods stores, a children's world, grocery departments and recreation areas with cafeterias.

There are many specialized stores in the capital, for example, the Korean cosmetics store Lalik on the street. Borova, 2 or the Ingushet branch of the IKEA furniture store at st. Khrushcheva, 3.

Guests traveling with children should visit the specialized children's store "Madagascar" on the street. Gorchkhanov, where the main assortment of children's goods is collected, so as not to waste money on small retail outlets throughout the city.

Groundwater, springs

As of 2014, centralized water supply in Ingushetia covered about 85% of the population; the main source of drinking water in the republic is groundwater. Sometimes decentralized sources - springs - are used for water supply. The largest number of springs in Ingushetia are located in its mountainous part; in the settlements of the Dzheirakh region, 24 springs are used for water supply; springs are also used in some settlements of the Sunzha region (Muzhichi, Alkhasty, Galashki). There are also springs on the Ingush Plain, where they provide water to part of the settlements of the Nazran region (Yandare, Surkhakhi).

Resort "Armkhi"

What do beautiful views, leisurely walks, ski slopes and completely extreme base jumping have in common? The correct answer is the Ingush resort of Armkhi. In 1928, a sanatorium was built in these places, which fell into disrepair in the 90s and would have likely fallen into complete oblivion if not for investors who decided to build a year-round resort in the Ingush mountains. In winter, guests can enjoy ski slopes, in summer, swimming in an outdoor pool with spring water, walking along the wooden health staircase, consisting of 1,780 steps, jumping from the inaccessible Caucasian cliffs for base jumpers. Fresh air and stunning views are guaranteed all year round.