PROUD MAVERICKS OF THE HIGH CAUCASUS

Isolated, remote and nowadays almost cut-off from the rest of the world, the largely unrecognised but de facto independent Republic of South Ossetia represents the ultimate travel frontier for all Soviet-buffs, geopolitics-geeks, adventure-seekers and curious wanderers alike.

WHERE IS SOUTH OSSETIA? HOW DO I GET THERE?

South Ossetia is surrounded on three sides by Georgia, from which it ultimately seceded in 2008. As of 2020 all border crossings with Georgia remain closed for international travellers. The only viable route to reach South Ossetia is via the Roki Tunnel, which connects this unrecognised mountainous republic with the Russian Federation. Crossing into South Ossetia from Russia is, however, deemed as illegal by the Georgian Law on Occupied Territories.

ESSENTIAL MODERN CHRONOLOGY

1922: Incorporation into the Soviet Union as an autonomous region within the Georgian SSR.
1989: Demands for more autonomy in the South Ossetia region lead to violent clashes between Georgians and Ossetians.
1991: Dissolution of the Soviet Union and consequent rise of destructive nationalist movements.
1991-1992: First Ossetian-Georgian War: South Ossetia becomes a de facto self-ruling geopolitical entity within a shattered and divided post-Soviet Georgia.
2008: Russo-Georgian War and recognition of South Ossetia’s definitive independence by the Russian Federation.

5 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT SOUTH OSSETIA

Melancholic (post)-Soviet Atmospheres: remote mountain hamlets, crumbling Stalinist architectures and lonely Soviet monuments.
Delicious local cuisine: hearty Caucasian meals and soul-burning homemade spirits.
Breathtaking natural sceneries: awe-striking mountainscapes, postcard-like green pastures and idyllically secluded valleys.
Welcoming locals: proud and gentle people of ancient traditions and heartwarming hospitality.
Unusual sights: forgotten jewish quarters, dictators’ busts and abandoned Soviet skeletons.

BEST TIME TO VISIT SOUTH OSSETIA

Late spring (May-June) and late summer (from mid-August to September) are ideal: comfortably warm days and slightly chilly nights. Festivities and celebrations worth travelling for include Victory Day (May 9) and Independence Day (September 20), both marked by grandiose parades and photogenic expressions of national pride.

IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL TO SOUTH OSSETIA?

Short answer: yes, definitely safe.
Long answer: while it is generally ok to walk on your own in Tskhinvali after dusk, we recommend to stick to well-lit streets and avoid walking alone when nobody’s around. South Ossetian settlements outside Tskhinvali have a bad reputation for aggressive drunk behaviours. This is only partially true, but you should be vigilant at all times when visiting those areas.

VISA AND CURRENCY

The country’s official currency is the Russian Ruble. Most upmarket establishments, such as hotels and restaurants, accept US Dollars and (sometimes) Euros. Credit card payments and ATM cash withdrawals are not a viable option at the moment (updated: May 2020).
South Ossetia visa procedure is a lengthy and complex affair. Holders of Russian passports may enter South Ossetia visa-free using their national passport, while non-Russian citizens must obtain permission from the South Ossetian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If you booked a tour to South Ossetia with us, we will take care of the entire paperwork and easily secure your visa without you having to wrestle through kafkaesque bureaucratic affairs.

LANGUAGE AND RELIGION

Russian and Ossetian (an Iranic language related to Persian and Tajik) are the two official languages of the republic. Georgian is the first language of choice for most inhabitants of Leningor. English-speakers are rare in South Ossetia but communication skills in the Caucasus easily overcome language barriers.

ONE MOVIE AND ONE BOOK

🎥 August Eighth, Dzhanik Fayziev (2012).

📖The Post-Soviet Wars, Christoph Zürcher (2007).

OUR ITINERARIES IN SOUTH OSSETIA

Here you can find the detailed itinerary of our standard tour to South Ossetia. We offer fully-guided, all-inclusive, Soviet-themed tours to South Ossetia on a regular basis. We do, however, also cater for small closed groups and lone wolves alike. Tailored private tours are, in fact, our speciality. Whether you are interested in a particularly remote area, secretive ethnicity, unusual activity and/or off-the-beaten-path attraction within South Ossetia or simply looking for an hit-and-run visit to Tskhinvali and Leningor, what you just need to do is to tell us about the stuff you care and how many days off you got: we will then easily meet your needs with a unique tour individually designed according to your preferences. Get in touch for more info on our private tours to South Ossetia!

© Gianluca Pardelli | www.gianlucapardelli.com

SOUTH OSSETIA