Welcome to a VR journey through Ingushetia, one of the most picturesque and unique regions of the Caucasus. The village of Armkhi is, so to speak, the gateway to high-mountain Ingushetia, where visitors typically begin their exploration of ancient tower complexes and natural landmarks.

Mount Tsei-Loam is one of the most beautiful mountains in the Ingush Nature Reserve, an area home to rare animal and plant species.

Locals consider the summit of Tsei-Loam sacred. At the foot of the mountain is the Kyazi alpine camp, which, even in Soviet times, attracted climbers from all over the country. Nearby rises Mount Gaikomd, known for its steep slopes and panoramic views of the entire Assy Valley.

What makes Ingushetia unique is the dense concentration of amazing sites and natural attractions. Ancient temples, battle towers, snow-capped peaks and mountain rivers, caves where bandits once lived—all within a few dozen kilometers.

Some of the most famous tower complexes are Egikal and Targim. Some of the most famous tower complexes are Egikal and Targim. The watchtowers are the hallmark of Ingushetia. They were built without a single gram of mortar: the stones were fitted so precisely that the structures stand for centuries and withstand earthquakes.

Egikal is also the largest historical complex in mountainous Ingushetia. An interesting fact: in its heyday, there were over a hundred towers here, and Egikal was considered a city for its time.

The Targim tower complex, located in the ancient Targim Gorge, is not only one of the most beautiful places in Ingushetia but also one of the oldest inhabited sites in the Caucasus: archaeologists have found traces of life here dating back more than 3,000–4,000 years. The Assa River flows nearby, turbulent and cold, forming picturesque canyons.

Photo by:  Sergey Semenov

05 December 2025