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North Ossetia is a semi-autonomous republic in the North Caucasus with a long and difficult history. For background information visit this site. Mozdok is a small town and one of Russia's largest air bases. In the Soviet period, strategic nuclear bombers took off from its airfields on routine assignments around the United States. For more information about its military infrastructure, click here.

Journalists traveling to Chechnya in organized groups are usually taken to Mozdok by military transport planes from Chkalovsky airfield near Moscow. Those traveling to Mozdok for the first time usually stay at the Hotel Mozdok.

One of the facilities you'll find at the hotel is the red telephone in the lobby (32110, no advance booking from Moscow). Other than that... Well, I prefer staying in private homes.

There are several places you can eat at in Mozdok. There is a cafe at the hotel, there are several shashlyk places, and there is one restaurant, called Retro, where you can enjoy genuine Ossetian vodka Istok (order a square bottle) and Ossetian quisine. All places close at 22:00.

QUICK TIPS

1. Cellular phones don't work in Mozdok, bring a satellite phone
2. Food, water and other essentials are available at local stores
3. Drivers can be found -- and hired -- near the hotel
4. Ask drivers where you can stay for the night: they usually know everything
5. There is an Internet access point, located in a private home; ask colleagues where to find it
6. Click here for Chechnya travel tips

If I forgot something, please let me know

See Grozny pictures

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