5 Wonders Of Dagestan
Program
Sulak Canyon and Barkhan
- Meeting and Departure 10:00/11:00 - Airport
- Barkhan Sary-Kum
- Sulak Canyon Viewpoint
- Boat Ride
- Lunch at Trout Farm
- Departure to Dubki
- Hotel Check-in
- Dinner
We meet at 10:00 at the "Russia My History" point and head to the airport to pick up those arriving on the tour start day. Please arrive by 11:00, as we will begin our journey promptly.
Dagestan offers more than just sea and cliffs; it boasts the highest sand dune in Europe. The mysterious Sary-Kum dune lives up to its name, with golden sands inviting you into an eastern fairy tale, perfect for a "Dune" movie set.
Our company will introduce you to this remarkable nature reserve. Then, we will head to a trout farm for a delicious lunch, which we assure you is exceptional.
After a hearty meal, we will visit the deep waters of Sulak Canyon, which has a maximum depth of 1920 meters, unique in Europe. The canyon's water is a pure sky-blue, often indistinguishable from the sky on a clear day.
Next, we will sail towards Old Zubutli and enjoy a boat ride. After exploring the canyon, we will head to our hotel in Dubki and await dinner.
Hunzakh
- Breakfast and Departure to Khunzakh
- Gimri Tower
- Irganay Reservoir
- Tobot Waterfall
- Matlas
- Stone Bowl
- Lunch
- Mochokh Lake
- Hotel Check-in
- Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, we head to the Khunzakh region. Passing through the Gimri Tunnel, the longest in Russia, we enter a different, majestic, mountainous Dagestan.
Our first stop in the mountains is the Gimri Tower, a site of historical significance from the Caucasian War.
Next, we visit the viewpoint at Irganay Reservoir, the second largest in Dagestan. The emerald waters of Irganay captivate everyone who sees them.
In Khunzakh, we visit the legendary Tobot Waterfall, one of the highest in the North Caucasus. A large viewing platform offers a great view.
We then ascend to the magnificent Matlas Plateau at 1800 meters above sea level. The unique nature, waterfalls, and stunning views make this plateau unforgettable.
Just five minutes from Matlas is the Stone Bowl, a natural monument with interconnected caves and narrow passages. These stone halls offer peace and the spirit of mountainous Dagestan.
We'll have lunch by the picturesque Mochokh Lake, nestled between two ridges. In summer, its clear waters attract tourists, and in winter, it freezes into a natural ice rink.
We then head to our base in the village of Chalda. We will end the day with a delicious dinner featuring a variety of Dagestani dishes.
We will spend the night in the mountains in Chalda.
Gamsutl and Saltinsky Waterfall
- Hotel Breakfast
- Departure to Gunib District
- Saltinsky Gorge
- Ghost Village Gamsutl
- Lunch
- Viewpoint "White Cranes"
- Return to Hotel
- Dinner
After breakfast at the guesthouse, we head to our next destination. A true Dagestani marvel, the Saltinsky Waterfall, is often referred to as a wonder. Where else can you find a waterfall underground? Its splashing droplets create mesmerizing glints in the sunlight, blending seamlessly with the Saltinsky Gorge.
Next, we encounter the ghost village, Gamsutl, also known as the Caucasian Machu Picchu. Once bustling, it now stands as a recluse. The last resident passed away in 2015, leaving Gamsutl's secrets to be discovered by tourists.
The road to this ghost village is winding, but the journey is rewarded with breathtaking vistas. Stone arches, Arabic inscriptions carved into rocks, and endless mountains surround Gamsutl today.
After exploring the abandoned village, we recharge with a meal in Gunib, indulging in traditional cuisine. Returning to our guesthouse, we eagerly await the adventures of the next day.
Karadakh Gorge and Goor
- Hotel Breakfast
- Karadakh Gorge
- Datun Temple
- Old Goor
- Troll's Tongue
- Lunch
- Departure to Makhachkala
- Dinner
- Hotel Check-in / Relaxation
After breakfast at the hotel, we head to Karadakh Gorge. Stretching over half a kilometer, this valley presents a majestic landscape where stone walls, towering up to 170 meters, seem like guardians of time, inviting travelers on an exhilarating journey. Walking amidst these massive rocks, it feels as though the mountains, like grand sentinels, are ready to embrace you. Stone arches form in certain areas, and between the walls, boulders hint at their journey halted by eternity after leaving the cliffs. This place is steeped in an atmosphere of antiquity and grandeur, where each stone appears a witness to centuries-old history, and every step in the gorge is a step into the past, a magical journey through rocks and time.
Next, we visit the unique monument of medieval architecture, the Datun Temple. Built in the late 10th century by Georgian missionaries in the mountains of Dagestan.
We then proceed to Old Goor, a land of towers and legends. A local guardian of mountain legends will lead us on a tour, sharing the history of the village located right on the edge of the cliff.
Those interested can take stunning photographs at the Troll's Tongue, a promontory named in analogy to the Norwegian landmark.
After exploring the land of towers and legends, we head to our hotel in Makhachkala.
Derbent
- Hotel Breakfast
- Departure to Derbent
- Lun Ekranoplan
- Naryn-Kala Fortress
- Juma Mosque
- Armenian Church
- Departure to Makhachkala / Airport
Derbent, one of the oldest cities in Russia, is a gateway to the Silk Road, with almond trees, temples, and mosques adorning its ancient streets.
Our journey begins with a visit to the Caspian monster, the unique Lun Ekranoplan - a rocket-carrying ship. Originally, there were supposed to be eight, but only one was built. After exploring this military marvel, we head to the center of Derbent to marvel at the Naryn-Kala Fortress, the city's historical starting point.
Naryn-Kala is an ancient citadel constructed before the arrival of the Arabs. Its long walls stretch to the Caspian Sea. Once bustling with life, the fortress housed the Shah's palace and featured unique baths for its time. From the fortress, we descend to the oldest mosque in Dagestan, the Juma Mosque of Derbent.
In the shade of its ancient arches, contemplation of eternity comes naturally. Just below the Juma Mosque lies an Armenian church, built by the Armenian writer Sundukyan in 1880.
We indulge in southern cuisine at a cozy guesthouse, savoring the flavors of the region.