4 days
Fixed dates
5 people
from 7 years old
Basic
Guest house or tourist center
Russian
Gastronomy, Jeep tours
Europe's deepest canyon, the sparkling waters of the Chirkey Reservoir, mysterious watchtowers on impenetrable cliffs, an atmospheric ghost village, thundering waterfalls, and high-mountain plateaus… You'll see the most vibrant and memorable locations in Dagestan, enjoy local hospitality, and savor the renowned Caucasian cuisine.
We invite you to a land of mountains, where a river sparkles in the sun along the bottom of the famous Sulak Canyon, where the wind blows through the streets of the abandoned village of Gamsutl, and where watchtowers built in the 8th-10th centuries still exude power and confidence. This short but very comprehensive program includes the most iconic sights of Dagestan. You'll see the Chirkey Reservoir and take a boat ride on it, admire the Sulak Canyon from the best observation deck, descend into the labyrinth of the Nokho caves, visit one of the most ancient villages in the region—Stary Kakhib, capture the towers of Goor, and learn more about the history of Dagestan during a visit to Gunib. Throughout the tour, you'll marvel at how harmoniously the narrow streets and small houses of the ancient settlements blend into the mountain landscape. After visiting the Khunzakh Plateau, you'll approach the very edge of the cliff, from which the Tobot Waterfall thunders. This tour also includes trekking: the path to the famous Gamsutl leads along a forest trail, past a crystal-clear spring of icy water where you can take a refreshing dip.
Amazing views, mountain passes, sheer cliffs, abundant greenery, the purest azure of rivers and reservoirs—all this is Dagestan, so easy to fall in love with at first sight. Add to this the delicious Avar cuisine with its abundance of meat, fish, and vegetables, a blend of history and poetic legends, and comfortable travel between locations in powerful jeeps—it seems the formula for the perfect tour has been found!
An eco-hotel surrounded by mountains, where you'll be surrounded by nature: mountain slopes, a raging river, endless skies, and clean air. A tranquil setting and stylish barnhouses offer accommodation. Each house has a private bathroom and shower, comfortable beds, toiletries, air conditioning, and a hairdryer. The helpful staff, delicious local cuisine, and mountain herbal teas will make your stay unforgettable.
On our very first day, we'll immerse ourselves in the captivating atmosphere of Dagestan. After meeting at the airport, we'll head to a trout farm, where you'll dine on the freshest fish grilled over coals. Then, take a boat ride on the Chirkey Reservoir, whose waters conceal a village flooded during the construction of a hydroelectric power station. Next, we'll head to the Dubki observation deck, which offers the most picturesque view of the local natural gem—the stunning Sulak Canyon. After capturing hundreds of stunning photos, we'll continue on to the Nokho Cave complex, where adits carved during the dam's construction weave together into a whimsical labyrinth. In the evening, we'll depart for our guesthouse—our journey will take us through the country's longest road tunnel, past the legendary Gimry Tower and the emerald waters of the Irganay Reservoir.
Today you'll visit atmospheric Dagestani villages, remarkably harmoniously integrated into the surrounding landscape and seemingly an integral part of the harsh yet beautiful local nature. We'll visit Old Kakhib, one of the oldest settlements in the region. The first buildings here date back to the 8th-10th centuries. Impenetrable watchtowers rise above the ancient ruins, seemingly ingrained in the cliff face. We'll have lunch in the village of Novy Goor, where the locals will introduce you to authentic Avar cuisine. After lunch, you'll take a stroll through Old Goor, also home to tall defensive towers and blistering mountain winds—it's no coincidence that the village's name translates as "windy." There's also a rocky ledge here, nicknamed "Troll's Tongue," after a famous Norwegian landmark—another excellent location for breathtaking photoshoots.
We continue to enjoy the beauty of Dagestan's natural landscapes and the views of ancient villages, which have long been the region's calling card. After breakfast, we head to Gamsutl, perhaps the most recognizable location in all of Dagestan. This ghost village, lost among the mountain peaks, seems to float in the clouds, and in its narrow, winding streets, one can hear the whispers of time gradually eroding the authentic local buildings. And, of course, from above, magnificent panoramas of the surrounding nature open up. Please note that Gamsutl is not accessible by car: this day, you'll embark on a challenging, but very scenic, trek through pristine forests. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to refresh yourself with the purest cold water from a mountain spring and relax to the sound of running water. For lunch, we'll head to Gunib. This village is inextricably linked with the life of the famous Imam Shamil and is also blessed with a wonderful microclimate. In Gunib, we'll visit the local history museum to learn more about the region's poetic and sometimes tragic history.
This is the last day of the tour, but many more unforgettable experiences await! After breakfast on a guest tour, we'll hit the road. Our destination is the Khunzakh plateau, which is not only remarkable for its spectacular views but also for being the birthplace of many famous poets and great warriors. You'll see the Tsotlin Canyon and the ancient fortress towering over it, and you can approach the very edge and watch the turbulent Tobot Waterfall cascade down from a tremendous height. The horseshoe-shaped gorge allows you to see the waterfall from different angles and offers plenty of opportunities for captivating photos and videos. We'll have lunch today in the Shamilsky District, where you'll enjoy your favorite Avar dishes. Afterwards, transfer to the airport or train station in Makhachkala.
We recommend this program for children aged 7 and up—please note that the tour includes trekking activities. Discounts are available for children under 12.
Choose a flight arriving before 12:00 PM on the first day of your tour. You can also arrive in Makhachkala the day before. Let us know if you need assistance with accommodations.
We recommend purchasing tickets with departure/departure no earlier than 19:00.
The tour program includes breakfasts at the guest house and lunches as per the program.
The tour price includes roundtrip tickets to Makhachkala, dinners (dinner at a guesthouse costs about 600 rubles), a boat ride on the Chirkey Reservoir (300 rubles), and an entrance fee to the cave complex (500 rubles). Please allow for souvenirs and gifts.
Ask your tour coordinator questions
Tour from an official tour operator listed in the Rostourism register
