Dagestan Atlantis

After breakfast at the guesthouse, we'll head to the village that gives this tour its name: the mysterious Old Kakhib, nicknamed the "Dagestani Atlantis" for its inaccessibility and mystical atmosphere. It's one of the oldest auls in Dagestan. During its heyday, Kakhib was renowned for its impregnability; powerful watchtowers successfully held off any invaders. Only once, during the Tatar-Mongol invasion, were its defenses breached. We'll then visit Old Goor, where you'll take dozens of stunning photos on Trolltunga , a ledge every bit as beautiful as its Norwegian "big brother." Goor is also famous for its watchtowers. After lunch in Novy Goor with an Avar family, we'll head to Saltinsky Waterfall. This is an underground waterfall located in a cave. The refraction of light rays falling through a small gorge and the crystal-clear water—a truly fantastic sight. Weather and daylight permitting, we'll then visit the village of Gunib, renowned for its unique microclimate and the role it played during the Caucasian War.

On the third day, we'll visit the legendary ghost village of Gamsutl. This high-mountain village is located in a remote and picturesque spot at an altitude of 1,500 meters. It's inaccessible by car, so we'll walk part of the way, enjoying the surrounding views. The village itself is a mysterious and quiet place, where the ruins of buildings seem to emerge from the cliffs, and only the mountain breeze blows through the streets. After lunch, enjoying beloved dishes of traditional Avar cuisine, we'll drive to the village of Chokh. Situated in a valley and surrounded by mountain ranges on all sides, it creates an atmosphere of solitude and tranquility. Low houses, arranged like terraces, rise from the steep slopes. Fantastic views await you, along with a multitude of local legends and stories about key chapters in history. Here, in this remote area, desperate battles once raged, and the local cliffs bear witness to the incredible heroism of the inhabitants of this small village. In the evening we will go to Derbent, where you will check into a hotel.

You can spend this day as you wish. Stroll through picturesque Derbent and relax on the local beach, or choose any day excursion (for an additional fee): to the Khunzakh Plateau with its canyon and famous waterfall, to the high-mountain village of Kubachi, home to the Dargin people who create amazing silverware, or to the village of Akhty, renowned for its healing springs.

This is the last day of the tour, but many exciting discoveries still await. After breakfast, we'll visit the Lun ekranoplan—a marvel of Soviet engineering, frozen in the sand by the sea like a fantastical spaceship. After a stroll along the shore and taking plenty of atmospheric photos, we'll set off on a tour of Derbent. This ancient city has preserved the charm of an oriental fairytale, and its narrow streets will transport you back in time. We'll visit Derbent's most important landmark, the ancient citadel of Naryn-Kala, whose impressive fortress walls rise above a colorful labyrinth of streets. We'll also visit souvenir shops where you can buy gifts and treats for your loved ones. Transfer to Makhachkala, the train station, and the airport will be included. See you again!