Easy - nothing more than normal walking while sight-seeing
Moderately Easy - 1-3 hours of physical activity daily
Moderate - 3-5 hours of physical activity daily
Challenging - 5-7 hours of challenging physical activity daily
Extreme - 7+ hours of challenging/extreme physical activity daily
Difficulty
Basic — most of nights in tents or rooms with shared WC, some nights in comfortable rooms.
Standard — most of nights in comfortable rooms, some nights in tents or rooms with shared WC.
Upgraded — all nights in comfortable rooms.
Comfort
Minimum age of the participant of this trip
7 Days
April - May
Highlights
- Visit wonderful Dagestan, including only the most top places
- Authentic culture and delicious Caucasian cuisine
- Discover the picturesque mountain landscapes
- Tour led by experienced traveller Pavel Ageychenko
- Explore the ancient villages with more than 2000 years old history
- Get acquaintance with the best jewelry masters from Kubachi village
- Find out the Caucasian Machu- Picchu
- Enjoy one of the 3 deepest canyon in the world
- Best locations of Dagestan and opportunity to see local life from the inside
Tour Overview
In 2021 we head for the land, where the gentle Caspian Sea, mild climate, majestic mountains and ancient architecture with authentic villages and Caucasian hospitality are combined, where you can find out what the real Caucasus is. Join us to travel to the unexplored lands of Dagestan, while it has not yet become mainstream, but has great natural and cultural potential.
Land of mountains, translated the word “Dagestan” from the Turkic language, is located in the southeastern part of the northern Caucasus far away from crowded tourist places. This is the most picturesque region with unique natural wonders that are difficult to find anywhere else. We collect only all the most incredible places of Dagestan: Barkhan Sarykum, a mystery of nature surrounded by mountains and the largest desert of Eurasia, the most ancient and southernmost village of Derbent with a thousand-year history, a picturesque village Kubachi with the best jewelry masters, “Caucasian Machu- Picchu "or aul-ghost Gamsutl, as well as the village Gunib, hidden high in the mountains. Finally, you discover the most beautiful canyon, which tops the list of tourist attractions of Dagestan and claims to be one of the 3 deepest canyons in the world (depth up to 1920 meters). The Sulak canyon, stretching for 53 km with the turquoise waters of the Sulak River, will steal your heart.
Apart from it, you will enjoy incredible mountain landscapes, get acquainted with the multinational and hospitable Caucasians, who have a unique culture and honor the customs of their ancestors, and also taste the amazing local cuisine that combines the Persian, Arab and Turkish flavor.
In 2021, Pavel Ageychenko, the founder of the BaikalNature company, will led the various tours in Russia, and the Caucasus is certainly one of them! Don't miss the chance to discover new places under the guidance of an experienced traveler who knows everything and more about travel!
The tour does not require special physical training and it suits for a family vacation. Come and visit Dagestan, touch a thousand-year history and discover pristine nature, and you’ll likely lose a piece of your heart in the mountainous republic!
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Tour programme
- Day 1Capital of Dagestan and the largest sand dune in EuropeMahachkala — Barkhan Sarykum
- Day 2One of the deepest canyon in the worldSulak canyon — Ghunib
- Day 3Caucasian Machu-PicchuGhunib
- Day 4The aul of goldsmithsGhunib — Kubachi village
- Day 5Abandoned auls of DagestanKubatchi — Derbent
- Day 6The most ancient city of RussiaDerbent
- Day 7The end of the programDerbent — Mahachkala
- 10:00Arrival in MahachkalaMeeting with your guide at the airport of Mahachkala
- 11:00Start of city tourThe capital of hospitable Dagestan is beautiful at any time of the year! You will go to the most iconic places of the ancient and at the same time modern city: the main square, historical park Russia - my history, embankment universities, monuments to important political figures and the Central Juma Mosque, similar to the famous Blue Mosque in Istanbul.
- 13:00Lunch in the local restaurant — Not includedLet's start acquaintance with local cuisine presented by delicious food of Caucasian cuisine and go for lunch in one the local restaurant.
- 14:00Time at leisureAfter lunch, we have a pleasant walk around the city and visit to the embankment and the historical park "Russia" to enjoy and feel the atmosphere of the southern city. Possibility to buy souvenirs in the local shops
- 15:00Departure to Barkhan SarykumLet's move to another world,somewhere in the endless Sahara desert, but only in Dagestan! Dune Sary-Kum is a unique natural monument of Dagestan, which is officially recognized by geologists as the second largest dune in the world and one of the highest dunes in the world. On the territory of Europe and Asia, there are no similarly large dunes at all. They say that the dune has existed for more than 1000 years, but how this small piece of the Asian desert could form in the very heart of the Dagestan mountains is unknown yet. Hear beautiful legends about its origin and walk barefoot on its sands
- 18:00Accommodation in the guest houseCheck-in and have a rest.
- 19:00Dinner in the restaurant of the trout farm — Not included
- Overnight in the guest house
Photo of the day
Route
Mahachkala — Barkhan Sarykum
Note
1 h transfer (40km)
- 09:00Breakfast in the hotel
- 10:00The most deepest and the most beautifulSulak canyon is the deepest canyon in Russia and the Eastern Hemisphere, located in the valley of the Sulak River in Dagestan. Landscapes of canyon is really fascintaning. Besides, the fascinating mountain landscapes, you also enjoy the turquoise color of the river water, similar to the color of water in tropical seaside resorts . Sulak is the main river of Dagestan, flowing in a deep canyon separating the Gimrinsky ridge and the Salatau ridge.
- 12:00Lunch in the local cafe — Not includedYou can enjoy delicious lunch with a stunning view on Sulak canyon.
- 14:00Towards to the heart of Dagestan - Ghunib villageAfter visit of Sulak canyon, continuation of the way through Dagestan. On the way, we have a stop to admire the view on Chirkeyskaya HPP, the most powerful hydroelectric power plant in the North Caucasus. Chirkeyskaya HPP has the second tallest dam in Russia and the highest arched dam in the country. Also, we pass the Gimrinsky road tunnel is the longest in Russia. Further, the road goes along a mountain serpentine - breathtaking views of the mountains, tiny villages and herds of sheep and along the reservoirs. If the weather is favorable, we will visit the most picturesque Karadakh gorge. Then, we pass the Gunibskaya HPP and finally you fing yourself in Ghunib village, located at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level and the views there are stunning. This village was historically important as a natural fortress during the Caucasian War of the 19th century.
- 18:00Discovery of Ghunib and get acquaintance with local peopleToday we will take a closer look at the locals of mountain Dagestanian villages. A delicious dinner of national dishes and Caucasian tea will be served for you. Before dinner, you will see the mini-museum of hosts and try on the national Dagestan clothes for a photo.
- 19:00Dinner in the homestead
- Overnight in the homestead
Photo of the day
Route
Sulak canyon — Ghunib
Accommodation
Accommodation in the homestead Gunib
Room for 2-4 people
Note
4 h transfer (230km)
- 08:00Breakfast
- 09:00Departure to the abandoned aulAt the top of Mount Amalje, you can discover the beautiful village of Gamsutl. This village is one of the oldest settlements on the territory of modern Dagestan.
- 10:00Ascending to Gamsutl villageTranslated from the Avar word "gamall" means "at the foot of the Khan's fortress", which means the khans chose this place to build their fortress or tower. The place for the fortress was not chosen by chance: the village is located on the top of a mountain, at an altitude of about 1,500 meters above sea level, where the surroundings are clearly visible. In addition, the village is surrounded by rocks and steep slopes, so it is not easy to get here. We will take a pedestrian excursion to the village along a narrow path to discover the remains of houses and complete silence.
- 13:00Lunch in the local cafe — Not included
- 14:00Saltinsky waterfallIf the weather are favorable, we can discover the picturesque Saltinsky waterfall, the only underground waterfall in Dagestan. Since 1983 it has been a natural monument of regional importance. The cave and the waterfall itself are located in the canyon of the Saltinka river (Saltinskaya gorge) near the village of Salta, in the Gunibsky region of the republic. The height of the waterfall is 20 meters. *If there are no rains, we go to the caves of waterfall.
- 16:00Ghunib fortress among the mountainsIn the evening we will climb the Ghunib fortress (easy ascent), from the height of which you will see the magnificent Ghunib and its surroundings. Ghunib Fortress is a witness of the Caucasian War and the last refuge of Imam Shamil. The fortress is located on the Ghunib plateau, which is cut off by sheer walls to the Kara-Koisu river. The complex includes a fortress wall with lower and upper gates, a barracks. The wall is about 3 km long, 5-7 m high, and about 1 m wide.
- 19:00Dinner — Not included
- Overnight in the homestead
Photo of the day
Route
Ghunib
Accommodation
Accommodation in the homestead Gunib
Room for 2-4 people
Note
1 h transfer (22km)
2 h trekking (5km)
- 09:00Breakfast in the homestead
- 10:00Departure to the village KubachiWe are going to Kubachi village, that is famous for its silver jewelry. Since ancient times, gunsmiths have worked in the village and forged chain mail, swords, sabers. Weapons were decorated with silver or gold, that made them more beautiful and added value.
- 13:00Lunch in homestead on the wayOn the way, we discover the small beautiful village Tanty and visit one of the local family. At a traditional dinner, you will learn more about the life of the locals in the mountains and their history.
- 15:00Excursion to the Kubachinsky art factoryIn Kubachi village there is closed art factory, where the Kubachin jewelers used to work, and now it is in desolation, and the exhibition, which presents samples of what the art factory produced during the Soviet era, as well as a master class, where a local master will tell about the art of Kubachin people and show your skill.
- 17:00Accommodation in the homestead and visit of the family museumThe secrets of craftsmanship were passed along in families. Entire dynasties were formed, many of which have survived to the present. Kubachi art reached a high degree of excellence already in the 13th-15th centuries. We definitely visit to the family museum to know more about local goldsmiths. During the excursion you can take a photo in national costumes.
- 19:00Dinner in the homestead
- Overnight at the homestead
Photo of the day
Route
Ghunib — Kubachi village
Accommodation
Accommodation in the guest house Kubachi
Room for 2-4 people
Note
2 h transfer (75km)
- 09:00Breakfast in the homestead
- 10:00Walking to Amuzgi villageEarly in the morning we will go on foot to Amuzgi, an abandoned aul of gunsmiths in the vicinity of Kubachi, the last inhabitant of which died in 2016. Here you can enjoy beautiful views and silence.
- 12:00Excursion around the Kubachi villagePedestrian excursion along Kubachi, climb the watchtower and visit the souvenir shop.
- 13:00Lunch in the homestaed
- 14:00Road to Derbent city and visit of abandoned settlement Kala-KoreishThen, we head for the most ancient and southernmost city of Dagestan - Derbent. Close to Kubachi (about 5 km), we have stop in abandoned settlement Kala-Koreish, presented a labyrinth of ancient buildings with terraces descending from the top of the mountain. There is also a restored museum and a tomb of the Kaitag utsmiyas. Meeting with a local keeper who take care for abandoned village. Rest, descend from Kala-Koreish and departure to Derbent.
- 18:00Accommodation in the hotel
- 19:00Dinner — Not included
- Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Kubatchi — Derbent
Accommodation
Accommodation in the hotel "Alye Parusa", Derbent
Twin room
- 09:00Breakfast
- 10:00Discovery of Naryn-Kala fortressWe visit to one of the most beautiful fortresses in Russia - Naryn-kala - an ancient pre-Arab citadel, part of the Derbent fortress, connected to the Caspian Sea by double walls designed to block the so-called Caspian gates to the Persian state. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The word "Naryn-Kala" itself is translated from Persian as "Sun Fortress", as it is located at the very top and is surrounded by beautiful views of the sea and mountains.
- 12:00Walk around the old part of DerbentTo know life from the inside, we will look into the old derbent and walk along the magals (streets). The construction of houses and streets is of particular interest: very narrow, perfectly paved and clean streets. There we will take a look at the local shoemaker's shop, where you can buy quality leather shoes.
- 13:00Lunch in the homestead
- 16:00Discovery of Caspian sea and its monsterOn the very shore of the Caspian Sea there is a lonely abandoned ekranoplan - Lun: neither an airplane, nor a ship. The only model of ekranoplan ever built entered service with the Black Sea Fleet in 1987. It was retired in the late 1990s and sat unused. It flew using the lift generated by the ground effect of its large wings when within about four metres (13 ft) above the surface of the water. The Caspian Sea Monster is an amazing model, impressive in its size, a must-see object.
- 19:00Dinner — Not included
- Overnight in the hotel
Photo of the day
Route
Derbent
Accommodation
Accommodation in the hotel "Alye Parusa", Derbent
Twin room
- 09:00Breakfast in the hotel
- 10:00Transfer to the airportReturn to the airport of Makhachkala, where we end our journey. We hope that a trip to Dagestan will leave the warmest memories. The end of the programme
Photo of the day
Route
Derbent — Mahachkala
Discount system
| > 6 months | > 8 months | > 10 months |
| Amount of discount (total payment) | ||
| 5% | 10% | 20% |
| Amount of discount (deposit payment) | ||
| 0 | 5% | 10% |
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Price includes
- English-speaking guide
- Russian-spaking guide
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Excursions and visits as per itinerary
- Nature reserves and parks entrance permissions
- Bathing in springs
- Airplane/ train tickets
- Meals according to the program
Price does not include
- Personal expenses and tips
- Airline tickets
- Accident insurance
For more info, please download the detailed description of the trip.
Note
The price is indicated per person in the group of 3, if the number is lower the price will be recalculated.
Reviews
No reviews anymore or no reviews at all for this tour. Below reviews for destination:
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Kimberly
From 28 May 2023 to 1 June 2023
Destination: Caucasus
Custom tour: Meeting Caucasus
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
This is my first time using Baikal tours for my travels in Russia. I would say I did not regret one single moment booking a tour in the Caucasus. The guides and tours were simply amazing! Although the tours were in Russian, it was a great practice for me to listen and speak in Russian. The tour guides were hospital in ensuring my trip was good and assisted me whenever I could not communicate well with
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Eva
From 24 October 2021 to 30 October 2021
Destination: Caucasus
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
My trip with Baikal Nature was amazing, with Pavel as our guide. All the logistics were taken care of and everything ran smoothly. The food was great, and there was always plenty of it. We were given a mix of facts about each place we visited, as well as photography advice and help. I would happily travel with Baikal Nature and Pavel again!!
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Zoran
From 17 October 2021 to 21 October 2021
Destination: Caucasus
Custom tour: Photo tour in Dagestan
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
We have just returned from our fascinating adventure to Dagestan with Pavel and Baikalnature. I cannot recommend visiting this region with Baikalnature highly enough. We feel honoured and privileged to have had such a great guide.
Right from our initial inquiries, Olga was very efficient in replying to emails. We could customize tour and Olga was able to tailor it to our own interests and schedule.
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Fabienne
From 4 June 2019 to 14 June 2019
Destination: Caucasus
Tour: Treasures of Caucasus
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
Le voyage a été un réel plaisir et une très belle organisation si ce n est nôtre premier. Guide , Anna , qui était médiocre : aucune connaissance culturelle de la région, elle n a aucunement assuré les traductions quand nous étions accompagnés de guides locaux et elle ne faisait aucun rassemblement de groupe pour partager les informations ! Enfin elle pouvait même se moquer de notre groupe lorsque
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Wendy
From 5 June 2019 to 25 June 2019
Custom tour: Journey Across the Russian North Caucasus+Lake Baikal
Would you like to travel with BaikalNature again? Yes!
Our North Caucasus trip was very professionally organised and the tour was excellent with a good balance of attractions, historic and geographical sites. Most impressive was our friendly and highly competent tour manager Anna's attention to detail and ability to tailor the program exactly to our needs - not an easy task with older, experienced people with very exacting demands! Anna also organised
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