Autumn Caucasian history. From Chechnya to Dagestan

Breakfast at the hotel. 

Today we have to climb the mountain serpentine to the largest lake in the North Caucasus — Kezenoy-Am and admire the greatness of the Chechen nature.

There will be a stop in the village on the wayKharachoy, where we can look at the monument to the famous Chechen Robin Hood – Abrek Zelimkhan Kharachoevsky. The Maiden Spit spring is also located next to the monument.

Kezenoi Am is an amazing high–altitude lake with crystal clear water, located on the border of Chechnya and Dagestan. You will hear the legends associated with it, enjoy the magical azure color of the water and inhale the fragrance of the subalpine meadows surrounding the lake. 

Next, we will have a hearty lunch of national dishes. 

The next excursion is to the ancient city of Khoi, which is located near the lake. This "city of guards" was founded in the IX century and was an outpost of the eastern borders of Chechnya. You will see examples of the architecture of ancient Vainakhs, ruins of residential and military Chechen towers.

After that, we will go to admire the architecture of the mosque "Pride of Muslims". It is the largest mosque in Europe. Lined with snow-white marble from the Greek island of Thassos and decorated with bright stained glass windows, it will immerse you in the atmosphere of a real oriental fairy tale.

Return to the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Room release.

Today Grozny is a calm, comfortable, modern metropolis with skyscrapers and new buildings, but at the same time it has retained its national flavor.

First of all, it is customary to feed a guest in the Caucasus, so we go to lunch, where we will be introduced to traditional Chechen cuisine.

Next, we will explore the most interesting places of the capital.

We will visit the memorial complex "Alley of Glory", where we will see memorabilia and photographs of the first president of Chechnya, historical equipment and paintings by local artists.

Crossing the bridge over the Sunzha River, we will find ourselves in the modern quarter of Grozny City and climb to the helipad of the business center to look at the city from a height of 115 meters.

At the end of our walking tour of Grozny, we will visit the Flower Park and visit the Orthodox Church of Michael the Archangel, founded at the end of the XIX century by the Terek Cossacks.

Check-in in Makhachkala.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day. On the fourth day, you will have the opportunity to join day trips for an additional fee to choose from:

• Hunzah
• Kubachi
• Ahty

Either spend this day in Makhachkala, visit the beach or choose any other activity.

Breakfast at the hotel. Room release.

Our journey through Dagestan will begin with an acquaintance with the Sulak Canyon, the hallmark of Dagestan.

Vivid emotions will be provided by riding a speedboat through the largest reservoir in the North Caucasus for an additional fee (from 300).

You will see a stunning gorge with its beauty, at the bottom of which, under the water column, rests the village of Stary Chirkey. A bright and recognizable landmark of Dagestan awaits you, the deepest canyon in Europe. 

The famous green ribbon of the Sulak Canyon, winding between the narrow rocks, sparkling in the sun, carries its waters from the Chirkeyskaya hydroelectric dam to the Miatlinskaya dam. From the observation deck of the village of Dubki you will have a view of its most spectacular curves.

Freshly caught trout fried on coals to a crisp will be served for lunch. (It is possible to replace the main course on request).

We will visit one of the most interesting places in Dagestan – the Nokhyo cave complex (for an additional fee).

The tunnels are connected by a suspension bridge over the Sulak River, on both sides of which there are observation decks. They offer unimaginable views. Here you will have the opportunity to bungee jump for an additional fee.

The highlight of our program is a boat trip along the Sulak River near the village of Zubutli (for an additional fee). The descent to the pier of the Sulak Canyon takes place by UAZ cars. Here you can see all the beauty of nature. The marvelous azure water is especially impressive.

Accommodation in a hotel in Gotsatl Maly, Khadija.

Breakfast at the guest house.

Dagestan is translated as "the land of mountains" for a reason, and on this journey we will discover for you the hidden corners of the mountainous part of the republic. Old Kahib or Dagestan Atlantis hid on the mountainside, the houses here seem to grow out of the rock, reliably hiding their inhabitants from the gaze of outsiders. 

You will walk among the ancient ruins, admiring the architecture and landscape of the ancient settlement.

Old Goor is a real pearl of Dagestan. The name of the village translates as "windy", and be careful, not only the wind blows away here, but also impressions. 

It is here that you will take gorgeous photos in the "troll language", so named by one of the first tourists, which of course is a reference to the Norwegian landmark, and is not one iota inferior to it in beauty. You will see the ancient watchtowers, which are protected by the state, and keep the legends of bygone centuries. 

After the walk, you will go to Novy Goor, where you will have a hearty lunch with a hospitable Avar family.

Our next point will be the famous Saltinsky waterfall. In the Gunib district, near the village of Salta, there is an unusual Saltinsky waterfall – the only underground waterfall in Dagestan. This unique place is included in the TOP 10 natural attractions of the republic. 

Since 1983, it has been a natural monument of regional importance. An incredible picture opens up before you: through the rocks, from a 20-meter height, a waterfall bursts into the gorge with a powerful pressure, forming a reservoir under itself in which you can swim. The view and atmosphere of this place are indescribable!

If daylight permits, after the waterfall, we will visit the village of Gunib*. This is a real open-air museum, a natural mining and botanical garden with its own microclimate, flora and fauna. The history of the Caucasian War is connected with the village of Gunib. It was here that it ended in 1859. The surroundings of the fatal village inspired Aivazovsky and other artists with their landscapes. Dinner can also be arranged here for an additional fee.

Return to the guest house.

*The tour operator reserves the right to choose the final program of the second day.

Breakfast at the guest house. Room release.

Today we will continue to explore mountainous Dagestan and get acquainted with the traditions of the Avar people.

Gamsutl is the famous abandoned village of Dagestan, located at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level. Gamsutl is full of legends and tall tales, and among the cluster of deserted houses of the "Dagestan Machu Picchu" only the wind and brave tourists wandering here walk. Rocky mountains, man-made terraces and the traditional architecture of the village will immerse us in the special atmosphere of the way of life of the highlanders.

At lunch, we are waiting for the already familiar national dishes of the Avars: hinkal, botishal and apricot porridge.

After Gamsutl, we will go to another iconic place in Dagestan — Chokh, amazing in its beauty. The village is an open-air architectural museum. The traditional architecture of the highlanders is still preserved here, represented by a stepped, usually 2-3-storey building of steep mountain slopes. Chaotic narrow streets, the yellow color of natural stone and the number of storeys of buildings give the village of Choh the appearance of a medieval eastern city.

Check-in at a hotel in Derbent.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Free day. On the fourth day, you will have the opportunity to join day trips for an additional fee to choose from:

• Hunzah
• Kubachi
• Ahty

Either spend this day in Derbent, visit the beach or any other activity.

Breakfast at the hotel.

The first stop is at the Lun ekranoplane, a brilliant creation of Soviet engineering. Well preserved to this day, which was preserved for several years in the coastal zone of the city of Kaspiysk, now it is waiting for the day when it proudly spreads its wings in the center of the Patriot Park under construction.

A visit to the citadel of Naryn-Kala will reveal to you the ancient history of the fortress, which for hundreds of years protected the city from the invasion of nomads and conquerors. Preserved for posterity, it is a symbol of courage and invincibility of the peoples of the Caucasus.

While walking through the narrow streets of the old town, enveloped in the aromas of fresh pastries, you will feel the unique oriental flavor of Derbent

In order to take away not only memories, but also memorable gifts, the program includes a visit to a souvenir shop where you can buy products from local craftsmen, tea, sweets and much more.

Group transfer to the airport and railway station Makhachkala on departure.

Departure time from Dagestan is after 18:00.