Mountainous Dagestan is the Emperor's path. Trekking

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Hiking tour in Dagestan is an organized trip on foot through the beautiful mountainous places of the region. During the tour, participants go on trekking routes that allow them to enjoy the picturesque landscapes and ancient fortresses.

In one tour, you will make excursions to the ancient village of Gunib with the Gunib fortress and objects associated with the name of Imam Shamil, to the village of Chokh, to the Sarykum barkhana reserve, to the Sulak Canyon, trekking to the Keger plateau and the Saltinsky waterfall, to the ghost village of Gamsutl and the Karadakh gorge.

Location

the city of Makhachkala

from

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Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)

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Tour highlights

The ghost village

"Machu Picchu" of Dagestan, a ghost village on the top of Gamsutlmeer, an aul of eternal peace, unsolved mysteries and unearthly beauty — this is Gamsutl!

Nature of the Caucasus

Let's breathe in the mountain air of Dagestan and feel the full power of the Caucasus Mountains

Saltinsky waterfall

We will visit a mystical underground miracle with a height of 20 m

National cuisine

Let's try the most delicious and unusual dishes of the southern republic

Sarykum dune

We will visit a stationary sand giant outside the desert, which harbors a huge number of rare plants and birds

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival. Makhachkala
Our team is already waiting for you at the airport / railway station of Makhachkala.
A professional driver will comfortably take you to the hotel, where you can relax after the road.
In the evening, all participants of the tour will have dinner-acquaintance with the guide, who will be with you throughout the route, in the cozy cafe "Hinkal Brosers", where you can taste real Dagestan hinkal.
Meeting information:
From 09:00 to 19:00 we meet tourists.
Location: Makhachkala.
Meals: welcome dinner.

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Day 2 - Sarykum dune. Walking route: Sulak trail. Boating
After a hearty breakfast, we will go to the Sarykum dune, climb to the top of a sand dune and observe the endless desert landscape.
Next, we offer you to see the most visited attraction of Dagestan — Sulak Canyon from different sides you will have to go down the slopes of the canyon to the river along a marked hiking trail.
We will start at the village of Dubki and moving down we will find ourselves on the banks of the Sulak river, after enjoying the amazing panorama of the canyon, we will head to the boat station, we will have a dizzying boat ride on the turquoise waters of Sulak, exciting turns and impressive water landscapes.
But that's not all, we invite you to Nohyo — a wonderful place for lovers of nature and adrenaline, where you can enjoy amazing views and feel the atmosphere of freedom.
You will find a complex of caves, a suspension bridge at a height of 60 m, a cozy coffee shop in the rock, and for fans of extreme sports — zipline and ropejumping.
Timing of the day:
8:30 Departure time.
9:20 Barkhan Sarykum.
10:20 Departure to the cave.
11:20 Cave 40 min walk.
12:30 Lunch at hadum complex cafe.
13:30 Walking route: Sulak trail.
15:30 Boat ride along the canyon.
20:00 Return to the guest house.
Accommodation: guest house in the mountains.
Meals: breakfast at the hotel, picnic on the route, dinner at the guest house.
Walking part of the route: 6 km. Height difference: 750 m.
Route difficulty: average.

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Day 3 - Gunib village. Gunib fortress. Mayak Mountain
We will start in the picturesque village of Gunib, surrounded by mountains and green meadows.
Here you can enjoy the amazing nature of Dagestan.
Next, the path leads to the Gunib fortress, a historical monument that was built in the Middle Ages and served as protection from enemies.
Here you can walk along the ancient walls, explore the architecture and imagine yourself as a real warrior.
The final stop of the route is Mount Mayak.
Your way to the top will be a little difficult, but the reward will be stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
You will be able to feel yourself on top of the world and enjoy the unique atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
Timing of the day:
8:00 a.m. Breakfast.
9:00 Departure from Gunib village, 10:30 Gunib fortress.
11:20 The beginning of the ascent of Mount Mayak.
14:00 Picnic at the lighthouse.
15:00 Start of the descent.
16:30 Gunib.
18:00 Return to the guest house.
Accommodation: guest house in the mountains.
Meals: breakfast at the guest house, picnic on the route, dinner at the guest house.
Walking part of the route: 20 km. Climb: 1000 m.
Route difficulty: above average.

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Day 4 - Aul Choh. Hamsutl Ghost Village
Today, the most ancient villages of Dagestan are on our way, and the first one will be Chokh village, you will have the opportunity to walk along its ancient streets and see the famous man-made Chokh terraces.
Further along the mountain trail we will go to the ghost village of Gamsutl, along the way we will be accompanied by panoramas of the mountains.
In Gamsutla you will have the opportunity to walk through the deserted streets, look into houses and learn local legends.
Timing of the day:
9:00 Departure time.
11:00 Aul Choh.
14:00 Gamsutl.
18:30 Return to the guest house.
Accommodation: guest house in the mountains.
Meals: breakfast at the guest house, picnic on the route, dinner at the guest house.
Walking part of the route: 15 km. Climb: 725 m.
Route difficulty: above average.

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Day 5 - The Keger plateau. Saltinskaya gorge. Underground Saltinsky Waterfall
The route begins with an ascent to the Kegersky plateau, famous for its picturesque views of the surrounding mountain peaks and meadows.
Then you will go to the Salta gorge, where an amazing sight awaits you — an underground waterfall.
The gorge impresses with its narrow arches, and the entrance to the underground waterfall is especially crystal clear waters, creating a unique atmosphere.
This day spent hiking can be considered a real mental and physical relaxation, as well as an opportunity to enjoy the stunning nature of Dagestan.
Timing of the day:
9:00 Departure time.
11:00 Kegersky plateau.
16:00 Saltinskaya gorge, underground waterfall.
18:00 Return to the guest house.
Accommodation: guest house in the mountains.
Meals: breakfast at the guest house, picnic on the route, dinner at the guest house.
Walking part of the route: 10 km. Climb: 725 m.
Route difficulty: above average.

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Day 6 - Rafting. ATV riding in mountainous terrain
Today you will be able to fully feel yourself a part of nature and experience new sensations, because according to the program we have rafting on the Avar Koysu mountain river.
After breakfast, we will go to the starting point, where you will receive the necessary equipment, and experienced instructors will instruct you and tell you the safety rules.
Rafting passes through picturesque landscapes, overcoming small rapids and whirlpools, always under the supervision of an experienced instructor.
During the descent, you can enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature and feel the adrenaline of overcoming obstacles on the river.
After a delicious lunch in the fresh air, you will have another adventure, quad biking in the highlands, where you can experience the adrenaline and enjoy the wonderful views of nature.
Timing of the day:
9:00 Departure time.
10:30 Rafting + quad bikes on Raf Island.
18:00 Return to the guest house.
Accommodation: guest house in the mountains.
Meals: breakfast at the guest house, picnic on the route, dinner at the guest house.
Difficulty of the route: easy.

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Day 7 - Gunib village. "The Emperor's Path". A man-made tunnel. Karadakh Gorge
Today you will have the opportunity to repeat the route of the Russian emperor when he visited Dagestan.
You will walk through a man-made tunnel, which was specially cut into the rock, for the arrival of Alexander II, feel the coolness of the rocks and get a new experience.
The next point on our route will be the Karadakh gorge gorge, with a width of no more than 5m and high stone walls, passing along the gorge you will be able to see the unique play of light on the stone arches.
Timing of the day:
9:00 Departure time.
11:00 Gunib, Emperor's path, man-made tunnel.
17:00 Karadakh gorge.
18:30 Return to the guest house.
Accommodation: guest house in the mountains.
Meals: breakfast at the guest house, picnic on the route, dinner at the guest house.
Walking part of the route: 5 km. Climb: 200 m.
Difficulty of the route: easy.

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Day 8 - Makhachkala. Departure home
On the way to the airport, you will have the opportunity to once again enjoy the incredible scenery of the mountains.
Departure information: departure from the hotel in the mountains to Makhachkala at 10:00.
Arrival in Makhachkala at 13:00.
The recommended departure time is after 14:00.
Meals: breakfast at the guest house.

Difficulty

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health

Tour organizer's comments

The ascent to Gamsutl involves a drop-off by car and a walking route. In the parking lot, local residents provide drop-off services on mountain transport (UAZ, Niva). You can drive by car for about 1.5 km, and at this moment the steepest part of the climb is overcome. The cost of the service is 100-200 rubles / person in one direction. From the car stop, the path to the end of the route will be 1.8 km, the height difference is 1450-1670 m.

Accommodation

Hotel

1 night
Guest House

6 nights

Comfort

Basic+
Midscale

The tour provides accommodation in hotels in 2 / 3 bed rooms, in guest houses in 2 / 3 bed rooms.

Find out more information about the conditions of your stay when booking a tour.

The surcharge for single occupancy is 17,500 rubles for the entire period of the tour.

The Metropol Hotel is waiting for its guests in Makhachkala. Wi-Fi, parking, billiard room, laundry, ironing facilities, sauna and more are at your disposal.

Each of these rooms has an excellent atmosphere for your relaxation. There is everything here to make your stay comfortable and bring only positive emotions from staying in this place.

There is a chic restaurant on site where you can pamper yourself with masterpieces from different cuisines of the world, as well as have a great time.

For various events, there is a conference room with all the necessary equipment for your success.

Within walking distance of shops, cafes, attractions, green parks of the city, as well as public transport stops, which will facilitate movement on the ground. The railway station is just a 10-minute drive away.

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Tour conditions

Group

up to 12 tourists

Minimum age

12 years old

Duration

8 days 7 nights

Group meets at

the city of Makhachkala

Included in price

accommodation in 2/ 3 bed rooms with all amenities;
transportation services on the route;
transfer: airport — hotel — airport;
guide services;
environmental fees of nature reserves;
entrance tickets to cultural and recreation facilities according to the tour program;
nutrition: breakfasts, picnics on the routes, dinners;
Welcome dinner;
a boat trip through the canyon.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Makhachkala and back;
private transfer;
meals not specified in the tour program;
excursions not included in the tour program;
entrance tickets to cultural and recreation facilities outside the tour program;
single occupancy — 17,500 rubles / the entire period of the tour.

It's important to know

swimwear and outfits for photo shoots;
personal first aid kit and insect repellent (if necessary);
waterproof windproof jacket and trousers;
a raincoat (preferably not a disposable one) or a membrane jacket;
Sunglasses and cream: the sun is very active in the mountains;
track suit;
trekking boots with tread, or sneakers like "Salomon Speed Cross" (running shoes without tread are categorically not suitable). Shoes must be worn out, not new;
trekking poles (if you don't have them, you can take ski poles);
backpack and "seat";
elastic bandage;

Please do not take excessively low-cut clothes with you, shorts should not be above the knee, men should make do with light sweatpants. Women are advised to take a light knee-length dress with closed shoulders for walks, excursions and crossings.

Dates and Prices

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13 – 20 Apr, 2025 8 days 7 nights

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20 – 27 Apr, 2025 8 days 7 nights

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Localities, arrival and departure times	The name of the accommodation facilities	Planned tourist services. Names of excursions, with a list of the main objects of the show	Intra-route transportation
Meeting of tourists: from 9:00 to 19:00 at the airport or railway station Makhachkala	Hotel Metropol 3*, Makhachkala	Meeting, transfer to the hotel, dinner.	Bus - 18/20 local
8:30 Departure 9:20 Barkhan Sarykum, 10:20 Departure to the cave. 11:20 Cave 40 min walk 13:30 Walking route: Sulak trail. 15:30 Canyon boat ride 20:00 Check-in at the guest house.	Khadija/guest house Gunib Height	Sarykum Barkhan, a walking route: The Sulak trail. + boating on the canyon. Nohyo Complex	Bus - 18/20 local
8:00 a.m. Breakfast 9:00 Departure from Gunib village, 10:30 Gunib Fortress, 11:20 The beginning of the ascent of Mount Mayak. 14:00 Picnic at the lighthouse 15:00 Start of the descent 16:30 Gunib 18:00 Return to the guest house	Khadija/guest house Gunib Height	Gunib, Gunib fortress, Mayak Mountain	Bus - 18/20 local
9:00 Departure 11:00 Aul Choh 14:00 Gamsutl 18:30 Return to the guest house	Khadija/guest house Gunib Height	Villages of Chokh, Gamsutl	Bus - 18/20 local
9:00 Departure 11:00 Kegersky plateau, 16:00 Saltinskaya gorge, underground waterfall 18:00 Return to the guest house	Khadija/guest house Gunib Height	Kegersky plateau, Saltinskaya gorge, underground waterfall	Bus - 18/20 local
9:00 Departure 10:30 Rafting + quad bikes on Raf Island 18:00 Return to the guest house	Khadija/guest house Gunib Height	Rafting and quad biking on Raft Island.	Bus - 18/20 local
9:00 Departure 11:00 Gunib, Emperor's path, man-made tunnel, 17:00 Karadakh gorge 18:30 Return to the guest house	Khadija/guest house Gunib Height	Gunib, Emperor's path, man-made tunnel, Karadakh gorge	Bus - 18/20 local
10:00 Departure to Makhachkala	departure from Khadija/guest house Gunib Height	Departure Transfer to the airport and railway station Makhachkala	Bus - 18/20 local