Trekking to South Dagestan

In the morning we drive to the village of Zrykh, an aul in the mountains of Dagestan with a population of 1,500 people.

The beginning of our trail is a bridge over the Samur River, and then we move up along the stream.

For lovers of mountain tea, we can pick sea buckthorn and barberry along the way!

Today we have a combination of scenic wildlife and trekking!

There are not many tourists here, the gorge is untouched by civilization, but among the waterfalls of Dagestan, the Zrykhsky waterfall, 25 meters high, occupies a worthy place!

A waterfall falls off a rocky ledge, the water falls with a crash into a stone bowl, spraying millions of water splashes around!

Active part: 8 km, elevation difference 1065-1150-1520 m, duration 6-7 hours.

Our day will pass with the thought "To see the village, which is 3000 years old!"

Filya village was formed in the 12th century on the slope of Chucheysyn Mountain above the Samur River and was inhabited until 1966, after which it was abandoned by residents after a powerful earthquake.

From here, our eyes will see the highest peak of Dagestan — Bazarduzu (4466 m) and the sacred mountain Shalbuzdag (4142 m).

The first legend says that the village is named after the 7th century Arab commander Phil, who died in these parts during the invasion.

Another legend says that the name of the village is translated from the Lezgian language as "elephants".

According to the third version, the name of the village is consonant with the Lezgian "wheeler", which translates as "eyes".

The Old Fil has a really spectacular view!

We will walk along the mountainside and have lunch with the gorgeous scenery!

Active part: 8 km, elevation difference 1160-1600 m, duration 6-7 hours.

Kurush village is both the southernmost village and the most mountainous: it is located at an altitude of 2,560 m above sea level.

We are waiting for a long serpentine upward, along which we will observe stunning landscapes, perhaps even we will drive into and out of clouds, fall into clouds, then into the bright sun.

After looking around and getting acquainted with the village where the local Lezgins are engaged in cattle breeding, agriculture, manufacture cloth, carpets, cheese and butter, we will continue towards the southernmost point of Russia — Mount Bazarduzu (4466 m).

If we are lucky, we will see from afar the highest waterfall in Dagestan — Charaur!

The waterfall is seasonal, so it doesn't always appear.

If the weather and season do not allow us to see the Charaur waterfall, then we will not be upset, because we will have stunning views of the valley of the Usukhchai River and the Yerydag wall (3925 m).

Active part: 10 km, altitude difference of 220-2820 m, duration of the hike 7-8 hours.

We are going to the mountains again on a very colorful road, the landscapes outside the window are more beautiful than each other!

Under the northern slopes of the Main Caucasian Ridge there are picturesque meadows that give strength to animals, and among the meadows there is the mountainous village of Gdym with narrow streets, resembling an eagle's nest.

From Arabic, "gdym" translates as "dead end".

And it's true, there are no villages behind it anymore, there are only mountains around, behind which Azerbaijan is located.

Let's take a walk around the village and see how people live in such remote areas nowadays.

We will also visit an excellent observation deck and a small waterfall in Gdym village.

Also on this day we will visit the museum in the village of Akhty.

Established back in 1937, the museum is considered one of the oldest in Dagestan by age!

During the tour, we will listen to the history of these places, look at the curious model of the Akhtyn fortress, handmade carpets, jewelry.

In total, the museum houses about 7,000 exhibits!

Active part of trekking: 10.6 km, altitude difference up to 200 m, duration 6-7 hours.

By this day, our body has acclimatized, our legs have got used to walking, and now we are ready to make trekking on the most famous peak of Dagestan — Mount Shalbuzdag.

For Dagestanis, this mountain is sacred, therefore, those who are healthy consider it their duty to climb to its top at least once in their lives, believing in the fulfillment of desires and the remission of sins.

Our car is driving along the mountain serpentines again, getting closer to the clouds, and it's impossible to get enough of the scenery from the windows!

And here we are at an altitude of about 2,800 m.

The gentle start of the trail will allow us to catch our rhythm of ascent.

Further and higher, vegetation gives way to rocks, and when the rocks part, amazing mountain landscapes appear to our eyes.

Active part of trekking: 7.2 km, altitude difference 2900-3620, duration 9-10 hours.

In the morning we leave southern Dagestan and set off towards Derbent.

On its outskirts, let's look at the real miracle — the Lun ekranoplane.

The Lun ekranoplan missile carrier (project No. 903) is one of the Soviet projects of a promising type of weapon, created in the 80s.

Abroad, these mechanisms have never ceased to be admired for their unusual appearance, and feared because of their impressive capabilities.

There is a local market near the ekranoplan.

Active part: 2 km.

16:00-17:00 Arrival at the airport and railway station of Makhachkala, departure home.