Trekking to South Dagestan

In the morning we go to the village of Zrykh, this is 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 collect 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! 

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

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

Our day will pass with the thought "To see the village, which is 3,000 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 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 view from the Old Fil is really spectacular! 

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

Active part: 8 km, altitude 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 2560 m above sea level.

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

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

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

The waterfall is seasonal, so it does not always appear.

If the weather and the season do not allow us to see the Charaur waterfall, then we will not be upset, because in front of us there will be stunning landscapes 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 one more beautiful than the 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 alpine 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, see how people live in such remote areas nowadays. 

Also in the village of Gdym we will visit an excellent observation deck and a small waterfall. 

Active part: 10.6 km, altitude difference up to 150-200 m, duration 6-7 hours.

By this day, our body has been acclimatized, our legs have got used to walking and now we are ready to do 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 absolution of sins.

Our car is driving along the mountain serpentines again, getting closer to the clouds, it is impossible to admire 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 is replaced by rocks, and when the rocks part, amazing mountain landscapes and the valley of the Samur River appear to our eyes.

And after overcoming several kilometers, you will not believe your eyes! 

Among the lifeless rocks, a lake of the purest water, called Zam-Zam, opens to the eye. 

We definitely need to collect and drink this sacred water! 

The water is really very tasty and very cold.

The active part of trekking to Dagestan: 7.2 km, altitude difference 2900-3620, duration 9-10 hours.

The Lun rocket-carrying ekranoplane (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.

A local market is located near the ekranoplan.

Active part: 2 km.

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