The winter duet of the Caucasian republics: Chechnya and Dagestan

Breakfast at the hotel.

Meeting with a local guide.

A trip with an excursion to the high-altitude lake Kezenoy Am.

Lake Kezenoi-Am in size and depth can be put on a par with the lake. The Ritsa in Abkhazia or the Blue Lake in Kabardino-Balkaria. It is located at an altitude of 1869 m above sea level. The coastline is 10 km, the depth is 76 meters, the total area of the water surface is 4 sq. km. The lake is located on the territory of two republics at once. The water in the lake is cold, in summer the surface temperature does not rise above 17-18 degrees Celsius.

Stop in the village of Vedeno, where you will see the walls of the fortress, which is more than 200 years old.

Lunch at a cafe on the way (on your own).

The ascent by transport (about 24 km) to the Harami pass (2400 m above sea level). After stopping at the pass, where the beauty you see will make your head spin, you will begin the descent to the lake (about 11 km) by transport. Next, your way will pass through the village of Kharachoy, a village famous for its location and history. The road connecting Chechnya and Dagestan has been passing through it since time immemorial. The legendary name of Zelemkhan Kharachoevsky, the famous Abrek, is associated with this place.  

Next, you will visit the ruins of the ancient village of "Khoy", where you will see a six-story battle tower, petroglyphs, tombstones, arched structures that are found only in the local places of the Cheberloy society.

Arrival in the city of Shali, where a new mosque "Pride of Muslims" was opened in the fall of 2019. The mosque occupies an area of more than five hectares in the city center, next to the high-rise complex "Shali City". Four minarets rise to 63 meters, while the height of the central dome is more than 40 meters. The territory is decorated with 12 oriental-style fountains and marble gazebos where you can take a bath before prayer.

Visit to Argun and the Aymani Kadyrova Mosque — the first mosque in Russia built in the high-tech style. During the day, depending on the weather, the arches of the mosque change their color from light gray to turquoise blue. At night, the mosque and surrounding areas are illuminated with multicolored LED lamps and spotlights.

Return to Grozny. Free time in the city.

Dinner (on your own).

Breakfast at the hotel. Eviction from the rooms.

Departure for an excursion with a visit to the observation decks of the Sulak Canyon, whose height is 1920 meters. It is often compared to the Grand Canyon in America: the Dagestan counterpart looks no less impressive, and also has greater depth. A visit to the observation deck will allow you to fully appreciate the beauty of the canyon and feel its impressive size.  

Lunch.

On the way, stop at the observation deck of the Sarykum dune or trekking to its top (depending on weather conditions, the wishes of the group).

Check-in at the hotel in Makhachkala.

Dinner (on your own).

Breakfast at the hotel.

Transfer to Khunzakh district of Dagestan. On the way, you will travel through the longest tunnel in Russia and stop at the Gimrinskaya Tower. You will also visit the high shore of the Irganai reservoir and admire the reflection of the mountains on its surface.

The Khunzakh plateau is the widest plateau of mountainous Dagestan. The area is 250 square kilometers, the height is 1000-1200 m above sea level. The plain is surrounded by high mountain ranges.

The tour begins with an overview of the main attractions of this area – the Tsolotl canyon in Arani, two waterfalls - Tobot (height reaches 100 m!) and Itatlar. A walk through the territory of the military fortress of the XIX century.

Lunch in a cafe or in a guest house (a mandatory dessert is dried apricot porridge with urbech).

You will also go to Lake Mochokh (a catamaran ride on the lake is possible for an additional fee) and visit the Stone Bowl gorge. 

At the end of the day, you will have a walk along the Khan trail with a guide under the waterfall, on the territory of the Matlas extreme Park, where you can enjoy views of the majestic mountains of Dagestan. 

You can also ride horses and zip line (extra charge).

Return to the hotel.

Dinner (on your own).

Breakfast at the hotel. Eviction from the rooms.

Sightseeing tour of the most ancient city of Russia – Derbent.

You will begin your acquaintance with a visit to the Naryn-Kala citadel, an ancient fortress that preserves the former power of the Caspian Gate.

Then you will have a walk through Magala (the ancient part of the city) and visit the territory of the ancient Juma mosque (entrance to the mosque building itself is prohibited for tourists today). You will also see the maiden baths, the gates of Horta-Kapa and the Armenian-Gregorian Church (now the Museum of Carpet and Decorative Arts).

Lunch at a local restaurant (on your own).

Transfer to Patriot Park, excursion to the Lun ekranoplane. 

Group transfer to Makhachkala Airport for flights departing after 20:00.