Day 1: Derbent
On the day of the start of the tour, we will meet you and our group at the Makhachkala airport, from where we will head to the most ancient city of Russia - Derbent. Before we see its old districts or "magals" and the famous fortress Naryn-Kala - we will check into the hotel and leave our stuff. Next, we will have a small but exciting walk accompanied by a local guide. And in the evening after the excursion, we have dinner and a tea-drinking ceremony according to the local traditions in a cafe right next to the fortress.
Starting point: Makhachkala airport
* You have to arrive before 13:00
Meals: lunch box on the way from the airport, tea set
Overnight: hotel "Main Street", Derbent
Day 2: Kubachi village
Today we begin our immersion in the culture of Dagestan and go to the famous "city of craftsmen" - the village of Kubachi. Literally, in every house, there lives some master, and children learn to draw intricate Kubachi patterns at school so that when growing up they can embody them in the form of amazing silver jewellery or other things. Here we will get to know the Gadzhi's family, visit the local fortress and look at the carefully collected antiques. We will try on national costumes and, of course, we will taste delicious local food while sitting in a cosy room by the fireplace. In the evening we return to Derbent.
Meals: breakfast, tea / coffee with sweets on the way, lunch
Overnight: hotel "Main Street", Derbent.
Day 3: Chokh village
Chokh is an unofficial cultural centre of Dagestan. The houses there are located one above the other because the village is located high in the mountains. One can wonder for a long time how different it is compared to the places we've seen before, both inside and outside, and how different people are. Today we will visit a smiling hostess Aunt Haniy, who will sit us on the veranda with a magnificent view, tell many stories, and also teach us how to cook the national dish khinkal. We will also go for a walk around the village, visit a small museum with local antiquities and have free time to walk around the area.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Overnight: Ethno-house in Chokh (guest house in ethnic style)
Day 4: Gamsutl ghost town
Today is another amazing day! We'll try not to think that it's the last one on this journey and will live it brightly. After enjoying breakfast with a fantastic view of the mountains, we drive to the neighbouring gorge to explore the abandoned village of Gamsutl. Be prepared to take 40 min. walk because this place isn't possible to reach by car. Yet we must say it's absolutely worth it because the history of this place and the stunning views won't leave you indifferent! Later on, after a picnic lunch, we drive back to Makhachkala, and on the way, we see such places as the Gimrinsky tunnel, the Gimrinskaya tower, the Irganayskoye reservoir, the Gunibskaya hydroelectric power station.
Meals: breakfast, lunch
On foot: 40-50 min. at a medium pace, one way
Book a flight from Makhachkala airport with the departure no earlier than 19:00