Dagestan
Points of Interest

Traditional hospitality
Travellers are always warmly welcomed in the Caucasus. With us, you don’t need to speak any Russian to experience this local hospitality on your Dagestan Self‑Drive Tour. We have a network of English speaking friends who will welcome you as their guests in remote villages and authentically introduce you to their local cuisine and culture.
The Caucasus Mountains
For millennia this gigantic mountain range forms the natural border between Europe and Asia. The highest peak in Europe, Mount Elbrus (5642m) is located here. You can try yourself one of the most popular climbs in Dagestan, the traditional pilgrimage up the holy mountain Shalbuzdag.
Traditional food
The tasty cuisine of Dagestan convinces with regional foods, which often come from own gardens. Enjoy “Hinkal” (air-dried, cooked meat from the mountains), “Urbetsch” (a very healthy spread made from nuts and seeds) and many other specialities.
Historic ghost towns
Many settlements, built on cliffs for better defence, were abandoned when decades ago their inhabitants moved to more accessible villages Often called the “Machu Picchu” of Russia, the ruins of Gamsutl is the most famous of the many ghost towns in Dagestan.
Local wood & silver crafts
Caspian Sea and wild coasts
Sulak Canyon
The deepest canyon in Europe is one of the main attractions in Dagestan. For guest travelling in our 4×4 Camper Vans, the remoter parts are an absolute paradise. Where else can enjoy such amazing panoramas while having breakfast right at the edge of an almost 2000m deep canyon?
Unique waterfalls
Countless impressive waterfalls will be on your route, like here in Salta, where a truly magical atmosphere is created when sunbeams mix with the water splashing into a roomy cave.
Ekranoplan - the Caspian Monster
UNESCO town Derbent
The Derbent fortress was founded a thousand years ago on ancient caravan routes right on the border between the Russian and Persian empires. You can learn learn more about the great importance of this historic city in a guided English-speaking tour.