Dargavs Necropolis to Karmadon Gorge: 3-stop route in Russia
The 69 km long route through North Ossetia-Alania connects three key points: the ancient necropolis of Dargavs with 97 stone crypts of the XIV-XVIII centuries, the majestic Caucasus Range and the picturesque Karmadon Gorge. This historical path reveals the burial traditions of the Ossetian people and the geological monuments of the region.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Dargavs Necropolis
- End
- Karmadon Canyon
- Stops
- 3
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Dargavs Necropolis — Ancient Ossetian necropolis with 97 crypts built into mountainside; settlement originated in 14th century. Located at entrance to valley between mountain ridges in Karmadon Gorge…
- Caucasus Mountain Range — Endless mountain range that must be traversed to reach Dargavs; geographical barrier and natural border.
- Karmadon Canyon — Nearby gorge where filmmaker Sergei Bodrov Jr. and crew perished in 2002; bodies never recovered.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Do not come to the city of the dead after sunset
- Tip
- Put coins at the entrance to the house if you approach it
- Avoid
- Under no circumstances should you get inside the crypt houses
- Transport
- Come through the endless Caucasus Mountains – the route takes time and preparation
- Tip
- There are 97 crypt houses in the city, each with a small passage of square or rectangular shape; It is very difficult for an adult to crawl, but you can see the inside through it
- Tip
- This is the only building in Russia that has stood for several centuries without restoration - a historical monument of the XIV century
- Avoid
- Avoid the Karmadon Gorge – a dangerous place with a high risk of ice avalanches at a speed of 200 km/h