Dagestan road trip: Makhachkala to Gunib via Sulak Canyon
A car route in Dagestan with a length of 40.1 km and about 42 minutes on the way, which begins in Makhachkala and passes through several natural locations. The main stops are the Sulak Canyon with the turquoise Sulak River and Nokh with bungee jumps, caves and a suspension bridge, as well as the village of Gunib. The route is suitable for those who want to go around the main sights of the republic by car on their own.
- Distance
- 40.1 km
- Duration
- 8 h 1 min
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Noh
- End
- Karadakh gorge
- Stops
- 5
- Video author
- Maria Muradova
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Noh — Rock-cut cave complex near the Sulak canyon, created by Miatli HPP tunnels.
- Chokh terraces — Picturesque stone terraces in Dagestan, where traditional villages and ancient towers merge with the mountain slopes and attract nature lovers.
- Aul Gunib — A historic mountain village on the plateau, known for the place of captivity of Imam Shamil and offering panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
- Gunib — Village where the group spent nights; Gunib fortress and Saltinsky waterfall nearby.
- Karadakh gorge — A narrow rocky gorge with steep walls and a turbulent river, which is appreciated by tourists for the harsh beauty of the Dagestan mountains.
Useful for your trip
- Timing
- Sarykum dune: arrive early in the morning - the ticket office was already open from 7:00, and then there are almost no tourists at the top.
- Avoid
- On the Sarykum Dune, walk along the top only to the left along the indicated route; the ascent is equipped with metal platforms with steps.
- Save money
- Nokh (cave park): ticket price 700 rubles At the entrance, you will be asked to wear a helmet, as some caves are low.
- Tip
- Noch: there is a bungee, zipline, VIA Fernata trail and swings on the territory - you can add extreme entertainment to a walk through the caves.
- Food
- Café "Neskuchny Garden" near the Sulak Canyon: the signature dish is lamb on a spit, as well as barbecue and fresh vegetables; they sit under the vineyard.
- Transport
- In Dagestan, you can rent a car: in the description, the author took a Lada Granta for 2000 rubles per day (gasoline is paid separately).
- Timing
- Gamsutl: the ascent from the parking lot took about 1 hour 15 minutes. You can climb on foot, drive part of the way in a UAZ or get there on horseback.
- Transport
- Old Kahib: private cars are not allowed due to lack of parking - you can get there by local UAZ or walk 2 km.
- Avoid
- The Karadakh gorge is considered dangerous: you cannot go in the rain due to the risk of mudflows; safe zones are provided.
- Save money
- Saltinsky underground waterfall: rubber boots are issued for 100 rubles, the water there can reach the knee.
- Where to stay
- Gunib is convenient for spending the night: from here it is easier to go to the Saltinsky waterfall, Gamsutl and Chokh terraces.
- Tip
- In the mountains, the weather is unpredictable - it makes sense to take raincoats.
Video on this route
Dagestan: an unforgettable and colorful trip