YPT Tours to Dagestan

Our Dagestan tours take you to one of the most fascinating and least understood republics of the Russian Federation. Often overshadowed by its neighbours and misunderstood by outsiders, Dagestan was once a celebrated destination in the Soviet era thanks to its dramatic mountain landscapes, ancient villages, and the deep-rooted traditions of its remarkably hospitable people.

Located in the North Caucasus and stretching from the high mountains down to the Caspian Sea, Dagestan is Russia’s most ethnically diverse republic and one of its most culturally complex. Home to dozens of ethnic groups, most of them Muslim, the region has a long history shaped by mountain independence, imperial expansion, and post-Soviet challenges. Despite this complexity, Dagestan today offers a compelling glimpse into a part of the world where ancient customs remain very much alive.

One of the standout highlights is our visit to the shores of the Caspian Sea to see the legendary Lun-class Ekranoplan, better known as the Caspian Sea Monster. This absurdly oversized Soviet experiment from the 1980s was a ground effect military vehicle designed to skim just above the water at speeds of around 500 km/h while carrying missiles. Only one was ever completed, and yes, it’s ours to explore.

Dagestan tours are a perfect fit for YPT, as we venture far off the beaten path, crossing high mountain passes, hiking through remote valleys, exploring medieval stone villages clinging to cliffs, and sharing meals with local families who are proud to tell their stories. This region is not without its troubles, but that is part of the charm of taking a Dagestan Tour.

Group Tours to Dagestan 

Republic of Dagestan Tour – September 6th – 11th 2026 – $2595

Your journey with us kicks off in the republic’s capital, Makhachkala, before heading east into Dagestan’s backroads. Along the way we’ll explore ancient fortresses and timeworn villages that feel far closer to the Middle East than to Moscow, sit down to eat with locals, and of course, go hunting for forgotten Soviet relics that most visitors never see.

Ultimate Chechnya and Caucasus Unrecognised Countries Tour – September 6th – October 1st 2026 – $1695 – $9595

Every year, we visit Dagestan as part of our Ultimate Chechnya and Caucasus Unrecognised Countries Tour, starting in Makhachkala and also stopping Grozny, Vladikavkaz and the breakaway republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

Independent and bespoke Dagestan Tours

The stunning mountains and diverse landscapes of Dagestan, along with the warmth and hospitality of its people, make it a captivating destination for travelers with YPT.

Our bespoke and independent tours can start in Russia or anywhere in the North Caucasus and can easily be combined with Chechnya, South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Prices depend on the number of people and what level of accommodation you desire, but YPT can arrange everything you need for perfect independent Dagestan tours.

Example of itinerary in Dagestan

Day 1 – Makhachkala, Russia

Morning

• Arrive at your own leisure into Makhachkala. The capital city of Dagestan is well connected with Dubai, Moscow or other cities in Russia, as well as Tashkent, Bishkek or Jeddah.
• Self-transfer to our centrally located hotel.

Afternoon

• We’ll head out to explore Makhachkala, Dagestan’s lively Caspian Sea capital, where Soviet-era grit, Islamic culture, and modern Russia collide in a way found nowhere else in the country. It’s the perfect gateway to the Caucasus, offering a first taste of Dagestani hospitality, street life, and the region’s remarkable ethnic diversity.
• We’ll stop by the Central Juma Mosque – One of the largest mosques in Russia, inspired by Istanbul’s Blue Mosque and a striking symbol of Dagestan’s Islamic identity. 
• Visit the Dagestan Museum of Fine Arts, home to regional artworks and historical pieces that offer insight into the many ethnic groups that make up this mountainous republic.
• Take a walk along the Caspian Sea Promenade, the waterfront area where locals gather, offering views of the Caspian and a glimpse into everyday life in the city.
• We’ll have dinner downtown but being a Islamic city we’ll have drinks back at the hotel.
• Overnight in Makhachkala.

Day 2 –  Makhachkala – Derbent

Morning

• After breakfast in our hotel, we will drive south to Derbent, a city with over 2,000 years of history.
• Visit the Naryn-Kala Fortress and walls of Derbent, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, its massive stone walls and towers stretch along the strategic pass between the Caspian Sea and the Caucasus Mountains, historically defending the city against invading empires.
• Visit the most ancient mosque of Russia, the cemetery of the Arabian warriors, who brought Islam here in the 7th century.

Afternoon

• Lunch in a local Azeri restaurant, the indigenous people of Derbent origin are Azerbaijan.
• Trip Highlight: Explore the legendary Lun-class Ekranoplan, better known as the Caspian Sea Monster. This absurdly oversized Soviet experiment from the 1980s was a ground effect military vehicle designed to skim just above the water at speeds of around 500 km/h while carrying missiles.
• Walk through the atmospheric old town, filled with stone houses, mosques, and narrow alleyways. Derbent feels more Middle Eastern than Russian, and its long history of Persian, Arab, and Caucasian rule makes it one of the most unique stops on the trip.
• For dinner at a local restaurant, we recommend trying dolma or dyushpere, the dagestan version of pelmeni.
• Overnight in Derbent.

Day 3 – Derbent – Qala-Quraysh – Kubachi

Morning

• Breakfast and we’ll start the day driving to Qala-Quraysh is the ruined mountain fortress and former capital of the Kaytag principality in southern Dagestan, perched dramatically on cliffs. Once a thriving centre of local rule and Islamic culture, today only its walls and a few remnants remain, blending history with stunning natural views.

Afternoon

• In the afternoon we will arrive in Kubachi, the legendary craft village of the Caucasus. For centuries, locals have been making everything from stone carvings and chain mail to sabres, and in the Soviet era they became famous for their goldwork. The villagers belong to a small ethnic group speaking a unique Dargin dialect.
• Overnight in the house of a local goldsmith surrounded by tools, treasures, and stories few outsiders ever hear. Shared bathrooms only separated by genders.

Day 4 – Balkhar –  Salta –  Sogratl’

Morning

• Breakfast and we’ll begin by driving to Balkhar, a mountain village where centuries-old ceramics traditions are still alive.
• We’ll grab lunch along the way and visit a traditional pottery workshop.
• Locals will show us how they work with the clay and you will have an opportunity to get your hands dirty. The village is home to the ingenious Lak people, whose skills and creativity have been shaping the Caucasus for generations.

Afternoon

• We’ll have lunch and continue our drive to Salta Canyon, one of Dagestan’s natural highlights. From Salta village, we hike through a narrow gorge to reach a hidden underground waterfall, an unexpected and surreal sight.
• In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive at Sogratl’, a remote mountain village surrounded by dramatic peaks.
• Dinner and overnight in a local guest house. Shared bathrooms only separated by genders.

Day 5 – Sogratl’ – Gamsutl – Sogratl’

Morning

• After breakfast, we drive up Mount Ruhtalbeter, stopping high above the legendary abandoned village of Gamsutl’, often called the “Machu Picchu of Dagestan.”
• From here, we hike downhill into Gamsutl’, exploring its deserted stone houses, empty streets, and panoramic views. Abandoned only recently, the village tells a powerful story of depopulation and mountain life.

Afternoon

• After descending to the valley, our vehicle picks us up and returns us to Sogratl’ for lunch and some well-earned rest.
• On the way back, we’ll do a walking tour of Sogratl’, getting a deeper look at traditional Dagestani village life.
• Dinner and overnight in a local guest house.

Day 6 – Sogratl’ – Gimry – Grozny

Morning

• You’ll  leave Sogratl’ and travel to Gimry, one of the most historically significant villages in Dagestan. This is the birthplace of Imam Gazi Muhammad and Imam Shamil, leaders of the 19th-century Caucasian resistance against the Russian Empire.
• take a walking tour of the historical area, discussing the Caucasian War and the role these figures played in shaping regional identity.

Afternoon

• After lunch, you can either continue west into Chechnya, arriving in Grozny – a city that has risen from the ashes to become one of Russia’s most surreal capitals, return to Makhachkala or explore any other Caucasus republic!
• Dinner and overnight in Grozny

Bespoke Dagestan tours

Years of YPT experience in Russia allow us to help you explore Dagestan,  the North Caucuses and the de facto states of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Our bespoke and private tours can start in different parts of Russia (St Petersburg, Moscow, Sochi or Makhchakala).

For more information on the following programs, or if what you are looking for is not on this list, simply get in touch and we’ll arrange it.

Moscow to Makhchakala by train

YPT can arrange train journeys from the Russian capital, Moscow to Makhchakala. Railway journeys from Moscow are an experience by themselves. Get in touch and we can take care of your bespoke itinerary.

Dagestan and Chechnya tour

Combine your Dagestan tours with the neighbouring republic of Chechnya. Please let us know your time frame and we’ll create a bespoke and independent tour of Chechnya and Dagestan and explore the 2 main muslim republics in Russia.

Hiking tours in Dagestan

The mountainous geography of the republic is perfect for nature lovers. Its breathtaking, high-altitude Caucasus scenery, including Europe’s deepest Sulac Canyon which is deeper than the Grand Canyon, with turquoise waters. Offers less-trodden paths and less commercialized travel experience compared to more popular mountain destinations.

Historic  and archeologic Dagestan tours

With evidence of human presence dating back at least 13,000 years, Dagestan is a perfect destination for archaeology and history buffs. From ancient ruins to modern history, we can arrange bespoke and independent tours discovering Dagestan’s historic past. 

Filming in Dagestan

While not an easy process it is possible for us to arrange for you to film in Dagestan. This is done through our partners at Pioneer Media. Please get in touch for further information on this.

Frequently asked Questions about travel to Dagestan

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