Dagestan can offer tourists a lot of new things. And to get the most out of your trip, you should consider it from all sides. I have identified 7 things that should be done in Dagestan, in my opinion, in order to feel its atmosphere.
To be honest, I can highlight much more points, but some of them would affect local residents in one way or another. And I do not want to rashly advise to “ throw people (in a good way) who might already be tired of tourists.
So, 7 things that I advise you to try in Dagestan.
Urbech
Those who are fond of healthy eating or vegetarianism, with a high degree of probability are already familiar with this product. And even for you, I advise you to try it right here. You can buy it at home in local markets.
Urbech (nut butter). Photo source: https://www.oum.ru/yoga/pravilnoe-pitanie/urbech-chto-eto-takoe/Urbech (nut paste). Photo source: https://www.oum.ru/yoga/pravilnoe-pitanie/urbech-chto-eto-takoe/
Urbech is a nut or seed paste . In fact, these are nuts or seeds ground with millstones. And nothing else, no additives. So those who are allergic to nuts skip this point!
In the classic version, urbech is mixed with honey and cream oil … This is delicious! And, of course, useful. But you should not lean on it, after all, the product is fatty (due to the oil in nuts/seeds).
Homemade breakfast in Khunzakh. On the left is a jar with Urbech. We liked the homemade pancakes with him so much that it crunched over our ears. Homemade breakfast in Khunzakh. On the left is a jar with Urbech. We liked the homemade pancakes with him so much that it crunched behind our ears
Those who drink coffee can try coffee with urbech . I did it right at the airport upon arrival in Makhachkala. And all the time in Dagestan I tried to drink coffee the only way – with urbech. It gives coffee not only a nutty taste, but also a pleasant velvety texture . I recommend!
This coffee is called “urbech” This coffee is called “urbech” Miracle with mashed potatoes
Miracle is something like cake or burrito … They are different. I was lucky enough to try the homemade Mashed Potato Miracle . And I fell in love.
Miracle (emphasis on the last syllable) in the upper right corner Miracle (emphasis on the last syllable) in the upper right corner
a miracle to go are not suitable for trying this wonderful dish. Not the same at all. You may be disappointed.Snack with mountain views
Whether I m writing this article hungry, or just coincidentally, the third point is also related to food. With food and nature. If you have time, then when you get to your next mind-blowing view, try to slow down, sit down and grab a bite. A bite to eat with a great view.
A thermos with tea was generally a salvation for us. We completed this point more than once. Thermos with tea was generally a salvation for us. We have completed this point more than once
Of course, food and drinks are invited to take with you (we had sandwiches and tea in a thermos). And if you come during Ramadan, the holy month of Muslims, I suggest go to a non-human place so as not to tease the fasting people¹.
Sit in silence in an abandoned village in the mountains
Dagestan has a popular tourist attraction, which is an abandoned settlement in the mountains . This is Gamsutl.
It seems that it is so popular that even those who have never been to Dagestan know about itIt seems that it is so popular that even those who have never been to Dagestan know about it
Abandoned places have their own energy, they can lead to philosophical thoughts and feel much more atmospheric, if there are no other tourists nearby.
So I advise you to come to Gamsutl early-early in the morning so that you can find a suitable place there, sit down and be a little quiet, alone with your thoughts . After all, these are mountains, they are not about a tourist race to the sights, they are about the way to yourself (no matter how pretentious it may sound ?).
I found my zen in a place like this. The camera moved the mountains a little, but not much closer and more majestic in reality. I found my “ zen in a place like this. The camera has moved the mountains a little, but not much closer and more majestic in reality Walking the mountains with legs
To say with complete confidence that you were in the mountains, try to climb somewhere on them with your feet. By the way, the same Gamsutl can help you with this. But not only him.
Be sure to calculate your strength and be careful with the sun … If everything is in order with your health, then I sincerely advise this item. Chances are that it will be hard for you to get used to. But then you will be happy that you have overcome yourself and received for this a reward in the form of a stunning view.
The kind I “ got for a rather difficult climb for me. Gunib plateau, the kind that I “ got for a rather difficult climb for me. Gunib PlateauListen to local music
If you decide to see Dagestan with a local guide, this item will be performed automatically. And if you yourself, do not forget to turn on the radio louder on some incendiary song of Caucasian performers.
We used the services twice BlaBlaCar in Dagestan and both times raced with the breeze and incendiary music along the roads of the republic. We liked it so much that when we rented a car, we played local music ourselves.
Do a good deed
Traveling to Dagestan for me is about the kindness of strangers and sweat towards each other² . This is how it came out with us. And seeing the kindness of local people, we did good deeds ourselves (for example, they brought two women to their place of work in the mountains).
And it s just us, satisfied with our travel in Dagestan, and it s just us, satisfied with our travel in Dagestan
Yes, of course, people who manage to communicate with hospitable locals will be able to experience Dagestan much deeper, but in no case should you impose and chase after it.
Let s remember that we tourists are always guests when traveling. And well-mannered guests understand when it is time and honor to know.
What items would you add to my list? It will be interesting to know the opinion of both guests of the region and local residents. Share in the comments!
¹ – No food or drink? Peculiarities of traveling in Dagestan during Ramadan.
² – Relay of goodness in Dagestan. How an unknown person helped us to believe in a miracle
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# Dagestan # Caucasus # travel # mountains # tourism # travel in Russia
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