Gunib (Russian: Гуниб) is mountain town in Dagestan, about 172 km south-west of Makhachkala at an altitude of 1500 m.
Understand
Gunib in the Caucasus Mountains
Gunib is relatively small but has 150 years of history behind it. Its economy is based around stone masonry, tourism, and the nearby hydroelectric power station.
History
The town formed in 1862 around Russian military fortifications, which got their name from aul gunib which means heap of stones in the Avarski language. From 1895 it housed the barracks of the Samur regiment of the Terek-Dagestan artillery battery, and featured an orthodox church and a post office. The population of Gunib had grown to 2,400 at the time of the last Soviet census in 1989, and has since remained nearly constant.
Get in
Get around
42°23′14″N 46°57′40″E
Map of GunibSee
Walls of the Gunib Fortress
- 1 Gunib Fortress. 24/7. These 19th century fortifications are the most spectacular attraction of Gunib. With a length of 3 km, the 12 m long and 3 m thick wall is all that remains of the Russian garrison which was stationed here after the end of the Caucasian War. Following the trail of the wall requires good hiking shoes. Free.
- 2 Baryatinsky Gate (Барятинские ворота). 24/7. One of two preserved early 20th century city gates. Free.
- 3 Museum of Local Lore (Гунибский краеведческий музей), улица М. Гаджиева 8. A small museum opened in 2000 at the initiative of the administration of the Gunib District. It has a collection of around 1800 historic items.
- 4 Belyye Zhuravli Monument (Памятник «Белые Журавли»). 24/7. Unusual Second World War memorial monument with a white crane sculpture. Free.
- 5 Saltinskiy waterfall. A beautiful underground waterfall in a cave, in a nature reserve that is worth seeing. It's a fair bit out of town so you'll need a taxi to get there.
Do
Spillway waterfall of the hydroelectric dam
Idyllic old town between mountains and lake
- 1 Gunib Hydroelectric Dam. Hydroelectric power station in a beautiful gorge, the perfect destination for a hiking trip. A tour of the power station itself is possible if your tour guide makes a reservation in advance.
Buy
Eat
Drink
Sleep
- 1 Fortress of Shamil (Крепость Шамиля), Imama Shamilya St. 92, ☏ 7 903 4243395.