In Prigorodnyy District, natural monuments and the tourist route from Dargavs to Koban offer different reference points for planning your trip. For the natural monuments, location details such as village, gorge, river and mountain slope help distinguish the individual names. The route passes through the Dargav Gorge to the Kakhisar Pass. When choosing, therefore, it is important to decide whether you want to focus on individual natural features or a specific route.

Natural Monuments by Location

The natural monuments of Prigorodnyy District include the “Verkhne-Karmadonskiye” mineral springs near the village of Tarskoye and the Genaldon Canyon in the Genaldon Gorge. Tudzhin Lagat is near the “Kakhtisar” tourist base. Mystulagty Lagat, also known as “Lasok Cave,” is in the Gizeldon Gorge; Khury Tsasty Lagat is on the southern slope of Mount Fethuz. Koban Canyon is near the village of Koban.

The Midagrabinskoye Lake and the pulsating Zeigelan Glacier are in the upper part of the Gizeldon Gorge. The also pulsating Kolka Glacier is in the upper part of the Genaldon Gorge. Purt Waterfall is on the Gizeldon River, and the Purt rockslide is near the “Kakhtisar” tourist base. Nunatak-Khitsan is in the upper part of the Midagrabin Gorge. The Dzhimaraikhokh Massif is also in the district and is the highest point in North Ossetia–Alania.

Route and Cultural Heritage in Dargavs

An educational tourist route for groups runs from Dargavs to Koban through the Dargav Gorge to Kakhisar Pass. The route can be covered on foot; if requested, a horseback ride can be arranged for an additional fee. If you plan to take this horseback ride, allow for the request and the additional fee.

The large Darghavs necropolis complex, also known as the “City of the Dead,” comprises 97 tombs of various types. It is therefore a cultural highlight alongside the natural monuments and the route. In the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania, the broader travel destination, the architecture and burial customs of the Darghavs necropolis complex are understood as reflecting the socioeconomic conditions and religious beliefs of the Ossetian population in the Late Middle Ages.

More Routes in the Broader Travel Destination

In the broader travel destination of the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania, routes also lead to the Shagatsikomdon and Galdoridon waterfalls. The path to Shagatsikomdon Waterfall follows the left terrace of the Tseydon River through a pine forest with oriental beech, Trautvetter’s maple and gray alder on brown mountain-forest podzolic soils. It climbs steeply over an outcrop of gray granite, then descends to the riverbank and takes hikers to the lower waterfall cascade.

The circular route to Galdoridon Waterfall begins on the left terrace of the Khareseidon River and leads through the beginning of the Khares Gorge to the waterfall. The route runs at an elevation of 1,800 to 2,200 m. Galdoridon is a five-tiered waterfall more than 30 m high. Seasonal conditions can vary, so check them for your planned dates.

Discover more destinations: Alagirsky District, Ardonskiy District, Irafskiy District, Alagirskiy District, Vladikavkaz City.

Back to the broader travel overview: Republic of North Ossetia–Alania.