Saltinsky waterfall is the only underground waterfall in Dagestan, and according to tourists' reviews it is also one of the most beautiful and strange places in the republic. All because you can see the waterfall only by going down into the cave. The mountain river Saltinka, flowing through the picturesque Kudalinsky canyon, in one place literally falls through the ground. As a result, a waterfall is formed, falling down from a 20-meter-high rock.
General information and location of Saltinsky waterfall
Salta waterfall is located in Gunib district of Dagestan. The nearest village is Salta. The distance from Makhachkala to Salta waterfall is about 140 kilometers. The term “underground” is not quite correct, because in fact the waterfall is not located underground, but in a very narrow place in the canyon. Its walls are so high that they form a kind of cave. Hence the term “underground”.
The cave has several tiers that are easy to navigate. They are very similar to the tiers of a theater auditorium. Yes, and this place can be called a real theater, where the play is put by nature, presenting a miracle in the form of a waterfall, framed by protruding walls very picturesque and, it seems, unreal. It is not even clear how and on what these “balconies” are held, which is what surprises any tourist.
What is so amazing Salta Falls
Saltinsky Waterfall is the pearl of the gorge of the same name (a narrow deep river valley) 1.5 km long and 40 meters wide. You have to walk about 400 meters along the gorge to get to the entrance. The road to the gorge evokes a lot of emotions, because on the way you will have to see the water-cut rocks going upwards for ten meters.
Gradually, the cliffs become narrower and narrower, and there are only 2-3 meters to pass through. In the end a person gets into the grotto, where from somewhere above a waterfall falls down, shimmering with various colors, and sometimes all colors of the rainbow at the same time. Daredevils even dare to bathe in the transparent water and come close to the powerful stream of jets.
According to the locals, earlier the underground Salta waterfall had a slightly different look and was famous for its even more incredible beauty. All because once the inhabitants destroyed the cave by undermining it, as they needed the stone of the gully for construction. Many old-timers, telling about it, sigh heavily with regret.
But today the view of the waterfall still fascinates with the play of light and water, the “rainbow” of which is also displayed in the wet polished rocks. The color of water can be completely different depending on the weather and time of day.
If we talk about when the Salta Falls become full-flowing, it happens after the rains and in early summer, when the snow starts to melt in the mountains and most of the precipitation falls. In this case, you can see the most impressive picture, but you should realize that you will have to go to the destination directly along the riverbed, not on dry land.
In the days of high water the depth of Saltinka reaches 30 cm, so you need to bring rubber boots - they will be useful to take pictures against the background of the waterfall. Despite this inconvenience, in rainy weather and when glaciers melt, you will definitely be impressed by the powerful descending stream.
The Salta Falls are no less interesting in winter, when they turn into ice, which makes the grotto feel like a fairy tale. The view of the frozen descending water is truly mesmerizing. The stream freezes somewhere between November and December.
Interesting and slightly frightening facts
Salta waterfall in Dagestan bears the proud title of a monument of regional significance, assigned to it back in 1983. If this fact is known to many people, then some information about the village of Salta is not known to everyone.
The settlement is famous for the fact that in July 1847 surgeon N. I. Pirogov for the first time applied his experience in military-field surgery directly on the battlefield (the period of the Caucasian War), conducting an operation with the use of ether anesthesia instead of anesthetics. Everything took place in a primitive infirmary in the form of several tents made of branches and straw. This made a great contribution to the methodology of treating people in any conditions. In the village there is even a monument to the famous surgeon, on whose account there are really serious discoveries in the field of medicine.
Having arrived here, be prepared to encounter slightly frightening findings. In some places the width of the gorge above the waterfall is 1.5-2 meters, so it is often jumped over by animals. Not all of them reach their goal and unfortunately fall through the gap. Skulls and bones are left at the bottom, which enhance the mystical feelings of the place.
How to get by car to the Salta waterfall
We tell you how to get to Saltinsky waterfall from Vladikavkaz. Travel time will take 5.5-6 hours. Your way will lie through Buynaksk and then through Gimry. From Gimry automobile tunnel to Salta is about 80 km more. You can also make a stop at the Gergebil reservoir, where there are beautiful views and you can even see the work of the hydroelectric power plant.
In Salta, your point of reference will be the school, near where the parking lot is located and the path to the waterfall begins. It is quite easy to find the hollow: navigator, maps and locals will help you.
It is best to go here by four-wheel drive car - it is the easiest way to travel in mountainous Dagestan. For example, on Suzuki Jimny, which will go anywhere, even to remote settlements like Gamsutl and Ghor, as well as Sulak canyon and Zubutli village, where you can drive along the mountain river Sulak among high steep cliffs. At the same time you don't need to “wreck” your car, because you can rent it for the necessary time and visit all the most interesting sights of the Caucasus that you just want.
