Aul Gamsutl is located in Dagestan about 360 km from Vladikavkaz. It is one of the oldest settlements of the republic, which is often called Dagestan Machu Picchu for its similarity in architecture. Nowadays the village is abandoned, but this is what makes it an attractive and even mystical place.
A little from the history of Gamsutl
The history of Gamsutl begins about 2000 years ago, although scraps of information about the village were found in Iranian and Persian chronicles, according to which we can assume the age of at least 4000-5000 years. In translation from Avar it means “fortress of the king” or “at the foot of the khan's fortress”.
The village is located at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level, surrounded by impregnable rocks, exactly in the middle between the villages of Chokh and Sogratl. Interestingly, people left the village not so long ago. Even before the middle of the 20th century there was a school, stores, and even a medical unit with a maternity hospital. There was electricity, and there was an automobile road leading to the village.
Since 1960s the inhabitants began to gradually leave the village, moving to more promising places. In 2000, 245 people lived here, in 2010. - 10, and in 2014 only one remained. His name was Abduljalil Abduljalilov. A memorial plaque was even installed on his house in Gamsutla.
In the middle of 2021, the village was closed to tourists for 5 days for the first time in its history. This was due to the shooting of the feature film “Amanat”, the events of which unfolded during the Caucasus War.
At the end of 2021, in honor of the 20th anniversary of National Geographic broadcasting in Russia, the village was included in the top 20 most beautiful places. An art object in the form of a yellow frame appeared in Gamsutla. According to the idea, it offers an impressive view of the natural wonders of the world, which should be appreciated and protected.
Natural beauty and architecture of Gamsutl
The ghost aul Gamsutl in Dagestan attracts exactly with its unusual atmosphere. Here you will see houses built right in the mountain. The rock is literally part of the dwelling. Inside some houses are still preserved household items of the former inhabitants. Many people are eager to visit Gamsutl, because they say that it has very little left, as the buildings continue to deteriorate badly.
It is definitely worth a visit to enjoy the unique scenic views and to touch the history, which actually dates back several thousand years. Tombstones with hieroglyphs of unknown origin, which no one can read, have even been found in the aul itself. And, of course, you can't forget about the opportunity to enjoy the trip itself, especially if you go on such an all-terrain vehicle as the Suzuki Jimny.
As you can see, it is best to drive on your own. By renting a car, you will be able to drive most of the distance and walk a smaller part of it. Come to the Caucasus, book a car with us and go to the village of Gamsutl, where a truly exciting atmosphere of a high-mountain aul awaits you.
