Gamsutl is an abandoned village located at an altitude of about 1.5 thousand meters above sea level in the southern mountainous part of the Republic of Dagestan in the North Caucasus.

Translated from the Avar language, the word “gamsutl” means “at the foot of the khan’s fortress.” It is likely that the khan, the founder of Gamsutl, lived on the top of the mountain, and his troops were stationed on its slopes. The approximate age of the village is 2 thousand years.

very picturesque abandoned village

Tags: Abandoned · Dagestan Republic

If you are visiting Russia and are stuck for ideas for what to see, then read on. There are diverse tourist spots on the list; from magnificent architecture to excellent nightlife. Russia has so much to offer from beautiful churches, great food, and interesting museums.

If you are considering a trip, be sure to read our guide to https://russiatrek.org/blog/travel/4-things-to-know-before-visiting-russia/. So let’s get started, here are the 5 places you must visit when in Russia.

explore endless Russia

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Saint Sophia Cathedral is the oldest preserved stone structure on the territory of Vologda, a Russian city known for its particularly valuable historical heritage. It is one of the largest buildings of the era of Ivan the Terrible, constructed in 1568-1570s.

The Assumption Cathedral in Moscow was chosen as an architectural model. In the Saint Sophia Cathedral in Vologda, you can see preserved frescoes of the 17th century and the iconostasis of the first half of the 18th century. Photos by: Alexandr Lipilin.

beautiful old cathedral

Tags: Vologda city

So you’re in the middle of your trekking adventure. Just minding your own business, walking up a mountain, when suddenly… your legs are sore, you’re bored out of your mind, and you need to get off the trail for a bit.

So what do you? What can you do? Here are some ideas on how to make the best of that resting break.

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Pevek is an Arctic port town with a population of about 4.5 thousand people located on the shores of the Arctic Ocean in the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug. It is the northernmost town in Russia.

The name of the town comes from the Chukchi word “peekinei”, which means “thick, swollen mountain” – the name of the hill (sopka) at the foot of which Pevek stands. Pevek on Google Maps. Photos by: Slava Stepanov.

fly over Pevek

Tags: Chukotka okrug

Suzdal is a town-reserve with a population of about 9,600 people located in Vladimir Oblast, about 37 km north of Vladimir.

By the abundance of monuments and the preservation of its original appearance, Suzdal is unique for Russia. You can see a large number of monuments of cult and civil architecture of the 13th – 19th centuries here. Photos by: Vladimir Lipetskikh.

Cathedral of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1222-1225) and the Suzdal Kremlin.

amazing old Russian provincial town

Tags: Suzdal city · Vladimir oblast

Zelenogradsk (until 1946 – Cranz) is a resort town with a population of about 17 thousand people located in Kaliningrad Oblast of Russia.

The town stands on the coast of the Baltic Sea, about 25 kilometers north of Kaliningrad. Zelenogradsk on Google Maps. Photos by: Slava Stepanov.

picturesque resort town

Tags: Kaliningrad oblast

Targim is an old abandoned settlement located in the southern part of the Republic of Ingushetia at an altitude of 1,080 meters above sea level.

On its territory there is an architectural complex “Targim” with a number of historical objects: tower-type dwellings, 4 battle towers up to 30 meters high, 4 semi-battle towers, and 16 dilapidated residential towers, as well as 19 crypt burial grounds, 2 mausoleums, and 5 sanctuaries. The tower complex “Targim” on Google Maps. Photos by: Alexandr Lipilin.

picturesque old settlement

Tags: Ingushetia Republic

Russia is known for its harsh winters, yet Russians have found ways to have fun even at the coldest time of the year. Winter tourism is quite developed in Russia, and it is known for its variety of winter sports and ski resorts. As you travel through various Russian destinations, you will get the one-of-a-kind winter magic feel.

Here are the top 5 places to visit in Russia this winter:

explore Russia in winter

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Uelen is a village with a population of 599 people (2021) located in the Chukotka district of the Chukotka Autonomous Okrug in the Russian Far East. This is the easternmost inhabited settlement of Russia and Eurasia. It is only 100 kilometers from this small Chukchi village to the United States (Alaska), and more than 6,000 kilometers to Moscow in a straight line.

The current name of the village probably comes from the Chukchi word “uvelen”, which means “black thawed patches” or “black earth”. Uelen is located at the foot of the hill (sopka), on the slope of which there are black hillocks, which are clearly visible at any time of the year and in the past served as a reference point for travelers coming here. Uelen on Google Maps. Photos by: Slava Stepanov.

end of the Earth

Tags: Anadyr city · Chukotka okrug