Prigorodny District: Natural Monuments and Dargavs

The district’s natural monuments include mineral springs, gorges, a lake, waterfalls, glaciers and a mountain massif. The Darghavs necropolis complex is also known as the “City of the Dead” and comprises 97 burial structures of various types. A tourist route from Dargavs to Koban is described as running through the Dargav Gorge to Kakhisar Pass, with the route covered on foot.

The “Verkhne-Karmadonskiye” mineral springs are near the village of Tarskoye. Genaldon Canyon is in the Genaldon Gorge; Mystulagty Lagat, also called “Lasok Cave,” is in the Gizeldon Gorge. Tudzhin Lagat is located near the “Kakhtisar” tourist base, while Khury Tsasty Lagat lies on the southern slope of Mount Fethuz. These different location references make clear why it is worth noting not only the name of a natural monument when planning a trip, but also its specific geographical setting.

Other examples are located along waterways or in higher gorges: Purt Waterfall is on the Gizeldon River, and Lake Midagrabinskoye is in the upper part of the Gizeldon Gorge. The Purt rockslide is located near the “Kakhtisar” tourist base. Nunatak-Khitsan lies in the upper part of the Midagrabin Gorge. Koban Canyon, near the village of Koban, is also one of the district’s natural monuments.

Other named landforms include the pulsating Kolka Glacier in the upper part of the Genaldon Gorge and the pulsating Zeigelan Glacier in the upper part of the Gizeldon Gorge. The Dzhimaraikhokh Massif is in Prigorodny District and is the highest point in North Ossetia–Alania. The information therefore ranges from villages and rivers to a mountain massif and glaciers. If you include a particular natural monument in your plans, check access in advance.

The tourist route from Dargavs to Koban runs 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 charge. These are two different travel options for this route; no walking time, distance or difficulty level is specified. To plan your trip, you can first decide whether the described walking route or the optional horseback ride is right for you. Check access to the route before your visit.

The large Darghavs necropolis complex is also known as the “City of the Dead” and comprises 97 burial structures of various types. Within the broader travel destination of the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania, the complex is located in the old village of Dargavs, in the valley of the same name, and is recognized as a cultural monument of federal significance. Its architecture and burial customs reflect the socioeconomic conditions and religious beliefs of the Ossetian population in the late Middle Ages. Since 1978, the complex has been a branch of the National Museum of the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania.

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

Which natural monuments are located in gorges?

Genaldon Canyon is in the Genaldon Gorge, and Mystulagty Lagat is in the Gizeldon Gorge. Lake Midagrabinskoye is in the upper part of the Gizeldon Gorge, and Nunatak-Khitsan is in the upper part of the Midagrabin Gorge.

Which travel options are mentioned for the route to Koban?

The route from Dargavs to Koban can be covered on foot. If requested, a horseback ride can be arranged for an additional charge.

What information is available about the Dargavs necropolis complex?

The complex, also known as the “City of the Dead,” comprises 97 burial structures of various types. Within the broader travel destination of the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania, it is recognized as a cultural monument of federal significance.

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