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RussiaWhat to Expect and Is It Worth Visiting
Irganai reservoir is one of the most picturesque places in Dagestan, which is definitely worth a visit. This artificial reservoir was formed on the Avarskoye Koisu River at an altitude of approximately 550 meters above sea level as a result of the construction of the Irganai hydroelectric power station. There is a good asphalt road with observation decks along it, there are places for recreation and tourist activities. On the banks of the reservoir are the village of Shamilkala, the villages of Irganai, Zirani and Maidanskoe, where you can stay overnight or even stay in these parts for a few days at one of the campsites or in private accommodation rented to tourists.
Some tourists even compare the Irganai reservoir in beauty with the Sulak Canyon, although, in our opinion, the canyon is still out of competition. Nevertheless, if you have already visited the Sulak Canyon, the Chirkey reservoir and other top places in Dagestan, then it's definitely worth visiting the Irganai reservoir.
The reservoir can be visited by passing on the way to other attractions in the mountainous part of Dagestan, making a short stop at one of the observation decks with picturesque views. Or you can come here for a whole day or even a few days, and there will be something to do. You can have a picnic on the shore, catch fish (carp, trout and other species are found here), go boating and ride a jet ski.
But perhaps the most popular entertainment here is riding sap boards. The calm waters of the reservoir are ideal for this type of entertainment, even beginners will feel confident on the water. You can come here with your inflatable SUP-surf, or you can rent it here from 600 rubles /hour. We saw rentals on the shore near the village of Shamilkala at the recreation center "Quiet Harbor" and recreation center "Koisubula", at the boat station in the village of Irganai. There are also even whole tours on sap-surfs on reservoirs in a group with the instructor of the sap-club "Highlanders on the wave" from 1500 rubles.
🕐 Working hours
Around the clock.
💵 Entrance fee / ticket price
Free of charge.
🚶 How to get there
Irganai reservoir is located 100 kilometers from Makhachkala and 180 from Derbent (Irganai reservoir on the map). There is a good asphalt road leading here.
It is best to go to the Irganai reservoir on your own transport, so there will be complete freedom of action, and you will be able to get to any viewing point (and there are a lot of them here, stretched for 20 kilometers along the shore) and to the rental of sap boards. Local guides also take day trips here, but you need to arrange rest and riding on the sapa individually, since most of the ready-made excursions make only a short stop at the observation point.
Finally, you can get here from Makhachkala by minibus to Gunib, they pass by the reservoir through Shamilkala and the village of Irganai, you can get off anywhere. They are sent from Makhachkala North bus station as they fill up.
💥 We remind you that it is much more interesting to get acquainted with the sights of Dagestan with the help of excursions, and therefore we advise you to look at online booking options on these proven search and price comparison sites: