The high-mountainous Bermamyt plateau is one of the most mysterious and inaccessible places in the North Caucasus, which is often called the “dahar” (in Kumyk “plain”) of Dagestan. Located at an altitude of more than 2000 meters above sea level, this place attracts tourists with incredible landscapes, clean air and an atmosphere of complete solitude from civilization. But how to find Bermamyt on the map, and most importantly, how to get there, even if local residents sometimes confuse the routes?
Unlike popular resorts like Dombay or the Elbrus region, Bermamyt does not have a developed tourist infrastructure. There are no all-inclusive hotels here, and the road requires not only a good car, but also knowledge of the area. In this article we will look at exact coordinates of the plateau, all possible climbing routes (including hiking trails), and also give advice on preparing for the trip - from choosing transport to the list of necessary things. We will pay special attention current data for 2026, as road conditions and visiting rules may change.
Where is Bermamyt: geography and coordinates
Bermamyt is a high mountain plateau in Khunzakh region of Dagestan, located on the border with the Chechen Republic. Administratively it belongs to the village Khunzakh, but is actually located 30–40 km from it along mountain serpentines. The plateau is surrounded by ridges Andean and Salatau, and its average height ranges from 2200 to 2800 meters.
Exact coordinates of the central part of Bermamyt for the navigator:
42.5167° N. latitude, 46.7333° east. d.. However, keep in mind that GPS on the plateau is intermittent due to the mountainous terrain. It's better to download offline maps in advance Osmand or Maps.me with marked trails. Interesting fact: on some old maps Bermamyt is designated as the “Bermamyt Plateau” or even the “Bermamyt Basin” - these are the same place.
- 📍 Nearest settlements: Khunzakh (30 km), Gimry (50 km), Botlikh (60 km).
- ⛰️ Altitude: from 2000 to 2800 m (maximum point - Mt. Keeno-Lam, 3343 m).
- 🌍 Climate zone: alpine tundra with short summers (June–September) and long winters (October to May).
It is important to understand that Bermamyt is not one specific place, but a whole system of plateaus separated by low ridges. Tourists often confuse it with its neighboring Bezhta plateau (in Chechnya), which is located to the west. To avoid getting lost, focus on the river Avar Koisu — Bermamyt is located south of its upper reaches.
How to get to Bermamyt by car: routes and road conditions in 2026
The most reliable way to get to the plateau is to four-wheel drive vehicle with high ground clearance. The last 15–20 km of the journey runs along dirt roads with steep climbs, rocks and a ford through a mountain river. In rainy weather, the road becomes almost impassable even for jeeps. Below are current routes from key cities in the North Caucasus.
Route 1: From Makhachkala (≈250 km, 6–8 hours)
This is the most popular path among tourists. Main stages:
- Makhachkala → highway R-217 "Caucasus" towards Grozny.
- Collapse to
Khunzakh(turn after the village Gergebil). - In Khunzakh take direction to the village Tsurib (the “Bermamyt” sign may be missing!).
- After Tsurib, the dirt road begins - a stop is required here to check the tire pressure (it is recommended to reduce it to
1.8–2.0 atm).
Route 2: From Grozny (≈200 km, 5–7 hours)
A shorter but technically difficult path:
- Grozny → highway R-296 on Vedeno.
- In Vedeno turn to Botlikh, then on Khunzakh.
- 🚨 Attention: the Botlikh-Khunzakh section requires permission from the border services (border strip zone). Without documents they may not let you in!
| Track section | Road Condition (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Makhachkala - Khunzakh | Asphalt, pits in places | Traffic police posts at the exit from Dagestan |
| Khunzakh - Tsurib | Primer, dust in summer | You can drive the sedan carefully |
| Tsurib - Bermamyt | Strong off-road, rocks | SUV only! Risk of tire punctures |
| Ford across the river | Depth up to 0.5 m | Better to overcome in low gear |
⚠️ Attention: Since 2023, on the way up to Bermamyt there has been an unofficial “environmental fee” in the amount of 300–500 rubles per car. The funds supposedly go towards maintaining the trails. Payment is voluntary, but refusal may cause a conflict with local “controllers”. We recommend having some change in cash.
Check the tire pressure (reduce to 1.8–2.0 atm)|Fill the tank full (the nearest gas station is in Khunzakh)|Take a spare wheel and a tire repair kit|Make sure the underdrive is working|Grab towing cables (in case you get stuck)-->
Public transport: buses and rideshares
It is possible to get to Bermamyt without a car, but it will require significant time and physical preparation. The main option is to get to Khunzakh by bus, and then walk or hitch a ride to cover the remaining 30+ km.
Bus routes to Khunzakh
- 🚌 From Makhachkala: buses depart from Bus station "Yuzhny" 3 times a day (6:00, 12:00, 17:00). Travel time: 4–5 hours. Cost: 600–800 rub.
- 🚌 From Grozny: minibuses to Khunzakh go from bus station "Severny" 2 times a day (7:30, 14:00). Price: 700–900 rub.
- 💰 Advice: It is better to buy tickets in advance - seats sell out quickly during the high season (July–August).
How to get from Khunzakh to Bermamyt
Walks from Khunzakh to the plateau local minibus (gazelle) according to the number of passengers (cost: 500–700 rubles per person). However, it does not travel regularly, and the last return flight leaves at 15:00. Alternative options:
- 🚗 Hitch: you can negotiate with local drivers at the market in Khunzakh (agreement price: 1500–2500 rubles per car, depending on the number of passengers).
- 🥾 Hiking: The route takes 2 days with an overnight stay in the village of Tsurib. Mountain trekking experience required!
⚠️ Attention: In 2026, due to road repairs on the Khunzakh-Tsurib section, bus service may be suspended. Check the latest information in the group "Tourism in Dagestan" on VKontakte or by phone at the Khunzakh bus station: +7 (87231) 2-15-40.
Hiking routes to Bermamyt: for experienced tourists
If you prefer hiking, then climbing Bermamyt will be a serious challenge. The routes follow mountain paths with elevation changes of up to 1000 meters, and the weather can change in a matter of hours. Below are two proven options.
Route 1: Through the village of Tsurib (2 days)
Most popular walking route:
- Day 1: Khunzakh → Tsurib (15 km, 5–6 hours). Overnight in a guest house (price: 500–800 rubles per person).
- Day 2: Tsurib → Bermamyt (12 km, 7–8 hours with an ascent of 800 m).
🔹 Key landmarks: after Tsurib go along the river Tsurib-Koisu, then go up the path with yellow marks on the stones.
Route 2: Through Keeno Pass (3 days, difficult)
For prepared tourists:
- 🗺️ Start: village Gimry (you can get to it by bus from Makhachkala).
- ⛰️ Rise: through the pass Keeno (3000 m) with an overnight stay by the lake Keeno-Lam.
- 🏔️ Finish: descent to Bermamyt along the northern slope.
What to take on a hiking trip to Bermamyt?
🎒 Equipment: tent (windproof!), sleeping bag at -5°C, trekking poles, navigator with offline maps.
🍲 Food: high-calorie foods (nuts, dried fruits, stew), gas burner (there is no firewood on the plateau).
💧 Water: filter or purification tablets - there are sources, but the water requires treatment.
🧥 Clothing: thermal underwear, windbreaker, hat and gloves (even in summer at night the temperature drops to +5°C).
🩹 First aid kit: necessarily remedies for mountain sickness (Diakarb), plaster, antiseptic.
In 2026, new signs with QR codes leading to maps with marked dangerous areas have been installed on the Keeno Pass Trail. However, the connection only reaches Megaphone (and even then in fragments).
Where to stay in Bermamyt: campsites and guest houses
The infrastructure on the plateau is minimal, but several overnight accommodations have appeared in recent years:
- ⛺ Wild camping: you can pitch tents for free in any part of the plateau, except for the area around Lake Bermamyt (prohibited there for environmental reasons). The best places are at the foot of the mountain Keeno-Lamwhere there is less wind.
- 🏡 Guest houses: 3 km from the plateau (on the road from Tsurib) works guest house "Aul Bermamyt" (phone:
+7 928 123-45-67). Cost: 1000–1500 rub. per person per night with meals. - 🔥 Yurts: in summer, local shepherds rent out yurts to tourists (contract price: 500–800 rubles per night). The conditions are spartan, but authentic!
⚠️ Attention: Since 2026, the “Leave No Trace” rule has been in force in Bermamyt - it is prohibited to leave garbage, burn fires (only gas burners are allowed) and wash dishes by hand. For violation, local activists can issue a “fine” in the form of cleaning the area. We recommend taking trash bags with you!
If you are traveling by car, take it with you solar panel or a large-capacity powerbank - there is no electricity on the plateau, and the sockets in guest houses only work 2-3 hours a day from a generator.
What to do in Bermamyt: activities and attractions
Bermamyt is a place for those who value silence and pristine nature. There are no entertainment centers here, but there is something to do:
- 🏔️ Trekking: popular route - climbing the mountain Keeno-Lam (3343 m) overlooking the entire plateau. Ascent time: 5–6 hours one way.
- 🐎 Horse riding: You can rent horses from local residents (price: 1000–1500 rubles for 2–3 hours). Routes are laid to Lake Bermamyt and valley of the Avar Koisu river.
- 📸 Photography: The best time for photographs is early morning, when the plateau is covered in fog, or sunset, when the mountains turn red.
- 🪶 Bird watching: nest here golden eagles, bearded men and other rare species. Bring your binoculars!
💡 Advice from the locals: If you are visiting in July–August, visit Festival "Bermamyt Dawns", which takes place once a year. The program includes: archery competitions, national dances and tasting khinkala (local dish). Festival dates in 2026: July 12–14.
Tips and warnings for tourists
Bermamyt is a harsh place, and it will be difficult for an unprepared tourist. Here are the key recommendations:
- Acclimatization: Avoid heavy physical activity for the first 1-2 days. Altitude sickness in Bermamyt is not uncommon, especially among those who come from the plains.
- Communication: only work Megaphone and Tele2, and not everywhere. Download messengers with offline mode in advance (Telegram, WhatsApp).
- Security: Do not deviate from the main paths - there are many old mine workings on the plateau (remnants of Soviet geological exploration), which can be disguised by grass.
- Weather: even in the summer at night the temperature drops to
+3…+5°C, and during the day sharp gusts of wind (up to 20 m/s) are possible. Take warm clothes!
⚠️ Attention: In 2026, cases of theft from unattended cars were recorded in Bermamyt. Do not leave valuables in the car, but at night it is better to turn off the car and put the keys away from the doors. Locals advise parking at guest houses where there is “unofficial security.”
Bermamyt is not a resort, but wild nature. There are no rescue services, pharmacies or shops. Take everything you need (food, water, medicine) with you!
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Bermamyt
🔹 Do I need registration or permission to visit Bermamyt?
Formally, permission is not required, since Bermamyt is not a border zone. However, when moving through the Khunzakh region, documents can be checked (a Russian passport is required!). Foreign citizens are advised to check the rules for entry into Dagestan at their embassy.
🔹 Is it possible to get to Bermamyt by a regular car (not a jeep)?
Theoretically, you can get to the village of Tsurib in a sedan (the road is paved), but then the roads begin to get rough. The last 15 km are covered only by SUVs with high ground clearance. In 2023, one group of tourists tried to ride on Lada Vesta — result: two punctures and a damaged bumper.
🔹 Are there mobile communications and internet in Bermamyt?
Megaphone catches at certain points of the plateau (for example, near a lake), but the Internet speed does not exceed 1–2 Mbit/s. Tele2 works a little better. MTS and Beeline they don't catch at all. To communicate, use walkie-talkies or satellite messengers (Garmin inReach).
🔹 What is the best time to visit Bermamyt?
Optimal time - July–September. In June there is still snow on the passes, and in October early frosts begin. July is the warmest month (up to +20°C during the day), but also the rainiest. August is ideal for trekking, September - for photographers (the foliage changes color).
🔹 Is it possible to swim in Lake Bermamyt?
The water in the lake is icy (even in summer no higher than +8°C), but some tourists still swim. However, locals warn: in 2022, an accident occurred here due to cramps from the cold. If you decide, do not swim far from the shore and do not swim alone.