One of the most impressive is the village of Gamsutl, which is perched 4,600 feet up (1,400m) on top of Mount Gamsutlmeer and nicknamed the 'Machu Picchu of Dagestan'. The avid traveller also ventured to the abandoned village of Kakhib during her road trip through Dagestan. There is little information available about Kakhib, but Smith detailed it following her visit, writing: 'It is a stunning abandoned village that appears to be utterly disguised in the cliffside. In between Gamsutl and Kakhib is another abandoned mountaintop village called Koroda, but Smith didn't manage to get there during her visit. Tours are available, but it should be noted that the FCDO currently advises against all travel to Dagestan.

Source: Daily Mail September 11, 2020 15:38 UTC