The authorities of Dagestan will develop ecotourism in the Almak canyon, according to the Chairman of the Government of the Republic of Dagestan Artem Zdunov. He noted that this conservation area can and should become a tourist attraction.
The Almak region is rich in hot sulphurous springs, and local authorities intend to build a Wellness complex which allows to host 120 people.
At the same time, Zdunov emphasized the need to maintain a ban on hunting in this unique place with exceptional climate.
The tourism cluster will develop on the basis of the Almak state farm, which occupies an area of 838 ha. The farm specializes in breeding and selling of spotted deer, with 1,500 animals in livestock.
The Almak canyon is located in the Kazbekovsky District in the forested foothills of Degestan, the area has a status of a special protected natural area.
It extends along the Aktash River - 12 km above and below the nearby village of Almak. The area is about 500 hectares. The height of the slopes in the upper reaches of the canyon towards the Harigabutli passover is approximately 800-1000 meters. Rare species of plants are found around the area. There are 23 species of insects listed in the Red Book, 1 species of amphibians, and 12 species of birds, listed in the Red Books of the Republic and the country, as well as 2 rare species of mammals.
The territory received its status of the conservation area in 1981. Any kind of economic activity is prohibited in this special protected natural area.
