Just south of the Russian-Georgian border in the Kazbegi region, the river Terek has carved a 13 kilometer-long gorge through the mountains. With steep granite walls up to 1800 meters high, the gorge is an impressive geological feat of nature. Throughout history, its geographical location as one of the only two crossings of the Caucasus mountains has made it an important strategic stronghold.

Darial Gorge, meaning “Gate of the Alans” in Persian, belonged to the Alans in the first centuries AD before passing into the hands of the Romans and Persians. Some historians even believe that Alexander the Great once built iron gates across the Gorge. Indeed, ruins of an ancient fortress are still visible. Darial Gorge has been immortalized by authors over the centuries, such as by Russian poet Lermontov in The Demon. Even today, the Darial Gorge is known as one of the most romantic and impressive sites in the Caucasus.