Darial Gorge

The Darial Gorge, also known as D'aira ale in Ingush and Arvykom or Dayrany kom in Ossetian, is a gorge of the Terek River, located at the intersection of the Lateral Range of the Greater Caucasus to the east of Mount Kazbek. This place is located on the border of Russia (North Ossetia) and Georgia, between the village of Verkhniy Lars and the settlement of Stepantsminda (Kazbegi), and has a length of about 12 km.

Since ancient times, the main route from Transcaucasia to the north, known as the Darial Pass, passed through the gorge. In the most inaccessible place, an impregnable fortress was built, which protected the path from enemies. According to Georgian legend, the first fortress was built by Mirian I, and then restored by King Vakhtang I Gorgasali. Control over the Caucasian passes was of strategic importance for Iberia.