[2][1] Mansurs troops quickly occupied the forest and gorges, thus completely surrounding the Russian detachment of Nagel.

Mansur's plan was to lure the Russian forces into the forest, where the North Caucasians had a clear advantage in fighting.

Unlike the Russians, the rebels could not wait long, as their food supply was running out.ITt was necessary to get to the Kabardian villages as soon as possible.

Mansur sent their compatriot, Prince Dol, to the residents of Greater Kabarda with the message that they needed to prepare food, since he would soon arrive to them with his army.

Through Prince Dol, Mansur convinced the Kabardians that he would certainly defeat Nagel’s detachment or cut off the water in the mountain rivers, which would force the Russians to surrender.