Gabala: What to See in the Mountains in One or Two Days

Gabala sits at the foot of the Greater Caucasus, about 220 km from Baku. In summer people come for the cool forests, in winter for skiing. It also has deep history: more than 2,000 years ago it was the capital of Caucasian Albania.

What to see

• Tufandag resort — the cable car climbs to about 1,900 m; ski runs in winter, walks and views in summer.
• Nohur lake — a calm lake ringed by mountains, with boats and cafés.
• Yeddi Gozel (Seven Beauties) waterfall — cascades in a wooded gorge.
• Ancient Gabala (Chukhur Gabala) — excavations of the old city with remains of fortress walls.
• Nij village — the Udi people and Albanian churches.

When to go

• Summer — 5–10°C cooler than Baku; fruit and nut season.
• Autumn — golden forests and pomegranate season.
• Winter — ski season at Tufandag, usually December to March.

Getting there

About 3.5 hours by car. Stop at the Diri Baba Mausoleum and Shamakhi on the way. It's all covered by our Gabala tour.