Gabala – Tours to Uzbekistan & Central Asia

Travel to Gabala, Azerbaijan

Gabala is situated 225 kilometers north of Baku, nestled in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. This enchanting city is surrounded by the slopes of two towering mountains and boasts lush forests, tranquil lakes, rushing mountain rivers, deep gorges, and breathtaking waterfalls. Additionally, Gabala features its own ski resort, amusement parks, spa complexes, five-star hotels, and high-quality dining establishments. The region’s authenticity and stunning natural beauty blend seamlessly with modern European amenities.

Over the past 20 years, Gabala has transformed from a small historical town into a contemporary tourist hotspot. This area was once traversed by Alexandre Dumas, the author of “The Three Musketeers,” who marveled at the landscapes. Following in his footsteps, a route called “Alexandre Dumas in the Caucasus” has even been established. With its towering mountains, dense forests, fresh air, picturesque lakes, cascading waterfalls, and thermal springs, a journey to Azerbaijan’s Switzerland will leave you with unforgettable memories of nature’s diversity.

Just 15 kilometers from the city, in the village of Chukhur-Gabala, you can find the ruins dating back to 18-4 BC. Gabala was once a significant trading hub along the Silk Road and the capital of Caucasian Albania, where important political meetings were held, and commerce flourished. Thus, it’s not surprising if local guides compare ancient Gabala to Babylon or Carthage. Archaeological excavations in Chukhur-Gabala have revealed remnants of fortress walls, trading streets, ruins of ancient squares, and residential quarters.

The Gabala History and Ethnography Museum houses the most valuable archaeological finds, with approximately 14,000 exhibits on display. Among these are the stone bases of columns from ancient Gabala, monuments inscribed in Arabic, ancient coins, and examples of burial jars and sarcophagi.

The city also preserves a defensive tower from the 9th to 11th centuries, the Imam Baba mausoleum, and the 18th-century Juma Mosque, notable for its single minaret topped by a green dome. In the village of Hazra, amidst dense forest, lie the white stone tombs of the sheikhs Badraddin, Mansur, and Muhammad. The village of Bum is home to one of the earliest Christian churches, the Kilisedag, and the Govur Fortress, known for its eerie dungeons. Meanwhile, in the village of Kusnet, you can find the best pottery workshops in the region.

In the settlement of Nij, you can visit the Temple of St. Eliseus, built in the 1st century and recently restored. This area is inhabited by the Udin people, a small ethnic group descended from the ancient Albanians, who maintain a unique language and traditions.

In Vandam, locals enjoy joking with tourists, claiming that action star Jean-Claude Van Damme hails from here. They even tell tales that the village was named in his honor after he visited. While these stories are purely fictional, a stop in Vandam is worthwhile, especially to see the ancient cemetery with its monumental tombs.

Gabala is also famed for its natural attractions. The “Seven Beauties” waterfall features seven cascades that thunder down into a gorge. A steep stone staircase leads to the top, but visitors are only permitted to ascend to the fifth step, as the climb beyond that can be perilous. The 54-meter-high Mysykh waterfall is equally impressive, but reaching it is quite the adventure: it requires a 1.5-hour horseback ride from the village of Laza, followed by a three-hour hike (sometimes jumping from rock to rock) and crawling through a narrow tunnel—definitely a journey best undertaken with a guide.

The all-season Tufandag resort is located on the slopes of the Tufan and Bazar-Yurt mountains. In summer, it attracts hiking and adventure enthusiasts, offering a plethora of activities such as jeep tours through the mountains, hiking trails, paragliding, and a thrilling high-altitude swing over the gorge. Nearby, the Savalan winery offers tours with tastings.

In winter, Tufandag transforms into one of Azerbaijan’s largest ski resorts. It features a ski school and a cable car, with over ten slopes and restaurants boasting panoramic views of the peaks. The total length of the slopes is approximately 20 kilometers, with a vertical drop of up to 590 meters. The ski stations are situated at altitudes ranging from 950 to 1,920 meters, making it the only resort in the country that offers a selection of black runs for professional skiers. The skiing season lasts from mid-December to late March. Although snowfall is infrequent, snow cannons are installed on the slopes.

Visitors flock to the shores of Lake Nohur Göl, located just 3 kilometers from Gabala, to enjoy Swiss-like landscapes. This artificial lake is perfectly integrated into the surrounding mountainous terrain. Small restaurants, guest villas, and mini-hotels have been built on the forested hills surrounding the lake. Here, you can engage in fishing, enjoy a picnic by the water’s edge, savor traditional Azerbaijani cuisine, or take a leisurely boat ride on the lake in pedal boats or catamarans.

Horseback excursions are organized along the trails around Nohur Göl and into the hills, offering a unique way to experience the stunning scenery. For hiking enthusiasts, a trek to the nearby “Seven Beauties” waterfall is a must. You’ll be rewarded with powerful streams of water cascading dramatically into the gorge, and the trail is equipped with steep stone steps and viewing platforms to enhance your experience.

INTERESTING FACT #1

Ancient Gabala was once the capital of Caucasian Albania, a significant state that existed over much of modern Azerbaijan from the 3rd century BC to the 8th century AD.

INTERESTING FACT #2

During the Soviet era, Gabala was known as Kutkashenly, named after Ismail-bek Kutkashenly (1806-1861), a legendary military general and writer, who authored the groundbreaking love story “Rashid Bek and Saadet Khanum,” first published in French in Warsaw in 1835.

Among the key attractions in the region, the following stand out:

Archaeological Center: This impressive facility houses a vast collection of ancient artifacts, offering visitors the chance to explore the ruins of medieval fortresses and buildings that tell the stories of the past.
Defensive Tower: A remarkable fortification believed to have been constructed between the 9th and 11th centuries, this tower serves as a testament to the region’s historical significance and architectural prowess.
Juma Mosque: This sacred site, built in the 18th century, features a stunning minaret and a green dome that adds to its charm. The mosque is a beautiful example of the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Mysykh Waterfall: Renowned for its breathtaking beauty, this natural wonder boasts cascading waters that plunge down 54 meters, creating a picturesque landscape that captivates all who visit.
Seven Beauties Waterfall: A popular pilgrimage site for many tourists, this waterfall is regarded as sacred due to its healing waters, which are believed to aid in treating heart and vascular ailments.
Cable Car: This attraction allows visitors to take in spectacular mountain vistas from a height of 1.5 kilometers. The enclosed gondolas provide a comfortable ride along the 1-kilometer route, ensuring an unforgettable experience.

In addition to these highlights, the surrounding resort area is home to many captivating locations. Travelers often enjoy excursions to picturesque villages such as Laza, Vandam, Engidja, and Gyamyrvan, where they can discover even more remarkable sights.

Notable attractions in these villages include:

Govur Fortress: An ancient defensive structure dating back to the 18th century, featuring underground chambers that hint at its historical significance and strategic importance.
Sheikh Tombs: These ancient burial sites, located in the village of Nij, date back to the 16th century and offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history and cultural traditions.
Udin Temple of St. Eliseus: This historic site is a significant architectural monument of Caucasian Albania, showcasing the region’s diverse religious heritage and ancient craftsmanship.

Traveling to Gabala from Baku is budget-friendly, albeit longer, by bus. Daily services depart from the Baku International Bus Station, with the journey taking approximately 5.5 hours. However, for a more comfortable trip, you can opt for the four-car, two-story high-speed passenger train operating on the Baku-Gabala-Baku route. Below is the schedule and pricing information to help you plan your journey: