Experience the Best of Gabala and Shamakhi with a Nature Tour in Azerbaijan

If you’re planning a trip to Baku, Azerbaijan, you may be wondering what other places you can explore in the country. One of the best ways to experience the diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Azerbaijan is to take a Gabala and Shamakhi Nature Tour. Here are some common questions that tourists have before taking this tour:

What is the Gabala and Shamakhi Nature Tour?

The Gabala and Shamakhi Nature Tour is a full-day adventure that takes you from Baku into the mountains of Azerbaijan. You’ll explore the historic Juma mosque in Shamakhi, take a cable car up a mountain for stunning views, sample Azerbaijani cuisine in Gabala City, and visit the beautiful Nohur Lake and Seven Beauties Waterfall.

What are the highlights of the tour?

The tour provides many exciting highlights for travellers. You will visit the Juma mosque, the oldest mosque in Azerbaijan, with stunning Islamic architecture and intricate tilework. You also get to take a cable car up a mountain for splendid views over the surrounding area. The tour includes a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Azerbaijani culture through its food in Gabala City. The trip ends by exploring the pristine Nohur Lake and 7 Beauties Waterfall.

Could you tell me more about the Juma mosque?

The Juma mosque is located in the historic city of Shamakhi, a two-hour drive from Baku. This mosque is believed to be the first mosque in the Caucasus region, built in the 12th century AD. It still stands to this day and features intricate architectural designs and a peaceful atmosphere. You’ll have a chance to take a guided tour of the mosque and learn about its fascinating history and significance to Azerbaijan.

What is the cable car like?

The cable car ride is sure to be one of the highlights of the trip. It takes you up a mountain to enjoy some of the most scenic views of the surrounding landscape that you’ll ever see. Make sure to bring your camera to capture the stunning panoramic views of the valley below.

What can I expect from the food in Gabala City?

Gabala city is known for its delicious Azerbaijani cuisine, and the tour will take you to some of the best restaurants to try some of the most popular dishes. Azerbaijan is a country with a rich culinary history, so make sure to try the local kebabs, cooked over an open flame and served with fresh salads and bread. For dessert, indulgent baklava, a flaky pastry made with layers of chopped nuts and honey, is a must-try.

What is Nohur Lake and the 7 Beauties Waterfall like?

Nohur Lake, situated in a volcanic crater, is a stunning natural wonder that adds to the beauty of Azerbaijan. Nohur Lake is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere. 7 Beauties Waterfall is another natural marvel, where 7 cascading waterfalls converge to create a breathtaking sight. The beauty of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape make it an excellent resting place to take in the natural elegance of Azerbaijan’s mountains.

How do I book this tour?

You can book the Gabala and Shamakhi Nature Tour easily online. The tour includes transportation from your hotel in Baku, entrance fees to the museums and monuments, lunch, and a professional English-speaking tour guide. Don’t forget to wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing for the trip, as you’ll be exploring different landscapes throughout the day.

Don’t wait to book your Gabala and Shamakhi Nature Tour, and embrace the amazing experience that Azerbaijan has to offer. Click here to book your tour today!

Insider’s Guide to Gabala and Shamakhi, Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is a country with an inspiring mix of Eastern and Western culture that attracts travelers from around the world. Nestled in the mountains, Gabala and Shamakhi are two cities with a rich history, stunning landscapes, and exciting experiences. Here is an insider’s guide to these two cities that will make your trip to Azerbaijan an unforgettable one.

Local Attractions

While Gabala and Shamakhi have their share of well-known attractions, there are also hidden gems that locals have kept under the radar. To experience the best of these cities, you must visit the Lahij village. Located in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains, this village boasts unique architecture, handicrafts, and a natural beauty that will leave you mesmerized.

Another local attraction worth visiting is the Tengya Alty Gorge. Stunning natural landscapes that feature waterfalls, forests, hills, and mountains offer great hiking, camping, and photo opportunities.

Dining Spots

Azerbaijani cuisine is versatile, and its flavors reflect the country’s location at the crossroads of East and West. If you want to experience the true taste of Azerbaijan, you must try Piti, a local dish made with lamb, chickpeas, and chestnuts. Gabala and Shamakhi have multiple restaurants that serve delicious food, but to get the real insider’s experience, head to a local market and try the street food. As you bite into the cheese-filled pastries called Qutab, watch the vendors make it fresh in front of you.

Cultural Experiences

Azerbaijan has a proud tradition of music, dance, and crafts. If you visit Gabala and Shamakhi during the first week of August, you can witness the Azerbaijan International Jazz Festival, which attracts jazz musicians from around the world. Folk music, another crucial aspect of Azerbaijani culture, is celebrated at the Gabala International Music Festival, which features traditional Azerbaijani musical instruments such as the balaban, saz, and kamancha.

Local History

Gabala and Shamakhi have a rich history that dates back to ancient times. To understand the city’s past, visit the Shamakhi Historical Museum. Inside, you will find artifacts from different periods, such as the Bronze Age, Roman times, and the Middle Ages.

Another site that shares the history of the cities is Nohurgol Lake. This high-altitude lake has a tragic legend about a couple who drowned in the water after disobeying their parents and eloping.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

If you want to experience something unique, visit a rural tea house. These places welcome visitors with local hospitality, and there is no better way to enjoy fresh Azerbaijani tea while enjoying the incredible views of the surrounding nature. You can also check out the Ironman in Gabala, an international triathlon event that takes place in June every year.

Conclusion

Gabala and Shamakhi are cities with a rich history, natural beauty, and unique experiences. If you want to explore the best of both worlds, make sure to include these two cities in your itinerary, and take the time to visit these off-the-beaten-path sites. From natural landscapes to cultural experiences and culinary delights, this insider’s guide has everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Azerbaijan.