Best Natural Places In Azerbaijan Added To Your Bucket List

Azerbaijan is sandwiched between the Caucasus Mountains and the Caspian Sea, and it is full of a fantastic mosaic of hyper-cultural exchanges, architectural marvels, pristine wilderness and unique traditions. The Land of Fire promises satisfaction to every investigative tourist whether on the white sand beaches or exploring the mountain villages. Join us Azerbaijan Immigration Services will give you a list of the most wonderful natural sights in Azerbaijan!

1. Gobustan National Park: A Journey Through Time

The next place to start your journey in Azerbaijan nature is the Gobustan National Park, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Gobustan National Park is also a treasure trove of ancient petroglyphs, mud volcanoes and archaeological sites located within a mere 64 km distance of Baku. There is also an educational museum within this UNESCO World Heritage Site that is located in the middle of rocky formations, green landscapes, and rocky mountains. There is the Gaval Dash to be experienced in Gobustan - the musical stone that comes to life with a mere finger stroke creating a melodious tune when little gravel is applied.

Going to the park, tourists will get a chance to explore the interesting works of artists, who lived on the land 20,000 years ago. Mostly, the rock carvings, cave painting and petroglyphs highlight the daily activities of the ancient societies such as rituals, hunting scenes, plants, animals, warriors, boats and even the symbols of astrology.

When entering Gobustan, the most popular national park in Azerbaijan, one can expect to be dazzled by the topographical scenes of dunes crashing along the waters of the crystal clear Caspian Sea. However, it is not only the hypnotizing scenery that makes the park so alluring. It houses more than 50 animal species (such as the endangered Caspian seal and comb jellyfish), gazelles, badgers and jackals. It is an assurance of the rich biodiversity which is a reminder of the delicate balance of nature that we should endeavor to conserve.

Gobustan National Park is the first destination on your exploration of Azerbaijan nature

Read more: Discover the top 10 places to visit in Baku: Your ultimate guide

2. Sheki: A Mixture Of Azerbaijan Nature Place and Culture

The ancient town of Sheki, the 60,000-year-old history of which lies at the foot of the Great Caucasus Mountains. The small town has its reputation on textiles, silk, and embroidery skills, and, therefore, represents an important crossroad on the Silk Route. Sheki travel will give you an opportunity to experience the Azerbaijan architecture at the Palace of Sheki Khan, get an insight into the history of the region at the Sheki History Museum, see souvenirs at Sheki Caravanserai, or enjoy panorama at the Sheki Fortress.

Nowadays this historical zone, with the old mosques, castles and the Palace of Sheki Khans dating back to the 18 th century, is an interesting foreground to the green mountains in the background. Not only of historical interest, Sheki is one of the best Azerbaijan nature spots. It is surrounded by a variety of green mountain ranges and forests that allow a lot of hiking and chances to contact nature. The close proximity to the Caucasus mountains offers beautiful scenery making Sheki the perfect paradise of nature lovers.

Sheki is a top-rated Azerbaijan nature place

Sheki is a city rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. If you're planning a trip, don’t miss out on the top places to visit in Sheki to experience its true charm.

3. Gabala: Where Mountains Meet Adventure

Gabala is a peaceful city in the northwest of Azerbaijan, 220 km off Baku, in the region of Shaki-Zagatala administrative district. Gabala is located on the right bank of the Damiraparanchaj River and hugged by the steep mountains, such as Bazarduzu, Bazaryurd, and Tufanly, which lie almost at the altitude of 4000 meters above the sea level.

This exotic region of Azerbaijan has a very diverse ecology, as there are rich flora and fauna in the forests and mountain pastures. The city is a popular tourist destination that has been much sought after over the years because of the pleasant weather in spring, woodlands in the mountains, and beautiful sceneries.

Do not pass by a delicious experience of lavender during your visit to Gabala! Tourists may also visit Essenso lavender farm that is located in the northern part of Gabala on the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. The mountain swing is available within the Tufandag Mountain Resort, Gabala where the swing is situated on a mountain peak called Sleeping Beauty. It is an exhilarating experience, which gives you a panorama view of the mountain peaks and forested slopes as you swing through the air.

Gabala is a serene city with favorable spring climate

4. Lake Goygol: Testament of Azerbaijan's Beauty of Nature

Azerbaijan is also a beautiful country, and Lake Goygol, translated as Blue Lake, is a masterpiece witnessing its beauty. The lake was created as the result of the earthquake that took place nearly a millennium ago and makes it a special natural site in Azerbaijan that should be added to your travelling list. Tourists are going to be impressed by the clear waters and the beautiful view surrounding Lake Goygol when they pay it a visit.

The grandiose Mount Kapaz is in the background, which adds dramatic attraction to the landscape. The scenic trip that takes approximately an hour is through the mountains where there are numerous opportunities of taking breathtaking photographs.

Besides Lake Goygol, which is beautiful, Goygol National Park is also the home of a number of fauna and flora. To those who like to have adventures, a favourite path leads them to Lake Maragol, not so large as Goygol, but just as picturesque and isolated. In the meantime, more experienced hikers may take a 20 km long trip to the top of Mount Kapaz.

Lake Goygol is a unique natural place in Azerbaijan

Explore more: Top 7 best national parks in Azerbaijan

5. Khinalug: Europe's Highest Mountain Village

The Khalinalug village is a village in the Caucasus mountains that has been referred to as one of the most beautiful sites in Azerbaijan. Other than the spectacular sceneries, the preserved traditions, culture and language are other reasons why people would be willing to visit this attraction.

Khinalug is among the oldest villages in Azerbaijan with an approximate history of 5000 years. The village is geographically remote and therefore remained isolated over centuries, having an independent language that resembles the Lezgic languages that exist in the Northeast Caucasus region.

Khinalug is not only a sightseeing place. One night stay in one of the local homestays will enable you to learn more about the practices of the community. The houses though not traditionally attractive are built in such a unique style - they are built in the form of a stairway one over another.

As an adventure seeker, Khinalug remains a good point to venture in the immediate surrounding. You can choose between day hikes that are short and last a day or a multi-day adventure. The stunning scenery and the wilderness in this beautiful village is the kind of outing that you will remember.

Khinalug village is a remote village with breathtaking sceneries

While Khinalug is one of Azerbaijan’s most stunning mountain villages, another must-visit historical village is Lahij Village Azerbaijan, famous for its copper craftsmanship and charming cobblestone streets.

In conclusion

The natural sites in Azerbaijan present a fascinating combination of history, culture and stunning places which will definitely leave an unforgettable impression on the heart of any tourist. The old rock carvings in Gobustan, the tranquility of Lake Goygol, the scenery in the village of Khinalug, all these places will offer you something new in your trip to learn the nature of Azerbaijan. Therefore, get your Azerbaijan visa now and be ready to have an adventure that is beyond the ordinary and that defines the real beauty of the Azerbaijan nature.