Top Things to Do in Qabala: Best Attractions and Activities

Thinking about going somewhere and browsing what can be done in Qabala? Qabala is a picturesque Azerbaijani town where people can explore magnificent mountainous landscapes, extreme outdoor activities, as well as the local attractive cultural qualities. Whether you are keen on driving to a ski resort (Tufandag Mountain Resorts) or exploring ancient ruins and visiting serene lakes, every kind of traveler can find a memorable experience in Qabala. Plunge into our guide to find out best places of interests, unknown places and traveling tips to make your visit even more memorable in the beautiful Qabala.

Best things to do in Qabala

Overview of Qabala

Discover exciting things to do in Qabala, from nature adventures and history to vibrant attractions perfect for every traveler’s taste.

History of Qabala

Qabala is an ancient city in the territory of Azerbaijan, the history of which goes back thousands of years. Qabala, or Kabalaka as it was known in the 2nd century BC, was a prosperous settlement and fortified by a defensive wall with towers in it which made it a grand center in the area. In the 1st to 5th century AD it was a royal capital of the Caucasian Albania kings. By the 10th century, the influence of the Shirvanshahs extended across the region, including parts of Qabala, bringing cultural and religious shifts.

During the middle ages, Qabala had to deal with invasions, attacks, and nature challenges and this resulted in the building of aqueducts that were constructed with clay pipes used to provide water and clay tiles used in roofing. Tandoor ovens, bathhouses and ruins of the past buildings have been excavated by archaeologists. Qabala had carnage in her fortress by the Safavid attacks as early as in the 16th century and Russian dominion over the region in the 19th century. The stratified history of Qabala is appealing to today's visitors who would like to visit this place and see how great its historical past was.

Location

Qabala is situated in northwest Azerbaijan just about 220 kilometers off the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku. The city is located in a scenic location along the foothills in the Greater Caucasus Mountains with beautiful forests, rivers and mountains.

It is located in Qabala District in the regions of Sheki, Ismayilli and Gakh that is why during regional traveling it is a frequently popular destination. The place gives it a mild climate, cool summers and snowy winters which are ideal to play all year round.

The city of Qabala benefits historically and culturally because of its location in one of the ancient trade routes, such as the Silk Road.

Why to visit

You may ask yourself why visit Qabala? It is one of the most beautiful place in Azerbaijan where there is something special everyone:

• Rich history: Learn about the city of Qabala functioning as royal capital and as an important center of the Silk Road and see the ancient ruins.
• Beautiful nature: Qabala is located near the Greater Caucasus Mountains, having rich forests, rivers and beautiful landscapes where people can walk and take pictures.
• Adventure sports: Have fun skiing and snowboarding in Tufandag Mountain Resort which is one of the best winter destinations in Azerbaijan.
• Family fun: Go to Qabaland Amusement Park which provides children and rides.
• Cultural experiences: If you wish, you can see local customs, crafts and wonderful food in the local restaurants and markets.
• Tranquil lakes: Soothe yourself at the Nohur Lake, which features still water and a spectacular mountain as a background.

These diverse attractions make Qabala a perfect destination for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike.

Looking for reasons to explore Qabala?

Top things to do in Qabala

Discover the top things to do in Qabala, from scenic adventures and cultural sites to fun attractions for every traveler.

Skiing at Tufandag resorts

Want to find thrilling winter activities in Azerbaijan? Your Number 1 should be skiing in Tufandag Resorts. Only 4 km away from the Qabala city centre, Tufandag has 14 km of skiing tracks on 10 individual slopes that serve both first-time skiers and professional skiers.

The resort has modern facilities, panoramic mountain views and a variety of luxurious hotels, which makes visiting one as comfortable as possible. If it is your first time on a ski or you are looking to experience the difficulty of the slopes Tufandag offers it to all.

• Location: Duruca kəndi, Qabala 3600, Azerbaijan
• Timing: Daily, 10 AM – 5 PM (Mid-December to End of March)

Enjoy thrilling snow sports amid the stunning Caucasus mountains at Tufandag Resorts.

Skiing at Tufandag resorts

Discover Nij village’s culture

Nij, where the largest Udi community on the planet resides is slightly more than 20 kilometers to the southwest of Qabala. The Udis are the Christian people who are the descendants of one of the main tribes of An ancient kingdom of Caucasian Albania, so Nij is a unique cultural treasure in Azerbaijan.

The visitors have an opportunity to get acquainted with this rich heritage by visiting the Albanian Chotari Church, which was beautifully restored in the 17th century. You can not miss the ethnographic house museum of Azerbaijan Udi Heart which was established in 2017 and demonstrates the Udi life of the 18th to 20th century.

• Nearby, enjoy local cuisine at a restaurant next to the museum.
• Location: Qabala District, Azerbaijan

Outdoor adventures in Qabala

Located at the foothill of the beautiful Caucasus Mountains, Qabala is the ultimate location to pursue outdoor activities in Azerbaijan. Located about 220 kilometers northwest of Baku, Qabala offers a variety of activities suited for thrill seekers and nature lovers.

The Tufandag Mountain Resort tourists have the pleasure to ski during the winter season, and during any other season, they have the opportunity to have a quad biking, shooting, paragliding, and hiking with beautiful views. There are paragliding and jeep tours and you can fly in breathtaking mountains and also eat traditional Azerbaijani cuisine in beautiful villages.

To do water sports, go to Savalan, where the Qabala Rafting will arrange thrilling trips on the 11-kilometer course of the Turyanchay river from May to September.

Location: Caucasus Mountains, Qabala

Adventures await in Qabala

Enjoy Qabaland Amusement park

Seek in Azerbaijan family fun? visit Qabaland Amusement Park, the biggest entertainment and recreational center which is commonly referred to as the Disneyland of Azerbaijan. Qabaland (located in Qabala) has more than 60 interesting attractions on the basis of British, Italian, German, and Israeli entertainment rides and gaming machines, which became popular among children and adults as well.

These attractions are a 6D cinema, LaserMaxx, racing car tracks, motorbike roads, ice rink and sports field volleyball, basketball and football. Tourists can also take a break near seven artificial lakes, eat at cafes and restaurants with Azerbaijani and international cuisine, and buy souvenirs.

• Location: 1 Ismayil bay Gutgashinli Rd, Qabala, Azerbaijan
• Timings: Daily, 11 AM – 6 PM

Nohur Lake’s mountain beauty

Enjoy the mountain beauty of Nohur Lake in Unique tourism Qabala, which is an ideal escape to those who want to have peace and beautiful views. Nohur Lake is located in a beautiful forest along with the impressive mountains of Yumru, Goydag, and Gulluburun. The mountains are amazing. The lake has a fantastic view and a calm environment.

Fishers are welcome to come but no swimming is possible; however, paddle boarding, horse riding, and lazily sipping tea with the beautiful view of the landscape are also welcome. The lake is also a manmade reservoir in the construction and work during the period of World War II and a very crucial source of fresh water in the region.

It’s an ideal spot for a romantic walk or peaceful retreat during your trip to Qabala.

Location: Qabala, Azerbaijan

Nohur Lake’s mountain beauty

Hike to seven beauties waterfall

Go on a journey and climb on Seven Beauties Waterfall, as it is called Yedi Guzel Falls, which is just outside Qabala. This gorgeous natural site lies as the tallest waterfall with an altitude of 53 meters above sea water in Azerbaijan.

The bottom can see only the first two of its seven dropping stages. Ascending a steep stairway through a shady wilderness (it is much cool and dark there) the visitor is rewarded by a view of the other five.

The view to the ones, which are going up, is a sight to behold and there is a restaurant and tea house at the top where one can have a nice place to rest and taste local food.

Location: XWG7+4FQ, Nohurqishlaq, Azerbaijan

Visit ruins of old Qabala

As history lovers you will want to check out the ruins of Old Qabala in Chukhur Qabala, some 15 kilometers west of the city of Qabala. Old Qabala had served as a major trade point on the Silk Road since the 4th century BC till the 18th century AD as the capital of the ancient Caucasian Albania state.

Modern archaeological excavations since 1929 brought astonishing discoveries namely the medieval water systems, coins, pottery and burial places as well as the remains of the buildings. Two circular brick towers and some of the castle wall of the south side are the highlights.

Once you have come to visit the 25 hectares of the ruins, don t forget to visit the nearby museum thus gaining a better insight of the interesting history of Qabala.

Location: Chukhur, Qabala

Take a trip to the old ruins of Qabala

Tour local wineries

To get the exclusive and unforgettable impression in Azerbaijan, make a tour of local wineries in Qabala and feel the exciting process of drawing grapes to glass. Among the main attractions of the region is Savalan winery, which was created in 2007, only 25 kilometers away south of the city of Qabala.

Buried into the amazing Caucasus Mountain range, the vineyards are sequestered in the hot sunlight of the slopes slope-watered by rivers and snow-flanked by alpine range, making the area a perfect fit to grow quality wines. The winery has a multinational staff that consists of both Azerbaijani and Italian skills, which has produced nearly 20 different wines, which are known to have numerous savors and good workmanship.

Visitors are taken in prescribed tours where they gain wisdom of winemaking in the winery, as well as experiences of organized wine-tasting sessions done in a specific tasting room. The panoramas of the plateau location of the winery are marvelous on sunny days, which also helps in enhancing the attractiveness of the visit.

• Location: Savalan Valley, ~25 km south of Qabala, Azerbaijan
• Opening hours: Monday to Sunday – Visits by appointment only. It is recommended to book in advance for guided tours and wine tasting.

Accommodation and dining near Qabala

Explore comfortable accommodation and diverse dining options near Qabala, offering local flavors and cozy stays for every traveler’s taste.

Dinning

Being a small town, the cuisine in Qabala will leave an unforgettable imprint in your heart, pleasing those who love good food with traditional flavors of Azerbaijan and distinctive local dishes. These are things not to miss:

• Dasharasi kebab: A traditional cuisine that is prepared by roasting pieces of the lamb meat on hot stones found in the mountains, which makes it taste smoky and savory exclusive to the country of Qabala.
• Dyushbara soup: Petite Azerbaijani dumplings in a well-flavored meat stew which is best possible coupled with dried mint and sour cream in Ximzali restaurant.
• Choban Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs, commonly found in Azerbaijani meals and often served as a side dish.
• Pickled treasures: Qabala is otherwise known in Azerbaijan as the pickle capital, carrying exclusive pickling varieties such as white pickled cucumbers to the pickled grapes and even watermelons.
• Hamzali Halva: Pay a visit to nearby Hamzali village where you can enjoy eating local delicious halva cooked with a local secret recipe.

These authentic dishes make dining in Qabala a true highlight for visitors.

Accommodation

When you decide to stay, you will have various types of accommodation in Qabala available at different prices and to suit your travel needs. That is where you may be quiet:

• Qafqaz Riverside Resort Hotel: It is a luxury hotel that has spacious rooms, a spa, swimming pools, and great views of the Caucasus Mountains that is ideal in terms of relaxation and indulgence.
• Tufandag Mountain Resort Hotel: The luxurious hotel is located on the mountain and would be a perfect place to stay if you are a ski and adventure enthusiast; it offers the ski-in/ski-out service, a comfortable room, and delicious food.
• Qafqaz Karvansaray Hotel: This mid-range hotel is in the town centre area and is within easy reach to the sights of the town, and the rooms are comfortable and with good hospitality.
• Qabala Hostel: Cheap and good place to stay on accommodation that is simple, clean but there is a social environment to fit in, offers accommodations to BackPackers and Solo travellers.
• Family Guesthouses: There are some local family guesthouses around Qabala which are good to meet the local hospitality with home-cooked food and an opportunity to dive into the local culture.

Whether seeking luxury or simplicity, Qabala ensures a welcoming stay for every visitor.

Hotels in Qabala

How to get there

Planning your trip? Here’s how to get to Qabala from Baku and other parts of Azerbaijan:

• By road: From Baku, it is possible to drive by car to the northwest in the direction of the M4 highway (approximately 220 kilometers), in about 3–4 hours you can enjoy the views of mountains along the road.
• By bus: There are regular buses, which go to Qabala each 30 minutes or so, passing through Baku International Bus Terminal, and take approximately 4-5 hours.
• Train: There is no direct train but you can make a part journey on the train and change to local ride.
• Through individual transfer: Pre-book a cab or use a car pooling service to have a quicker and more comfortable ride.
• Tours: Guided day trips or tours to Qabala of several days are available by many agencies starting in Baku.

Traveling to Qabala is convenient, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure.

Advice for your Qabala trip

Planning your journey? Here’s practical advice for your Qabala trip to make the most of your visit:

• Buy pomegranate products: Pomegranate as a national symbol of Azerbaijan is presented in various forms, sweet juices, jams, and even preserves that are sold in markets and shop stalls in Qabala. Do not forget to buy magnets, post cards, or key chains in the shape of this famous fruit.
• Purchase copper-based artifacts: The talented artisans of Qabala produce beautiful copper products such as trays, teapots, pitchers, spice mortars and coffee pots, making excellent stylish household furniture or effective souvenirs.
• Taste local honey: The scent of local honey will be one of your most felt experiences as the region is encircled by the chestnut forests. Seek jars of liquid honey, honeycombs or even handmade soaps filled with honey.
• Visit Carpet shops: See the ancient culture of the carpet master waving traditions in Qabala. Hand-woven carpets are in stock in the local shops and have original patterns reflecting local crafting and culture.

FAQs about Qabala

Find quick answers to common questions about Qabala, covering travel tips, attractions, local experiences, and essential visitor information.

What is the main airport in Qabala?

Qabala International Airport (GBB) is the primary airport in Qabala based about 20 kilometers north of the city centre. It caters to local flights and few international links and allows easy access to tourists visiting the region of Qabala of Azerbaijan.

What is the best time to visit Qabala?

Visiting Qabala The most appropriate period to visit some sights of Qabala is spring (April to June) and the fall (September to October), when the climate is rather mild and comfortable. The latter seasons present the best weather in terms of tourism, outdoor activities and visitation of scenic sites of Qabala.

What are the rides available in Qabaland Amusement Park?

Gabaland Amusement Park in Qabala, Azerbaijan has a great variety of rides and features the attractions which may suit people of every age. They may take a ride on thrilling roller coasters, enormous Ferris wheels, water slides and a haunted house. Other attractions include go-kart racing, bumper cars, 4D cinema, laser tag arena and special Kids Adventure Land which contains mini-coasters and carousels. Qabaland has more than 50 attractions and offers some fun-filled adventure to families and adventure seekers.

Are there outdoor activities available in Qabala?

Yes, Qabala provides us with various activities in nature that are used at any season. The Tufandag Mountain resort offers skiers and snowboarders to have fun when it snows in winter and to go hiking, paragliding and rafting when it is warm. Nature walks and photography can be carried out due to the beauty of nature in the region comprising Nohur Lake and Seven Beauties Waterfall. Moreover, people who are fond of adventures can go to jeep safari and enjoy the Caucasus Mountains with its beautiful landscapes. 

Can I experience local culture and cuisine in Qabala?

Yes, Qabala offers vibrant local culture and delicious cuisine. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes like dasharasi kebab and doymech salad, explore local festivals, and visit villages to experience authentic cooking, crafts, and Azerbaijani hospitality.

What souvenirs can I buy in Qabala?

Some of the most famous items one can bring to Qabala as a souvenir are handwoven carpets, copper, products of pomegranates such as jams, and syrups, local honey, dried fruits and the traditional sweets. These products are the symbols of the local artisans, food culture, and rich Azerbaijani culture.

In conclusion

Overall, the numerous activities available in Qabala make exploration quite an unforgettable experience because of the natural beauty, cultural treasures, and thrilling activities. The Qabala region is equipped with mountain resorts and waterfalls, historic places, and rich local cuisine that attracts every traveler. Prior to traveling to Azerbaijan, do not forget that most travelers require an e-visa to gain an entry into the country. It is easy to apply online on the official site of the Azerbaijan Immigration Service in order to get an easy travel experience.