Private Full Day Shamakhi Heritage and Gabala Nature Tour

Pickup from any address or arranged meeting point within Baku, followed by a scenic drive of about 120 minutes to Shamakhi. The first destination is the historic Juma Mosque, one of the oldest Islamic monuments in the Caucasus, with origins dating back to 744 CE during the Arab Caliphate under Maslam ibn Abd-al-Malik. This mosque introduced Islam to the region and is distinguished by its rare three-hall architectural design, where each hall features its own mihrab and entrance. The central hall is crowned with a large dome, while the two side halls are covered with smaller domes, creating a sophisticated spatial layout for communal worship. The mosque continues to function as an active place of worship, and visitors spend about 30 minutes with guided explanations detailing its historical, architectural and religious significance.

From Shamakhi, the journey continues with a 120-minute drive to Seven Beauties Waterfall in the Vandam settlement of Gabala. This multi-tiered waterfall, located around 4 km from the center of Gabala city, is renowned for its serene natural environment and lush forested surroundings. The waterfall comprises seven distinct cascades, with the lower tiers visible from the base and the upper tiers accessible via a wooden stairway. The ascent provides both physical engagement and opportunities for immersive nature observation. The shaded forest and cascading water create ideal conditions for photography and environmental appreciation with a visit duration of about 20 minutes. Seasonal variations can influence accessibility, particularly in late autumn, winter and early spring when surfaces may be icy.

A brief 5-minute drive leads to Nohur Lake (Nohur Gol), situated in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains at an elevation of 700 meters. The lake spans 240 hectares with a maximum depth of 24 meters and is fed by seasonal streams from surrounding peaks, as well as the Damiraparan and Vandam rivers. Originally a natural lake, it was converted into a water reservoir in 1949 to support local agriculture. Encircled by the peaks of Gulluburun, Goydag and Yumru, the lake offers a tranquil environment for observation, reflection, and photography. In colder months, the surface may freeze to 50–60 cm, creating a striking winter landscape. Guests are allocated about 60 minutes to experience the lake at their own pace.

The final destination is Tufandag Mountain Resort, located 15 minutes from Nohur Lake and just 4 km from Gabala city center. The resort functions as a premier mountain recreation site in the Greater Caucasus, offering 12 km of ski slopes and diverse activities suitable for both winter and summer excursions. Modern snowmaking facilities ensure reliable conditions while cable cars provide panoramic mountain views. Guests have around 90 minutes to experience the 4-Ropeway Pass (Riverside, Gabala, Duruja, Yatmish Gozal), enjoy scenic observation and engage in available recreational activities.
After the mountain experience, the tour concludes with a return drive of roughly 4 hours to Baku, with drop-off at the original pickup location or arranged point. The full itinerary provides a combination of cultural, natural, and adventure experiences, integrating historic architecture, hydrological features, alpine landscapes and recreational infrastructure in a single comprehensive day tour.