Discover Gabala

Gabala is known as a forest and mountain destination near Lake Nohur. Its landscape includes pine forests, other woodland and mountain waterfalls. First decide when you want to travel and which route might suit you.

Activities by season

In summer, outdoor activities in Gabala include quad biking, shooting, paragliding and hiking. In winter, skiing and snowboarding in the Caucasus Mountains are among the seasonal offerings. The range of activities differs considerably by season: the key question is whether your trip will focus more on summer outdoor activities or winter sports. Operators and the seasonal availability of individual activities may change, so check before your trip whether your preferred activity is offered during your stay. Your choice of season can help shape your search for a hotel in Gabala.

Getting there by train

The Baku–Gabala–Baku route is available for travel by train. Alternatively, take the Baku–Gazakh train to Laki station; from there, continue on the Ganja–Gabala train. This alternative route therefore goes via Laki and Ganja. Before setting off, check the timetable and operating days with the railway to make sure the connection you choose suits your travel dates.

Qabala within the wider destination

The wider destination of Qabala Rayon is characterized by high mountains, green forests, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. Lake Nohur, also known as the Nohurqışlaq Reservoir, lies three kilometers east of Gabala at an altitude of 700 meters. The Yengice thermal springs in Qabala Rayon are incorporated into the balneotherapy services of local health resorts. If wellness is important to your trip, confirm the resorts’ current offerings in advance. The Qəbələnd amusement park covers 16 hectares.

Chukhur Gabala includes the ruins of the ancient city of Gabala. The 25-hectare site lies 15 kilometers southwest of Gabala and can be explored by car or on foot. More than 4,000 exhibits are displayed at the Gabala Archaeological Center; exhibition content may change. Newly discovered excavation artifacts are displayed there after restoration. The center includes an exhibition hall, an archaeological collection, a restoration laboratory and a conference room.

The Qabala History and Ethnography Museum preserves 13,000 exhibits reflecting Qabala’s 2,500-year history. It has 13 exhibition halls and an outdoor area with old stone monuments. Visitors to the Qabala State Historical-Artistic Reserve and the Gabala Archaeological Center are offered guided tours in Azerbaijani, Russian and English. Confirm the current arrangements for guided tours before you travel. The two institutions have different focuses: the Archaeological Center centers on finds and restored artifacts, while the museum preserves evidence of Qabala’s 2,500-year history.

The Qabala State Art Gallery organizes exhibitions according to an event schedule. Since dates and schedules may change, check the latest information before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Laza

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Qabala.