Hirkan National Park & Khanbulan Lake

Hirkan National Park — Ancient Forests & Khanbulan Lake

Hirkan National Park, stretching along Azerbaijan's southern strip, shelters relic Hyrcanian forests, rare flora and peaceful lakes. One of the prettiest stops is Khanbulan (Hanbulan) Lake, a mirror-still pool shaded by chestnut and oak. The reserve is a biodiversity hotspot and an easy complement to our Lankaran Lerik route — see the Lankaran Lerik tour for a full-day trip that visits the park, Khanbulan Lake and nearby attractions.

Why Visit Hirkan?

Hirkan's ancient woodlands are home to endemic species and an atmospheric understory of ferns and mosses. Walk gentle trails beneath a dense canopy, spot birds and butterflies, and pause at calm lakes like Khanbulan for tea and quiet contemplation.

Practical info

• Best time: spring to early autumn (April–October).
• Access: usually visited as part of a day tour from Lankaran or as a stop on the Lankaran Lerik tour.

Want to see Hirkan and Khanbulan Lake yourself? Our Lankaran Lerik tour includes a lakeside stop at Khanbulan and a guided walk into the Hirkan forest.

How to Get There and What to See

Hirkan National Park is located in the Lankaran district of southern Azerbaijan, roughly five hours by car from Baku via the M3 highway. Alternatively, you can take a domestic flight to Lankaran airport. The park is famous for its relict forests, home to the iron tree, Lankaran acacia and other endemic species found nowhere else on Earth.

Khanbulan Lake sits just a few kilometres from Lankaran and makes a perfect stop on the way to the park. Its mirror-like surface surrounded by green hills creates stunning views, especially in the early morning light. The best time to visit is spring and early autumn, when temperatures are comfortable and the scenery is at its most vivid.

Hiring a local guide for Hirkan is recommended — they know the trails and can point out wildlife including Caucasian leopards, lynx and over two hundred species of birds. Park entry is inexpensive and well worth the price for a day immersed in some of the most ancient forest in the Caucasus.

Love the outdoors? Explore all our Azerbaijan hiking tours — from easy lake trails to the 4,466 m summit of Bazarduzu.