This Gabala Shamakhi Tour packs northern Azerbaijan’s highlights into one full day from Baku: the Juma Mosque and hillside shrines of Shamakhi, the cable cars, waterfalls and mountain views of Gabala, and scenic Caucasus foothill roads in between — transport and guide included.

The Gabala Shamakhi day tour from Baku is the perfect introduction to north-west Azerbaijan, combining ancient history with some of the country's most beautiful mountain scenery. In a single comfortable day you travel from the Caspian coast deep into the forested foothills of the Greater Caucasus.

Shamakhi — Ancient Capital

The tour sets out from Baku and drives north-west into the hills. The first stop is Shamakhi, once the capital of the Shirvanshahs, where we visit the Juma Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the entire Caucasus, first founded in the 8th century and beautifully restored. Surrounded by quiet hills, it sets a calm, historic tone for the day.

Zernava suspension bridge over the Girdimanchay river in Ismayilli
Zernava Bridge in Ismayilli

Zernava Bridge in Ismayilli

From Shamakhi the road turns into the green Ismayilli region, and the next stop is the Zernava suspension bridge, strung high above the mountain waters of the Girdimanchay. Crossing it gives a light, exhilarating sway, a long view down the canyon and the clean air of the Ismayilli hills — the photo stop everyone remembers. The Lahij tour crosses the same bridge and then climbs on to the coppersmith village above the gorge.

Through the Ismayilli Forest

Beyond the bridge the route carries on through the Ismayilli forest, where tall trees arch over the road and close into a green tunnel. The scenery shifts from open vineyards to dense, pine-scented woodland as we climb toward Gabala.

Lunch in Gabala

We break for lunch at a picturesque mountain restaurant in Gabala, with the forest right outside the window. You choose from a set of Azerbaijani national dishes, and there are vegetarian options too — just let your guide know in advance. Lunch is not included in the tour price and is paid at the restaurant.

Seven Beauties Waterfall

After lunch we visit the Seven Beauties Waterfall (Yeddi Gozel) in the mountains near Gabala. Ringed by dense forest, the falls drop through several levels, with steps climbing between them for different views and cool mountain air. Gabala's other waterfall is a different proposition: the Duruja hike is a full day on foot through forest and river crossings rather than a stop with steps.

Gabala & Its Central Park

Then into Gabala itself, driving through the central park — the stretch that earns the town its "Caucasian Switzerland" nickname, with manicured greenery and luxury hotels set against a wall of forested mountains.

Tufandag Mountain Resort & the Cable Car

The day finishes at Tufandag Mountain Resort, where the cable car lifts you to around 2,000 metres above sea level. From the upper station the Greater Caucasus opens out in every direction, with Mount Tufandag itself — 4,191 metres — standing over the range. Then the relaxed, scenic drive back to Baku, with photo stops at the best viewpoints along the way.

Nohur Lake near Gabala

The Gabala region is also home to Nohur Lake in Vandam — a mirror-still mountain reservoir ringed by forested hills. Lakeside access is restricted at present, so this tour does not stop at the shoreline and we do not promise it as part of the route. What the day does cover is the valley around it: the Seven Beauties waterfall, the Ismayilli forest and the mountain roads. Our Nohur Lake guide explains the current situation in full.

Plan Your Trip

Enjoy the gabala shamakhi day tour departing from our central Baku meeting point, with hotel pickup available on private bookings, a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and an expert English- and Russian-speaking guide. Small groups keep the experience personal, and private departures are available on request. It pairs perfectly with the rest of our catalogue — browse all tours in Azerbaijan or more day trips from Baku, or our Shamakhi tours guide. Have a question about the itinerary or pickup time? Our team is happy to help before you book your gabala shamakhi day tour.

Planning your visit? Read our Nohur Lake guide for tips, history and the best photo spots.

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This tour is part of our Gabala tours from Baku collection.

Want to stay the night and add horses? The Gabala horse riding 2-day tour runs this same first day, then sleeps in Gabala and rides the Laza trails. Prefer to walk that valley rather than ride it? The Laza–Mujug waterfalls hike follows the same river on foot, 14 km to the far fall and back.