Azerbaijan · Rural Experiences

3-Day Nature and Countryside Tour of Ismayilli, Qabala and Shaki

3 Days Round trip from Ismailli Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Learn about the traditions and lifestyle of Lahij Village
02 Enjoy adventurous activities at the Tufandag Ski Resort
03 Explore Yeddi Gozel Waterfall, also known as the Seven Beauties Waterfall
04 See the beautiful Ax-ox River forest area and admire Khal-Khal Waterfall
05 Marvel at the architecture of the Palace of Shaki Khans

Explore the beauty and culture of north-west Azerbaijan on a 3-day journey through İsmayıllı, Qabala, and Shaki. Visit the ancient village of Lahij to witness its authentic handicraft traditions, discover the beautiful Yeddi Gozel Waterfall and Nohur Lake in Qabala, and enjoy time at the Tufandag Ski Resort. The tour also takes you to the Palace of Shaki Khans, the historic Shaki Caravanserai, and important mosques in Shaki, combining nature, village life, and heritage in one trip.

Explore the beauty and culture of north-west Azerbaijan on a 3-day journey through İsmayıllı, Qabala, and Shaki.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not included

Transport Included

Wheelchair access Not applicable

Cities Shaki, Qabala, Ismayilli, Lahıc

Languages Arabic, Azerbaijani, English, Russian, Turkish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

İsmayıllı, Lahij and Ivanovka Village

Meet your tour guide upon arrival and visit the suspension bridge with your Azerbaijan tour guide. This iron suspension bridge was built high above the river after the river destroyed hundreds of irregular bridges.
From here, continue to Lahij village. This ancient village, 37 km east of the district center, is a notable place with authentic handicraft traditions, particularly related to copper. The village's carpets and rug crafts are well known in Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus. Lahij also has an old sewage system dating back 1000-1500 years. Copper work is the most important skill developed by Lahij craftsmen. Historically, there have been seven mountains, seven springs, seven mosques, and seven baths in Lahij. Of course, Lahij is not only a historical place in İsmayıllı.
Another interesting place is Ivanovka village. This is the last village in Azerbaijan with a significant population belonging to the Russian ethnic-religious community of Molokans. It is also the last place where kolkhoz, or collective farms from Soviet times, are preserved.
Visit the Ax-ox River, beautiful forests, and a waterfall.

Day 02

Qabala, Yeddi Gozel Waterfall and Tufandag Resort

On the second day of your trip to the north-west of Azerbaijan, visit the ancient city of Azerbaijan, Qabala.
Go to Yeddi Gozel Waterfall, also known as the Seven Beauties Waterfall, by Russian off-road cars. Near the waterfall, there is a big lake named Nohur. You can ride a catamaran and eat national foods in good restaurants.
Go to a ski resort. Tufandag Resort is located 4 km away from the city of Qabala. The Tufandag complex is well equipped and can accommodate up to 3000 people at a time. Restaurants, cafeterias, bars, recreation areas, cableways, ski schools for adults and children, and ski equipment rental and repair services operate on the complex's territory. You can also visit the shooting center.

Day 03

Shaki Heritage and Waterfall Visits

First, see the beautiful Khal-Khal Waterfall.
Go to Shaki city and visit the Palace of Shaki Khans. This palace was nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. It was built in 1790-1797. Along with its pool and plane trees, the summer residence is the only remaining structure from the larger palatial complex inside the Sheki Khans' Fortress. It once included a winter palace, residences for the Khan's family, and servants' quarters. It features decorative tiles from the eighteenth century, and many of the frescoes show flowers in vases, while a series of paintings in the first-floor halls depict hunting and battle scenes.
Continue to the Shaki Caravanserai historical complex. In Shaki, there are two magnificent caravanserais that have survived to the present day and are traditionally named Yukhari and Ashagi Caravanserai, meaning Upper and Lower Caravanserai. These buildings were built for guests, much like hotels today.
Finally, visit Juma Mosque and Omar Efendi Mosque with your local tour guide.

The route