Gabala is a city situated about 225 km from Baku, on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus mountains. The elevation of the city is 753 meters above sea level. It is a wonderful place to travel and leisure. Usually, the weather is pleasant in spring and fall, hot in summer, and cold in winter. Gabala proposes magnificent historical monuments that appear around the region and Its surroundings.   

A brief history of Gabala

Gabala city’s historical background has been as colourful as its existence and has formed one of the brightest pages of Azerbaijan’s history. Referencing the name of this area, we first recall the ancient city of Gabala, which for 900 years was the capital of the ancient Caucasus of Albania (from the fourth century B.C. to the fifth century A.D.) with its wide defensive walls. the first time, the name of the old city of Gabala, located on the medieval « Silk Way » and having a history of 2400 years, was listed as «Kabalaka » as far back as in the manuscript « History of nature » by Great Philipp, Roman historian, as « Khabala » in the studies of Claudius Ptolemaic, Greek geographer at 2nd Century

For several decades, Gabala city has bravely defied the relentless assaults of foreign forces with eyes on the lands of Azerbaijan as an invincible city fortress. Gabala hasn’t lost its social and economic importance. During the second period of the V century (464), after Albania briefly surrendered its freedom and the assaults of tribes from the north escalated, the regional capital was moved from Gabala to Barda. And since then Qabala city has continued to develop as the country’s largest commercial workmanship, political, and spiritual omphalos.  

Tourism in Gabala 

The amount of local and international visitors visiting Gabala to be in touch with the region’s exotic nature, to experience Azerbaijan’s amazing cuisine, and to have fascinating relaxation, is growing every year.   

The region’s natural environment conditions open up new perspectives for tourism growth. Gabala’s northern side of various reliefs belongs to the Greater Caucasus mountain range’s southern hills, the middle portion to the Alazan-Haftaran valley, and the southern half to the Ajinohur upland. Also, Azerbaijan’s largest mountain top Mount Bazarduzu (4466 meters above sea level) located in this region. 

Gabala’s climate is warm-temperate with dry winters in low places, cold and humid in hills and mountains and yearly rainfall is 500-600 mm in the south, and up to 1600 mm in the high mountains in the north. Those factors build opportunities for the city’s summer and winter tourism growth.

İf you are interested on Group or private tours to Gabala you can check our Gabala  tour

group photo in gabala tourgroup photo in gabala tour

TOP 5 PLACES TO VISIT IN GABALA

1. Tufandagh Mountain Resort 

Tufandagh Mountain Resort is located around 4 km from the city centre of Gabala. The Qafqaz Resort hotel complex, located near the currently under-construction ski resort, consists of three hotel buildings, a SPA centre and an amusement park, and has all the facilities for summer and winter recreation. Tufandag Winter-Summer Tourism Center, one of the largest ski resorts in the region, where has slopes for both learners and professionals.

The skiing season starts on the 15th of December and lasts until March 31. There are also enjoyable events such as snowmobile riding, sleigh trips, adult ATV quad bikes and snowboarding at the Tufandag  Mountain Resort 

tufandag mountain resorttufandag mountain resort

2. Eye-catching Nohur Lake 

Lake Nohur is located 3 km east of Gabala, in a natural hole between GulluburGoydag and Yumuru mountains, at an altitude of 700 m above sea level. An 850 m long, 8-10 m high and 4-6 m wide earth dam was built on Lake Nohur. 

Nohur Lake is one of the most picturesque locations in Gabala with a breathtaking view of the Caucasus Mountains. The peaceful atmosphere and sounds of birds provide a perfect place for relaxing to avoid the noise of the area. While it is illegal to swim in the lake, the lake is also used as a reservoir and provides Gabala and nearby areas with drinking water) It’s a great fishing spot. You can even take a cruise and catamaran and admire the local farmland. Gabala Chenot Hotel is built on the northern shore of the lake. 

lake nohur lake nohur in gabala

3. Seven Beauties Waterfall (Yeddi Gozal) 

This rocky waterfall that falls from the highest peaks of the Caucasus Mountains is situated in Gabala village Vandam. The Seven Beauties Waterfall name comes from the name of the 7 mountain roads that one will cross to meet the waterfall. It is tougher to reach here because the waterfall is fully frozen in the winter.

Yet tea houses are open on any mountain road in Spring and Summerş Tea houses are accessible on any mountain path, where the guests can enjoy a typical Gabala jam tea package. There is a teahouse with a unique wooden mattress at the highest point of the falls where you can sip tea in the background, with the pleasant sound and scenery of the waterfall. Tea water is taken from the river and gives it a special flavour. 

seven beauties waterfall in gabala

4. Gabala Shooting Club 

Gabala Shooting Club, a popular location for committed outdoor enthusiasts, is an excellent place for large- shooting competitions. The International Shooting Grand Prix named after Heydar Aliyev was conducted here for years 2014 and 2016. To the comfort of both visitors and athletes at the complex, all the appropriate requirements were provided. Here cottages were designed for visitors intending to stay overnight at the resort.

 Tourists and talented athletes can have a rest and practice shooting abilities in Gabala Shooting Club, they can test eight sporting ranges, five joint stand shooting ranges, three sniper halls and an archery shooting pitch. There are also ranges for night shooting, paintball and strike ball. 

gabala shooting club

5. Gabaland Entertainment Center

Gabala Adventure park is full of entertainment and feelings of joy. Guests will be able to see Azerbaijan’s most popular amusement centre, full of spectacular enjoyable rides for children and adults as well as numerous exciting activities. Gabaland is Azerbaijan’s number one amusement park, and the most fun and thrilling entertainment venue.

The total area is 16 hectares. Gabaland is also called Disneyland of Azerbaijan. More than 60 British, Italian, German and Israeli gaming machines for children and adults, a 6D attraction, LaserMaxx, two tracks for racing cars, a road for motorcycles, an ice rink, volleyball, basketball and football fields, and a fitness centre established there.

The centre has a coffee shop and restaurants, a souvenir shop, offering dishes of both Azerbaijani and world cuisine. Seven artificial lakes have been created in the Gabaland entertainment centre.

gabaland entertainment center

İf you are interested in Group or private tours to Gabala you can check our Gabala & Shamakhi tour

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Gabala located?
Gabala is situated about 225 km from Baku, at the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus mountains.
What is the population of Gabala?
The population of Gabala is estimated to be around 35,000 people.
What is the climate of Gabala?
Gabala has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature in the summer is around 25°C, while in the winter it can drop to below 0°C.
What are the attractions in Gabala?
There are many tourist attractions in Gabala, including the Nohur Lake, the Tufandag Mountain Resort and the Gabala Archaeological Museum.
What is the cuisine of Gabala?
The cuisine in Gabala is a mix of Azerbaijani and Turkish cuisine, with a heavy emphasis on grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs and spices. Popular dishes include plov, dolma, kebab, and shashlik.
How do I get to Gabala from Baku?
The quickest and most convenient way to get from Baku to Gabala is by car. The journey takes about 2.5 hours by road. There are also public buses available, which take about 4 hours for the journey.
What is the best time to visit Gabala?
The best time to visit Gabala is from May to September, when the weather is warm and sunny. This is the peak tourist season and is perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Is Gabala safe for tourists?
Gabala is generally considered safe for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take the same precautions as you would when traveling to any other foreign country.
Can i visit to gabala by flight?
Gabala has an airport called Gabala International Airport (GBB). The airport is located approximately 10 kilometers from the city center and provides air connectivity to several cities in Azerbaijan and beyond
What is the cost of traveling to Gabala?
The cost of traveling to Gabala can vary depending on factors such as the time of year, accommodation type, and the cost of meals and activities. On average, a budget-friendly trip to Gabala can cost around $50-$70 per day, excluding flights.