Baku , Azerbaijan

Shamakhi - Gabala Tour

Active

9h - 10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Gabala is one of the most ancient cities in Azerbaijan. From picnics to paddles, Gabala is ideal for a springtime family adventure break, with an abundance of things to do and places to explore. Rich in culture, rich in activities and most definitely rich in sights. Spend your time in Gabala's beautiful nature. Visit Tufandag Mountain Resort for more entertainment.you can see more of the local culture, sights, and activities: Sport, Hiking, Fishing, Hunting, Skiing and the list goes on.

Available options

Shamakhi - Gabala Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Air-conditioned vehicle

English (upon request) Speaking Guide

Professional driver

Detailed itinerary

Juma Mosque in Shamakhi is one of the tourist attractions often visited by travellers. It is included into our Shamakhi and Gabala tour. Unlike many mosques, entrance to Juma Mosque of Shamakhi is permitted even to non-Muslims. To enter, you need to remove your shoes, but walking barefoot is not a problem, because the floor is covered with thick carpets.

The Diri Baba Mausoleum is located in Shamakhy- Maraza region of Azerbaijan. The mausoleum is a wonderful example of Shirvan architectural school. According to the scripts found on the monument, the construction date was 1402 and the architect was “…the son of ustad Haji”. A funeral text on the wall indicates the name- Shirvanshahs – Ibrahim I of Shirvan- ruler of Shirvanshakhs State. Local people relate many mystic events to this monument. Therefore, the mausoleum attracts many pilgrims and visitors from its construction date.

Nohur Lake is very popular natural attraction of Gabala for tourists. It is a place that attracts tourists all year along. Although swimming in the lake is strictly prohibited, there are many other activities enough to keep the visitors busy and entertained. Among them, fishing is one of the most common one. You can engage in fishing here for hours. It is also possible to take a boat and catamaran ride which is available during the day time. Walking along the shores of the lake and enjoying the landscape is also among the favourite activities of the visitors.

Tufandag Mountains Resort is 4 km from the city of Gabala – the ancient capital of Caucasian Albania. The distance from the international airport of Gabala is 20 km, and it's 220 km from Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Tufandag is well equipped and can accommodate up to 3,000 people at a time. It has restaurants, cafes, bars, a ski school for adults and children, ski equipment rental and a repair service operates on the territory of the complex. The best hotel at the Tufandag resort – Qafqaz Tufandag Mountain Resort Hotel (5-star) – is located directly by the ski area and at the bottom of the ski lifts. The pistes at Tufandag Gabala are of different complexity and designed for advanced skiers and snowboarders as well as beginners.

What's not included

Lunch & Dinner

Personal Expenses

Activities in Tufandag Mountain Resort

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Baku

Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a vibrant city where modernity meets tradition. Situated on the Caspian Sea, it's known for its futuristic skyline, historic sites, and rich cultural heritage, including the ancient Maiden Tower and the iconic Flame Towers.

Top Attractions

Maiden Tower

A 12th-century monument that is a symbol of Baku. Its exact purpose remains a mystery.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (5 AZN)

Flame Towers

Three futuristic skyscrapers that are landmarks of modern Baku. The towers are designed to resemble flames, a reference to Baku's ancient history as a center of the fire-worshipping Zoroastrian religion.

Architecture 30 minutes to 1 hour Free to view from outside

Old City (Icheri Sheher)

The historic core of Baku, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient walls, narrow streets, and historic buildings.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore, attractions within have varying costs

Baku Boulevard

A scenic park along the Caspian Sea with walking paths, cafes, and entertainment options.

Nature 1-2 hours Free to enter, activities have varying costs

Heydar Aliyev Center

A stunning piece of modern architecture designed by Zaha Hadid. The center hosts exhibitions, concerts, and conferences.

Architecture 1-2 hours Moderate (depends on the event)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Plov

A fragrant rice dish cooked with saffron, meat, and vegetables. It's often served at special occasions and is considered a national dish.

Main course Contains meat, can be made vegetarian upon request

Dushbara

Tiny dumplings filled with minced meat and served in a broth. It's a popular street food in Baku.

Soup Contains meat, can be made vegetarian upon request

Baku Piti

A traditional soup made with lamb, chickpeas, and noodles, served in a clay pot.

Soup Contains meat, can be made vegetarian upon request

Baku Dolma

Grapes leaves or vegetables stuffed with a mixture of minced meat and rice, cooked in a spicy tomato sauce.

Appetizer Contains meat, can be made vegetarian upon request

Popular Activities

Hiking in Gobustan National Park Exploring mud volcanoes Visiting the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory Strolling along Baku Boulevard Enjoying a cup of tea in a traditional teahouse Relaxing at a local hammam (bathhouse) Exploring the Old City Visiting museums and historic sites

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

This is the best time to visit Baku with pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Crowds are moderate, and the city hosts several festivals during these months.

18°C to 28°C 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Azerbaijani
Widely spoken: Russian, English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Azerbaijani Manat (AZN)

Time Zone

GMT+4

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Baku is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Exercise caution at night, especially in less touristy areas.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services

Getting there

By air

Heydar Aliyev International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Baku Railway Station

By bus

Baku International Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The metro is efficient, clean, and affordable. It's the best way to get around the city quickly.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bina Taxi, Yandex.Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Old City (Icheri Sheher) Nizami District Khatai District

Day trips

Gobustan National Park

60 km from Baku • Full day

A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient rock carvings, mud volcanoes, and a unique desert landscape. It's a great place for hiking and exploring.

Lankaran

220 km from Baku • Full day or overnight

A city in southern Azerbaijan known for its lush greenery, historic sites, and the nearby Hirkan National Park. It's a great place for nature lovers and history buffs.

Shamakhi

120 km from Baku • Full day

A historic city known for its ancient Juma Mosque, the Yeddi Gumbaz mausoleums, and the nearby Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory. It's a great place for history lovers and those interested in astronomy.

Festivals

Baku International Jazz Festival • October Baku International Film Festival (BAFTA) • October Novruz Bayrami • March 20-21 (or around the spring equinox)

Pro tips

Visit the Flame Fountain in Baku Boulevard, a unique attraction where natural gas flames continuously burn from a stone fountain
Try traditional Azerbaijani tea in a local teahouse, such as Sazaghan Teahouse or Chaykhana #1
Explore the Old City on foot, taking in the narrow streets, historic sites, and local markets
Take a day trip to Gobustan National Park to see ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes
Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center, a stunning piece of modern architecture designed by Zaha Hadid