Gabala is a city situated about 225 km from Baku, at 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, the southern half to the Ajinohur upland. Also, Azerbaijan’s largest mountain top- Mount Bazarduzu (4466meters above the sea level) located in this region.
Gabala 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 summer and winter tourism growth.
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 from 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
Eye-catching Nohur Lake
Lake Nohur is located 3 km east of Gabala, in a natural hole between Gullubur, Goydag 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 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.
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.
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.
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 center, 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 is called as Disneyland of Azerbaijan. More than 60 British, Italian, German and Israeli gaming machines for children and adults, 6D attraction, LaserMaxx, two tracks for racing cars, road for motorcycles, ice rink, volleyball, basketball and football fields, fitness centre established there.
The center 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 center.
