Plizio Visual Lab

Mount Kapaz

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

Weather…

Mount Kapaz is a prominent peak in the Lesser Caucasus of Azerbaijan, reaching an elevation of 3,066 meters. Located near the city of Ganja, it holds significant geological and historical importance. The mountain became world-renowned following a devastating earthquake on September 30, 1139, during which large sections of the summit collapsed into the valley. These massive landslides blocked the path of the Ağsu River, resulting in the creation of seven mountain lakes, including the easy on the eye Lake Göygöl. Kapaz is primarily composed of Cretaceous limestone and volcanic rocks. The slopes of the mountain are covered with dense beech and oak forests, while alpine meadows dominate the higher elevations. Today, the area is part of the Göygöl National Park, established to protect the unique ecosystems and spectacular geological formations created by natural forces.

Location: Azerbaijan
Top sights: Qədim Körpü · Kepez Mointain
Nearby: Ganja (26 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-1	0	5	9	15	19	22	22	17	11	5	0
Rain mm	14	16	28	38	52	40	22	19	24	36	18	12

📋 Practical info

🧭

Getting there

Visitors generally reach the area via the scenic, well-maintained roads leading south from Ganja towards the famous Lake Göygöl. The trails to the mountain often start from the designated visitor areas surrounding this beautiful, historic rockfall lake.

📅

Best season

Late spring to early autumn is the good window, offering pleasant temperatures and striking views of the surrounding Caucasus landscapes. Winter brings heavy snows that can make the upper trails completely impassable and highly dangerous.

⛰️

Terrain & paths

The lower sections offer relatively gentle paths through forested areas, while the upper slopes become noticeably steep and rocky. Hikers will navigate ancient, uneven debris fields left over from the massive twelfth-century rockfall event.

🎒

What to bring

Sturdy hiking boots with solid ankle support are crucial for safely crossing the loose rock areas on the upper mountain. Layered clothing, strong wind protection, and a sufficient supply of drinking water are highly recommended for the changing altitudes.

🅿️

Parking

Designated parking lots are usually available near the Lake Göygöl visitor center or the main national park entrance. During peak summer weekends, these spaces can fill quickly, so arriving early in the morning is highly advisable.

⚠️

Safety

While the lower trails are well-trodden, the upper rocky sections require extreme caution to avoid slipping on loose scree. Be constantly aware of rapidly changing weather conditions in the mountains and always inform someone of your planned route.

⏱️

Time needed

A moderate hike to view the dramatic rockfall areas and enjoy the lake scenery typically takes about three to five hours. A concerted effort to reach much higher elevations on the striking mountain will require a full, strenuous day of hiking.