Basqal

Basqal is a designated state historical and cultural reserve situated at an altitude of 1200 meters. Travelers visit this village to experience its well-preserved medieval street layout, traditional stone houses, and peaceful mountain atmosphere. The settlement has retained its original architectural charm, with narrow alleys winding through the hillside. The village is renowned across the country as the heart of the Kalaghai craft. The Kalaghai is a traditional Azerbaijani women's silk headscarf decorated with intricate block-printed patterns. Visitors can observe local artisans working in small workshops, using natural dyes and age-old techniques. Other notable sights include the 17th-century hammam and a massive plane tree believed to be hundreds of years old. The surrounding landscape features dense forests and natural springs, making it a pleasant area for light hiking. The local diet relies heavily on fresh mountain produce, honey, and traditional lamb dishes. The climate is distinctly cooler than the lowlands, offering a refreshing retreat during the summer months. Getting to Basqal requires a two-hour drive from Baku towards the Ismayilli region. The last section of the road climbs into the mountains, offering scenic views. The most suitable times to visit are late spring and summer, when the mountain roads are clear and the village is fully accessible.

Nearby cities

Shamakhi

Shamakhi was once the capital of the Shirvanshah Empire and is one of the oldest cities in the Caucasus.

Ismayilli

Ismayilli is a scenic cultural hub in the Greater Caucasus, acting as a base to explore traditional craft villages like Lahij.

Khinalug

Khinalug is a remote, ancient village situated at 2,350 meters in the Caucasus Mountains, known for its distinct language and stone archi…

Qusar

Qusar is known as the northern gate of Azerbaijan and is located at the foot of the majestic Mount Shahdag.

Sabirabad

Sabirabad is located at the confluence of Azerbaijan's two most important rivers, the Kura and the Aras.

Tufandag

Tufandag is a mountain resort located above the city of Qabala, known for its extensive cable car system and winter sports facilities.

Khachmaz

Khachmaz is the largest agricultural region in Azerbaijan, especially known for its fruits and vegetables.

Goychay

Goychay is the unofficial capital of the pomegranate in Azerbaijan.

Imishli

Imishli is located in the central part of Azerbaijan and benefits from the fertile Kura-Aras Lowland.

History & landmarks

Ivanovka

Ivanovka is a unique village in the Ismayilli district founded by Russian Molokans in the 19th century.

Nature

Samur River

A fast-flowing river in the Caucasus that marks part of the border between Russia and Azerbaijan.

More places

Gulistan Fortress

The ruins of a medieval defensive fortress near Shamakhi that once served as a retreat for the Shirvanshahs.

Juma Mosque, Shamakhi

One of the oldest and largest mosques in the Caucasus, which survived and was restored after several earthquakes.

Diri Baba Mausoleum

A fascinating two-story mausoleum built directly into a cliff face in the 15th century.

Shamkir Greenhouses

Shamkir is the heart of modern agriculture in Azerbaijan, dominated by huge greenhouses growing tomatoes for export.

Lahij

A picturesque mountain village famous for its cobbled streets and traditional copper craftsmanship.

Mount Babadag

Mount Babadag is a 3629-meter mountain frequently visited by pilgrims.

Ismayilli State Reserve

A mountainous nature reserve established to conserve subalpine forests and rare animal species.

Shirvan Steppe

The Shirvan Steppe is an extensive, flat semi-desert that becomes extremely hot in summer.