Distance from Baku

345 km

Population

54,1 thsd person

How to get to

Auto transportation: by buses Tbilisi – Gakh, Baku – Gakh – 9 hours
By train: Baku – Barda – Balaken – 10 hours

Gakh is a district in the north-west of Azerbaijan, on the border with Georgia. The climate in the south of the district is dry subtropical and temperate in mountains. There are plenty of mountain rivers and waterfalls in this district. This region is rich in its nature. In the national park Ilisu located here you can meet bears, mountain-goats, wolves, wild cats, boars, jackals and others. The district is especially attractive for hunters and fishers. Main hunts are flatlands in Ganig-Eyrichay valley and piedmont forests. Ponds located at the territory of the Lelely village, Eyrichay, Galichay and Ganig rivers fit for fishing.
Every district in Azerbaijan has its own salt and in Gakh it is certainly Ilisu – small mountain village located at 1400-1600 m above sea level, 12km from the Gakh town. Thermal mineral sulfur springs located around this village have curative properties. Thousands of people from around the world come here for therapy and enjoy breathtaking nature – fairy-tale forests, waterfalls, ег rivers.

There are 2 rivers close to the village: one is called Garachay (black river) and the second – Agchay (white river) due to the color of their water. Have just waded Garachay river you can enjoy its waterfall Garachay. Thanks to the fact that this waterfall is located in such an inaccessible place the nature surrounding it is beautiful virgin. The waterfall consists of stages and the higher stage is the bigger and more aggressive the waterfall becomes. Not every tourist can reach the 4th stage, but some of local inhabitants can overcome 6th and 7th. But they say no one could come to the last of them.

Waterfall Ram-Rama, which is considered to be the highest in Azerbaijan is located in the same place. There are many historic monuments at the territory of Gakh district: castle ruins, towers etc.

The most ancient artifacts found here are considered pitcher burials (I century BC). Mounds discovered here in the result of archeological excavations are related to the Bronze Age. Watchtower (XIV century) and fortress Sumug Gala, that has a mosque in the centre are preserved in the Ilisu village at the height of 10 m. By the way, the famous movie “Don’t be afraid, I am with you” was shot there at one time. If you go higher to Shamil’s fortress (XIX century) on mount Yezlidag there appears a very nice view of the valley and the Great Caucasus ridge above the village.

In this part of Azerbaijan one can see a number of ancient Albanian temples – these are first churches in the Caucasus and some of the first churches in the world. There is a round in shape church in Gum village, a unique chapel – Gum basilica, ruins of buildings of V-VII centuries, fortress Sirtgala (XVIII century). Also in Lekit village there is a complex of majestic temple buildings (V-VI centuries).
So if you are an antiquity fan and connoisseur of natural beauty – welcome to Gakh! There are all conditions for accommodation in this area: 5-star hotel “EL Resort”, hotel “Eden Park”, tourist complexes “Ulu Dag Resort” and “Green Park Resort”, spa resorts “Ilisu” and “Shafa”. For a small pay (10-15 manat per person) you can stay in local residents’ houses.