Azerbaijan is a country that connects two continents, with a rich history and beautiful nature. The state is washed by the waters of the Caspian Sea and has many mountains, which occupy more than half of the entire territory of the country. These are mountains from the system of the Greater and Lesser Caucasus, the Talysh mountains. These places cause indescribable delight and unforgettable impressions from visiting.
The uniqueness of the country is that the weather in Azerbaijan is very diverse, which is caused by nine climatic zones out of 11 existing in the world.
Babadag
This peak is located in the east of the Dividing Range near the Karachay River. The height of this mountain of Azerbaijan is 3,629 meters. The name can be translated from Iranian or Turkic as "great-grandfather" or "grandfather".
There is a legend about Babadag that in the old days a wise old man was buried on the mountain. Now not only climbers, but also pilgrims make the ascent to the top.
This is one of the most popular mountains for climbing, the southern trail is considered the most picturesque. Its beginning is near the village of Chaigovushan. But the most convenient is the trail starting from the village of Lagich. On the northern side of the mountaintwo more paths, the longest of which starts from the settlements of Talysh and Derk. Climbing Badabag is technically fairly easy.
Shahdag
Ski resort in Azerbaijan. Unusually, this mountain really has snow all year round. A few years ago, there was nothing in this area. Now there are about 20 kilometers of trails. The resort operates from December to April. The height of the slopes is from 1372 to 2525 meters, 7 drag lifts and 4 chairlifts.
A ski school operates on the basis of the resort. The temperature in these places is from -5 to -15 degrees. The resort is public, there are also four hotels, one of which is five-star. From the capital of the state to the resort is only 3 hours drive. From related services - SPA center.
Mount Bazarduzu
This is the highest mountain in Azerbaijan, its height is 4466 meters. The name itself means "market square". In ancient times, this mountain was used to navigate when going to the fair, which was held in the valley of Mount Shakhnabad. And the local Lezgins call it the “Mountain of Horror.”
Bazarduzu is a certain boundary sign, since the northern and southern slopes belong to different states. The first ascent to the summit was in 1847, and Alexandrov A. made it, his path ran along the northeast ridge. In 1993, E. Ragimov climbed the southern ridge, and Y. Asadov climbed the southwestern side.
Now it's a popular climbing spot. South side suitable for beginnersclimbers, and the northern one is already classified as the highest category of difficulty.
Talysh Mountains
These mountains are located near the border with Iran. Their total length is 100 kilometers, and they are part of the Elbrus mountain system. The highest peak is Mount Kamarkukh (2,477 meters above sea level). By the way, this peak, like Mount Joni and Shindan, is considered an extinct volcano. The locals call her Amard.
Very picturesque eastern slope of these mountains, broad-leaved subtropical plants grow here. And at an altitude of 600 meters, beech, hornbeam and oak trees are already appearing.
The highlands covered with meadow and steppe plants look no less attractive. The western slope is covered mainly by representatives of the xerophyte genus.
On the territory of these mountains of Azerbaijan is located the Hirkan Reserve, where a relict forest of the Tertiary period grows. More than 190 species of vegetation are represented here, 160 of which grow only in these mountains. Several species of animals live on the territory of the reserve, such as stone marten, Caucasian lynx, Persian snake and others.
Near the cities of Lankaran, Astara and Masalli, in the mountains, there are mineral springs.
Yanar Dag
This is not the most popular object of mountainous Azerbaijan, it is not even a mountain, but a hill, 116 meters high. The peculiarity of this place is completely different, under the natural object there are huge deposits of gas, which periodically breaks out. The flame rises to a height of 3meters. Unlike other similar places, there are no mud streams and water features, so the fire never goes out.
It is better to come here at night, then the 10-meter wall of fire looks majestic and grandiose. You need to be prepared that there is always a smell of gas in the area. The hill is located near the village of Mehemmedi, 25 kilometers from Baku. By the way, there is a healing mud volcano not far away.
Tufandag
Another ski resort in Azerbaijan. It can accommodate up to 3,000 people at the same time. Tufandag is located near the city of Gabala, on Mount Tufan. The highest point is 4191 meters. The skiing area is naturally located not at the very top, but at a level from 1 to 1.9 thousand meters. Hotels are even lower, at an altitude of up to 1251 meters. The longest track is 1920 meters, the total length of all tracks is 17 kilometers, with a slope of 25 to 40 degrees. The resort welcomes guests from December to March.
Geyzan and other popular mountain sites of the country
This is a real monument of nature. The height of Mount Geyzan is only 250 meters, but there are always a lot of people around it. It is located in the Kazakh region, two kilometers from the Jogazchay river. This mountain of Azerbaijan is the result of a volcanic eruption that occurred several thousand years ago. The name of the mountain is translated as "conqueror of the sky." On the slopes of the natural object, the remains of an ancient settlement have been preserved. It is assumed that ancient people gathered on the top of the mountain (it has a flat shape) and celebratedholidays.
Beshbarmag is an amazingly shaped mountain, outwardly resembling five outstretched fingers, in principle, hence the name. Its height is 1200 meters and it is located near the highway to Baku (northern direction). The mountain is shrouded in many legends. First of all, Muslim pilgrims come to it, because the shape of the mountain resembles the symbol of believers - the hand of the imam. And the local population believes that if you climb to the top and make a wish, it will surely come true. There is another legend that the prophet Khyzyr drank living water on Mount Beshbarmag and after that he became immortal. Even the remains of medieval settlements have been preserved at the site. And behind the very peak, the ruins of the ancient city of Khursangala, which was supposedly built in the 3rd century BC, have been preserved. And in the holy place "Pir Khydyr Zinda" pilgrims pray.
Kapaz is a whole mountain range with a total length of 34 kilometers. The highest point is 3066 meters. Only individual excursions are conducted to this mountain, since in this place of Azerbaijan the weather is very changeable, and until the middle of summer there is snow, and the water in the springs is very cold. But the most interesting thing is that in 1138 there was an earthquake here. As a result of which the fragments of the mountain blocked the sources of the Akhsu river and Semiozerie appeared. The most significant and visited is Blue Lake, which is located in the center of the arc. Although the most beautiful is considered Deer Lake or Maragel.
Gabala
If you want to enjoy the mountain air and the surrounding beauties, then it is best to go on vacation to the mountains of Azerbaijan, andin the city of Gabala. It is located in the gorge of the Bazar-Yurt and Tufan mountains, in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus. This is the oldest city in the country, its history is estimated at two millennia. There are beautiful waterfalls, lakes and rivers here, so the second name of the city is “Azerbaijani Switzerland”.
Here there are new buildings and ancient narrow streets. And for all admirers of Alexandre Dumas, there is a sightseeing tour of the places through which the writer's path lay when traveling through the Caucasus. The districts of the city are famous for their age-old chestnuts and nuts. And rocky ridges will delight the eye every day, especially since there are many trails and interesting routes along narrow gorges to mountain peaks.
