Azerbaijan is a unique country in terms of tourism. This region is rich in beautiful natural places, resorts of a modern level, which are no worse than European ones, for example. The country is currently developing the sphere of summer beach tourism, as well as winter tourism. The ski resorts of Azerbaijan (whose description you will find in this article) attract tourists who come from various places, and their flow does not decrease, but only increases every year.
Resorts of Azerbaijan
Where to visit in Azerbaijan? These are, undoubtedly, resorts in such cities as Gabala, Gusar, Sheki, Naftalan. The list can be continued for a long time. Here you can find comfortable places to stay in five-star hotels, go on an excursion and see natural monuments of extraordinary beauty and historical sights of the country. But the main type of recreation in the resorts are wintersports. The ski resorts of Azerbaijan (photo below) offer the opportunity to spend time actively and comfortably. The most popular in this area are the Tufan and Shahdag complexes.
Shahdag
In the past, this area was a kind of gateway in the north-east of the country to Europe and the Middle East. This region, which is surrounded by the mighty Caucasus Mountains, is rich in natural beauty. Here you can find the remains of ancient glaciers, look at the gorges and lakes, make sure how rich the flora and fauna of Shahdag is.
Climatic conditions of the region suggest cold winters and warm summers, which is suitable for practicing various sports at any time of the year. Shahdag is home to one of the largest ski resorts in the country, as well as a well-known national park. Arriving here, you will feel all the beauty of these heavenly places, which you will not be able to forget for a long time.
Shahdag complex
Recently, the ski resorts of Azerbaijan have received great development. Shahdag was opened in 2011, with the second cable car and ski slope opening in the presence of President Ilham Aliyev. The complex itself is located at an altitude of two and a half thousand meters above sea level, provides for the presence of nineteen different slopes.
In "Shahdag" there are instructors with extensive experience who teachskiing tourists. In addition, you can snowboard here or try air skiing. Children's recreation is also possible using ATVs. Your child will not be bored, because here he can find something for himself in the fortress of balloons or ride an inflatable sled.
Finding the summer-winter complex "Shahdag" is very simple: it is located near the territory of the national park of the same name, in a picturesque mountainous area. Do not worry that you will have nowhere to stay for a holiday, as there are many hotels where tourists can book rooms for every taste and from different price categories. If you get tired from playing sports, you have the opportunity to go to one of the many spas and relax after tiring skiing or snowboarding.
You can come to Shahdag not only in winter, but also in summer. At this time, tourists of any age can relax in the adventure park, on inflatable fortresses. You can also take a walk on a quad bike, etc. All these services are offered by a modern four-star Zirva hotel equipped with an elevator base.
Shahdag Hotels
Since today a large number of travelers come to the ski resorts of Azerbaijan, hotels here must comply with world trends and standards. In the tourist complex, which is surrounded by mighty mountains that provide a delightful natural scenery, as well as a national park, you can stay inone of the modern hotels. Each has its own advantages, as well as the unique design of the building itself. Therefore, you have the opportunity to choose a hotel room for yourself, based on your personal preferences.
Recreation in "Zirve" is very popular. This is a modern generation hotel with three stars, which offers its services to those who love active tourism and skiing. In this hotel you can experience all the delights of relaxation and admire the local beauties.
Also, a large number of tourists settle in mountain houses, which are a kind of ski hotel for families. Here you can both be alone and live with loved ones or friends.
The first modern mountain hotel in the country is the Shahdag Spa Hotel. This place combines the traditional customs of Azerbaijan and the current trends in the hotel business. At Shahdag Spa Hotel, you can feel like you are in a hotel that compares with the most luxurious establishments around the world.
In addition, PİK PALACE Shahdag, which is located two hundred and thirty kilometers from the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku, will provide you with a truly luxurious vacation.
Complex "Tufan"
The complex called "Tufan" is located in the city of Gabala, Azerbaijan. The ski resort was opened only two years ago, in a beautiful mountainous area. Despite the recent history of the complex, it is well equipped and offers touristsservices at a high level of service. Work is still underway to improve the resort, but it is open to visitors. There are four modern cable cars, ski slopes, and ski school teachers.
There are many hotels and inns open for accommodation, for example, the five-star Riverside Hotel, where you can buy or rent skis. To date, the infrastructure of "Tufan" is improving, here you can find a place to relax for yourself and your child. Therefore, do not waste your money and efforts in vain, because it is absolutely not necessary to go to distant lands and pay huge sums in western resorts. Come to Azerbaijan and see that a real fairy tale is closer than you think.
City of Gabala
Having arrived in Azerbaijan, many tourists get tired of ski resorts and want to truly feel the flavor and atmosphere of these places. In Gabala, you can look at a lot of historical and cultural monuments, the nature of the region, try the local cuisine, buy souvenirs.
As for the history of the city, it has been going on for two thousand years. Until 1991, it had a different name, and until the second half of the last century, so few people lived here that it was generally called a village. Recently, Gabala has become completely different.
The city is surrounded by the mountains of the Caucasus, so tourists will not be bored here. You can feel the heady air of these places, enjoyviews of clean, clear rivers and lakes. Gabala is known as local Switzerland.
Climatic conditions here are influenced by mountainous terrain. In the area you can take a walk in the famous chestnut and walnut forests. In the springtime, the trees bloom here, which provides a unique scenery.
Sights of Gabala
In this city, visitors can see many cultural and historical attractions. It is especially recommended for tourists to visit the Albanian temple, the tombs of Sheikhs Mansur and Badraddin, the historical museum and the local theater, etc.
If we talk about natural attractions, then the main ones are mountain gorges near Tufan and Bazar-Yurt. In the Gabala region, visitors love to look at the ridges of rocks, peaks behind the clouds and forest expanses.
This is where one of the most famous routes for climbers is located. This is Mount Bazarduzu, climbing which attracts many tourists.
Employees of an excursion organization work in Gabala, which deals with tours of historical sights, plans hunting and fishing trips. On Lake Nokhur, you can stay at a local recreation center. Here, tourists have the opportunity to walk to the waterfall or along the forest paths.
The area has a unique itinerary for hikers that closely replicates the path of Alexandre Dumas in the Caucasus in 1858.
As for the city of Gabala itself, you can walk along clean and well-groomed streets. If you get boredurban atmosphere, you will have the opportunity to go on a journey through the chestnut and walnut forests, many of which are more than a century old.
Gabala has its own amusement park. In "Gabaland" you can ride wonderful rides that will give you and your family unique memories of your vacation. Luna Park is open from morning until night, so you can walk here until late. "Gabaland" provides the opportunity to buy national Azerbaijani souvenirs made by local craftsmen.
Rest in Gabala
Gabala and its surroundings have many establishments where you can eat and enjoy European and national cuisine. Restaurant "Khanlar" serves gourmet food. In this expensive establishment, you can try one of the real Azerbaijani delicacies - sheep offal.
In the Gabala region, there is a village called Hamzali, where tourists can buy a special halva, the secret of which is not revealed to anyone.
