The trip continues with a horseback ride through the mountain landscapes of Gabala, followed by tea at the cozy "Eagle's Nest" restaurant. This full journey brings together different kinds of experiences — from cultural landmarks to outdoor adventures — and it adds a wonderful new chapter to any traveler's trips around Azerbaijan.
Gabala for 2 Days: Mountains, Tufandag and Horseback Riding
₼250
₼225
Tour Itinerary
The first important stop on the route is the ancient Juma Mosque in Shamakhi — a city with a rich historical and cultural heritage. For centuries, Shamakhi was one of the most important centers of the Shirvanshah state and played a significant role in the history of the region.
The mosque's current building still carries the memory of a long history, and its origins go back to the 8th century, when the first Muslim temple was built here. The architecture of the Juma Mosque is impressive in its scale and in how it brings together the historical traditions of the East.
During the stop, you can walk around the mosque grounds, learn more about its past, and feel the atmosphere of ancient Shamakhi. This place sets a historical mood for the whole journey through the mountain areas of Azerbaijan.
After Shamakhi, the route passes through the beautiful forests of the Ismailli region, where the landscape around you slowly starts to change. The road leads into green mountain areas, where oak, maple, and other trees typical of this part of the Caucasus grow.
The thick greenery, fresh air, and calm atmosphere make this part of the trip especially pleasant. Here, nature becomes the main impression, and the road itself turns into a real part of the journey.
Mountain slopes, forest roads, and changing views let you see a very different Azerbaijan — far from the noise of the city. Driving through the Ismailli forests is especially beautiful in the warm season, when the mountains are covered in rich green color.
One of the more unusual stops is the hanging bridge in Ismailli, located among the mountain nature on the way to the historical village of Lahij. The bridge crosses a mountain river and offers a beautiful view of the water, the gorge, and the forested slopes.
A short walk across the bridge adds a small sense of adventure to the trip and lets you feel closer to nature. From up high, you can clearly see the fast-moving river and the mountain scenery around it.
It's also a great spot for photos: the mix of the hanging structure, the forests, and the Caucasus Mountains creates striking pictures. The stop gives you a chance to rest a little from the road, breathe fresh air, and enjoy the quiet of the mountain area.
As we continue toward Gabala, we will stop for lunch at a restaurant with a panoramic view of the valley and the surrounding hills. The view from here adds a nice touch to the food part of the trip.
The menu lets you try traditional dishes of Azerbaijani cuisine, turning lunch into part of the cultural experience of the trip. Local food plays a special role in tours in Azerbaijan, so getting to know it fits naturally into the excursion program.
After lunch, the route continues toward Gabala — one of the most popular mountain destinations in Azerbaijan. Ahead, guests will see natural attractions, mountain views, and the active part of the journey.
The next stop is the "Seven Beauties" waterfall — one of the well-known natural spots in the Gabala region. It sits among thick forest, where cascades of water fall over rocky ledges, creating a cool and peaceful atmosphere.
The name of the waterfall comes from a local legend, which gives this natural landmark an extra folk charm. The path to the upper cascades goes along stairs and trails, turning the visit into a small hike.
Beautiful views of the forested slopes open up around you, and the sound of the water creates a pleasant contrast with the quiet of the mountains. Here you can take photos, rest for a while, and enjoy the nature of Gabala.
Gabala is known not only for its history and nature but also for its modern mountain resort options. One of the main attractions of the region is the Tufandag resort, located among the scenic slopes of the Greater Caucasus.
Cable cars let you go higher up and see the landscape around you from above, and the panoramic views make the resort attractive at any time of year. In winter, ski slopes are open here, while in other seasons the mountains become a great place for walks and relaxation.
One of the notable natural landmarks of the region is Mount Yatmish Gezel, also known as the "Sleeping Beauty." A visit to Tufandag brings a modern element into the program and shows Gabala as a popular center for mountain and active tourism.
After a full day, guests arrive in Gabala and check in at the Gabala Garden Hotel. A comfortable overnight stay means you don't have to rush back to Baku, giving you more time to get to know the town and its evening atmosphere.
After check-in, the evening is free, so you can take a walk around Gabala on your own, relax at the hotel, or spend time at one of the local places. A quiet evening becomes a nice break before the active program of the next day.
In the morning, the journey continues, and the overnight stay lets you start the next stage of the route without a long drive. This format works especially well for travelers who want to get to know the mountain regions of the country more deeply: it is a full Gabala tour with overnight stay, not just a short trip of a few hours.
The morning of the second day starts with a short drive from the hotel to the place where the horseback ride begins. Mountain trails, green valleys, and beautiful views of the Gabala region open up in front of guests.
Horseback riding lets you see nature from an unusual point of view and feel the atmosphere of a real mountain adventure. The route goes through beautiful landscapes, where forest roads, green valleys, and mountain slopes all become part of the overall experience.
This Gabala horseback riding tour brings together the nature of Gabala and active rest, giving you time outdoors and bright impressions from the mountain scenery. After the ride, we will head to the "Eagle's Nest" restaurant in the village of Laza, where you can relax over a cup of tea and enjoy the views around you.
After resting at the restaurant, the trip comes to an end, and we head back to Baku. Over two days, the route lets you see historical Shamakhi, the forests of Ismailli, the mountain scenery of Gabala, and get to know one of the most beautiful natural regions of the country.
The mix of cultural sights, nature, food, a comfortable overnight stay, and horseback riding makes the program rich and varied. For travelers planning a trip with an overnight stay in Azerbaijan, this route is a great chance to combine several experiences in one journey.
The journey ends, but the memories of the Caucasus Mountains, Gabala, and this 2-day horseback riding tour will stay with you for a long time. Keep exploring Azerbaijan by choosing tours around regions of Azerbaijan and discovering new routes, natural attractions, historical places, and cultural traditions of the country.
Tour Category:
Day Trips
Group Size:
1-17
Start Time:
07:30
Duration:
2 days
Pickup Location:
Azerbaijan avenue 1/ KFC parking
Transport:
Sedan, Mercedes-Benz Vito, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
What's Included
- Professional english-speaking guide;
- Round-trip transfer from the hotel and back for both days;
- Horses for the horseback ride;
- Services of experienced instructors;
- Tea at the "Eagle's Nest" restaurant;
- Visits to natural and historical attractions along the route;
- Support from the guide throughout the whole excursion program.
What's Not Included
- Personal expenses;
- Accommodation at the Gabala Garden Hotel;
- Tickets for the Tufandag cable car — 20 ₼;
- Entrance ticket for the Hanging Bridge — 2 ₼;
- Lunch on the first day;
- Picnic in the forest on the second day — 15 ₼.
Note
If the client wishes, and with prior agreement, the Gabala Garden Hotel can be replaced with another option;
The horseback riding program may be slightly adjusted depending on weather conditions and the state of the route;
For the horseback ride, comfortable clothing and closed shoes are recommended;
Any extra costs not listed in the "Included" section are paid by travelers themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
An early start lets us make both days as full as possible and not lose time on the road. In the early morning, traffic leaving Baku is usually lighter, so the drive is more comfortable. An early start also leaves enough time to visit the attractions, relax in Gabala, and go on the horseback ride.
If the early start doesn't allow time for a proper breakfast at the hotel, you can ask reception in advance to prepare a lunch box. There are also stops along the way where you can buy coffee, tea, or a light snack if needed.
The length of the trip depends on traffic and the number of stops along the route. There are stops planned at interesting attractions along the way, so the drive is not just a regular transfer but a real part of the tour. The route covers historical and natural sites in Shamakhi, Ismailli, and Gabala.
During the first day, the program includes several interesting stops. Depending on the route, travelers can visit the Juma Mosque in Shamakhi, the beautiful forests of the Ismailli region, the Hanging Bridge, the "Seven Beauties" waterfall, and other natural attractions. In Gabala, there is also a visit to the Tufandag resort.
Lunch on the first day is not included in the tour price, so guests choose their own dishes and pay for them on the spot. There is a stop at a restaurant in Gabala, where you can rest after the drive and try dishes of Azerbaijani cuisine.
The second day is about the nature of Gabala and active rest. The main part of the program is a horseback ride through beautiful scenery with an instructor. After the ride, there is a visit to the "Eagle's Nest" restaurant, where guests can relax over a cup of tea and enjoy the panoramic views.
No, previous horseback riding experience is not required. Before the ride, the instructor will explain the basic rules for handling a horse and help you get ready for the route. The pace and style of the ride are adjusted to fit the abilities of the participants and the conditions of the route.
The safety of guests is one of the main priorities during the horseback ride. Participants are accompanied by an experienced instructor, who explains the rules for handling the horse and keeps an eye on the ride along the route. If weather conditions or the state of the route change, the program may be adjusted.
The tour is suitable for family trips, but whether a child can take part in the horseback ride depends on their age, physical ability, and the instructor's judgment. It's important to keep every child safe, so the final decision about taking part in the horseback ride is made based on the instructor's advice.
For the horseback ride, comfortable sports clothing, closed shoes, and clothes that don't limit movement are recommended. In cooler weather, it's a good idea to bring an extra warm layer. Avoid high heels, open shoes, or clothing that could get in the way while riding.
Yes, extra warm clothing is recommended at any time of year. In the mountain areas of Gabala, the temperature can be quite different from Baku, especially in the morning, in the evening, and at higher altitudes. A light jacket or sweater will help you feel comfortable during the walks and the horseback ride.
No special physical fitness is needed for the regular excursion program. However, the horseback ride is an active part of the tour, so participants should think about their own health and physical condition. If you have any doubts about taking part in the horseback ride, it's best to mention this in advance when booking.
Each season shows Gabala in its own way. In spring and summer, the green forests, valleys, and mountain scenery are especially attractive, while in autumn the route takes on bright natural colors. In winter, it's much colder in the mountains, and weather conditions can affect certain activities. If needed, the program is adjusted to keep things comfortable and safe for participants.
Yes, there are plenty of chances for photos and videos during the tour. The forests of Gabala, mountain roads, valleys, and panoramic views make great settings for photography. During the horseback ride, it's important to follow the instructor's advice and not use your phone in a way that could affect safety.
It's a good idea to bring comfortable clothes and shoes, a warm layer in case of cool weather, sun protection, and any personal items you need. For the second day, comfortable closed shoes and clothing suitable for active rest and horseback riding are especially important.
Yes. If the client wishes, and with prior agreement, the Gabala Garden Hotel can be replaced with another accommodation option. The possibility of changing it and the details of the stay need to be agreed on before the trip starts.
Yes, there are different options for two-day trips around Azerbaijan. To find a route that includes other regions and attractions, we recommend checking the "Similar Tours" section and choosing the program that suits you best.
If you didn't find the information you needed in this section, we recommend checking other material in the "FAQ" section. There you'll find more answers to common questions from travelers.
If you still have questions about the program, accommodation, the horseback ride, or trip arrangements, please contact us through the "Contacts" section. We will try to reply to your message within 24 hours.
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