Gabala and Shamakhi Day Tour from Baku

Shamakhi, the old capital of Shirvan

Shamakhi is one of the oldest towns in Azerbaijan and was the capital of the Shirvan state for centuries before the rulers moved to Baku. It sits in the hills roughly two hours from the capital, so it is the natural first stop on a Shamakhi day trip from Baku. Earthquakes have damaged the town many times, and most buildings you see are rebuilt.

The best-known sights are the Juma Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in the Caucasus, and the tombs of local rulers on a hillside nearby. Your guide explains how Shamakhi grew as a stop on the Silk Road and a centre of silk and crafts. Anyone wondering whether Shamakhi is worth visiting will find it a quiet, atmospheric place with far fewer crowds than Baku.

Gabala, an ancient town in the mountains

Gabala, spelled Qabala locally, was the capital of the ancient state of Caucasian Albania, and archaeologists have found the remains of a large settlement near the modern town. Today it is best known as a mountain holiday destination surrounded by forest, lakes and streams, so a Gabala day tour from Baku appeals to anyone who wants fresh air and green scenery.

The route to Gabala is part of the trip: after Shamakhi the road runs through wooded foothills with views of high peaks. The guide gives time for a stop in the town and short photo stops on the way. Lunch is not included on any option, so you can eat at a local restaurant at your own cost, and the guide can recommend a place.

Tufandag Mountain Resort and the cable car

Tufandag Mountain Resort sits on a slope above Gabala and is used for skiing in winter and for walking and viewpoints in summer. The cable car carries visitors high above the forest to a viewing area with wide views across the Caucasus range. It is the main reason many people search for a Gabala Tufandag tour from Baku.

With the cable car option, the tickets are already included, so you ride without paying at the resort. With the simpler shared option, activity fees at the resort are extra. Other rides and attractions at the resort are paid separately in both options. Take a jacket, because the top of the cable car is noticeably cooler than the valley, especially outside summer.

Travelling from Baku to Shamakhi and Gabala in one day

Shamakhi is about two hours from Baku and Gabala about two hours further, so the tour is a long day of 12 to 14 hours. A shared tour is the most practical way to see both places, because public transport between the towns is limited and taxis for a full day cost more than a group seat.

The group leaves at about 9:00 AM from the pickup points, with comfortable air-conditioned transport and a guide who explains the history on the way. Depending on the option you choose, a bottle of water and a Baku city and night tour are part of the package, so check the details before you book.