Gabala & Shamakhi day tour from Baku: Four stops, one guide
Glide above mountain forests on Tufandag’s cable car and paddle Nohur Lake’s calm waters
A full-day guided tour from Baku to Gabala and Shamakhi covers four stops: the Juma Mosque (the oldest in the Caucasus), Nohur lake surrounded by forest, the Tufandag Cable Car network, and Yeddi Gozel forest waterfall with seven levels. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with a professional English or Russian-speaking guide; the tour runs 12 hours and starts at 9am.
12h
Step-by-step itinerary
Full day tour from Baku to Gabala
- Meet at Baku accommodation
- Visit Juma Mosque in Shamakhi
- Stop at Nohur lake and optional paddle boats
- Ride Tufandag Cable Car
- See Yeddi Gozel forest waterfall
- Drive back and drop off at hotel
The Experience
You're picked up from your Baku hotel at 9am and driven north toward Gabala. The first stop is Shamakhi, the former capital of Azerbaijan, where you visit the Juma Mosque—the oldest mosque in the entire Caucasus. From there the route moves to Nohur lake, a forest-ringed body of water where paddle boats are available if you want to get on the water (4 manats per person, four people per boat). The lake sits quiet enough that the contrast with the city behind you is immediate.
The third stop is Tufandag, a cable car system that climbs into the mountains behind Gabala. It's one of the longest cable car networks in the world, and the ride itself is the centerpiece of the day—the views open up as you ascend, and the Alpine scenery around Gabala spreads below. You're not just watching; you're riding it. After Tufandag, the tour moves to Yeddi Gozel forest waterfall, known as Seven Beauties for its seven levels, though only three are visible from the walking path. The waterfall is modest—the operator notes not to expect Niagara—but it sits deep in the forest and requires a walk to reach it.
The return to Baku takes the afternoon. You're dropped at your hotel after a 12-hour day that covers ground most visitors don't reach on their own. A professional guide travels with the group and speaks English or Russian. If you need a vegetarian meal, let the operator know when you book.
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from your Baku accommodation.
- professional guide in English or Russian.
- access to four stops (Juma Mosque, Nohur lake, Tufandag Cable Car, and Yeddi Gozel waterfall).
Operated by Old City Tours LLC
Is this one for you?The tour runs 12 hours with a 9am start and involves a long drive, cable car ride, and a moderate forest walk to the waterfall—book this if you have a full day free and want to cover ground that's difficult to reach without a guide and vehicle.
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Top questions
What is the Juma Mosque and why does the tour stop there?
The Juma Mosque in Shamakhi is the oldest mosque in the entire Caucasus region and a significant historical site in Azerbaijan. It's the first stop on the tour after leaving Baku, marking Shamakhi's importance as the former capital.
Can I go on the paddle boats at Nohur lake, or is that a separate cost?
Paddle boats at Nohur lake are optional and cost 5 manats per person; each boat holds four people. You can skip them and walk around the lake instead if you prefer.
What should I know about the Yeddi Gozel waterfall before I go?
Yeddi Gozel (Seven Beauties) is a forest waterfall with seven levels, but only three are visible from the walking path. It's a modest waterfall set in the woods, not a large cascade, so adjust your expectations accordingly.
Does the tour include lunch or entrance fees?
Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with a professional guide. The entrance fee for the Tufandag Cable Car is not included in the tour price and must be paid separately.
How early does the day start, and what should I wear?
The tour starts at 9am with pickup from your hotel. Dress code is smart casual, and the day involves walking at the waterfall and riding the cable car, so wear comfortable shoes and layers for the mountain elevation.
Is this tour suitable if I'm not very fit or if I have young children?
The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and infants can sit on an adult's lap during the drive. The walking at the waterfall is moderate, and most of the day is spent in the vehicle or on the cable car.
Gabala & Shamakhi day tour from Baku: Four stops, one guide
12h · EN · RU · at your hotel
from US$ 59 per person
★★★★★★★★★★4.56205 reviewsVerified traveler reviews via our booking provider
