Private Gabala Shamakhi Tour from Baku: Juma Mosque & Nohur Lake

Juma Mosque tour with expert guide revealing its history since 743 AD

A private tour from Baku to Gabala and Shamakhi with a live English-speaking driver, covering three major sites across a full day. You visit the Juma Mosque in Shamakhi, one of the Caucasus's oldest places of worship; Nohur Lake, a forest-ringed natural lake in the northern highlands; and the Seven Beauties Waterfall in Vandam village, a seven-tiered cascade named after a poem by the medieval poet Nizami Ganjavi. Pickup from your Baku hotel, air-conditioned transport, bottled water and all driving are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Gabala and Shamakhi highlights

• Visit Juma Mosque in Shamakhi
• Enjoy Nohur Lake scenery and activities
• Hike to Seven Beauties Waterfall
• Experience Tufandag Mountain Resort

The experience

The Juma Mosque in Shamakhi is the anchor of this tour. Built originally in 743 AD, it is the second oldest mosque in the Caucasus and the oldest in Azerbaijan. The current structure was reconstructed in 2013 after the 1859 earthquake that destroyed the city and later damage from 1918 clashes. Your driver knows the layers of that history and will walk you through the elegance and quiet of the site itself, not just its dates. From there, the route heads north to Nohur Lake, a natural lake surrounded by dense forest, with clear water and mountains visible in the distance. The lake sits in a zone rich in rare bird species and endemic plants, and you have time to walk the shoreline or simply sit by the water.

The Seven Beauties Waterfall is your third major stop, located in Vandam village near the Georgian border. Seven tiers of cascading water drop over 70 meters total, and the name comes from a poem by Nizami Ganjavi, the 12th-century Azerbaijani poet, in which each waterfall represents a different virtue. A scenic hike through the forest brings you to the pools and streams around the base. If time and energy allow, Tufandag Mountain Resort in Gabala is also on the itinerary. A cable car network takes you up for views of the surrounding landscape, and the resort has restaurants and shops at the summit. The drive from Baku to Gabala is roughly three to three and a half hours each way, so plan for a full day out of the city.

Your driver speaks English and will narrate the route with stories and context about each location. The vehicle is air-conditioned, bottled water is provided, and all parking and fuel costs are covered in the price. Pickup from your Baku accommodation is included, as is the return drop-off. You are not responsible for navigation, timing or logistics. The driver handles the route and pacing so you can focus on the sites themselves.

What’s included

• Private air-conditioned transportation from your Baku hotel.
• English-speaking driver for the full day.
• bottled water throughout the tour.
• all parking fees and fuel surcharge.
• return drop-off to your accommodation.

Options for this experience

4 options

Private Gabala Shamakhi TourUp to 3 per booking · Guide in 5 languages · No fixed timeIncludes pickup

Italian/Spanish LanguageUp to 15 per booking · No fixed timeItalian/Spanish-language tour; pickup is included

Minivan (3-6 persons)Up to 6 per booking · Guide in 5 languages · No fixed timeComfort minivan Mercedes XL Vito/Viano, where six people can sit very comfortably; pickup is included

Bus (15 persons)Up to 15 per booking · Guide in 5 languages · No fixed timeComfortable 20-seat Mercedes Sprinter bus, where groups of 15 people can sit very comfortably; pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, Italian, Arabic and Russian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 17 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Baku Heritage Tours

Is this one for you?The private vehicle and driver mean you set the pace at each stop (linger at the Juma Mosque if its history draws you, or spend extra time hiking around the waterfall) without waiting for a group or sticking to a fixed schedule. If you prefer a shared bus tour or need a smaller minivan, those options are available at checkout.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, Italian, Arabic and Russian.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Juma Mosque in Shamakhi, and why is it significant?

The Juma Mosque was first built in 743 AD, making it the second oldest mosque in the Caucasus and the oldest in Azerbaijan. The current structure was reconstructed in 2013 after being destroyed in the 1859 earthquake that leveled Shamakhi and later damaged during 1918 clashes. It is one of Azerbaijan's largest and most ornate places of worship.

Can I swim or boat on Nohur Lake, or is it just for viewing?

Nohur Lake is a natural lake surrounded by forest where visitors can fish, hike, camp, enjoy a scenic boat ride, or picnic by the water's edge. The area is home to rare bird species and endemic plants, making it popular for nature activities as well as simply walking the shoreline.

How far is Gabala from Baku, and how much driving time should I expect?

Gabala is roughly three to three and a half hours' drive from Baku in each direction, so plan for approximately six to seven hours of driving across the full day. Your driver handles all navigation and transport, and the route includes stops at Shamakhi, Nohur Lake, Vandam village, and Tufandag Mountain Resort.

Is lunch included in this tour?

Lunch is not included in the tour price. Tufandag Mountain Resort has restaurants and cafes at the summit, and there are dining options in the towns along the route, but you will need to arrange and pay for meals separately.