Shamakhi & Gabala Day Trip: Cable Car, Waterfall & Lavender

Summary

Mountain air, waterfalls and cable cars in Gabala and Shamakhi

You’ll leave Baku behind for mountain air in Shamakhi & Gabala: touch ancient stone at Diri Baba Mausoleum, breathe deep in blooming lavender fields, taste local food over lunch, and ride a cable car high above forests and waterfalls—all with pickup and a guide who knows every story.

What’s the experience like?

The drive out of Baku felt like shaking off city dust. Our guide, Elvin, had this way of pointing out things you’d never notice—he made a joke about the sheep crossing the road like they owned it (honestly, they kind of did). First stop was the Diri Baba Mausoleum. It’s wedged right into a cliff, almost hidden if you’re not looking for it. The stone felt cool under my hand, and there was this faint incense smell inside that I didn’t expect. Elvin told us stories about pilgrims who used to climb up here centuries ago—I tried to imagine that, but mostly I just listened to the wind whistling through those old stones.

Gabala is greener than I thought. We hit the lavender fields next—late May, so everything was buzzing with bees and that purple haze everywhere. I tried to get a photo but ended up just standing there breathing in the scent (it’s stronger than any soap you’ll buy at home). Lunch happened somewhere between laughter and trying to figure out what exactly was in that stew—Elvin said it’s better not to ask sometimes. I liked that honesty.

The “Seven Beauties” waterfall wasn’t huge but it was loud—the kind of noise that drowns out your thoughts for a bit. Kids were splashing at the bottom; one little girl handed me a wet pebble for no reason at all. The real surprise for me was the cable car up above Gabala—never been on one before. It creaked as we climbed past 1900 meters and suddenly everything below looked tiny: forests, rooftops, even our minibus parked by the road. My ears popped and someone behind me gasped at the view—I still think about that stretch of green valleys under clouds.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Gabala's historic and natural sites

• Visit Diri Baba Mausoleum
• Explore lavender fields in Gabala
• Have lunch
• See Seven Beauties waterfall
• Ride cable car for mountain views

Top questions

How long does the Shamakhi & Gabala day trip take from Baku?

This is a full-day tour departing from Baku with drop-off back in the city area in the evening.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch is included during your day trip from Baku to Shamakhi & Gabala.

Are entrance tickets covered?

Yes, entry fees are included for all scheduled stops such as Diri Baba Mausoleum.

What’s special about the lavender fields in Gabala?

The lavender fields bloom between May and July with vibrant color and strong aroma—perfect for photos or relaxing walks.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

Hotel pickup is available if you select that option when booking your day trip from Baku.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible on this group tour.

How high does the cable car go in Gabala?

The cable car rises above 1920 meters offering wide views of Azerbaijan’s highest peaks around Gabala.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable transport with AC, hotel pickup if selected, entry tickets to each site including Diri Baba Mausoleum, lunch along the route (no need to worry about bringing food), plus a discount card for Sheker Bura shop before returning to Baku by evening—all guided by a professional local expert.