Shamakhi & Gabala: Day Trip from Baku with Lunch & Lake Stop

Summary

Mountain roads, tea in the woods, gabala cable car views, lakeside calm

You’ll travel from Baku through Shamakhi’s ancient mosque and mountain roads to Gabala’s forests, riding a cable car above ski trails before tasting local sweets by Lake Nohur. Expect moments of quiet under trees, laughter over tea ceremonies, and real glimpses into Azerbaijan’s history—all with transport and lunch included.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way our minibus windows fogged up as we left Baku behind—city sounds fading, replaced by the low hum of tires and someone’s playlist leaking through a phone speaker. Our guide, Emin, greeted us with that easy Azerbaijani warmth (I swear everyone here has patience for my clumsy questions). We stopped in Shamakhi just as the sun started to peek through clouds—there’s this old mosque there, Juma Mosque, built in 743. I could smell incense and stone dust inside. Emin explained how it survived earthquakes thanks to some ancient trick with bricks—I’m still not sure I understood it right, but the place felt solid in a way modern buildings don’t.

We wound through the Mugan mountain pass after that—my ears popped and someone laughed about feeling like we were on a plane. Lunch happened deep in Ismayilli forest at a wooden restaurant where birds seemed louder than people. The bread came out hot enough to burn my fingers and the tea was smoky-sweet; I tried to say “çay” properly but probably butchered it (Emin just grinned). There was this moment under the trees when everything went quiet except for wind and clinking glasses. I still think about that silence sometimes.

Gabala itself is different—more ski resort than ancient capital now. We took the cable car up Tufandag; honestly, I’m not great with heights but the view over Sleeping Beauty Mountain (Yatmysh Gezel) made me forget my nerves for a minute. Kids waved from below and you could see the whole city like toy houses. Afterward we had sweets at a little House of Sweets—so many kinds of halva I lost count—and then drove out to Lake Nohur. The air smelled like wet leaves and pine sap; some people rented catamarans but I just walked along the shore, shoes squelching in soft mud.

I almost forgot—the Seven Beauties Waterfall near Gabala is worth every slippery step (bring decent shoes). The climb gets steeper after level four but there are these tiny cafés tucked into the woods where you can catch your breath over another glass of tea. On the ride back, everyone was quieter—maybe tired or maybe just full from all those desserts. It’s hard to say what sticks most: old stones, mountain air, or that feeling of being somewhere both strange and inviting at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Baku to Gabala with key stops

• Meet guide in Baku
• Bus tour through Baku city
• Drive 250 km with stops
• Visit Juma Mosque in Shamakhi
• Drive along Mugan mountain Pass
• Lunch in Ismayilli forest restaurant
• Arrive at Gabala, visit Tufandag hotel
• Ride cable car over ski trails
• Tea party at House of Sweets
• Visit Lake Nohur, catamaran ride
• Visit Seven Beauties Waterfall
• Return trip with rest in Shamakhi

Top questions

How long does the Shamakhi & Gabala day trip take?

The tour covers about 250 kilometers each way from Baku and lasts a full day with multiple stops including lunch and sightseeing.

Is lunch included on this day trip from Baku?

Yes, lunch is included at a forest restaurant in Ismayilli as part of the tour package.

Are entry fees covered for attractions like Juma Mosque?

The tour includes guided visits to sites such as Juma Mosque; entry fees are covered.

Is there hotel pickup for this tour?

The tour includes pickup by air-conditioned minibus arranged by Azerbaijan Travel International.

Can vegetarians be accommodated on this tour?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested at time of booking.

How challenging is the Seven Beauties Waterfall hike?

The lower levels are easy but climbing past level four requires stairs; comfortable shoes recommended.

What languages do guides speak on this trip?

Guides speak English and Russian during the tour.

Are infants or children allowed on this trip?

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult; infants sit on an adult’s lap.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Baku by air-conditioned minibus with an English- or Russian-speaking guide, all site entry fees including Juma Mosque, a three-course lunch at a forest restaurant in Ismayilli (with vegetarian options), guided cable car ride in Gabala, dessert tasting at House of Sweets with tea ceremony, time at Lake Nohur and Seven Beauties Waterfall before returning in comfort late afternoon.