The Guba-Khachmaz Region is a beautiful part of Azerbaijan in the northeast. You’ll see mountains, forests, waterfalls, and old villages in this region. The Caspian Sea is on one side, and the Caucasus Mountains are on the other. Our Guba Khachmaz travel guide will help you discover what to see and where to stop. To make your trip easy, it’s best to rent a car. With your car, you can visit small towns and explore hidden spots.
The Guba Khachmaz region is a green area in the northeast of Azerbaijan. It stretches from the Caspian Sea on one side to the Caucasus Mountains on the other. This region includes five main areas: Guba, Khachmaz, Qusar, Shabran, and Siyazan. The region is also one of the few parts of Azerbaijan that lies in Europe, not just Asia.
Many travelers visit this area for its fresh air, natural beauty, and cultural spots. You’ll find thick forests, cold mountain rivers, and fields full of fruit trees. The weather changes as you travel. It’s warmer near the sea and cooler in the hills and mountains. This makes it perfect for a road trip, where every stop feels different. The region is also known for its apple orchards, especially near Guba. Local farmers grow other fruits too, like plums, cherries, and walnuts.
This region has many cities and towns with long histories, natural beauty, and traditional lifestles. Each one gives you a different view of life in the Guba-Khachmaz region. These places are easy to explore if you rent a car in Baku.
Guba is the main city of the region and a good starting point for travelers. It is known for its apple orchards, carpet weaving, and green landscapes. The Guba Genocide Memorial Complex is one of the most important sites in the area. You can also visit old mosques, stone bathhouses, and the bazaar where local food and crafts are sold. Not far from the city, you can reach the famous Khinalig village, Qechresh forest, and Chenlibel Lake.
Khachmaz is a town with historic landmarks, ancient settlements, and beaches. There are more than 60 cultural sites here, including Bronze Age tombs, early mosques, and railway stations built in the early 1900s. One of the most famous landmarks is the Shollar water tower, which once supplied water to Baku. Nearby towns like Khudat were important centers during the Guba Khanate. In Khachmaz, you’ll also find folk monuments, such as statues of famous Azerbaijani poets and thinkers. If you enjoy history, sea air, or simple local life, this city is a worthy stop when going on a road trip in Khachmaz.
Shabran is full of ancient ruins and Middle Age history. The old town of Shabran dates back to the 4th century. It was a busy trade area with silk, pottery, and glass production. You can walk through the ruins of old settlements, mosques, and water pipelines built in the 14th century. One of the most striking landmarks is the Gilgilchay Wall, which stretches for 120 km and was built to stop northern invaders. The Chiraggala Fortress at the end of this wall offers amazing mountain views and is a top heritage site. Shabran also has sacred sites, springs, and fortification ruins.
Gusar is found at the foot of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. The area has mountain ranges, inclined plains, and forests, making it a great place for resorts and eco-tourism. Gusar has many ancient settlements, such as Hazra, Hil, and Leger, where you can see mosques, tombs, and hilltop ruins from different periods. You’ll find signs of life going back to the second millennium BC, like burial mounds and old fortress walls. One of the most important landmarks is the tomb of Sheykh Juneyd, the father of Shah Ismayil Khatai of the Safavid Empire.
Siyazan is located closest to Baku and is often passed by travelers heading north. But it’s worth a visit on its own. This area has mountains, sea views, and one of the most interesting ruins in the country, the Beshbarmag Fortification. This site dates back to the 4th–6th centuries and was one of the first defensive walls in Caucasian Albania. Built with stone and air-brick, it connects the Beshbarmag Rock to the Caspian Sea. Though much of the original wall is gone, the remaining parts show the design used to stop invaders. Siyazan’s location between the sea and mountains makes it a great stop when exploring Guba Khachmaz by car.
The mountain villages here are known for their traditions and unique culture. These places show a different side of Azerbaijan, where people live simply and follow old customs.
Khinaliq is one of the oldest villages in the Caucasus and sits at an altitude of about 2,500 meters. The village is more than 5,000 years old and is home to an ethnic group that speaks a language not found anywhere else. Most houses are made of stone, and they sit on steep mountain slopes that look like steps. A small museum tells the story of the village, and locals are proud of their heritage. You can visit nearby sacred spots like Atashgah, known for its natural flame.
The Red Village, also known as Krasnaya Sloboda, is just across the river from Guba. This is one of the only all-Jewish mountain villages in the world and home to the Mountain Jewish community. The houses here are built using red volcanic stone, which gives the village its name. People here speak a language with roots in old Persian and are known for their carpet weaving and craft skills. Walking through the quiet streets, you’ll see synagogues, workshops, and peaceful homes.
Budug is a remote village west of Guba with about 350 residents. One of the most interesting sites here is the Tower of Silence, also called Sukut Tower. It is believed to have been used for Zoroastrian funeral rites. The tower, local legends, and untouched beauty make Budug an ideal stop if you want to go far off the tourist trail.
The Guba-Khachmaz Region is full of breathtaking landscapes that change with every season. This region is perfect for travelers who love fresh air and peaceful views, from green forests and clear lakes to tall waterfalls and rocky gorges.
Just 12 kilometers from Guba, Qechresh Forest is one of the most visited nature spots in the region. The area is full of natural springs, wild walnut and hazelnut trees, and walkable forest paths. Many families from Baku come here for picnics and to enjoy the cool mountain air. You’ll find guesthouses and campsites in the village. The forest is also home to wild animals like foxes, gazelles, bears, and birds.
Located south of Guba, Afurja Waterfall is one of the tallest waterfalls in the country, reaching around 75 meters in height. The water drops down a rocky cliff into a clear stream. The road to the waterfall winds through mountain paths and forest areas. Many visitors bring food and enjoy tea near the water. It’s a calm spot where you can truly disconnect from city life.
Chenlibel Lake is located in Second Nugadi village, close to Guba. It is a quiet place surrounded by forested hills. You can enjoy having tea by the lake, taking slow walks, and sitting by the water. It’s a favorite place for locals and tourists to relax in nature. The area is easy to reach by car and offers clean air and lovely views all year round.
Tengealti, also known as Tangaalti Gorge, is a narrow valley shaped by the flowing Gudialchay River. Here, you can see cascading waterfalls, towering cliffs, and green valleys all in one place. It’s a great destination for nature walks, short hikes, or just taking in the view. The sunlight bouncing off the rocks on sunny days makes the gorge look magical. You can reach Tengealti easily when traveling through Guba District.
Located on the upper reaches of the Velvelichay River, Kinkhirt Waterfall offers a refreshing break in nature. This 25-meter-high waterfall has crystal-clear streams that are safe for bathing during warm months. Surrounded by forest trails, the site offers excellent photo spots and a calm atmosphere.
Though Nabran is known for its resorts and nightlife, it is also home to natural beauty along the Caspian Sea coast. The area features shady forests, soft sandy beaches, and peaceful bays. It’s also a good place to enjoy sea air and water sports before heading back inland. The wide range of outdoor activities makes it ideal for rest and play.
This region is also rich in historical monuments, old castles, and ancient mosques.
Chirag Gala sits high in the mountains and is part of the Gilgilchay defense wall. This fortress helped protect the area from invaders in ancient times. The views from here are wide and beautiful.
This museum tells the story of the tragic events of 1918. It is located near the river and shares the history through photos, displays, and information panels. Visiting this site helps visitors understand a deep part of Azerbaijan’s past.
Khachmaz is full of old settlements and tombs. Sites like Shahardag and Mugtadirtapa show human history from thousands of years ago. Many small village mosques were built during the 15th to 20th centuries. These places are good for history lovers.
The Guba-Khachmaz Region is one of the top places in Azerbaijan for nature and outdoor lovers. From ski resorts to mountain treks, you can enjoy both guided group tours and solo walks.
Shahdag is one of the region's most popular destinations for winter and summer outdoor fun. You can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoe hikes in colder months. Summer activities include paragliding, horseback riding, and scenic gondola rides with stunning mountain views. The resort is perfect for families with kids and solo explorers. It's also a good place to relax after a long drive through the mountains, especially if you're exploring Guba Khachmaz by car.
Just a short drive from Shahdag is Laza Village, a remote mountain area surrounded by green hills and rocky cliffs. It’s known for its small waterfalls, clear rivers, and cool air. In the summer, the fields bloom with wildflowers, and in the winter, you can enjoy a quiet snowy walk. There are small cafés in the village where you can try local food, and the area is perfect for gentle hikes or photo sessions.
For those who love longer adventures, there are 3-day trekking tours in the Guba region. These tours take you through remote mountain villages, forests, and alpine trails. Along the way, you stay in local homestays, where you eat traditional meals and learn about village life. These hikes are guided by local experts who share stories about local customs, crafts, and nature.
The Guba-Khachmaz Region offers mountains, villages, waterfalls, beaches, and history. Whether you love hiking in quiet forests, walking through old towns, or just drinking tea by a lake, this place has it all. Each stop gives you a different view of Azerbaijan. You’ll meet kind people, try homemade food, and see places that feel untouched by time. To make your trip convenient, rent a car with Final Rentals. You can book your car online before you arrive and pick it up in Baku.
