5 Best National Parks In Azerbaijan

1. Hirkan National Park, Lankaran

1/4 Khanbulan Lake

2/4 Khanbulan lake

3/4 Hirkan national Park

4/4 Hirkan National Park

One of the largest and most unimaginably beautiful national parks in Azerbaijan. is the Hirkan National Park. This park is located at a driving distance of about 63 km (39 mi) from Lankaran and is a territory of about 30 000 hectares (74,184 acres), uninterrupted by any settlements. What makes this park famous and gorgeous is its rich and unique nature.

Lankaran acacia, ironwood, and Caucasian oak grow here, each of which is listed in the Red Book. Here you’ll also find wildlife in the form of Caucasian pheasant, the Caspian tiger, the Persian tiger, and brown bear among others. If you want to catch sight of deer on the territory of Hirkan National Park, head to Khanbulan Lake. Unfortunately, I was not lucky enough, and I did not meet any at the lake but they come to the shore to drink water and cool off.

Khanbulan Lake is a place of amazing beauty. I stood still for a long time soaking in the beauty of these surroundings. Some people set up tents near the shore, away from the daily bustle to get plenty of rest. Just remember to clean up after yourselves so as not to damage the natural surroundings. And, if you don’t have tents with you, do what I did. Sit down at the nearest local cafe by the road and drink some freshly brewed Lankaran tea.

You can get to Lankaran from Baku by bus or train. Buses depart from the Baku Bus Station every day and cost 8 AZN (4.5 USD). You can also take a cab from the city to Hirkan National Park.

Hirkan National Park

Address: FMFV+P43, Shua, Azerbaijan

Opening hours: Open 24 hours, daily

Price: 3 USD

2. Goygol National Park, Goygol

1/5 Goygol Region of Azerbaijan. Goygol National Park1

2/5 Goygol Region of Azerbaijan. Goygol National Park

3/5 Goygol National Park Mount Kapaz

4/5 (M) Atlar, Goygol MP 034

5/5 Goygol National Park Azerbaijan

Goygol is a magnificent lake in the western part of Azerbaijan, in the footsteps of Murovdag ridge, and about 50 km (31 mi) from Ganja. This mountain lake is one of the largest in Azerbaijan. The water of the lake is fresh and always blue. So it’s not surprising that Goy-Gol in Azerbaijani means “blue lake”.

More than 420 species of shrubs and trees, as well as medicinal plants, grow on the territory of the reserve. The fauna of the reserve consists of various species of animals and birds. There are deer, roe deer, bears, foxes, jackals, badgers, porcupines, and lynxes, to name a few. Trout (“khan balygy”) is found in the lake as well.

Arriving at this park, you will need to pay 2 AZN (1 USD) for entry, after which you can spend as many hours as you like on the territory. I noticed several “jeyrans” in the park, Azerbaijani deer with beautiful eyes. They are not shy, so you can get up close to them. The best way to get to Goygol National Park is by bus to the nearby city of Ganja, which departs daily to the Baku bus station and takes around four hours of drive. From there, take a taxi to the park directly.

Goygol National Park

Address: Goygol district, Goygol National Park, Azerbaijan

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: 1 USD

3. Shahdag National Park, Vandam

1/5 Shahdag National Park 34

2/5 Shahdag National Park 12

3/5 Shahdag National Park 2

4/5 Shahdag National Park 54

5/5 Shahdag National Park 76

Shahdag National Park is a favorite winter destination for the locals in Azerbaijan. Since it’s a very warm country, it is difficult for the population to find snow-covered places suitable for winter recreation. Thanks to the country’s climate and well-developed infrastructure, the Shahdag National Park was able to win the hearts of the locals.

This national park is located to the north of the country near the Russian border at the Greater Caucasus Range. This park is located around the territory of Mount Shahdag and extends to six regions of Azerbaijan, covering an area of 116000 hectares (286642 acres).

If you decide to come here, I advise you to set aside a couple of days to enjoy the park and relax properly. Book a hotel with a sauna, go skiing, and, if you are adventurous enough, climb the second-highest mountain in Azerbaijan - Shahdag. During the season and especially before the New Year holidays, it gets pretty crowded, so make sure to book a room and plan your trip in advance.

It’s better to rent a car, then you can sometimes head to the neighboring city of Gusar where meals are quite reasonably priced or visit a pharmacy and the shops. If there is no car, then you can take a direct bus to Shahdag from the Baku bus station.

Shahdag National Park

Address: Vandam, Azerbaijan

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: 2.5 USD

4. Absheron National Park, Azizbeyov

1/4 Absheron National Park

2/4 Absheron National Park

3/4 Absheron National Park

4/4 Absheron National Park

It is no secret that Absheron Peninsula is ensconced within Azerbaijan and is the most densely populated part of Azerbaijan washed by the Caspian Sea. Thus, it was decided to create the Absheron National Park, the purpose of which was to preserve the goitered gazelles, Caspian seals, waterfowl, and many other animals living in this territory. The park is also popular with birders.

I often come across deer and gazelles here as well as jeyrans. Here you can also meet Caspian seals and mute swans. Ideally, you should take a car and drive around these areas for maximum coverage.

Since Absheron National Park covers one of the biggest and most popular cities in Azerbaijan, Baku, and Sumqayit, this is the easiest national park to visit. Grab some fresh food, stop by the cafés and restaurants and simply soak in the surroundings. There are many viewing points over the plains and mountainous regions that capture breathtaking views.

Absheron National Park

Address: Pirallahi Region, Absheron National Park, Contiguous Azerbaijan

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

5. Altiaghac National Park, Khizi

Altiagaj National Park is located in the regions of Khizi and Siyazan, and nestles along the eastern part of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. The name of the park comes from the word “agaj” - a measure of distance, which was approximately 6 km (3.7 mi), and “alti”, which in the local dialect, means six.

This National Park is not very big - about 11000 hectares (27181 acres), but very picturesque since 90% is forested. On the territory of this park, the Atachay River and several of its tributaries flow, so the views in this area are breathtaking. The main territory of the park consists of forests where you can catch sight of wild boars, hares, and foxes, among others.

If you come here, you can also visit the sacred Besh Barmag Mountain located nearby. This gigantic stone, which looks like outstretched fingers protruding from the top of a hill, has always impressed travelers. You will most likely meet priests and pilgrims if you climb the stairs to its highest finger.

From Baku to Khizi, the nearest city, there is a bus, and the journey takes about 1.5 hours. Then, walk another 4 km (2.4 mi) to the entrance to the park. Many use a cab to get from the capital directly to the gates of the Altiaghac National Park. The cost is approximately 40 AZN (24 USD).

Altiaghac National Park

Address: Khizi-Altiaghaj Village Road, Khizi, AZ8000

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

How to visit each one listed or how to choose the best?

Sad news: there’s no “best park” advice from me!

Each park is so different from the other, that the “best” national park really depends on the traveller. Decide what kind of vacation you enjoy more: driving, walking, or climbing; in warm weather or cold; in a desert, or among an abundance of water. Create for yourself the best national park from this list when you plan your trip to this gorgeous country.