Top Places To Visit in Gusar

If you are a nature lover traveler then you should definitely know the top places to visit in Gusar. Gusar, which is called “The Northern Gateway” due to its geographical position, is the last population center in northern Azerbaijan and located at 715 meters above sea level and rests on the Caucasus right before they dip into the Caspian Sea. Due to its beautiful nature for travelers, it is considered one of the top places to visit

The administrative center of the district is the city of Gusar. The name “Gusar” originates from the tribe of “khisar”. The district is noted for its rich flora. 20% of the territory is covered with forests. Deciduous trees are widely distributed here. Such valuable species, like oak, beech, hornbeam, etc. grow here. Tugay forests are along the rivers. Such plants as sumac, mushmula, hawthorn, dog-rose, gooseberry bushes, and forest grapes are popular here. Animals of the region are represented as follows: bear, wolf, boar, mountainous goat, birds – eagle, owl, etc.

State reserve at the area of 15000 ha is located in the territory of Gusar district; there is a maintained beech forest named “Alistan-baba” near the settlement of Urva in the area of 7 ha. The highest peak of Azerbaijan is Bazarduzu Mountain (4466 m).

This mountainous region is home to the Lezgins, Azerbaijan’s largest minority group that are known for their talents in dancing, unique bread, and staunch Caucus hospitality. There are dozens of villages scattered throughout the many canyons and hills of Gusar, with Mountain Shahdag standing tall in the background. Quiet forest walks, breath-taking mountain scenery, and one of Azerbaijan’s most unique cultures await you. Below is the list of the top places to visit in Gusar:

1. Laza Village
Laza is one of the most popular tourist places in Azerbaijan. There are many to­urists in the village, both in winter and summer. Foreigners love to visit here most of all. The tourists stay in local re­sidents’ homes – rooms specially built in the courtyards have every convenience. Services also include dishes made by landladies.

Si­tuated in a valley among the mountains, Laza village consists of two parts. The second part is on the other slope of the mountain – on the bank of the Damiraparan River in Gabala District.

It is said that residents of Laza moved to this area from there and gave the new village the same name. The village is in the foothills of the Great Caucasus Rid­ge, on the slopes of Mount Shahdagh (4.242 meters) and the Shah Yaylag­hi Peak and on caravan routes passing through the Main Caucasus. Local resi­dents call this place, situated at a height of 1,800 meters above sea level, “Kurva Pass”. The most famous and only histo­rical monument in the village of Laza is the 300-year-old mosque in the center of the village. The village’s population is Lezgin. Historical research showed that the main ethnic habitat of the Legs, an­cestors of the Lezgins, was in southern Dagestan on the left bank of the Samur River. In the course of centuries, some of the Lezgin tribes gradually moved to the foothills in the south.

2. Shahdag Mountain Resort
Shahdag Mountain Resort is the first and biggest ski resort located in the Gusar district near Shahdag National Park. This place is considered one of the most visited places in Gusar by tourists. In Shahdag Mountain Resort there are a lot of hotels, golf clubs, ski resorts, and cottages. The tour will start by picking up the guests from the hotel. On the way, you will also be able to see the Red Village, 100% Jewish settlement, the biggest outside Israel, and the USA. After the village, we will head to the resort.