Top Places To Visit in Guba
If you are first time travel to Azerbaijan, we highly recommend you to visit Guba, a small city located in the Quba-Khacmaz district of Azerbaijan on the north-eastern slopes of Shahdag ridge about 168 km away from Baku not far from the Russian border. Now it is a paradise tourism destination in Azerbaijan with a population of about 23 thousand people. Guba district considered a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the capital, a combination of a very good climate, the vicinity of a forest zone, and the Caspian coast along the mountains and excellent fauna were exploited by the construction of large numbers numerous tourist facilities and resorts in the area. Most of Azerbaijan’s scenic highlights lie in the spectacular, snow-capped Caucasus mountains or their luxuriantly forested foothills plentiful of springs and beautiful nature spots. In spite of a large number of various fruit and vegetable species growing in the district every Azerbaijani first associates Guba with its apple orchards. A fair scattering of modestly historic buildings remains from that period and today Quba’s wooded hinterland is becoming a popular spot for Baku weekenders, thanks to its distant horizon of snow-topped mountains and a comparatively cool summer climate. Due to its amazing nature, this region has become a favorite place not only for visitors from abroad but also for the Baku citizens who manage to escape from the frantic pace of the metropolis. Below is the list of the top places to visit in Guba:
1. Khinaliq Village
Khinaliq village is the most remote village among all others in Guba. It is also the highest village as it is located in the middle of the Caucasian mountains. And this remoteness is exactly what helped the inhabitants of the village to survive the invasions. The history of this village goes right back until the Albanian period. The remains of ancient caves of early humans are still left in this territory between the mountains. Due to its long history, Khinaliq village is considered one of the oldest inhabited places in the world and has been included in the UNESCO list of World-Historical Monuments.
The Kninaliq’s population is speaking its own language which nobody else in the world speaks and is considered a separate ethnographic group.
2. Red Village (Jews Settlement area)
This settlement is located on the bank of the Kudilai River and it’s the only community of mountain Jews in the CIS.
These mountain Jews generally spoke the language of Iranian groups and came to Azerbaijan in the 5th century. And as time passed, they moved to the land opposite the Guba which became known as Krasnaya Sloboda (i.e. Red Village).
This village has gained a particular interest of many people across the world including the local citizens of Azerbaijan. Besides the fact they use completely different language in their speech, they are also professionals in carpet weaving art.
3. Guba Handmade Carpet Factory
Guba is considered one of the ancient carpet making centers in Azerbaijan. Guba carpets feature intricate designs that take inspiration from nature and geometric patterns, plus a variety of vivid colors. Each village had signature patterns, though many have been lost to time. However, more recently, carpet workshops have been opening in Guba with the aim of bringing back the art of carpet weaving and reviving the skills and knowledge needed to keep this ancient art alive.
In the Guba carpet factory, you can explore the traditional carpet making process which runs by the local women who keep the old carpet-making traditions. It is also possible to buy here hand-made carpets from cotton, wool, or silk with different sizes.
4. Chenlibel Lake
Chenlibel Lake located in the Second Nugadi village of Guba. The lake has become a favorite leisure place for tourists coming to the region. “Chanlibel “ lake which is surrounded by fabulous forests and mountains. You may have a chance to have a taste of a cup of brewed tea beside the lake while enjoying the vibe and breathtaking scenery. Inhaling pure air of this marvelous place.
5. Qechresh Forest
Qechresh is one of the largest villages in the Guba region. It is located 12 km from the district center. There are many recreation centers in the village. The area is covered with forest on all sides. Qechresh is famous for its natural springs and plants. The wild walnuts, hazelnuts, cranberry, hawthorn, hips, apples, pears, and pine trees grew there. As for the animal world, the village is a home for gazelles, wolves, bears, foxes, and other animals. It is also possible to catch fish in Gudjalchay, which gives a special beauty to the village.
6. Afurja Waterfall
Afurca Waterfall is surely becoming one of the most visited destinations both by local and foreign tourists in recent years. Afurca Waterfall is located in the south part of Guba. The height of the fall is about 75 m. The waterfall is regarded by many as one of the most beautiful monuments that have ever been created by nature. Its spectacular view is a privilege to have.
7. Tengealti
If you are the one looking for a greener atmosphere, soul-stirring mountains, and fresh air, Tengealti is exactly where you should end up with. “Tengealti” meaning the place between mountains, offers you a spectacular view of mountains and rivers.
