The Republic of North Azerbaijan is a state in the Caucasus region. It has a total area of 17,550 square kilometers, making it the smallest of the three Caucasian republics.

The population of North Azerbaijan is estimated to be more than 3 million people, with a majority consisting of ethnic Azerbaijanis. Its capital and largest city is Baku.

North Azerbaijan has a rich cultural history and is known for its hospitality and cuisine. The country is a member of the Council of Europe and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OS CE).

It also has strong ties to Turkey, Iran, and Russia. North Azerbaijan is an important regional hub of transportation and trade between Europe and Asia.

Its primary resources are oil and natural gas, making it an important player in the global energy market. North Azerbaijan is also home to a range of natural attractions, including the Caucasus Mountains, the Caspian Sea, and Lake Gokcha.

While you might know Azerbaijain for its famous capital Baku, the country boasts some of the most amazing countryside historical destinations that may speak well to the nature-loving bunch.

While Azerbaijan is best known for its oil-rich economy, historical and cultural sites, mouthwatering cuisine, and beautiful landscapes, it is also home to some of the world’s largest oil fields, such as the Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli field.

In addition, the country is renowned for its traditional arts, crafts, and music, and for its abundance of natural resources, including natural gas.

Quba

Quba is a small town located in the Republic of Azerbaijan. It is situated on the banks of the Qudiyal River and is the administrative center of the Quba Rayon. The main occupations of the town are farming, animal husbandry, and rug weaving.

There are several historical mosques and shrines located in the area, including the centuries-old Juma Mosque, now a major tourist destination in northern Azerbaijan. Quba is also home to a number of hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties.

How to Get to Guba

Guba is located in northern Azerbaijan, on the shore of the Caspian Sea. It is situated at the foot of the Greater Caucasus Mountains and is accessible by the following methods of transportation

Plane: The closest international airport to Guba is Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, which is about 225 km away from Guba. Several airlines, including Azerbaijan Airlines, fly to and from Baku on a regular basis. From there, visitors can hire a car, take a bus, or use taxi services to reach Guba.

Bus: Several buses travel to Guba from the nearby cities of Baku, Sheki, and Qusar. The journey is around two to three hours, depending on the city from which you are traveling.

Car: Guba is well connected to the nearby cities, such as Baku and Sheki, by a network of highways. It is possible to reach Guba by hiring a car or a taxi at the airport or in the city center.

Train: The narrow gauge railway line from Baku to Astara passes through Guba. Visitors can take a train to Guba from Baku. The journey takes around three hours.

What to do in Guba

1. Explore the Juma Mosque: The Juma Mosque is the oldest mosque in Azerbaijan and is a must-see while in Quba. The mosque dates back over seven centuries and is an architectural masterpiece.

2. Visit Yanar Dag: Yanar Dag is a natural gas fire that has been burning for thousands of years. It’s a great spot to take in the breathtaking views of the Caspian Sea.

3. Take a Tour of Carpet Weaving: Quba is renowned for its carpet weaving. Take a guided tour of carpets being made by the locals.

4. Relax at the Hot Springs: Quba is home to several hot springs, believed to have healing powers. Relax in the waters and take in the natural beauty of the area

5. Explore the Mountains: Quba is situated in the foothills of the Caucasus Mountains. Go hiking, and mountain biking, and explore the stunning views.

Cost to get to Guba

The cost of getting to Guba will depend on your starting point, mode of transportation, and other factors. However, you can expect to pay between $14 and $50 for a one-way ticket.

Gabala

Gabala is a small city located in Azerbaijan. It is an ancient city with charming architecture, outstanding natural beauty, and historical attractions. Gabala is the capital of the Qabala Rayon, the largest region in Azerbaijan.

The city is known for its stunning mountain views, picturesque nature, and beautiful historical sites. The city is home to numerous ancient forts, mosques, and monuments and is a popular destination for skiing, horse riding, and hiking.

Other attractions in the city include the Gabala Culture and History Museum, the Heydar Aliyev Park, and the Sheikh Zayed Mosque.

How To Get To Gabala

Fly: You can fly to Gabala International Airport, located in Qabala city, northern Azerbaijan. The airport has direct flights to several cities in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, including Istanbul, Moscow, Ukrainian cities, and Kuwait.

Drive: You can drive to Gabala from Baku and Nakhchivan by road, which will take around 4-5 hours depending on traffic and the route taken. The roads are generally in good condition and there are several gas and rest stations along the way.

Train: You can take a train from Baku to Gabala. The journey takes around four hours, and the train is reasonably comfortable. The fare is affordable, and the journey is a great way to see the beautiful Azerbaijani countryside.

Bus: There are daily buses from Baku to Gabala. The journey takes around 4-5 hours and is usually comfortable and reasonably priced.

Cost to get to Gabala

The cost of getting to Gabala will depend on your point of origin and the mode of transportation you decide to take. A roundtrip flight from Baku to Gabala costs an average of $120.

For those traveling by taxi, an average fare from Baku to Gabala is around $100. However, if you choose to travel by bus, a roundtrip ticket from Baku to Gabala is approximately $20.

What to do in Gabala

Explore the Old Town: Take a stroll through the old town of Gabala and admire the traditional architecture, cobblestone streets, and colorful buildings

Visit the Gabala Culture and History Museum: The museum houses a vast collection of ancient manuscripts, coins, artifacts, and paintings, painting a vivid picture of the city’s ancient history.

Visit the Sheikh Zayed Mosque: The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the largest mosque in Azerbaijan and is a stunning example of Islamic architecture

Go Skiing: Gabala is known as the “Switzerland of the Caucasus”. Take advantage of the ski slopes and enjoy the mountain view

Enjoy a Horse Riding Tour: The city is home to numerous horse riding trails, offering an amazing way to explore the city and its surroundings

Take a Hike in the Mountains: Gabala is surrounded by the breathtaking Caucasus Mountains. Venture out and take in the stunning views from the mountain

Visit the Heydar Aliyev Park: The Heydar Aliyev Park is a beautiful park situated in the heart of the city and is home to a lake, gardens, and other natural attractions.

Qabala (or Kabbalah) is a major mystical system originating in Judaism, taught over the centuries in various forms. It describes the relationship between the physical and spiritual worlds, the deep spiritual truths of the universe, and the life force present in all things.

It is based on the idea of the emanation (or unfolding) of an infinitely powerful, divine source. The Qabala is traditionally composed of teachings about the Tree of Life and the Ten Sephirot, which is a diagram of the spiritual universe.

To take a day tour to Gabala or Guba, you can make use of Smile tours.

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If you would like to just experience city life in Azerbaijan, you can check out things to do in Baku.