Ismailli brings together a range of travel experiences: a state nature reserve, villages with craft traditions, and activities from hiking and cycling to regional cuisine. Accommodation ranges from guesthouses in restored stone houses to village houses, tents or cabins.
Nature and Landscapes in Ismailli
The Ismayilli State Nature Sanctuary was established in July 1969. It lies mostly in Ismayilli and partly in Gabala. After a later reduction in size, its officially designated area is 23,437.85 hectares. The protected area was created to protect and increase the populations of animals living there.
Its vegetation includes alpine and subalpine mountain meadows, as well as forests dominated by hornbeam, beech and oak. Wild animals recorded there include Caucasian snowcock, wolf, lynx, wildcat, marten and hare. The landscape of Ismayilli Rayon is also shaped by rolling terrain, lush mountains and forests, which contain remains of centuries-old towers and temples. Honey, dairy products and wine production are also part of the region’s character.
Basqal: Kelaghayi and Guesthouses
Basqal is especially associated with the making of Azerbaijani Kelaghayi silk headscarves. Hot wax is stamped onto the fabric to create the batik patterns. After a walk along the village’s cobbled streets, you can take part in Kelaghayi-weaving workshops at the Kelaghayi Silk Centre. This offers a direct connection between textile craft traditions and a visit to the village.
There is a car park at the village entrance. Restored old stone houses have been converted into guesthouses: a clearly defined type of accommodation in historic buildings. Visitors interested in Basqal can therefore explore the village streets, silk crafts and guesthouses as different aspects of the place.
Lahij: Copper, Museums and Hikes
Lahij is especially associated with copperware, which was historically sold throughout the Caucasus; examples can be found in major museums. The Lahij Museum of History and Ethnography displays archaeological finds from the area around the village, including an 18th-century copper-smith’s bellows. This brings the historic craft and a specific museum object together.
A hiking trail leads to the ruins of Girdiman Fortress and the summit of Mount Niyaldag; the return route passes via the Seven Waterfalls. Many hikes in Ismayilli begin or end in Lahij. To sample local food during your visit, try Qutabs and flatbreads baked on a saj along the road to Lahij, and buy locally grown herbs and spices. The Ancient Tea House serves herbal tea with rose petal jam.
Cycling in Ivanovka and All About Honey
Cycling in Ivanovka is a peaceful way to explore fields, orchards, quiet courtyards, cafés and village shops. Cafés and shops offer fresh dairy products, homemade meat products and other local flavors. An extended cycling route runs from Ivanovka towards Lake Ashigbayramli, crossing rolling countryside to a quiet lakeside setting with sunset views. The options offer distinct focuses: exploring fields, courtyards and village amenities, or extending the route towards the lake and its shores.
Honey is also part of the Ivanovka experience. Honey workshops are held seasonally. Field tours show bees in colorful pavilions; there are also tea and tasting visits at a local home. If a honey workshop is part of your plans, check its seasonal schedule in advance.
Stay in a Village, by a Lake or in Nature
At Lakeside Garden in Təzəkənd, the location beside Lake Vəlbinə and at the edge of the forest, along with rural produce and food cooked over a fire, are part of its agro-ecotourism offering. You can stay in a village house or a tent; camping is also available. Other activities include agro-tours, youth camps, craft and local-produce markets, and social programs.
In Galajig, cabin accommodation in a secluded natural setting offers another kind of stay. Cooking over a fire, warming up and spending time together are possible activities there.
Discover more destinations: Ismailli, Lahich, Lankaran City, Şəmkir, Absheron, Ganja, Khachmaz, Siazan.
For the broader travel overview: Azerbaijan.
