Overview
Göygöl National Park is Azerbaijan's premier alpine hiking destination, centered on two stunning mountain lakes—Göygöl itself and the even more photogenic Maralgöl, with its crystal-clear turquoise waters. The park offers marked trails ranging from easy lakeside walks to challenging climbs up Mount Kəpəz, all within the Caucasus foothills.
Nature · Trekking
Before you go
Fees
Park entrance fee is 2 Azerbaijani manat, payable at the National Park Administration office near the entrance.
Hiking
Four color-coded trails: pink (easy, 14 km to Maralgöl), yellow (medium, 3 km to Qaragöl), brown (hard, 23 km to Mt. Omar), red (hard, 15 km to Kəpəz dağı). GPX/KML downloads available.
Safety
Verify current border situation with locals before visiting. Watch for aggressive sheep dogs—carry a stone and make it visible. Bear activity reported; make noise on trails.
Transport
Shared taxis from Göygöl town to the park cost around 20 km; private taxis from Ganja run 12-14 manat via Bolt. Summer buses connect Ganja directly to Göygöl lake.
Weather
Best visited May-October. Summer offers warmest conditions and full trail access. Winter trails are snowbound and facilities limited.