Ganja and Lake Goygol: alpine scenery in the Western Caucasus

The journey can end in the west at Ganja, the country’s second-largest city, which can be reached easily from Baku by a modern high-speed train. Ganja, with its abundance of parks and historic monuments such as the 17th-century Shah Abbas Mosque, serves as an ideal base for exploring the surrounding area. By hiring a local vehicle, you can head up to Goygol Lake National Park, situated at an altitude of around 1,500 metres. This alpine lake, surrounded by dense transitional forests, was formed following an earthquake in the 12th century and is a popular destination for gentle trekking and nature appreciation. Before heading back, the local restaurants offer the chance to sample the cuisine of the Western Caucasus, trying local variations of ‘plov’ (a pilaf-style rice dish) and other specialities prepared with fresh mountain herbs and local ingredients.