Qusar District

The district borders upon Quba and Khachmaz rayons of the republic and Daghestan (Russia). A distance from Baku – the capital of Azerbaijan is 180 kilometers. Qusar is located in a zone of subtropical climate and the northern part of the rayon is in zone of mild climate. But because of the heights above the sea level and proximity of the mountains winter is always cold here, and summer is not hot. Temperature of air can change more than 15 degrees during a day. For instance, in summer incessant days-long rains can begin after hot weather.There’s a museum and impressive new Turkish-style mosque but the ruins of Qarabulaq offer its only really intriguing sight. Don’t expect medieval history. Qarabulaq was a 21st-century holiday retreat, designed with lots of brilliantly idiosyncratic Tolkein-esque twiddles, including concrete knights brandishing flame-throwing weapons. The city is located not far from Bazarduzu, Shahdagh Mountains and a border with Russia. The mountain river Qusarchay, in honor of which the city acquired its name, flows in Qusar. There is also is an artificial lake – Violet. There’s a museum and impressive new Turkish-style mosque but the ruins of Qarabulaq offer its only really intriguing sight. Don’t expect medieval history. Qarabulaq was a 21st-century holiday retreat, designed with lots of brilliantly idiosyncratic Tolkein-esque twiddles, including concrete knights brandishing flame-throwing weapons. Then in 2005 authorities discovered that the location had been used as the lair for a brutal gang of kidnappers.

The resort was promptly closed down and now creepers are slowly overrunning its eclectic buildings. This adds further to the already bizarre atmosphere. By road, reaching the site requires a 10 km loop from central Qusar. Without a car take a city marshrutka towards the trio of river-view restaurants at the western edge of town. Descend an obvious track to the long footbridge and walk the last 1.2km west. There are a couple of less wacky but still functioning resorts (rural bungalow resort) here too, but most Westerners head straight on to Laza. The soaring mountain valley surrounding Laza is one of the most stunning sights anywhere. Dramatic grass-clad slopes descend from noble Shahdagh (4243m) and craggy Qyzylqaya (3726m). A series of ribbon waterfalls drop over perilous cliff edges and carpets of wildflowers add to the vivid greens throughout late spring and summer. Tiny Laza village is diffuse and its banal houses lack the striking austerity of Xynalyq’s dark stone architecture. However a rocky pinnacle beside the rusty-roofed little mosque adds foreground for photos of the mind-blowing mountain panorama. And the one-day walk to Xynalyq is a highlight of any trip to Azerbaijan. Laza also makes a great base for climbing Azerbaijan’s highest peak, Shahdagh. It’s not technically difficult but does involve some ice walking and requires ropes and crampon.

Research by: Ulduz TourismResearch by