Gakh city

The distance up to Baku: 345 km

Area: 1493.8 km2

Population: 52300 people

Means of transport: Tbilisi-Gakh, Baku-Gakh bus, Baku-Balakan train

Gakh region located in the north-west of Azerbaijan is bordered to Georgia.  Kumruk, Eyrichay Gashgachay rivers flow along the border. Lakes and waterfalls on mountains are beauty of these places. Subtropical dry in the region’s south, partly hot in the center, partly humid subtropical, and on high mountains the cold climate is observed. The highest temperature in summer is +41C. Such high temperatures are observed on the shores of Lake Ajinohur. The lowest temperature is observed in winter at the peak of the mountains and reaches -45C. Ilisu reserves are within this region. There are bear, mountain goats, canavan, wild cat, wild boars, jackals and other animals in mountain forests. There are a wide of conditions in the region for hunting and fishing. In Qaniq-Ayrichay valley plains and foothills are the main hunting areas.  Fishing for Ayrichay, Eyrichay, Qapıcay, Qaniqchay and water basin of the territory of the village Lalali are suitable. The region\'s most picturesque places are in distance of 12-20 km from the center of the region.

The center of the region, Gakh city is founded 500 m above sea level at banks of exuberant Kurmukhchay, at the wooded southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. The name of the city Gakh word means castle, fortified. 6 km north-west of Gakh, among orchards and forests, a small picturesque village Agchay is located. At 1400-1600 m above sea level, mountain Ilisu village (the village was once the capital of the Sultanate of Ilisu) located at 12 km north-west of Gakh city, causes a great interest. Sulfur-containing thermal mineral water springs around the village are of therapeutic importance. A number of historical monuments, the ruins of the castle are in the region. At result of archaeological excavations the kurgans related of Bronze Age are found. In Ilisu village, there are 10 m tall quadrangular watch tower (XIV century) and Sumuq tower located in the center with the mosque. Here are the ancient archaeological pitcher graves (I century BC).

There are ancient monuments in the village of Qum related to the period of Caucasian Albania: a circular-shaped church, ruins of buildings of the V-VII centuries BC, Sırtqala Tower (XVIII century), a unique prayer house - Qum Basilica. a complex of temple (V-VI centuries) buildings in the Lekit village is also here.

Hotel, Azkontrakt rest home, Ilisu and Shafa” pension houses function in the region.