Best National Parks to Visit in Azerbaijan

 

Azerbaijan is a country that is home to several lakes, mountains, and national parks. Such attractions offer visitors the unique opportunity to explore the country's natural beauty.

Here is a list of some of the best national parks to visit in Azerbaijan:

Absheron National Park: 

Located in the Caspian Hyrcanian mixed forests ecoregion, this national park was established on the 8th of February 2005, on an area of 783 hectares. The area has a semi-arid climatic conditions. It lies near the capital of Baku and is popular for its unique landscape and mud volcanoes. 

Zangezur National Park:

Zangezur National Park is located in the southwest of Azerbaijan. This national park is popular for its rugged terrain, high mountains, and diverse flora and fauna. It was established as the Ordubad National Park in a very large area. The park is home to some rare and endangered species, including the Caucasian lynx, Bezoar goat, and golden eagle.

Gobustan National Park:

Located in the south of Azerbaijan, around 64 km from Baku, Gobustan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient rock carvings, mud volcanoes, and mineral springs. The park has several petroglyphs (rock carvings made on the rock surface using a stone chisel and a hammerstone), dating back to the Stone Age.

Hirkan National Park: 

Hirkan is a beautiful national park located in the southeast of Azerbaijan. It is known for its diverse ecosystems, including, forests, and mountainous regions. The park preserves many endemic species of plants and animals, including the endangered Caucasian pear and Caspian tit. 

Shahdag National Park:

Located in the northeast of Azerbaijan, and established on an area of 115,900 hectares, the Shahdag National Park is the largest national park in Azerbaijan. The park is home to diverse flora & fauna, and other attractions like waterfalls, and hot springs.