Magical Ilisu - the pearl of Gakh

The Gakh is one of the most ancient regions of Azerbaijan located in the north-west part of the country. The distance between Gakh and Baku is 345 kilometres. The temperature at the peak of the mountain in winter falls to -45 degrees. The pearl of Gakh is a magical Ilisu village, located at 1200-1600 meters above the sea level. It is a fairytale place with nature that is equally beautiful at any time of the year. The name "Ilisu" comes from the Kipchak language and means "warm water". The presence of the significant healing springs in the province confirms this fact.

Juma Mosque

In the village of Ilisu, there are several historical architectural monuments. One of them is the Juma mosque, which differs from all other mosques by its minimalism, absence of a dome and minaret, and modesty in performing mihrab (a semicircular niche in the wall of a mosque that indicates the qibla).

Sumuq Gala

Another historical place which you must see is Sumuq Gala, belonging to the 17th century. The name of the castle translates as " bones castle". This is due to the fact that it is a magnificent and robust like the bones. The size of the castle is 6.22 m x 6.02 m. The tower was constructed from the sea stones and lime mortar. The construction of Sumuq tower dates back to the time when the Ilisu sultanate flourished, and this tower, which was a purely defensive fortification, was later used for living.

Ram-Rama waterfall

One of the most prominent waterfalls in Ilisu is the Ram-Rama waterfall, which is about 25 meters high and considered the highest one in Azerbaijan. The local people call this waterfall the diamond of Ilisu village. You need at least half an hour to reach it. For those who fail to get uphill, the vehicles also operate in that area. On the way to the waterfall, there are dozens of tributaries. The Ram Rama makes İlisu similar to the village of frozen waterfalls -Kriz in December, January and February.

Sangar Gala Resort

The Sangar Gala Resort is located next to the mountain and river. İt is a great opportunity for locals and foreign tourists to relax and enjoy the holiday. If you stay at this hotel, you will feel like in the castle. The Sangar Gala was built with the elements of national architectural style. On the seventh floor of the hotel, there is a restaurant with a fantastic view of mountains and forests. The restaurant lighting is half dark, which creates a romantic atmosphere.

There are too many attractions for tourists in magical Ilisu, and all of them are worth visiting. However, the main particularity is the nature which you will admire. Your trip to Ilisu can last only one day - to see the monuments of the antiquity, stroll around the surrounding hills, visit waterfalls and just wander through the authentic streets of the pearl of Gakh.