Meet fascinating nature: Zagatala

The Zagatala region is located in the north-west of the Republic of Azerbaijan, 430 km far from the capital city Baku, in the southern foothills of the Greater Caucasus. You can reach Zagatala by bus, train, and also by plane ("Parzivan" airport available in Zagatala). Zagatala is one of the most attractive regions of Azerbaijan in terms of rich tourism potential. There are many historical and architectural monuments in the district. Zagatala is a beautiful, green city with large streets full of magnificent flowers. The Heydar Aliyev Culture and Recreation Park here is another favorite place of residents and tourists. If you are a nature lover, you must meet fascinating nature of Zagatala: Zagatala State Reserve, Zagatala Waterfall, Lake Xalaxi, Malarasa Excavation etc.

Zagatala State Reserve

The Zagatala State Reserve (ZDTQ) is one of the oldest nature reserves in Azerbaijan. The reserve was established in 1929, in the administrative districts of Zagatala and Balakan, and it borders with the Republic of Georgia. There are more than 1,000 plant species in the reserve, and the main forest species include beech, oak, hawthorn, linden, chestnut, walnut, blackberries, etc. One can find 32 species of mammals and 89 types of migratory species and birds. There are more than 4,500 East Caucasian birds, as well as 1000 deers, 700 cattles and about 2000 wild boars. A population of bobcats counts between 10-16.

Zagatala Waterfall or Katech

The nature of Azerbaijan is very beautiful and breathtaking. One of such beauties is the Zagatala Waterfall or the Katech waterfall in this region. Sometimes it is also called Gebizdar (the village in the Zagatala district). The height of the waterfall is 18-20 meters. You can get to the waterfall by passing the 500 meter steep road. The most difficult part of the road begins after the waterfall appears, but still it is very difficult to go downhill with cliffs. The waterfall is located on the territory of the reserve. Generally, there are about 10 waterfalls in the territory of Zagatala State Reserve.

Khalakhi Lake

The Khalakhi Lake is located at the altitude of 2,000 meters above the sea level, in the territory of the Zagatala region. The lake has a crystal clear water and a picturesque virgin coast, densely overgrown with 25 meter high larches at the very edge of the water. Khalakhi remains an untouched oasis of a wildlife. There are different kinds of birds here, but you can often see wild animals, and the lake is extremely rich with fishes.

Peri Castle

In different parts of Azerbaijan, it is possible to find defensive castles or at least their remains. One of them is the Peri Castle, located in the north-western part of the upper Chardarxlar village in the Zagatala region. According to historians, there are many stories about the castle. One of these says that the Peri Castle, a fortress from 4th-5th century, was built during the Sassanid era. The peculiarity of this citadel is its unusual appearance, which, unlike other fortresses, was built in the mountains. While other castles were built by architects, the Peri fortress was erected in the mountains. There are three rooms in the castle. Although the castle is spectacular, the road that leads to it is very challenging.

The fascinating nature of Zagatala will help you feel refreshed, relaxed and fully unwind.