Goygol National Park: Discover Azerbaijan’s Most Beautiful Mountain Lakes
Goygol National Park is one of Azerbaijan’s most beautiful hidden gems. Nestled in the mountains not far from the city of Ganja, this peaceful escape is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and enjoy some of the country’s most stunning scenery. With quiet forests, fresh mountain air, and striking views, it offers a side of Azerbaijan that many travelers overlook.
While it may not be as well known as other destinations in the country, Goygol National Park has a unique charm that makes it well worth the visit. The area is full of natural beauty and has a calm, almost untouched feel to it that’s hard to find elsewhere.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know before planning your visit. Whether you're coming for a few hours or making a full-day trip out of it, you’ll find tips on how to get there, what to expect, and how to make the most of your time in this peaceful part of Azerbaijan.
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Goygol National Park, Azerbaijan: A Brief Intro
Goygol National Park is one of the country's oldest and most picturesque protected areas, offering visitors a peaceful escape into the Caucasus Mountains. The park is especially known for its mountain lakes, including the famous Lake Goygol, which has become a symbol of natural beauty in the region.
Although it is gaining more recognition, Goygol still feels largely untouched, with fewer tourists than many other parks in the Caucasus. Its calm atmosphere, dense forests, and cool mountain breeze make it an ideal destination for those looking to capture the true beauty of Azerbaijan beyond its cities.
Whether you are coming for the views, the fresh air, or simply to enjoy the peaceful setting, Goygol National Park is definitely one of the best places to visit in Azerbaijan.
What Makes the Lakes of Goygol Special
The lakes in Goygol National Park are some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. They are set against a dramatic mountain backdrop that makes them feel like you're exploring the mountains of Canada or the US.
Formed centuries ago by seismic activity, the lakes are pristine, cold, and incredibly clear. Each one has its own unique feel, with varying shades of blue, green, and turquoise depending on the season and weather.
While Lake Goygol is the most well-known, it is not the only one worth seeing. The park is home to several smaller lakes as well, and one of the most impressive mountains in Azerbaijan. You'll need to plan well, but all of it makes visiting Goygol National Park a must!
Goygol National Park is home to the most beautiful lakes in the country.
Where is Goygol National Park?
Goygol National Park is located in the western part of Azerbaijan, about 20 kilometers south of the city of Ganja. It sits on the northern slopes of the Lesser Caucasus Mountains and covers a large area of protected forest and alpine terrain.
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Goygol National Park, Azerbaijan: Getting There
The park is part of the Goygol District and is easily accessible from Ganja by car or taxi.
If you are already in Ganja, reaching the park is quick and easy. Most visitors either take a taxi, book a local tour, or rent a car to make the short drive into the mountains.
How to Get to Goygol National Park from Baku
If you are traveling from Baku, you will need to get to Ganja first before continuing on to the park. Once you reach Ganja, the drive into the park takes around 30 to 40 minutes through winding mountain roads.
Ganja can be reached by train, bus, renting a car, or a short domestic flight from Baku.
If you don't want to go to Goygol National Park on your own, you can also take this tour that leaves from Baku:
Keep in mind that the park has a controlled access point, and there is a small fee to enter. Cars are allowed partway in, but certain areas are only accessible by foot or by the shuttles provided by the park (for a small extra fee).
Goygol National Park, Azerbaijan: Things to Do & What to Expect
Now that you know the different options for getting to Goygol National Park, let's take a look at the various things to do and see inside the park!
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Things to Do in Goygol National Park
Goygol National Park is best known for its natural beauty rather than adrenaline-filled activities. Visitors typically come to walk, relax, and enjoy the views. There are well-maintained paths around the lakes, with scenic viewpoints and picnic spots along the way.
Short hikes between the lakes are popular, and many travelers enjoy simply wandering the peaceful forest trails. The park also attracts birdwatchers and photographers, especially during the spring and autumn months.
Notable Lakes Inside the Park
There are actually 12 lakes located inside Goygol National Park! There are only a couple of lakes that are accessible freely to visitors though, which are Lake Goygol and Marlgol.
The other lakes can be visited by hiring a guide, along with Mount Kapaz, which are to be hiked only with a local. It can be quite pricey, but you're sure to have a unique experience if you're willing to spend a bit of time and money.
Here are the different lakes and hikes you can do at Goygol National Park:
Lake Goygol
This is the park’s namesake and main attraction, known for its vibrant blue color and mountain reflection. You can reach here with just a short walk from the main parking lot, and there is also a restaurant here.
Goygol Lake is the number one attraction at Goygol National Park.
Maralgol
This lake is further into the park, and can be reached by taking a shuttle for 2 AZN. Reaching it requires a short hike up a set of stairs, but is well worth the effort. It truly was our favorite part of Goygol National Park!
Other Lakes at Goygol National Park
The reason we actually came to Goygol National Park was because we saw a stunning visual of Shamligol on Instagram. Unfortunately we coudn't find any information online about it, but once we arrived we found out it is only accessible by hiring a guide.
All of these lakes apparently require a guide to take you, and the prices for tours can be pretty pricey. To get one, you can look online (although we didn't have much luck) or you can go to the information center and they can contact a guide for you.
Here are the other lakes that you can look into visiting:
- Ayigolu
- Guzguyol
- Chilligol
- Gozgolu
- Gushgolu
- Shamligol
- Garagol
- Garagol 2
- Ordakgol
- Zaligol
Mount Kapaz
Another thing on our Azerbaijan bucket list was hiking Mount Kapaz. We saw some incredible pictures and videos from there, but little did we know that to hike there you also need a guide. We'd recommend speaking with locals and getting to the park early if you want to add this to your itinerary.
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Goygol National Park, Azerbaijan: Amenities
Goygol National Park has a few basic amenities near the main entrance, as some limited services inside the park.
Parking at Goygol National Park
There is a designated parking area just a short drive from the entrance, with a small fee charged for vehicles to be paid at the entry gate. Parking is generally easy unless you are visiting on a busy weekend or holiday, when it can fill up quickly.
Keep in mind you may have someone come up to your car asking for money for parking. Don't fall for this, as your parking will have been paid for when purchasing your ticket at the main gate.
Bathrooms at Goygol National Park
Public restrooms are available near the entrance area and picnic zone in the park. However, there are no facilities once you head farther into the park, so be sure to use them before starting any walks or hikes.
Restaurants and Food at Goygol National Park
Right next to the parking lot you'll find a few vendors selling snacks and some street food.
If you'd like a sit down meal, you can enjoy the restaurant that is next to Lake Goygol, which has nice outdoor seating on the water.
Next to Maralgol you can find some snacks like fruit leather, drinks, or tea sold with some picnic tables next to the shuttle stop.
Hotel Inside Goygol National Park
If you want to visit multiple lakes, hike Mount Kapaz, or simply spend time enjoying the park at a leisurely pace, then you may want to consider spedning extra time at Goygol National Park.
Just next to Goygol Lake there is a hotel you can stay at, and it also is you're green light to driving right into the park as well.
Playground at Goygol National Park
Have kids and need a break? Well, they can let their energy out at the big playground right next to the information center.
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Goygol National Park, Azerbaijan: Price & Timetable
Goygol National Park is a bucket list place to visit in Azerbaijan, and while many places are free to visit 24/7, you'll want to keep in mind that there is an entrance and an entry fee to to visit.
What Are the Opening Hours of Goygol National Park?
Goygol National Park is generally open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, although hours can vary slightly depending on the season or weather conditions.
We asked the locals and they claimed the shuttles started running at 8 am and finished running around midnight. Although we weren't given concrete hours, we believe you'd be able to enter the park outside of 9-6 considering the shuttle times and the variety of answers we received from locals.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Goygol National Park?
Entry to Goygol National Park is 2 AZN/person, and then another 2 AZN for parking. While you may be able to pay with a credit card, we recommend bringing cash since there isn't much signal at the park itself.
Goygol National Park, Azerbaijan: Safety
Goygol National Park is considered very safe for visitors. The trails are well-marked, the area is clean, and there is often a ranger or staff presence at the main entrance. However, like any natural area, it is important to take basic precautions.
There are wild animals in the park, including foxes, deer, and occasionally bears or wolves in more remote areas. These animals are rarely seen and usually avoid humans, but it is wise to stay on marked paths and avoid walking alone at dusk.
Hiking safety is important, especially in the more rugged parts of the park. Trails can be uneven or slippery after rain, so proper footwear is essential.
There is limited phone service inside the park, so let someone know your plans in advance and bring a charged phone, water, and basic first aid supplies if you plan to hike further in.
Finally, keep make sure to leave no trace, don't make fires, and respect the nature around you. Be quiet, dispose of your trash, and keep your noise levels low.
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Goygol National Park, Azerbaijan: Other Things to Keep in Mind When Visiting
Now you know almost everything you need for visiting Goygol National Park in Azerbaijan! But before you go, here are a few other important things to keep in mind.
Weather at Goygol National Park
The weather at Goygol National Park varies by season and is generally cooler than in nearby cities due to its elevation. Summers are mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). Even in July and August, the air feels fresh and crisp.
Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and beautiful colors in the forest. Temperatures during these seasons usually range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).
Winters in Goygol are cold, and snow is common between December and February. During this time, some trails may be closed or difficult to access. If you plan to visit in winter, dress warmly and check road conditions in advance.
The Best Time to Visit Goygol National Park
The best time to visit Goygol National Park is from late spring to early autumn. During this period, the lakes are clear, the trees are lush, and the hiking trails are at their best. Autumn is especially beautiful, as the forests surrounding the lakes turn vibrant shades of orange, red, and gold.
Winters can be quite cold, and snowfall is common, which transforms the landscape but may limit access. If you are hoping to hike or explore more remote areas of the park, it is best to avoid the colder months.
How to Prepare for Visiting Goygol National Park
We recommend bringing comfortable shoes and clothes for hiking, a reusable water bottle, and cash to pay for the shuttle and street snacks. Don't forget your camera, and if you hae a drone we also highly recommend it!
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Is Goygol National Park Worth Visiting?
Goygol National Park is definitely worth visiting! We were certainly disappointed to find out we couldn't visit all of the places we thought we would, and even more to find out that it would have costed a lot of money to do so.
That being said, the park is still stunning, and it's still worht the journey, even if it is just to see the two accessible lakes!
How Long to Spend at Goygol National Park
If you plan on just visiting the main two lakes of Goygol National Park, you just need a couple of hours, and can stay longer if you want to have a meal or just chill a bit.
If you plan on visiting some of the other lakes or to hike Mount Kapaz, you can easily spend the entire day at the park! It really depends on what your budget and schedule looks like. We'd recommend speaking with a local guide to plan out a full day exploring all that Goygol National Park has to offer.
What's Next?
Now that you know about one of the most unique experiences in Azerbaijan, you'll probably want to learn more about visiting the country! Right now we have a guide about the Naftalan oil baths and the Gobustan Mud Volcanoes which are both some really unique things to visit in Azerbaijan!
We're going to also be having more new articles each week as well, so stay tuned!
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So are you ready to experience the beautiful Goygol National Park in Azerbaijan? It truly is one of the best places to visit in Azerbaijan and one for the bucket list if you love nature.
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