Visiting Göygöl (Blue Lake) in Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan’s landlocked exclave, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore an unspoiled corner of the country rarely seen by international travellers.
Situated in the Ordubad District near Nurgut village, at an altitude of 3,065 metres above sea level, Göygöl is considered the highest lake in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. Its breathtaking beauty and ecological significance have earned it a place on UNESCO’s Tentative List for World Heritage status, together with Gamigaya, recognised for its exceptional natural and cultural splendour.
Which Göygöl are we talking about?
Being one of the most notable sites in the Gamigaya region, Göygöl, alongside Gamigaya, has been inscribed in UNESCO’s Tentative List, a preliminary inventory of sites a country believes meet the criteria for World Heritage status and intends to nominate within the next 10 years. One of the reasons this lake was selected is its status as a superlative natural phenomenon of exceptional beauty and aesthetic importance.
Often the lake is mistaken with another Göygöl, situated in a different part of the country – the Göygöl District, in the western part of Azerbaijan, within the Ganja-Dashkasan economic region. Unlike the more famous Göygöl in Azerbaijan’s Göygöl District, this hidden gem remains largely untouched, offering a serene escape for adventurers and nature lovers.
Getting there: the journey to Göygöl
The adventure begins with a scenic yet rugged journey through Nakhchivan’s sand mountains and remote landscapes. Reaching Göygöl requires an off-road vehicle, as standard cars can’t navigate the rocky terrain. Locals make this accessible by offering rides in sturdy Soviet-era vehicles like the UAZ-452, a van originally designed for the military, or the Lada Niva, a compact off-road car built for tough conditions.
The drive is an experience in itself – bumpy, thrilling, and steeped in nostalgia. As the engine rumbles and the suspension creaks, it is not difficult to feel transported into a bygone era. A glance through the window reveals a spectacular view of mountain meadows dotted with cattle and horses, set against a backdrop of breathtaking scenery.
The driver skilfully navigates sharp turns along the mountain’s edge, making every moment exhilarating. For those new to Soviet SUVs, this ride is unlike anything else—a perfect blend of adventure and history.
At the lake: the tranquil experience
Upon arrival, the roar of the UAZ fades, and Göygöl’s beauty reveals itself to the newcomers. Known as the “Four Season Lake” due to its unique blend of blooming flowers and lingering snow, the area is a haven of tranquillity.
Groups of locals often gather here for picnics, bringing traditional tea-making equipment, barbecue set-ups, different cooking utilities, and various metal skewers to roast vegetables over an open fire. The air often fills with the aroma of sizzling dishes and grilled meats, turning family outings into little open-sky feasts.
Besides this peaceful experience at Göygöl, visitors can take amazing pictures due to the vibrant colours of the location. The crystal-clear waters and sky-high mountains make it a photographer’s paradise, allowing for snapping unique shots.
It is advisable to bring sturdy shoes and a hoodie in case of a temperature drop. If it is a hot summer day, bringing sunscreen is essential to avoiding getting sunburnt. Moreover, visitors should be mindful of preserving this pristine environment, leaving no trace behind to maintain its untouched allure.
Beyond the water: the ecological and cultural surroundings
Göygöl, a high-mountain glacial lake, is a natural marvel within Zangezur National Park, part of the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot. Its waters have a unique temperature pattern where the shores are cooler than the centre due to numerous underground springs and the presence of snow along the banks. Furthermore, the water is exceptionally clear, with visibility extending to a depth of 3 meters. This unique natural phenomenon enhances the lake’s allure and contributes to its status as one of the many ecological gems of the park, a place suitable for nature lovers and eco-tourists alike.
The Zangezur National Park itself is home to a wide variety of rare species, including the Caucasian leopard, mouflon, bezoar goat, and brown bear, as well as numerous bird species like the vulture. Preserving these species is crucial for maintaining biodiversity not just regionally, but globally, as they represent unique ecological roles, making their survival vital for the balance of life on the planet. The park is part of the Caucasus biodiversity hotspot, one of the world’s 36 areas identified as critical for the preservation of biological diversity.
Additionally, those interested in historical and cultural heritage can visit the Cultural and Natural Complex of Gamigaya, where visitors can see ancient rock carvings on the southern and western slopes of the Gapydzhik peak. These carvings, also called petroglyphs, are located at an altitude of about 3700 metres above sea level in the Garangush pasture. The images on the rocks are small, schematic, and silhouetted, made using rubbing and engraving techniques.
Gamigaya is also the legendary name of one of the highest peaks of the Lesser Caucasus (Mount Gapydzhyg at an altitude of 3906 meters above sea level) and is located in the southwestern part of Azerbaijan in the Ordubad region of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. According to the local folklore, the remains of Noah’s Ark have been preserved in the Ayy Chukhuru area of Gamigaya. This is where the name Gamigaya (rock-ship) comes from.
When visiting Göygöl, tourists have the opportunity to fully disconnect from reality and immerse themselves in a dreamy world of lush greenery and serenity. The lake’s beauty, paired with the thrill of the off-road journey, creates an unforgettable experience.
