Shahdag Trip

Coming to sunny Azerbaijan, it seems, You may completely forget about the snow, especially about the ski resort even during the winter period. However, thanks to the mountain landscape in some of the Azerbaijani regions, the local residents can enjoy the winter resort. So, Shahdag is one of such resorts, located in the north of the country, 32 kilometers away from region Qusar. The ski resort was named so after the Shahdag peak in the Caucasus Mountains, the altitude of which reaches 4243. The resort itself is located 1000-2000 meters high above sea level, which explains the reason for this region’s severe climate.

Shahdag – is exactly that special place, where you should go, if you wish to travel to winter fairytale. Those snow-white fields, bright sun, and mountain weather – best remedy from the tiredness from noisy cities.

Being the first ski resort in Azerbaijan, Shahdag very soon became the favorite place of many local citizens, where they can celebrate the New Year or just spend joyful weekends.

So, let’s learn a bit about the history of this place.

The story goes back to 2006 -the period when the preparatory work for the construction of the Shahdag started. Three years later in 2009, the foundation of the resort was set up.  Later, the snowmaking system was created; also the roadway and the ski slope were transferred here. Finally, in 2012 the ski resort Shahdag was officially open for everyone.

Soon, after the official opening of the resort, new hotels, such as Gaya, Zirve, etc. were opened. Eventually, the number of hotels in the resort territory reached 5 – Shahdag Hotel & Spa, Pik Palace, Gaya Residence, Zirve Hotel, Park Chalet

The ski season in Shahdag starts in December and closes generally in March-April.

Besides ski skating, in Shahdag you can also have other things to do such as ice-skating, going on 1800 meters long roadway or just having fun playing the snowballs with your friends! Climbing, hiking, parachuting, canoeing, mountain, biking, rafting, horse riding, trekking, lake swimming – all you can do in Shahdag tour!

In addition to entertainment, when you come to Shahdag, you walk into a fairy place, full of picturesque views! Even during winter times, the sun is brightly shining, and the view of snow lit with sunrays will stick in your memory for a long time!

The entertainment is certainly good; however, eating is a must-do thing in Shahdag. What a pleasure it is to drink a hot tea or coffee on a cold winter day! Besides entertainment, there are functioning about twenty cafes and restaurants on the territory of the resort, where you may try national dishes as well as international food.

However, do not forget to take your ID card, as you will be required to present it before buying a ticket for renting ski gear.

Here are the prices for usage of sky gears:

  • Ski gears (which includes skis + ski poles + boots) – 25 AZN
  • Ski gears + jacket + trousers + helmet – 53 AZN
  • Snowboard + boots – 40 AZN

However, the price for usage of ski gears for the children aged 6-12 is pretty cheaper

  • Ski gears (which includes skis + ski poles + boots+ helmet ) – 29 AZN
  • Ski suit (jacket + trousers) – 16 AZN

The prices of the ropeway use are the following (for the people aged over 12):

09:00 AM – 16:30 PM – 26 AZN

09:00 AM – 12:30 PM– 16 AZN

12:30 AM – 16:30 PM – 16 AZN

One-time use only – 6 AZN

The prices of the ropeway use are the following (for the people aged 6-12):

09:00 AM – 16:30 PM – 20 AZN

09:00 AM – 12:30 PM – 12 AZN

12:30 AM – 16:30 PM – 12 AZN

One-time use only – 4 AZN

And the usage of the ropeway for the children aged 0-6 is free.

Though Shahdag was initially opened as a winter resort, many people attend this lovely place in summer too. Fresh air, green fields, and amazing sunsets – perfect time spent in summer.

Additionally, Shahdag offers a great variety of facilities for any age – quad bikes, Nordic walking, bicycle, inflatable castles, etc. Besides, you can also try carting, paintball, riding a Segway, scooter, or visit our Adventure Park! So many things to do in just one place – no time for boring!

Visiting definitely should be added to your “things to do” list, when you visit Azerbaijan!

Historic Sheki

is a small but beautiful town located along the ancient Silk Road that will charm both your heart as well as your stomach. Sheki is well known for its local cuisine, sweets, and many beautiful remnants of the once prosperous Silk Road.

A HISTORY OF SHEKI AZERBAIJAN

The history of Sheki already starts in the 1st century BC when it was one of the major cities of the Albanian state. We are not talking about the country Albania in Southeastern Europe, but Caucasian Albania. An ancient kingdom that ruled a large area of what is now Azerbaijan.

In its long history, Sheki saw many rulers come and go. The Caucasus has always been the battleground of different empires. Sheki once belonged to the Romans, Parthians, Arabs, Mongolians, Persians, and the Russians.

Wat put Sheki on the map of the Silk Road was its strategic location in between Tbilisi and Baku as well as its silk production. Sheki had the perfect climate for mulberry trees that silkworms need to grow. Much of the city’s wealth came from the highly prized Sheki silk fabrics using a unique embroidery style called Tekelduz. Most famous were also the silk women headscarves called Kelaghayi.

As Sheki grew into a center of trade and commerce, other handicrafts and arts flourished too. The city was an important production center for pottery and ceramics. Another famous art is Shebeke. The multi-colored stained glass mosaics are beautiful, but even more impressive knowing that it is made without glue or nails.

The city’s cultural heritage from the Silk Road is still visible in its architecture. Ancient caravanserais, wealthy merchant homes, churches, mosques, and the beautiful palace of the Shaki Khans. The occasional old Lada is the only sign that Sheki also belonged to the Soviet Union. Even then it was still a major silk production center.

Sheki is now part of the creative cities network because of its long tradition in artisan handicrafts. Since 2019, it’s historic center is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN SHEKI AZERBAIJAN

1. THE SUMMER PALACE OF THE SHAKI KHANS

2. THE WINTER PALACE OF THE SHAKI KHANS

3. SHEKI MUSEUM OF FOLK AND APPLIED ARTS

4. SHEKI FORTRESS

5. SHEKI KARAVAN SARAI

6. JUMA MOSQUE

7. THE OLD TOWN

8. SOVIET ARCHITECTURE

9. THE WORLD WAR 2 MEMORIAL

10. KISH AND THE ALBANIAN CHURCH

12. SHEKI MARKET

13. VISITING A TEA HOUSE

14. TASTING SHEKI HALVA

15. EATING SHEKI PITI