Ilisu State Reserve
İlisu Dövlət Təbiət Qoruğu
A pristine mountain forest reserve on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, where a walk from Ilisu village leads to Ulu Falls and other gorge landscapes.
The reserve was established in 1987. It covers about 170 square kilometres on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, north of Ilisu village in Qakh district. Its habitats range from broadleaf forest at about 600 metres to alpine meadows above 3,000 metres, and wildlife includes Caucasian ibex, red deer and brown bears. Most visitors start from Ilisu village. A forest path along the river valley takes about 1.5 to 2 hours on foot to reach Ulu Falls (Ulu Şəlalə). Deeper alpine routes require a local guide and a four-wheel-drive vehicle. The reserve is about 45 km from Zaqatala and 20 km from Qakh. There is no public transport into the mountains, so hiring a car is recommended. Mountain weather changes often, and riverbeds become slippery after rain, so wear non-slip shoes.
Opening hours
All day (free admission)
Nearby sights
- Sumuq Fortress
- Ilisu
- Qum Basilica
- Qakh İçəri Bazar
- Kurmukh Church
- Lekit Temple
- Car Waterfall
- Ancient Plane Trees of Zaqatala