Zaqatala State Reserve
Zaqatala Dövlət Təbiət Qoruğu
A national nature reserve on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus, stretching from foothill broadleaf forest to alpine meadows, home to East Caucasian tur and brown bears.
Zaqatala State Reserve was established in 1929. It covers about 24,000 hectares and extends from around 600 metres to above 3,600 metres. Beech, hornbeam, subalpine birch and alpine meadows follow one another up the slopes. Wildlife includes East Caucasian tur, chamois, brown bears and lynx. Access to the core zone requires a permit from the management office. Most ordinary visitors walk the valley trails on the edge of the reserve, or join a one-day tour led by a local guide, setting out from villages north of the city such as Katekh and Kar. A local guide is recommended, and the mountain weather changes quickly, so bring rain gear.
Opening hours
Permit required; edge trails open all day
Nearby sights
- Car Waterfall
- Ancient Plane Trees of Zaqatala
- Zaqatala Fortress
- Balakan Juma Mosque
- Lekit Temple
- Qum Basilica
- Ilisu State Reserve
- Qakh İçəri Bazar