Azerbaijan Mountain Roads and Markets Israelis Should Go to by Car

Azerbaijan Mountain Roads and Markets Israelis Should Go to by Car

Israeli travelers are increasingly choosing self-drive adventures in Azerbaijan. The country’s diverse landscapes offer everything from high mountains to coastal plains accessible by road. Also, renting a car in Azerbaijan makes exploring mountain roads and markets convenient. With a car, every turn in Azerbaijan leads to a discovery worth the drive.

Why Israeli Travelers in Azerbaijan Prefer Road-Tripping

Here’s why more Israelis are hitting the road in Azerbaijan:

• Diverse Attractions and Experiences: From the cosmopolitan capital of Baku to scenic regions like Gabala and Guba, Azerbaijan offers a variety of experiences. Israeli tourists enjoy nature exploration, gastronomy, skiing, and wellness retreats, making it an appealing destination for diverse interests. ​
• Safe and Accessible Travel: Azerbaijan is considered a safe destination for Israeli tourists. There are no significant incidents of antisemitism reported.
• Warm Diplomatic and Cultural Ties: Azerbaijan and Israel have a close, friendly relationship. The country also has a long history with its Jewish community, which lives freely and is respected.

Top 5 Mountain Roads to Explore by Car

Mountain villages in Azerbaijan offer epic scenery and adventure for driving enthusiasts. These highland routes lead to remote villages, alpine lakes, and breathtaking viewpoints.

1. Khinalug Road (Quba to Khinalug)

​The Khinalug Road, also known as Xinaliq yolu, is a breathtaking 51.5 km (32-mile) route that connects the city of Quba to the ancient mountain village of Khinalug in northeastern Azerbaijan. This journey ascends to elevations over 2,000 meters, offering travelers panoramic views of the Greater Caucasus Mountains.

The road is predominantly paved, and standard vehicles can travel under favorable weather conditions. However, caution is advised during rain or snow. As you traverse this winding mountain road, you'll encounter dramatic landscapes, including cliffs, narrow passes, and the scenic Gudialchay Canyon.

What to Do and See:

• Stop in Quba to explore the local bazaar and try Quba’s famous apples.
• Take photos at the many roadside viewpoints where clouds float at eye level.
• Visit Khinalug’s small museum, which showcases tools and artifacts from village life.
• Walk around the stone houses, some over 1,000 years old, and meet locals who still speak a unique ancient language.
• Hike the nearby trails for panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

2. Laza Road (Qusar to Laza)

Laza Road offers one of the most scenic drives in northern Azerbaijan. Stretching about 32 kilometers, this mountain road takes you from Qusar to the picturesque village of Laza. You’ll pass through lush forests, winding hills, and valleys as you drive, with the majestic Caucasus Mountains always in view. The road is narrow but paved. While generally safe, it requires cautious driving, especially during rainy or snowy weather.

What to Do and See:

• Visit the Laza waterfalls, a cluster of beautiful cascades outside the village.
• Take a light hike around the area to enjoy fresh air and quiet surroundings.
• Photograph the dramatic cliffs and green valleys along the drive, perfect for nature lovers.
• Wander through Laza’s narrow paths to see traditional stone homes with flat roofs and wooden balconies.
• Use Laza as a base for longer treks toward Shahdag Mountain if you're into hiking.

3. Gilazi to Altiaghach (Khizi Region)

This 48-km road trip starts from Giləzi, just off the Baku–Quba highway, and ends in the mountain town of Altiaghach. It’s known for passing through the Candy Cane Mountains, which are striped red and white hills. The road is smooth and easy to drive, making it great for families or casual travelers. Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom if you enjoy nature photography.

What to Do and See:

• Stop at the Candy Cane Mountains to take photos of the red-and-white striped rock formations.
• Walk along short trails near the hills to get a closer look at the layered shale patterns.
• Visit Altiaghach National Park, known for its clean air, pine forests, and peaceful mountain views.
• If you explore deeper into the park, spot wildlife, including foxes and mountain goats.
• Check out the mountain lodges and viewing platforms in Altiaghach for panoramic scenery and quiet relaxation.

4. Lake Göygöl Road (near Ganja)

The road from Ganja to Lake Göygöl offers a scenic journey through the Lesser Caucasus Mountain. Approximately 45 kilometers south of Ganja, the drive typically takes about an hour along well-maintained asphalt roads. As travelers ascend towards Göygöl National Park, the landscape transforms into dense forests, rolling hills, and panoramic mountain vistas. The lake is renowned for its crystal-clear blue waters, resulting from an earthquake that led to a natural damming of the Akhsu River.​

What to Do and See:

• Stop at scenic viewpoints to take photos of Mt. Kapaz and the forests around the lake.
• Walk the lakeside paths to admire the crystal-blue water and peaceful forest setting.
• Watch for birds and animals, as the park is home to many native species.
• Visit nearby Lake Maralgöl, a smaller lake reachable by foot, or a guided jeep tour.
• Enjoy quiet time by the water, relaxing, sketching, or reading with mountain views.

5. Lahij Road (Ismayilli Region)

This 19 km mountain road takes you to the historic village of Lahij (Lahıc). It’s a rough but stunning drive, carved along the Girdimanchay River gorge, with cliffs and narrow dirt tracks. Some parts are unpaved and can get slippery in spring. You’ll need a 4×4 vehicle and steady hands behind the wheel. The views along the way are dramatic, with rock walls and roaring river sounds. Avoid traveling on this road in winter. Snow and ice can shut it down for weeks.

What to Do and See:

• Walk Lahij’s cobbled streets, lined with centuries-old stone houses and traditional balconies.
• Visit copper workshops, where local artisans still make hand-hammered pots, trays, and jewelry.
• Explore the Lahij History and Ethnography Museum, where you’ll find ancient tools, handmade carpets, traditional clothing, and exhibits about mountain village life.
• Admire the mountain views from village overlooks, especially around sunset.
• Watch local craftsmen at work, using techniques passed down through generations.

Top Traditional Markets in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan’s bazaars are a feast for the senses, and local markets in Azerbaijan are often the highlight of a road trip. Driving allows you to reach regional markets early when they’re busiest and most colorful. Strolling through these markets, you’ll mingle with locals and experience authentic food, crafts, and daily life.

Here are a few vibrant markets that Israeli travelers should consider adding to their itinerary.

1. Yasil Bazar (Baku)

Yaşıl Bazar, or “Green Market,” is one of Baku’s busiest and most colorful markets. Located near the city center, it’s a lively place where farmers from across Azerbaijan bring their goods. The stalls have everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to handmade items and local crafts.

What to Do and See:

• Browse stalls selling traditional textiles, embroidered scarves, and handwoven baskets alongside the produce.
• Watch local vendors at work, arrange displays, and interact with loyal customers from the neighborhood.
• Take photos of colorful produce piles, especially the pomegranates and spices, icons of Azerbaijani culture.
• Practice your Azerbaijani greetings, like “salam” (hello) or “neçəyədir?” (how much?), for a friendly exchange.
• Pick up small souvenirs, like dried herbs or spice blends, perfect for gifts or travel keepsakes.

2. Sheki Market (Sheki City)

Also called Təzə Bazar, Sheki Market is a lively rural market that captures the spirit of the Silk Road era. It’s the heart of daily life in Sheki, especially in the mornings when local farmers and artisans gather to sell their goods. The market overflows with fresh fruits, herbs, nuts, and Sheki’s famous halva, a sticky, layered sweet made with nuts and syrup.

What to Do and See:

• Watch halva makers at work, carefully layering each piece by hand using old family recipes.
• Browse stalls with embroidered fabrics, colorful scarves, and locally made pottery—great souvenirs with cultural meaning.
• Observe local customs, like villagers exchanging news, or vendors offering tea to shoppers in small glass cups.
• Photograph the market’s lively scenes, from women in bright headscarves to donkeys carrying baskets of goods.
• Visit early in the morning, when the energy is highest, and fresh goods arrive from nearby mountain villages.

3. Ganja Bazaar (Ganja City)

In Ganja, Azerbaijan’s second-largest city, the main bazaar is a bustling center with deep roots in the Silk Road trade. The market spreads across several blocks and includes sections for produce, textiles, tools, and household goods.

What to Do and See:

• Explore the bazaar’s non-food areas, where local families use hand-sewn clothing, carpets, and everyday items.
• Observe the blend of cultures, with shoppers speaking Azerbaijani, Russian, and regional dialects as they bargain.
• Watch craftsmen and tailors, often working on-site repairing shoes or stitching fabric.
• See how city life unfolds, from delivery carts weaving through crowds to shopkeepers arranging goods with care.
• Take in the market's architecture, with arched roofs and colorful canopies that reflect the city’s trade history.

4. Lankaran Market (Lankaran City)

Lankaran Market is located in Azerbaijan’s subtropical southern region. It is also known as Boyuk Bazaar and is the area's largest and most vibrant bazaar. Set between Soviet-era open stalls and a newer indoor space, the market reflects the region’s deep agricultural traditions and diverse local economy.

What to Do and See:

• Browse fresh lemons, herbs, and vegetables, especially on Sunday mornings when the market is busiest.
• Check out traditional household items, like earthen soup pots, wooden cutting boards, and locally crafted storage boxes.
• Visit the handicraft section, where local artisans sell woven textiles, hand-carved items, and simple souvenirs.
• Watch bakers at the wood-fired tendir ovens, where hot, crusty bread is pulled fresh every few minutes.
• Learn about local customs and legends by chatting with vendors or observing traditional Talish products on display.

Practical Travel Tips for Israeli Drivers

• Bring an International Driving Permit: In addition to your Israeli driver’s license, carrying an International Driving Permit (IDP) is advisable. Car rental companies often require this document, which can help avoid misunderstandings if you encounter police checkpoints. Make sure to arrange the IDP before you leave Israel, as it’s not issued in Azerbaijan.
• Use offline GPS apps: Mobile coverage can be spotty in the mountains and remote areas. Download offline maps for Azerbaijan in advance. Offline GPS apps will help you navigate even when you don’t have internet. Road signs in the regions might not always be in English, so having reliable navigation ensures you won’t get lost on those back roads.
• Carry cash for rural areas: Outside of Baku and major cities, many gas stations, restaurants, and shops operate on a cash-only basis. Always have enough Azerbaijani manat in cash, especially when venturing to countryside towns or villages. ATMs exist in regional centers but may be hard to find in small villages.
• Learn basic Azerbaijani greetings: Learn a few simple phrases like “Salam” (hello), “Teşəkkür” (thank you), and “Xahiş edirəm” (please). Not everyone speaks English in rural areas, but almost everyone will respond positively to an attempt at Azerbaijani. Even Russian can be handy.
• Avoid winter mountain trips: Winter from late November through February brings heavy snow to Azerbaijan’s mountains. Some high-altitude roads become impassable or officially closed during this period. Even major passes can get icy. Plan your mountain drives for spring, summer, or early autumn when weather conditions are safer. If you must travel in winter, stick to lower elevations or main highways.

The Best Time to Visit to Azerbaijan

April to June

Spring is one of the best times to drive in Azerbaijan. Wildflowers bloom across the hills, and the mountain meadows turn lush green.The weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for hiking after you park the car. This season also sees Novruz holiday festivities (around March equinox), which adds cultural color if you time it right.

September to October

Early autumn brings cool, crisp weather and autumn colors in the forests. The mountain forests around Gabala, Sheki, and Ganja regions transform into shades of gold and red. It’s harvest time, so local markets overflow with fresh fruits like pomegranates, grapes, and figs.

Autumn days are mostly sunny and dry, ideal for road conditions. This is a favorite time for many travelers because you enjoy the summer’s warmth without the crowds, and most roads remain fully accessible before winter sets in.

Avoid the snowy months

Winter makes mountain travel difficult from late November through February. Snowfall can close high passes and make driving hazardous. Some scenic Azerbaijan mountain roads like Laza or Lahij may not be safe or open in deep winter. Unless you’re coming for winter sports at ski resorts, it’s wise to avoid long road trips during this period.

If you visit in winter, concentrate on city sightseeing (Baku, Ganja, etc.) or lowland areas, and save the big mountain adventures for another season.

Takeaway

Azerbaijan offers Israeli tourists adventure and cultural discovery. From the peaks of the Caucasus to bustling village bazaars, a self-drive journey lets you see it all on your schedule. For a smooth experience, consider renting a car with Finalrentals. Our reliable and affordable service provides well-maintained vehicles ideal for city driving and mountainous terrain.