The village of Ilisu is distinguished not only by its ancient history and hospitality but also by its natural beauty. The Ilisu Waterfall, a stunning feature of this village, is sure to captivate everyone. The Ilisu Waterfall (also known as “Ram-Rama”) is located in a very picturesque and сalm area. It starts from the steep cliffs of the Greater Caucasus and reaches a height of 25 meters. To reach the waterfall's source, you need to spend about an hour hiking up the steep slope. Those who do not enjoy hiking can be driven by locals along the road between the rocks. To see the frozen Ilisu Waterfall, you should visit in winter. At this time of year, the area is transformed into a completely different beauty.
Contact: info@elresort.az
+994704455202
Near the village of Qum lie the ruins of an unusual monument — the Qum Basilica. For a long time, this monument remained hidden among trees and bushes. Later, it was dated back to the 5th–6th centuries, and restoration work has since begun. This monument stands out for many of its unique features, including its large stone columns and arches, which have been crafted with great precision.
This domed Albanian temple is referred to in scholarly literature as the Qum Basilica because it was built in the basilica style of ancient Byzantine architecture (the word "basilica" in Latin means "house of the ruler"). Of this magnificent structure, only the main body and some parts of the roof covering have survived to the present day.
Contact: info@elresort.az
+994704455202
The defense tower located in the Bucaq neighborhood of İlisu village, Qakh District, was built in the 18th century. This tower is an example of defensive architecture created by mountain communities to protect themselves and their families from enemies. It was constructed using river stones, lime mortar, and baked bricks, reflecting the craftsmanship and durability of that era.
The construction of the “Sumuq Tower” coincides with the period when the İlisu Sultanate was flourishing and developing. Initially built solely as a defensive structure, the tower was later also used for residential purposes. During the Caucasian Wars, such defense towers played an important role in helping the local population resist enemy forces. Similar defense towers can be found in the mountainous regions of Georgia, Dagestan, and the North Caucasus. They were usually built adjoining houses or as auxiliary defensive structures near dwellings.
Contact: info@elresort.az
+994704455202
The Kürmük Temple is located near the village of Əmbərçay in the Qakh District. Archaeological excavations have revealed that the Kürmük Temple is a church built on the remnants of an ancient Albanian temple (dating back to the 1st–3rd centuries) that once existed in the territory of Qakh. After the Russian Empire occupied the İlisu Sultanate, it constructed a new church over the ancient temple to promote Christianity. The church was built in 1873, based on the suggestion and insistence of a Georgian metropolitan.
There are remnants of the earlier Albanian temple and monastery that have been unearthed from beneath the ground. However, this church has no connection to the original Albanian religious structures. It was built using red bricks. The bell tower has a circular structure with narrow windows. Its top is covered with a conical roof, and a cross is placed atop the roof.
Contact: info@elresort.az
+994704455202
The Lekit Temple is one of the oldest structures from the Caucasian Albanian period. The remains of the temple are located 1 km from Lekit village, on the bank of the Lekit River, near a ravine. The restoration of the site by Baranovsk’s 40th economy is commendable.
The temple, built in a circular shape, is covered with a hall measuring up to 22 meters in diameter. The walls were constructed from river stones, while the interior pilasters and columns were made of baked bricks. Inside the temple, circular columns were arranged around a decorated central column. The dome, built in the tetraconch style, has since collapsed.
Two adjoining auxiliary rooms on the eastern side of the temple — known as cubbakhana — had interior doorways connecting them to the main hall. It is believed that one of these rooms housed the altar, while the other served as a chamber for clergy. About 30 meters from the temple, the remains of a structure — thought to have been a bathhouse for baptism ceremonies — can still be found.
Contact: info@elresort.az
+994704455202
According to the inscriptions carved on river stones on the walls of the monument, it is believed that the mosque already existed in 1617–1618. River stones, baked bricks, and lime mortar were used in the construction of the mosque, and its roof was covered with tiles. The building has a rectangular layout, with its main compositional axis running from north to south.
Inside the mosque, the prayer hall is divided into three equal longitudinal sections by columns. The hall is illuminated by pointed-arch windows on the side walls of the mosque. The side walls, designed with Jafari-type lattice windows, as well as the interior, have a simple appearance. However, the harmonious shape of the architectural forms and the system of pointed arches give the interior a remarkably lively character.
At the mosque’s entrance, inscriptions carved on river stones are placed above and on both sides of the doorway.
Contact: info@elresort.az
+994704455202
Sarıbaş is located at the foot of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, at an altitude of 1602 meters above sea level. The village is situated in a remote area, so sometimes, when the riverbed overflows, Sarıbaş is cut off from the outside world. Even in good weather conditions, you will need a special off-road vehicle to reach the village.
Nevertheless, it is worth going through these difficulties to see the village’s rare stone architectural monuments and the breathtaking mountain views. The population of the village has decreased in recent years — only 30 people live here in winter. The hospitality of the local people will especially win your heart. Don’t forget to taste the village’s various local dishes, including cheese and jams. Be sure to try the süruhüllü, a delicacy from the Qakh region, considered the jewel of the area. Many people say that this national dish achieves a unique taste in Sarıbaş, unlike anywhere else.
Contact: info@elresort.az
+994704455202
In Azerbaijan, where the values of tolerance are highly regarded and representatives of various religions and nations live together in peace, Christian monuments, places of worship, and churches are always given great attention to preserve them. The Holy George Church, located in the Qakhbaş village of the Qakh district, is one of the religious sites in our country where Christian heritage is preserved. Built in the late 19th century, this place of worship hosts various religious festivals and services throughout the year. During these celebrations, all members of the community participate, lighting candles in the church. Ethnic Georgians — Ingiloys — who have settled in the village, come to the church for worship, and the church is mostly crowded during significant Orthodox Christian holidays. However, on other days, tourists can visit the church throughout the year.
The interior of the church is a masterpiece of art. Brightly colored walls and ceilings, decorated with paintings depicting important religious scenes, dominate the space, while the exterior offers enchanting mountain views from its lush garden.
Contact: info@elresort.az
+994704455202
This beekeeping farm located near Ləkit village in the Qakh District is another remarkable agritourism experience in the north-western region. Established in 2012, this family-run enterprise produces a wide range of products including honey, royal jelly, propolis, pollen, beeswax, skincare cream, and various honey-based goods. The complex also features a laboratory for testing the quality of the honey.
As part of its mission to educate future beekeepers, the farm hosts beekeeping workshops and even features an open-air museum dedicated to the history of beekeeping in the region.
In addition to guided tours led by experts, visitors can take part in honey-making masterclasses at the “Honey House.” During the tour, you’ll learn about local beekeeping traditions that play a vital role in producing Caucasian mountain honey and get a chance to taste the result of these traditions.
There’s also a small lake on the farm’s premises, where visitors can relax and enjoy the peacefulness of nature for hours.
Contact: info@elresort.az
+994704455202
This rare waterfall, located in the village of Lekit-Kotuklu in the Qakh region, is hidden deep within a dense forest. Over the centuries, the water flowing over the rocks has created a thick layer of green moss, making the area appear as if it is covered with a green carpet. Tall trees keep the area cool and shaded, with little sunlight reaching the ground.
What attracts visitors here is the waterfall nestled at the foot of the mountains, in the heart of the dense forest. The name given to this natural wonder comes from the green moss covering the parts where the water flows.
The surroundings of the waterfall are an ideal spot for picnics, and tourists visiting the villages of Lekit and Kotuklu often come here to walk and enjoy the scenery.
Contact: info@elresort.az
+994704455202
The Great Bridge (Ulu Körpü), which has witnessed over three centuries of history, is one of the most visited historical sites by both local and foreign tourists coming to the Qakh District. During hot summer days, the area around the Great Bridge is always bustling with people, as the weather remains pleasantly cool even during the hottest hours of the day. In 1980, a new modern bridge was built over the Kürmük River near the Great Bridge. Currently, vehicles use the new bridge, while automobile traffic is prohibited on the Great Bridge.
One of the ancient historical and architectural monuments in the Qakh region with unique characteristics is the Great Bridge. It is located on the road leading to the village of İlisu, spanning the Kürmük River. The local population refers to it as “Ulu” (meaning “Great” or “Grand”) due to it being the largest of its kind in the area.
Contact: info@elresort.az
+994704455202
Although the Qakh District is rich in countless natural and historical-cultural monuments, one site that draws particular interest is the “İçəribazar” complex. Dating back to the 16th century, the area within the fortress once housed residential buildings, various artisan workshops, shops, and a marketplace. For this reason, the local population still refers to the interior of the fortress as “İçəribazar.” At the entrance and exit gates of the fortress, one can see the continued presence of national architectural traditions.
Upon entering the fortress, the finely crafted stone walls lining the street create a pleasant atmosphere. Within the complex, a large open-air theater has been established, where concerts and entertainment programs are held during the spring and summer months.
At the handicrafts sales center, visitors can view and purchase national souvenirs made by local artisans—such as wood carvings, stone engravings, woven items, and souvenir carpets.
Today, visitors to the complex enjoy learning about the district, the ancient fortress, the local way of life, traditions, and cuisine, all while having a delightful experience.
Contact: info@elresort.az
+994704455202
Galacha or Shamil-Gala is a round tower located near the village of İlisu in the Gakh region of Azerbaijan. The tower was built in the beginning of the 19th century during the Russian troops advancing into the mountains. According to the order of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the historical and cultural monument, it is considered an architectural monument of local importance.
Contact: info@elresort.az
+994704455202
Jinli Castle or Jinli-Gala is a fortress located near the village of İlisu in the Gakh region of Azerbaijan. It was built according to some sources in the 7-9th centuries, according to others - presumably in the 18th century, during the time of continuous invasions and internal conflicts. It is also possible that the fortress was used in the beginning of the 19th century, during the clashes between the Russians and the mountain population.According to the order of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan on historical and cultural monuments, it constitutes an architectural monument of local importance.
Contact: info@elresort.az
+994704455202
