Gabala in Winter: A Family Trip Filled with Comfort, Adventure, and Cozy Moments

Why Gabala? The Atmosphere and Its Uniqueness

When winter covers the mountains with a white blanket and the air becomes crystal clear and fresh, Gabala turns into a true winter oasis, where you can combine active recreation with serene landscapes and cozy evenings by the fireplace.

Gabala is not just a city. It is a whole universe of experiences nestled among the mountains. Here, ancient history meets untouched nature and modern traveler conveniences. It is one of the best destinations for a winter family vacation in Azerbaijan.

What Attracts Tourists to Gabala in Winter?

• “Tufan Dag” Ski Resort – one of the most modern resorts in the region, featuring well-maintained slopes of varying difficulty, cozy cafés, and an Alpine vacation atmosphere.
• Unique Nature – snow-covered mountains, pine forests, crystal-clear rivers, and lakes create the perfect scenery for photos and walks.
• Gastronomic Discoveries – Gabala’s national cuisine is rich in flavors and aromas, offering traditional Azerbaijani dishes in their authentic form.
• A Variety of Activities – in addition to the ski resort, Gabala offers thermal springs, waterfalls, historic fortresses, and museums.
• Comfortable Roads – well-maintained highways lead to Gabala, making it easy to reach by car, even in winter.

We set off for Gabala for two days – the perfect amount of time to immerse ourselves in the city’s atmosphere, enjoy winter recreation, and not feel rushed to return.

Choosing the Right Car: Why It Matters for the Trip?

A winter trip to the mountains is not only about breathtaking scenery but also certain challenges. Comfort and safety on the road directly depend on the choice of vehicle.

What Are the Key Requirements for a Car in Winter?

• Reliability and Drivability – the roads to Gabala are generally in good condition, but mountain areas may have ice or slippery snow.
• Fuel Efficiency – fuel consumption is usually higher in winter, so it’s important to choose a car with low fuel consumption but enough power.
• Spacious Trunk – if you’re traveling with family, gear, and luggage, everything should fit easily.
• Comfortable Interior – good sound insulation, comfortable seats, and an efficient climate control system are key factors.

Why Did We Choose the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid 2024?

• Brand New Car – only 11,000 km mileage, with a fresh new car scent.
• Hybrid System – fuel consumption of just 4 liters per 100 km.
• Spacious Trunk – easily accommodated suitcases, ski gear, and kids’ belongings.
• Excellent Sound Insulation – the ride was smooth and quiet.
• High Ground Clearance – no worries about snow or ice.
• Advanced Safety Features – adaptive cruise control, stability control system, and heated seats.

Which Route to Take to Gabala?

✅ Optimal Route: Baku — Shamakhi — Garamyaryam — Goychay — Agdash — Gabala

❌ Route to Avoid: Shamakhi — Ismayilli — Gabala

• 🚧 Road under construction, frequent presence of trucks.
• ⚠ Some unsafe sections, especially at night.

Conclusion: Why Is Proper Preparation Important?

The car is a key element of any journey. Choosing the right vehicle makes the road enjoyable.

A well-planned route helps avoid unexpected issues and saves time.

Choosing a reliable rental service is the key to a stress-free trip. We confirmed that Karavan Rent A Car in Baku is a company that can be trusted.

With everything well prepared, we set off on a journey filled with new emotions, cozy stops, and the winter landscapes of Gabala.

First Stop: CoffeeToGo – An Energizing Start to the Perfect Journey

Early morning, empty roads, fresh air, and the anticipation of a new adventure. The kids are peacefully sleeping in the back seat, while my wife and I enjoy the silence. However, our bodies hint: we need a dose of caffeine!

Following a friend’s recommendation, we decided to stop at CoffeeToGo – a cozy coffee shop perfectly located for those traveling along our route.

How to Find CoffeeToGo?

📍 Located on the road to Shamakhi, just before reaching the city. It’s the perfect stop for those heading to Gabala, Ismayilli, or Sheki.

🅿 Spacious parking – we didn’t have to search for a spot; everything was well organized.

🏡 Modern coffee shop design – glass walls, stylish decor, and a warm atmosphere create a pleasant impression.

💨 As soon as we stepped out of the car, we were greeted by the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, inviting us inside and promising the perfect morning drink.

What Did We Choose?

The CoffeeToGo menu is concise, without unnecessary options – just the best coffee drinks prepared with high-quality equipment.

• ☕ Cappuccino (my choice) – rich, with thick foam and a well-balanced taste.
• 🥛 Latte (my wife’s choice) – smooth, creamy, with a light caramel hint.

✅ Total cost for both drinks – 13 AZN.

The baristas worked quickly and professionally, so within a couple of minutes, we were holding hot cups of fragrant coffee.

The Atmosphere of Our Morning Stop

📍 Outside – a light frost, early sunrise, and mist over the road.

☕ In our hands – hot coffee, warming our fingers and filling us with energy.

😌 The mood – relaxed, with a pleasant anticipation of the journey.

We stood by the car, savoring the moment. It wasn’t just a coffee break, it was a true ritual of beginning the journey.

Why Stop at CoffeeToGo?

• ✔ Excellent coffee – rich, aromatic, and truly energizing.
• ✔ Fast service – no waiting in line, drinks ready in minutes.
• ✔ Convenient location – no need to go off route.
• ✔ Affordable prices – quality surpasses the cost.

Conclusion

If you’re traveling towards Gabala, be sure to make a stop at CoffeeToGo. It’s a moment of warmth and energy that makes the start of your journey perfect.

With hot coffee in hand, smiles on our faces, and excitement in our hearts, we continued our journey – towards snow-covered mountains, adventures, and unforgettable emotions. 🚗✨

Breakfast in Shamakhi: “Abqora” Restaurant – A Place Where the Day Begins with Delight

A Discovery for Travelers

When planning our route, I knew in advance that breakfast on the road is not just a snack but a full-fledged pleasure. The staff at Karavan Rent A Car in Baku recommended stopping at “Abqora” restaurant, and now I understand why.

Located in the picturesque part of Shamakhi, “Abqora” became not just a breakfast spot for us but a separate highlight of the trip, leaving the warmest impressions.

First Impression: Cozy and Elegant

We arrived at the restaurant in the morning hours. The first thing that caught our eye was the stunning architecture. From the outside, “Abqora” resembled a modern countryside house with panoramic windows, through which we could already see the cozy atmosphere inside.

Upon entering, we felt a special warmth. The combination of wood, stone, and glass in the interior, soft lighting, and gentle music all created a sense of tranquility. This was not just a roadside café, but a place where you want to stay longer and savor the moment.

The restaurant’s windows offered a breathtaking view of the mountains. Mist rising over the peaks, snowy hills, and frost-covered trees – it was one of those moments when you haven’t even tasted the food yet, but you’re already in awe.

The Menu: A Breakfast to Remember

The waiter approached us with a smile and brought the menu, which had everything needed for a perfect breakfast. We chose the traditional breakfast, which included:

• Fresh homemade bread – warm, with a crispy crust, served with butter and jam.
• Aromatic cheese from local farms.
• Homestyle eggs, prepared with care.
• Fresh vegetables – juicy tomatoes, crispy cucumbers, and fragrant greens.
• Honey and jam, served in small clay bowls.
• Olives and nuts – a delightful addition to the meal.

Tea was served in traditional glass cups – warm, strong, and rich in taste and aroma.

A Taste to Remember

I didn’t expect breakfast to leave such a lasting impression. Every ingredient was fresh, every flavor rich. Ordinary eggs here felt like a delicacy, and the cheese and fresh bread were impossible to stop eating.

Service and Atmosphere: Top-Notch

The restaurant staff was attentive yet unobtrusive. They knew the menu well, recommended dishes, shared stories about the ingredients, and even advised which breakfasts were best for travelers.

We spent about 40 minutes in the restaurant, and time flew by. We didn’t want to leave. It was that rare feeling of finding a place you want to return to.

Price and Impressions

• The total bill for breakfast was 58 AZN, and it was money well spent on this trip.
• We left satisfied, energized, and ready for the day.

Why Stop at “Abqora”?

• Location. The restaurant is in Shamakhi, right on the way to Gabala.
• Scenic View. The snowy hills seen from the windows are worth the visit alone.
• Fresh Ingredients. Everything here is genuinely homemade, delicious, and high quality.
• Atmosphere. Serenity, coziness, warmth, and hospitality are felt in every detail.
• Reasonable Prices. The cost of breakfast is more than justified for the quality of food and service.

Conclusion

The “Abqora” restaurant became not just a breakfast stop but an unforgettable part of our journey. It’s a place where you want to linger, order another glass of tea, and simply enjoy the moment.

If you’re heading to Gabala, make sure to stop here. It will be a morning you’ll remember for a lifetime. 💛

Family Trip to Gabala: The Magic of the Mountains and Active Recreation

Gabala: The Magic of the Mountains and Adventure

After a scenic drive filled with mountain landscapes, snow-covered trees, and photo stops, we finally arrived in Gabala—one of the most picturesque places in Azerbaijan. It was midday, around 1:00 PM, and our main goal was already waiting for us—Tufan Dag Ski Resort.

Skiing: First Impressions

As soon as we parked, we headed straight to rent ski equipment. The rental process was very convenient: for 75 AZN per day, we received a full set of gear:

• Skis and poles
• Jacket and thermal pants
• Helmet
• Ski Pass (access to lifts for the entire day)

For our youngest daughter, we decided to hire an instructor. The cost was 40 AZN per hour, and it turned out to be a great decision—he not only taught her the basics but also boosted her confidence. Within just 30 minutes, she was already gliding down the gentle slopes with ease.

Ski Trails and Resort Activities

The resort offers trails of varying difficulty levels, making it a great place for both beginners and experienced skiers. We opted for intermediate slopes, where we could enjoy both speed and the breathtaking views.

Apart from skiing, the resort also offers other exciting activities:

• Quad biking
• Snowmobile rides
• Buggy rides

Snack Break on the Slope: Burger Station

After a few hours of skiing and fun, we felt it was time for a break. In the mountains, hunger comes quickly, and nothing beats a hot meal in the fresh air. Our choice was Burger Station—a cozy café located right on the ski slope.

Menu: What Did We Order?

The menu at Burger Station was simple but exactly what you need in the mountains—hearty, high-energy meals to quickly recharge.

• Burgers—classic, with juicy beef patties and crispy buns.
• French fries—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.
• Hot tea—black for 3 AZN, green for 4 AZN.
• Cappuccino—fragrant, with thick milk foam for 7 AZN.
• Red Velvet dessert—rich and creamy, for 10 AZN.

Atmosphere and Relaxation

One of the best things about Burger Station was its atmosphere. There was no rush—each skier could relax before the next run. Some enjoyed hot chocolate, others admired the mountains, while some were already eager for their next descent.

Final Thoughts

The Tufan Dag Ski Resort gave us unforgettable emotions. We skied, experienced speed and adrenaline, and enjoyed the winter scenery. Burger Station was a perfect rest stop where we refueled for more adventures.

It’s one of those places you want to return to—whether for the snow, the crisp air, the speed, or that incredible feeling of freedom and happiness as you race down the slopes.

Gabala Garden Hotel: Cozy Comfort Amidst the Mountains

Location and First Impressions

Gabala Garden Hotel is located in a picturesque part of Gabala, surrounded by majestic mountains and lush gardens. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a well-maintained area with tidy pathways, tall trees, and soft lighting that created a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The Room: Warm and Cozy

We booked a family room, which cost 190 AZN per night for four people, including breakfast.

• Cleanliness — the room was spotless, with fresh linens and towels.
• Cozy Atmosphere — soft lighting and a neutral-toned interior made it feel comfortable.
• Spacious — even with luggage and ski equipment, there was plenty of room.
• Good Heating — essential in winter, and we had no issues here.

Breakfast: Expectations vs. Reality

Breakfast at Gabala Garden Hotel was included in the price. The buffet offered a standard selection: eggs, cheese, cold cuts, fruits, yogurt, and pastries.

On one hand, the breakfast was filling, but it didn’t quite meet the standard of a five-star hotel. However, the coffee was aromatic, and the pastries were fresh.

Final Thoughts on the Hotel

Gabala Garden Hotel is a great option for a family getaway. It offers comfortable accommodation, a cozy atmosphere, and a convenient location.

Gabala’s Landmarks: What to See?

1. Nohur Lake — A Natural Retreat

If you’re looking for a peaceful place to take a stroll and enjoy nature, Nohur Lake is the perfect destination.

2. Ruins of Chukhur Gabala — A Glimpse into Ancient History

For history enthusiasts, a must-visit spot is the ruins of Chukhur Gabala. This ancient city was once the capital of Caucasian Albania.

3. Gabaland Amusement Park — Fun for Kids

If you’re traveling with children, don’t miss Gabaland—the largest amusement park in Azerbaijan.

• Roller coasters
• Carousels
• Trampoline zones
• Mini go-kart tracks

4. Yedigya Waterfall — A Natural Wonder

In winter, the Yedigya Waterfall transforms into a mesmerizing frozen spectacle.

5. Tufan Dag Cable Car — Breathtaking Views

One of Gabala’s most impressive attractions is the cable car at Tufan Dag Resort. Even if you’re not skiing, it’s worth the trip for the panoramic views.

6. Gabala History and Ethnography Museum

For those wanting to dive deeper into the region’s culture, a visit to the Gabala History and Ethnography Museum is recommended.

Final Thoughts

Gabala is not just a place for skiing—it’s a destination filled with incredible sights and experiences.

We were captivated by the beauty of Nohur Lake, fascinated by the history of Chukhur Gabala, thrilled by the heights of the cable car, and had an adrenaline-filled adventure at Gabaland.

If you have the chance, set aside at least a day to explore Gabala’s landmarks—it’s absolutely worth it.