Lake Goygol: The Blue Beauty of the West
Nature

Lake Goygol: The Blue Beauty of the West

📅December 25, 2025

Lake Goygol: The Blue Beauty of the West

In 1139, a massive earthquake shook the Caucasus Mountains. Rocks tumbled, valleys collapsed, and a river was dammed by the debris.

From that tragedy, beauty was born: Lake Goygol (Blue Lake).

Today, Goygol is Azerbaijan's most stunning lake—a mirror of turquoise water surrounded by dense forests and mountain peaks. It's a place of tranquility, natural beauty, and tragic history.

The Legend and the Science

The Earthquake of 1139:

A powerful earthquake (estimated magnitude 7+) struck the region, causing a massive landslide from Mount Kapaz. The debris blocked the Agsu River, creating a natural dam.

The Result:

Water accumulated behind the dam, forming Lake Goygol and several smaller lakes in the valley.

The Name:

"Goygol" means "Blue Lake" in Azerbaijani, named for its stunning turquoise color.

The Lake: Facts and Features

Size:

  • Length: 2.8 km
  • Width: 800 meters
  • Depth: Up to 96 meters
  • Altitude: 1,556 meters above sea level

The Color:

The water is a brilliant turquoise-blue, caused by:

  • Mineral Content: Dissolved minerals from the surrounding rocks
  • Depth and Clarity: The water is incredibly clear
  • Light Reflection: The angle of sunlight creates the vivid color

The Ecosystem:

  • Fish: Trout (fishing is prohibited)
  • Birds: Ducks, herons, eagles
  • Forests: Oak, beech, hornbeam

Goygol National Park

Lake Goygol is the centerpiece of Goygol National Park, established in 2008 to protect the area's unique ecosystem.

The Park Includes:

  • Lake Goygol (the main lake)
  • Seven Smaller Lakes: Maralgol, Jeyrangol, Ordekgol, Zalugol, Aggol, Garagol, Shamligol
  • Mount Kapaz: The mountain that created the lake
  • Dense Forests: Pristine Caucasian forests

Protected Status:

  • Strict Conservation: Limited access to protect the environment
  • Permits Required: You must obtain a permit to enter (see below)

Visiting Lake Goygol: Practical Information

Location:

  • Region: Goygol District, western Azerbaijan
  • Nearest City: Ganja (60 km)
  • Distance from Baku: 370 km (5-6 hours)

Permits:

Important: You cannot visit Lake Goygol without a permit.

How to Get a Permit:

  1. Online: Apply through the Ministry of Ecology website (in advance)
  2. In Ganja: Visit the Goygol National Park office
  3. Through a Tour: Tour agencies handle permits for you

Cost: 10-20 AZN per person

Processing Time: 1-3 days (apply in advance)

How to Get There

From Ganja:

  • Distance: 60 km south
  • Drive Time: 1.5 hours

Option 1: Rent a Car

  • Pros: Flexible, can explore at your own pace
  • Cons: Mountain roads, permit required

Option 2: Hire a Driver

  • Pros: Local knowledge, easier navigation
  • Price: 80-120 AZN for a day trip

Option 3: Join a Tour

  • Pros: All-inclusive (transport + permit + guide)
  • Price: 50-100 AZN per person

What to Do at Lake Goygol

1. Scenic Walks

  • Lakeside Trail: Easy walk along the shore
  • Viewpoints: Multiple spots for panoramic photos

2. Photography

  • Best Light: Early morning and late afternoon
  • Reflections: The lake mirrors the surrounding mountains perfectly

3. Picnicking

  • Designated Areas: Picnic spots with tables
  • Pack Your Own: No food vendors inside the park

4. Birdwatching

  • Species: Eagles, ducks, herons
  • Best Time: Early morning

5. Visit the Smaller Lakes

  • Maralgol (Deer Lake): 15-minute hike from Goygol
  • Jeyrangol (Gazelle Lake): Smaller, quieter

Rules and Regulations

DO:

  • Stay on marked trails
  • Take photos
  • Bring your own food and water

DON'T:

  • Swim in the lake (prohibited)
  • Fish (prohibited)
  • Litter (heavy fines)
  • Light fires (prohibited)
  • Bring pets (not allowed)

Why So Strict? The park is a protected ecosystem. The rules are in place to preserve its natural beauty for future generations.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (April-May):

  • Pros: Wildflowers bloom, waterfalls are full
  • Cons: Can be rainy

Summer (June-August):

  • Pros: Warm weather, lush greenery
  • Cons: More crowded

Autumn (September-October):

  • Pros: Fall colors, fewer tourists, perfect weather
  • Cons: None (this is the best time!)

Winter (November-March):

  • Pros: Snow-covered landscape, serene
  • Cons: Cold, some roads may be closed

What to Bring

Essentials:

  • Permit: Don't forget!
  • Water and Snacks: No shops inside the park
  • Camera: The scenery is breathtaking
  • Comfortable Shoes: For walking trails
  • Layers: Mountain weather can change quickly

Optional:

  • Binoculars: For birdwatching
  • Picnic Supplies: Enjoy lunch by the lake

Nearby Attractions

1. Ganja City

  • Highlights: Nizami Mausoleum, Bottle House, Javad Khan Street
  • Distance: 60 km

2. Goygol Winery

  • Highlights: Wine tasting, historic winery (est. 1860)
  • Distance: 10 km from Ganja

3. Hajikend

  • Highlights: German village ruins (19th-century settlement)
  • Distance: Near Goygol

Suggested Itinerary: Day Trip from Ganja

Morning:

  • 8:00 AM: Depart Ganja
  • 9:30 AM: Arrive at Lake Goygol
  • 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Explore the lake, hike to Maralgol

Afternoon:

  • 12:00 PM: Picnic lunch by the lake
  • 1:00 PM: Photography, relaxation
  • 2:30 PM: Return to Ganja
  • 4:00 PM: Visit Goygol Winery or explore Ganja

Conclusion

Lake Goygol is proof that even from tragedy, beauty can emerge. Born from an earthquake, this lake has become a symbol of Azerbaijan's natural splendor.

Whether you're a hiker, a photographer, or simply someone seeking peace, Goygol offers a sanctuary of blue water, green forests, and mountain air.

Next up in our series: Hiking to the Gismat Galasi in Zagatala