The 7 Beauties Waterfall: Legend and Nature in Gabala
Nature

The 7 Beauties Waterfall: Legend and Nature in Gabala

📅December 25, 2025

The 7 Beauties Waterfall: Legend and Nature in Gabala

Deep in the forests of Gabala, a waterfall cascades down the mountainside in seven distinct stages.

This is Yeddi Gozel (Seven Beauties), named after a legend of seven sisters who, according to local folklore, turned into waterfalls to escape an unwanted fate.

Today, it's one of Gabala's most popular natural attractions—a place where legend, nature, and adventure meet.

The Legend: The Seven Sisters

The story goes like this:

Seven beautiful sisters lived in a village near Gabala. A powerful khan fell in love with all of them and demanded they marry him. Refusing to be separated or forced into marriage, the sisters fled into the mountains.

When the khan's soldiers cornered them at the edge of a cliff, the sisters prayed for help. The gods answered by transforming them into seven waterfalls, flowing together but forever free.

The Moral: The waterfalls represent freedom, sisterhood, and the power of nature.

The Waterfall: Seven Stages

Yeddi Gozel is not a single waterfall but a series of seven cascades, each with its own character.

The Stages:

  1. First Stage: The tallest and most powerful
  2. Second Stage: Wide and gentle
  3. Third Stage: Hidden behind rocks
  4. Fourth Stage: A small, delicate cascade
  5. Fifth Stage: The most photogenic
  6. Sixth Stage: Surrounded by moss and ferns
  7. Seventh Stage: The final, quiet pool

The Height:

  • Total Drop: Approximately 50 meters (across all stages)

The Flow:

  • Strongest: Spring (April-May) after snowmelt
  • Weakest: Late summer (August-September)

Visiting Yeddi Gozel: Practical Information

Location:

  • Region: Gabala, Vandam village
  • Distance from Gabala City: 15 km
  • Distance from Baku: 220 km (3 hours)

Entrance Fee:

  • 5-10 AZN per person (includes access to the trail)

Opening Hours:

  • Daily: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (summer)
  • Shorter Hours in Winter

The Hike: Climbing to the Waterfalls

The Trail:

  • Length: 1.5 km (one way)
  • Elevation Gain: ~200 meters
  • Difficulty: Moderate (stairs and steep sections)
  • Duration: 1-1.5 hours round trip

The Path:

  • Wooden Stairs: Most of the trail is on wooden steps
  • Viewing Platforms: Multiple platforms for photos
  • Shaded: Dense forest provides cover

What to Expect:

  • Crowds: Popular spot, especially on weekends
  • Slippery: Can be wet and muddy
  • Refreshing: Cool mist from the waterfall

Best Time to Visit

For Maximum Water Flow:

  • Spring (April-May): Snowmelt creates powerful cascades

For Comfortable Hiking:

  • Autumn (September-October): Cooler temperatures, fall colors

For Fewer Crowds:

  • Weekdays: Avoid weekends and holidays

Avoid:

  • Winter (December-February): Trail can be icy and dangerous

What to Bring

Essentials:

  • Sturdy Shoes: Hiking boots or trail runners (stairs can be slippery)
  • Water: At least 1 liter per person
  • Snacks: No food vendors on the trail
  • Camera: The waterfalls are incredibly photogenic
  • Light Jacket: It's cooler in the forest

Optional:

  • Trekking Poles: Helpful on steep sections
  • Rain Jacket: Mist from the waterfall can soak you

Photography Tips

Best Shots:

  • Long Exposure: Use a tripod and slow shutter speed (1-2 seconds) to create silky water effect
  • Wide Angle: Capture multiple stages in one frame
  • Close-Ups: Focus on individual cascades

Best Light:

  • Overcast Days: Soft, even light (no harsh shadows)
  • Morning: Fewer crowds, better light

Nearby Attractions in Gabala

1. Tufandag Mountain Resort

  • Distance: 20 km
  • Activities: Cable car rides, skiing (winter), hiking (summer)

2. Nohur Lake

  • Distance: 10 km
  • Activities: Boating, picnicking, relaxation

3. Gabala Shooting Club

  • Distance: 5 km
  • Activities: Shooting range, archery

4. Gabaland (Amusement Park)

  • Distance: 10 km
  • Activities: Rides, games (family-friendly)

Where to Eat in Gabala

Near Yeddi Gozel:

  • Vandam Village Restaurants: Simple, traditional food

In Gabala City:

  • Qabala Restaurant: Traditional Azerbaijani cuisine
  • Riverside Restaurants: Scenic dining by the river

Getting There

From Baku:

  • Distance: 220 km northwest
  • Drive Time: 3 hours

Transportation:

Option 1: Rent a Car

  • Pros: Flexible, can explore Gabala region
  • Price: 50-100 AZN per day

Option 2: Bus to Gabala + Taxi

  • Bus: Baku to Gabala (10-12 AZN, 3 hours)
  • Taxi: Gabala to Yeddi Gozel (15-20 AZN round trip)

Option 3: Join a Tour

  • Pros: All-inclusive (transport + guide)
  • Price: 60-100 AZN per person

Where to Stay

In Gabala City:

  • Qafqaz Riverside Hotel: 4-star, riverside location
  • Chenot Palace: 5-star luxury spa resort
  • Budget Guesthouses: 30-60 AZN per night

Near Yeddi Gozel:

  • Vandam Village Guesthouses: Basic, authentic

Rules and Etiquette

DO:

  • Stay on marked trails
  • Take photos
  • Enjoy the nature

DON'T:

  • Litter (carry out all trash)
  • Swim in the pools (prohibited for safety)
  • Climb on wet rocks (slippery and dangerous)

Suggested Itinerary: Day Trip from Baku

Morning:

  • 8:00 AM: Depart Baku
  • 11:00 AM: Arrive at Yeddi Gozel
  • 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Hike to the waterfalls

Afternoon:

  • 1:00 PM: Lunch in Vandam or Gabala
  • 2:30 PM: Visit Tufandag cable car or Nohur Lake
  • 5:00 PM: Return to Baku

Conclusion

Yeddi Gozel is more than just a waterfall—it's a story, a legend, and a testament to the beauty of Azerbaijan's natural landscapes.

Whether you believe in the tale of the seven sisters or simply appreciate the power of water carving through rock, this is a place that will leave you refreshed, inspired, and maybe a little bit enchanted.

Next up in our series: Naftalan: Bathing in Crude Oil for Health