Goygol Lake

Goygol Lake hides in the mountains of the Lesser Caucasus, within Goygol National Park, about twenty kilometres south of the city of Ganja. The water has that blue-green colour that changes with the hour: in mid-morning, when the sun hits the surface directly, the tone intensifies until it seems almost turquoise; in the afternoon, under a cloudy sky, it turns darker and quieter. The shores are lined with Caucasian fir and Scots pine that reach right down to the water, leaving almost no beach.

Access is regulated by the park administration. From the car park there is a trail of about two kilometres through the forest to the northern shore, which is where the reflections of the trees on the water are sharpest. In summer families from Ganja and picnic groups arrive in the clearings: it is a local atmosphere, with almost no international tourism, which has its charm and its practical implications. On July and August weekends the park fills up; on weekdays it is a different story.

Inside Goygol National Park there is no restaurant or shop: you must bring your own water and food. The temperature by the lake in high summer is around 20–22°C, about ten degrees cooler than in Ganja. The entry permit is arranged at the park office in the city or, in some cases, directly at the gate; it is worth checking current requirements before setting out.

Goygol Lake was formed in the 12th century as a result of an earthquake that dislodged large blocks from the slope of Mount Kyanizadag and dammed the course of the Agstafachay river. The result is a body of water covering about 0.8 km² with an average depth of eight metres. The name Göygöl literally means blue lake in Azerbaijani. During the tsarist period the area was frequented as a summer destination by residents of Ganja and regional officials, a tradition that continued in the Soviet era. The national park protecting the lake and the surrounding forest was formally established in 2008.

• Northern shore of Goygol Lake The most visited stretch and the one offering the best reflections of the forest on the water. The trail from the car park runs along this shore for almost a kilometre.
• Caucasian fir forest The woodland surrounding Goygol Lake includes large specimens of Caucasian fir and Scots pine. On hot summer days the smell of resin is persistent and immediate on entering the forest.
• Secondary lakes and wetlands Around the main lake there are several smaller ponds and wetland areas accessible by unmarked paths. They are quieter and allow you to escape the weekend crowds.
• Viewpoints over the Lesser Caucasus peaks From the highest points of the park, on clear days, peaks with residual snow can be seen well into June.
• Goygol National Park The park also hosts mountain wildlife — wild boar, deer, occasionally bears — although sightings require early starts and moving away from the main paths.

Photo gallery

Goygol Lake is 20 km south of Ganja. There is no public transport to the park; the only practical option is to hire a taxi or private car in Ganja, a journey of about 40 minutes along a mountain road. At the entrance to Goygol National Park you must present your visit permit, which is arranged at the park office in Ganja or sometimes at the gate itself. From Baku you can reach Ganja by overnight train or marshrutka.

May and June offer the greenest forest, cool temperatures by the lake (15–20°C) and fewer people. July and August are the busiest months, especially at weekends. Autumn — September and October — brings colours in the beeches mixed with the firs and lower light. In winter, snow cuts off access on the last few kilometres of road and Goygol Lake may freeze partially in January.