Capital
of the rayon of the same name, this small town can be reached easily from
Baku via Gilazi. The town is un-impressive however the surrounding area
is sure to stay in your memory for its magnificent landscape and hiking
opportunities.
The Xizi rayon includes part main watershed of the Caucasus, i.e. the boundary between Europe and Asia, therefore the area is in two continents! Besides mountains the rayon also has a large stretch of coast on the Capian sea
The
road from Gilazi to Xizi is flanked by the "Candy Cane" mountains, eroded
shale formations with multiple colours provide stunning photo opportunities.
After Xizi, if you continue driving west towards Altiaghaj the road is no longer asphalted however the scenery will justify any erosion to your car's suspension. The densely forested slopes of the valley contrast with the naked mountains east of Xizi. If you have some energy to climb you will be rewarded with a small waterfall.
This
area has been protected by way of the Altyaghach National Park.
Covering over 11.000 hectares of the south-eastern ridge of the Greater
Caucasus the park hosts varied fauna: roe deer, bears, wild boars, lynx,
foxes, etc. Over 90% of the park is covered by broad-leaved forest (iron
trees, Caucasus hornbeam, Oriental beech, cud, birch-tree, etc).
The
Jannet Bagi / Cennet Baghi (paradise garden) resort is well worth
a visit, it is a good place to rest after visiting the park and there is
a mini zoo in case you cannot see the animals in their natural environment.
About
10 km west of Altiaghaj is the Dubrar Dag mountain (Dag = mountain), rising
to 2005 m. It's a naked mountain and a path starting at the mineral water
installation allows you to climb most of the way. From Altiaghaj you can
return to Baku via Tudar but the road is very poor, as 4wd is recommended.
(100 km north-west of Baku)