Lake Goygol, Azerbaijan: Your Complete Travel Guide for 2025

Lake Goygol, Azerbaijan, is the cleanest mountain lake at 1,500 meters (4,921 feet) above sea level found in the Lesser Caucasus Mountains. This transparent alpine lake was created by a 12th-century earthquake and means blue lake in Azerbaijani. The larger Goygol region is divided into 19 separate lakes, which Goygol National Park guards. It is one of the top attractions to visit in Azerbaijan, backed by breathtaking sapphire water that reflects the nearby wooded mountains. Keep reading this blog to learn about the Lake, its history, ways to reach and the right time to visit.

Lake Goygol at Glimpse

• Lake Goygol stretches 6 kilometres with remarkable clarity from natural volcanic rock filtration, a geological wonder formed by earthquake activity.
• Reaching here from Ganja city takes one hour, with options ranging from 5-10 AZN (public transport) to 40-60 AZN (private taxi)
• May through October is the best time to visit this lake when all facilities operate and weather patterns are most favourable.
• It is also one of the most budget-friendly natural sights in Azerbaijan to explore, at 3 AZN per person and 2 AZN parking.
• The region includes 19 interrelated lakes within Goygol National Park, which offers a wide range of exploration possibilities.

Why visit Lake Goygol?

The largest of the 19 lakes in the area, Lake Goygol, was formed after an earthquake in the 12th century and is enclosed by lush green forests. Its crystal clear water exposes the travellers to an entire marine life as far as 8-10m deep. Stretching 6 km with a depth of 93 m, it showcases nature’s finest filtration system. Other than the Azerbaijan beaches, it is these scenic locations that draw thousands of tourists to this country every year.

Lake Goygol Entry Fees and Permits

• Lake Goygol entrance: 3 AZN per person
• Vehicle parking: 2 AZN
• Guided tours: 15-25 AZN per group

How to Reach Lake Goygol from Ganja and Baku

From Ganja City (45km, 1 hour)

The most convenient base for visiting Lake Goygol is Ganja, Azerbaijan’s second-largest city. Multiple modes of transport link Ganja with the lake, among which there is a common Minibus (Marshrutka) which costs 5-10 AZN per person. One can easily hail Taxis or rent cars that usually cost 35-60 AZN for a round trip. To book your ride, you can use apps such as BiTaksi.

From Baku (350km, 4.5 hours)

The majority of foreign tourists enter Azerbaijan through Baku and may get to Lake Goygol by organised tour or personal travel. One can also consider the Baku tour packages that include Goygol as a day trip extension.

Best Time to Visit Lake Goygol

Lake Goygol, Azerbaijan, has a mountain climate that creates distinct seasonal experiences that affect both accessibility and visitor satisfaction. Here is the list of the best times to visit Azerbaijan to explore the lake:

Season	Temperature	Advantages	Considerations
Optimal (Sep–Oct)	10–18°C (50–64°F)	Fall foliage, fewer crowds, excellent photography	Best balance of scenery & comfort
Peak (Jun–Aug)	20–25°C (68–77°F)	Perfect hiking weather, all facilities fully open	Higher visitor numbers, especially at weekends
Spring (May)	15–20°C (59–68°F)	Wildflower blooms, snow-capped mountain views	Some high-altitude trails may have residual snow
Winter (Nov–Mar)	Often below 0°C	Frozen lake scenery, dramatic mountain landscapes	Limited facilities, best for experienced visitors

Places to Visit Near Lake Goygol

• Goygol National Park: Established in 1925, the park spans 12,755 hectares with 19 interconnected lakes and rich Caucasus biodiversity. Lake Trail, hiking, and Wildlife Watching are some of the best activities in Azerbaijan.
• Dadivank Monastery: It is about 50 km from Lake Goygol and is one of the most medieval religious sites in the Caucasus. Built in the 1st century AD according to local tradition, the monastery complex showcases Armenian architectural heritage.
• Goygol Resort: Surely one of the top resorts in Goygol, this pocket-friendly resort in Azerbaijan surely attracts many tourists annually. It is just 2km from the main lake, and it can range from 80-120 AZN per night, including breakfast.

Note: Check current accessibility due to regional political developments.

Practical Visitor Information

• There is are visitor centre with maps and information.
• Carry warm clothing because at altitude the temperature extremes are quick.
• Wear good hiking footwear, which has a good grip
• Use marked paths to avoid erosion

Conclusion: Lake Goygol, Why You Should Visit it Next

Lake Goygol, Azerbaijan, provides a unique mix of wild nature beauty, ease of mountain adventure and cultural destination. Be it stirring landscape photography or serene walks in nature, this crystal-clear mountain lake offers memorable moments. Now that you have all the information, it’s high time to plan your next hassle-free trip with Pickyourtrail by checking out the best Azerbaijan tour packages.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to visit Lake Goygol, Azerbaijan?

Entry to Lake Goygol costs 3 AZN per person, with additional charges of 2 AZN for vehicle parking. Budget 50-100 AZN total per person for a day visit, including transport, entry, and meals.

Can I swim in Lake Goygol?

No, you can’t swim in Lake Goygol. Preservation of the pristine water quality and sensitive aquatic animals is not permitted.

What is the best time of day to visit Lake Goygol?

Early morning (6-8 AM) offers the best conditions for photography with calm waters reflecting the surrounding mountains. Late afternoon (4-6 PM) is the best rather for golden hour lighting in landscape photography.

How difficult is hiking around Lake Goygol?

The circuit around the main lake is simple and at all fitness levels, with 3 kilometres of flat and well-maintained roads.