How To Visit Laza, Azerbaijan: A Complete Guide
Laza is a small village in northern Azerbaijan, located in the Gusar District within the Shahdag mountain range. It is one of those places in Azerbaijan that is quite difficult to reach, but well worth the journey for its impressive mountain views, waterfalls, and authentic atmosphere.
I traveled there independently, as there is very little reliable information available about the journey—many people confuse it with another village also named Laza or even with the Shahdag ski resort.
Here I provide a detailed route for how to get to the mountain village of Laza in Azerbaijan, how long the journey takes, what to bring with you, and what to expect.
What To See In Laza
There aren’t many tourist attractions in Laza, but what you do find will leave a strong impression. The main highlights here are nature, the mountains, and one especially unique natural feature.
Waterfalls
One of the main reasons to visit Laza is the waterfalls. There are several nearby, but the most commonly visited one is easily accessible on foot directly from the village via a dusty path. The trail is easy, so it only takes a few minutes to walk from the village to the waterfall. Here is the exact link.
The flow of the waterfall varies greatly depending on the season. In spring and after rain, the waterfall is strong — the water crashes down the cliff with a loud roar. In summer, the flow decreases significantly, sometimes reducing to just a thin trickle. In winter, the waterfalls freeze, forming vertical walls of ice. There are no safety fences, railings, or signs near the waterfall, which only enhances the experience.
In summer, you can sit or have a snack at the foot of the waterfall. Among the locals, this is a popular way to relax not only at the waterfalls but throughout the entire region.
If you visit Laza in late autumn, keep in mind that the path can be slippery, and the mornings in the mountains can already be frosty, so make sure to wear appropriate footwear.
Mountain Panorama
Laza sits among mountains, with the impressive Shahdag massif dominating the view. You’ll find stunning vistas almost everywhere — along the trail to the waterfall, from higher spots above the village, and even on the road coming from Qusar.
There aren’t any official observation decks, so the best way to enjoy the breathtaking mountain scenery is by walking around the village and its surroundings.
On a clear day, you can see distant settlements, mountain ridges, and sometimes snow-capped peaks, even while the valleys below stay green. I visited Laza in May and was amazed by the beauty of the mountains and the lush greenery all around.
Old Houses & Local Life
Although Laza is a small village in Azerbaijan, but it’s worth spending at least a few hours there. You can enjoy a leisurely walk, visit some older houses, or chat with the locals. The locals mainly speak the unique Lezgian language, so English isn’t common here. Since I speak Russian, I was able to talk with a local man about daily life and the challenges they face in this remote village.
Starting in late spring, some locals sell honey, dried herbal mixes, and sometimes offer tea or fruit by their yards. It’s a great chance to buy unique souvenirs. If you plan to buy anything, bring cash — there are no ATMs in the village.
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How To Reach The Remote Village Of Laza
Laza is located in the Qusar District, about 35 kilometers from the town of Qusar. The journey from Baku takes about half a day, so it’s best to leave early in the morning. There is no direct public transport to Laza, so you won’t be able to reach the village without a local taxi or private vehicle.
From Baku to Quba or Qusar
First, you need to get to one of the northern Azerbaijan towns: Quba or Qusar. Both can be reached from Baku’s central bus station. Buses run every 30–60 minutes, tickets cost €3–3.5 (6–7 AZN), and the trip takes 2.5–3 hours.
Minibuses (marshrutkas) tend to be faster in theory, but their schedules are irregular, and they only depart when full. For this reason, I chose the bus for my trip.
Quba and Qusar are close to each other, but if you’re heading to Laza, it’s better to choose Qusar because the road to the village starts from this town.
From Qusar To Laza
The distance from Qusar to Laza is about 35 kilometers. As I already mentioned, there is no public transport to the village, so you need to take a taxi or try hitchhiking. In town, you can find local taxis, with one-way fares costing €10–12 (20–25 AZN), depending on the season and how much you negotiate. Some of them may agree to wait or give you a ride back later, but it is necessary to clarify this in advance.
Another way to get to Laza is hitchhiking, which definitely works in Azerbaijan—I’ve tried it several times myself. However, it is worth knowing that cars going to Laza are often full, so if you are traveling with a companion, you may have to wait by the road a little longer until you manage to catch a ride. The road to Laza is good, paved almost all the way, with only the last kilometer being gravel.
Excursion To Laza
There are no dedicated tours just for Laza. However, some private or group day tours include it as one of several stops. Most agencies offer a general northern Azerbaijan itinerary that covers Quba, Qusar, and Shahdag, with Laza mentioned as part of the route. How much time you actually get to spend in Laza depends on the specific tour.
These tours usually last 10–12 hours, starting from Baku around 8–9 a.m. and returning in the evening. Because of the tight schedule and multiple stops, Laza typically gets only 30 to 60 minutes. That’s not nearly enough time if you want to walk around the village or visit the waterfalls.
The price for a private excursion from Baku to Laza ranges from €100–150 (200–300 AZN), depending on the agency and the length of the route. Transportation is included in the price, but not food. Guides usually speak English or Russian – but it’s advisable to check this in advance. Excursions should be booked at least one day in advance
Best Time To Visit Laza, Azerbaijan
best time to travel to Laza is spring. During this season, nature is stunning, the waterfalls have a strong flow, and the weather is pleasant for hiking. In spring, after the snow melts, the water level is at its highest, and nature awakens in its most vibrant colors. Personally, I was very happy to choose May for my trip around the country. It is a perfect time not only because of the weather but also due to the lush greenery, which amazed me time and again.
Traveling in summer is also possible, but it is not the best time. Temperatures rise above 30°C, and the waterfalls’ flow is much weaker. This travel period is popular among locals, so especially on weekends it can be noisier and there are more cars on the road.
Winter travel is only advisable if you are well prepared. The road to Laza can be difficult to pass, especially after snow or rain. The waterfalls often freeze. Without proper footwear, warm clothing, and a four-wheel-drive vehicle, it’s not worth attempting.
Where To Stay In Laza Village
Laza is a tiny mountain village with limited but charming accommodation options. Most visitors stay in local guesthouses or small inns run by villagers. These places give you a real glimpse into everyday life — they’re simple, cozy, and often include homemade meals and warm hospitality.
One popular spot is LAZA DAĞ Evİ. It offers clean, basic rooms with amazing mountain views — perfect if you want to stay close to nature but still enjoy some comfort. The friendly hosts often cook traditional meals for guests.
Another great option is Laza Guest House, located right in the village. It’s known for its welcoming atmosphere and delicious homemade food. Staying here lets you fully experience the local lifestyle and relax in peaceful mountain surroundings.
FAQs About Laza, Azerbaijan
How do I get to Laza from Baku?
First, take a bus or minibus from Baku to Qusar (about 3 hours). From Qusar to Laza, there is no public transport, so you need to take a taxi or hitchhike. The taxi fare one way is €10–12 (20–25 AZN).
What should I bring when traveling to Laza?
Bring comfortable shoes, especially for slippery paths in autumn and winter, warm clothing, and possibly a tent or food since there are very few shops and restaurants in the village.
Is there internet and mobile coverage in Laza?
Internet access is limited. Mobile signals are weak but available depending on your network provider (Azercell, Bakcell, or Nar).
Are there public toilets in Laza?
There are no public toilets available in the village of Laza. Toilets are only found in guesthouses or restaurants. If you are hiking or spending time outdoors, plan accordingly.
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Marius
Hi, my name is Marius, and I’m driven by a desire to explore the hidden corners of the world. Less-traveled destinations like Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia fascinate me with their authentic cultures and untouched landscapes. For me, every trip is an opportunity to challenge myself, meet new people, and create memories that last a lifetime!
