Goy Gol Lake

Goy Gol Lake is located among the low points of the Caucasus Mountains, a short distance from Ganja, which is the second largest city in Azerbaijan. The lake, which is more like a postcard photo, is surrounded by dense forests. Until a few years ago, there was no access to it, but in recent years it has become possible for the public to visit the lake. Visiting the lake can create a different day for you and relieve tension and stress. The beauty and elegance of Goy Gol Lake has so far inspired the writing of a large number of poems, novels and music.
In the beautiful Azerbaijani language, Goy Gol means blue lake. This lake is so named because of its clear blue color. The blue color of this lake is a reflection of the blue sky, which in combination with the green of the surrounding forests has given this lake a unique blue color.
It is interesting to know that this lake is located at an altitude of more than 1500 meters above sea level in the city of Khanlar, which is now the city of Ganja. Its length reaches 6460 and its depth reaches 93 meters. The city of Ganja is located in the western part of Azerbaijan and close to the borders of Georgia and Armenia. Due to being mountainous, it has a very pleasant and pleasant climate, which is the reason for the pine and orange forests, which has given a double beauty to Goy Gol National Park. According to geological and geographical data, Azerbaijan’s Goy Gol Lake is an attractive result of an earthquake that caused part of the Kapaz Mountain to collapse. The collapse of the mountain closed the Agso River, resulting in the formation of 15 other lakes in the area. This happened in 1139 AD. The town of Khanlar, near the lake, was renamed Goy Gol on April 25, 2008. In 1925, the lake became part of the newly established Goy Gol Protected Area, which was replaced by Goy Gol National Park in 2008.
Lake Goy Gol has very clear water. Over the centuries, this area has become a natural and diverse habitat for various aquatic species, animals and aquatic plants. Due to the cleanliness of the water, to a depth of 8 to 10 meters above the water surface, the animals living in the lake are visible to the naked eye. The lake is now home to a special species of Caucasian red deer, brown bear, forest cats and goats. Inside the lake live many fish and aquatic animals, the most famous of which is the trout of Goy Gol Lake.
Goy Gol Lake is located at a high altitude in the heart of the Caucasus Mountains. This is why the climate of this region is very cold in many months of the year. For this reason, it can be said that late spring, the whole summer season and the first month of autumn are the best times you can plan to visit this lake. However, you should keep in mind that each of the seasons of this beautiful country has its own charms. But in some months of the year, due to heavy rains and cold, it is not possible to access the lake. In autumn you can watch the colorful forest and in late winter and early spring the white-covered trees of this area are your hosts. Depending on the time you choose to travel, the scenery around the lake may be very crowded and locals may be looking for a place to sit and picnic. If you want to relax around this lake and achieve real peace and stay away from the crowds, you should travel to this lake in the middle of the week. Accompany your trip to Goy Gol Lake by visiting the villages and natural beauties that are on the way to reach it. Spend half a day to a full day on your trip to Goy Gol so that you can take as many photos as you like and enjoy the lake, the surrounding nature and the rural villages.
Goy Gol Lake is 45 km away from Ganja city. Tourists can reach it by private car, Marshrutka (Azerbaijani minibus) or by renting a taxi, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. People who are on a business trip or who want to have an all-local experience choose a minibus that costs only a few dollars. But finding the minibus station and their route and timing is the hardest task before reaching the city of Ganja. If you choose a minibus, expect a long delay and fatigue. The mountain road that leads to Lake Goy Gol has a wonderful view of the Caucasus Mountains. Having a vehicle or driver that gives you peace of mind and stops in beautiful parts of the road to take pictures and record these beautiful scenery, doubles the fun of traveling. Unfortunately, along with these beauties, the asphalt of the road and its facilities are not in a good condition. With asphalt condition, the use of a private car is not recommended.
Tourists and enthusiasts of Goy Gol National Park should note that in addition to the facilities mentioned in this park, there is a cafe right by the lake that you can use to relax and enjoy the stunning scenery of this park, and also this The park allows visitors to swim in its calm and clear lake. The lake is suitable for swimming so you can have swimming equipment with you.
Unfortunately, in the last few years, tourists have polluted the lake and spread garbage in the surrounding area, which has led the Azerbaijan government to make strict decisions for those who pollute the park and fine them. Garbage cans will be placed in the parking lot and tourists will be given free garbage bags. Goy Gol Lake, which is located in Goy Gol National Park, like other attractions and tourist areas of Azerbaijan, receives a fee from its visitors as an entrance fee, which of course varies according to age. Admission is 2 dollars for adults and free for children.