Afurja – Sohub: 28km, +1636m/-742m (E → W)

This trail begins in Afurja village, where it ascends from the asphalt road towards Gulazi village. A small spring marks the end of the village, after which the route follows a mix of off-road tracks and animal trails through shrubs and sparse forests. As you continue, the terrain opens into vast fields, gradually wrapping around the mountainside, revealing glimpses of Guba’s towering peaks. The route ends in Sohub village, which sits beneath the remnants of the historic Söhübqala fortress.

Trail conditions

This route follows a combination of off-road tracks and animal trails, the latter of which may shift with the seasons. The trail is unmarked, and due to the extensive open-field sections, following GPS tracks is essential to stay on course.

Note: This trail has not been maintained by the TCT.

Water

• A small river flows along the edge of Gulazi village.
• Seasonal springs may be found along the route, but their availability is unreliable.
• Stock up on water in Afurja or Gulazi before heading out.
• A spring is available in Sohub village for replenishing water supplies.

Trail access 

On the eastern side, Afurja can be accessed by ashpalt road.

On the western side, Sohub can be reached by off-road vehicles from Guba city. 

Trail amenities

There are several restaurants and cafes in Afurja, as well as cottages available for rent.  

Sohub is a small village, and does not host a guesthouse, although there is a small market with limited selection. In the summer months, there is a working teahouse.

Cultural heritage sites

Söhübqala is one of Azerbaijan’s oldest fortresses, located at 1700m in Sohub village. Known by multiple names, including Divlərqala, Div qalası, and Sükut qalası, its origins remain uncertain, with historical sources dating it as early as the 4th-6th centuries or as late as the 9th-11th centuries.

The fortress was constructed using brick and egg yolk mortar, lending it a unique durability. Its distinctive figure-eight shape resembles two stacked barrels, and notably, the structure originally lacked an entrance. Some legends suggest it had underground tunnels, allowing hidden access.

Local folklore describes Söhübqala as a strategic military outpost, where signal fires were used for communication across the region. Even today, traces of these fires remain visible. Surrounding the fortress are ancient burial sites.