Jar – Gabizdara

Jar – Gabizdara: 30km, +1851m/-2152m (E → W)

This route takes you through Zaqatala’s thick forests of oak, beech, and hornbeam trees, and up to the grazing pastures along Shamilovka plateau, enjoying 16 kilometers of vast and changing views above the treeline. You’ll pass by several shepherd shelters, some reaching heights of 2400m, and likely come across shepherds who may be Tsakhur, Avar, or Rutul.

Trail conditions

The forest paths are frequently used by humans and horses, and the paths above the treeline are primarily animal trails used by sheep during grazing season. This section has not been worked on by the TCT, although there are marks in the forest and Jar and Gabizara villages, made both by the locals and the Azerbaijan Tourism Board. The forested footpaths may become difficult to follow in some sections, so be sure to have the GPS tracks downloaded on your device.

Water

You will find springs in the villages, as well as water sources near shepherd shelters.

Trail access 

You can access the trail from Gabizdara and Jar villages, both of which can be reached by cars that can handle unpaved roads. There are two access points in Jar village. The trail from the northwest of the village is more frequently used, but will cut your journey by nearly half as it will take you to the midpoint of the mountain, missing the eastern pasture fields. This latter trail is marked by red and white paint, while the eastern (longer) path up is marked by yellow and red paint by the local shepherds who frequent the trail.

Side trails or alternates

There are two access points from Jar. Going up the western trail will take 16 kilometers to reach Gabizdara, while the eastern (longer, primary) route takes about 30 kilometers to Gabizdara. Alternatively, one could do a loop hike to begin and end in Jar village.