Zagatala: Practical Information

When To Hike

The majority of this route is hikeable in all seasons, including winter. 

This route goes through forested mountains, which generally do not experience dry seasons. Winter often means significant amounts of snow at higher elevations, and unmarked routes in deep snow will require extra precise attention from hikers. Summers can be intensely hot. Particularly wet seasons, such as spring and autumn, can cause significant flooding in river beds, and can render river crossings extremely dangerous. 

Getting To & From The Trailheads

To get to the district of Zagatala, you can take a taxi from Shamakhinka (Şamaxınka), a bus or taxi from the Baku International Bus Station (Bakı Beynəlxalq Avtovağzal Kompleksi), or a train from the Central Railway Station of Baku (Bakı Dəmiryolu Vağzalı).

If you are beginning the trek from Mamrukh, Mishlesh, Jar, or Gabizdara, you can get to the village by taking a car from the district center city of Zagatala, perhaps the most convenient location after arriving by car or bus. 

You may also reach the other points of the trek by taxi or local minibus (marshrutkas) from the district centers.

Some local taxi services in Zagatala include Uğur Taksi Xidməti (077 508 90 09) and Z Kuryer Taksi Xidməti (304 37 37).

Where To Stay

There are various hotel options in Zagatala, and homestays available in Jar. 

As in most places in the Caucasus, wild camping is largely tolerated, though you may be visited by inquisitive locals if you set up your tent in a conspicuous location. Please be a respectful visitor and practice Leave No Trace habits so that we can continue our good relationships with people along the trail and so that future hikers can enjoy the experience.

Supplies

There are no stores with hiking/camping equipment in Sheki or Zagatala. It is recommended that you bring all necessary supplies, including gas canisters from Baku. In Baku, you may visit Mountain Shop, as well as Yonja Outdoor Store, Dagchi Shop, or Outdoor Store for any supplies and equipment you may need to purchase or rent.

Villages host small markets/convenience stores, but there are no large supermarkets directly on the route. The food options in these markets are often limited. If staying at a guesthouse, hosts provide home-cooked meals from local ingredients. You may ask for food for the road, and there will always be staples such as bread and cheese from local families. It is recommended you bring a sufficient supply of trail snacks and food before you set off on your trek. 

Water

As in many parts of the Caucasus, you can find some springs along the route, and water that is piped into villages is safe to drink. Other water sources along the route, such as rivers and streams, should generally be filtered due to the presence of livestock in the region. Carrying a water filter is recommended.

Language

Azerbaijanis speak Azerbaijani of the Turkic language family. In the areas you will pass through, some people may speak Russian and/or Turkish, in addition to the language of their ethno-linguistic group, such as Avar, Tsakhur, Rutul, and Ingiloy. English is not very common. It is recommended you carry a dictionary or translating app, and/or learn basic phrases that may help you get around. 

Some useful phrases when backpacking:

• “Where can I fill up on water?” ⇒ Suyu harada doldura bilərəm?
• “Where can I find X’s guesthouse?” ⇒  Xın qonaq evi harada yerləşir?
• “Where is the market/cafe?” ⇒ Mağaza/restoran harada yerləşir?
• “May I get some food for the road?” ⇒ Yola yemək verə bilərsiz?
• “May I get some bread and cheese?” ⇒ Yola pendir çörək verə bilərsiz?
• “I would like a taxi from here/A to B.” ⇒ Mənə buradan/Aan Ba taksi lazımdır?
• “I need directions to X.” ⇒ Xa istiqamət verə bilərsiz? / Xa yolu göstərə bilərsiz?

Health and Safety

In Zagatala city, you can find various medical centers, including the Central Zagatal Hospital (Zaqatala Rayon Mərkəzi Xəstəxanası), Labstyle Hospital (+994702252971), and Hayat Hospital (+994508904422).

The district police station is located here. 

There are multiple pharmacies in Zagatala city, including a handful along Zərifə Əliyeva park. 

Communication Availability 

In Azerbaijan, Bakcell and Azercell are the most popular cellular service providers. In Zaqatala city and most villages along the trail, you can expect reliable service, making it easy to stay connected and access GPS navigation or local resources. As you venture further into the mountains, ridgelines, and forests, coverage can be intermittent. Cellular service remains surprisingly good in most places, but it’s always wise to download maps and trail information offline in case of spotty coverage.

Hazards

Dogs

Aggressive dogs can be by far the biggest animal threat to TCT hikers. Many villagers and shepherds keep guard dogs for security and train them to bark at potential intruders. Dogs often accompany livestock herds as protection from predators, and you should monitor their behavior closely. If they show aggression, it means they consider your presence a threat to their herds. If you proceed calmly, without sudden movements, trying to avoid entering the zone of their herd, they will usually back off once you are far enough from their area.

While the sight and sound of one or more barking dogs running towards you can be frightening, the correct course of action is to stand your ground and wait for the shepherd (who will usually be nearby) to call them off. If possible, grab the attention of the shepherd before the dogs notice you, so he may have a chance to keep them calm. If the dogs come close enough, shout forcefully and throw stones or wave your trekking poles to assert dominance. Do not run away, as this will trigger the dog’s instinct to chase. 

To avoid these encounters in the first place, try to skirt around grazing herds at a wide distance, or, if there are shepherds around, to seek out them as quickly as possible and approach with a friendly greeting. 

We also recommend a precautionary rabies vaccination, remembering that this does not make you immune to the disease but does give you more time to receive treatment.

Giant hogweed
Keep an eye out for giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), a relative of cow parsley, whose stem juices rid your skin of its ability to protect itself from sunlight, resulting in severe burns on exposed skin and potential blindness if it gets in your eyes. Learn to identify this plant and either avoid it or move gently through patches to avoid breaking the stalk and releasing the juice inside. If you get hogweed juice on you, wash your skin as soon as possible and cover it from the sunlight. 

Storms and Flooded River Beds
Storms in the Caucasus can be sudden and extremely intense, with lots of lightning and often hail. You should be familiar with best practices for choosing a campsite to minimize the risk of a lightning strike, stay attuned to the weather while hiking, be prepared to get to a lower elevation or to shelter if necessary, and be familiar with first aid practices for treating lightning-related injuries.

Rainfall can cause major swelling in river beds. The route contains several river crossings, which should be approached with caution, and avoided during times of intense flooding.

Heat
In midsummer, the heat can be intense. Make sure to carry plenty of water. Shifting your schedule to compensate, such as starting very early in the day and resting in the afternoon, is a good way to avoid the worst of the heat. Make sure you are familiar with the symptoms, prevention strategies, and treatment for dehydration and heat stroke.

Emergency Information

Most villages have a local nurse, but the district centers have larger medical centers and hospitals. Below are emergency numbers useful throughout the country:

• Emergency Situations: 112
• Firefighting service: 101
• Police: 102
• Ambulance: 103
• Emergency and urgent medical aid: 113

Alternate routes or major side routes

Jar village offers several hiking options to suit different preferences and time constraints. The main route follows an extended ridgeline, offering expansive views and passing by several shepherding stops. Alternatively, you may opt for a loop route, allowing you to begin and end your hike in Jar village with forested ascents and descents, and a ridgeline hike.

For a shorter journey to Gabizdara, a more direct route is available, cutting the distance in nearly half compared to the main ridgeline trail. This option still passes through beautiful landscapes and passes by the Shamilovka settlement. 

Other Practicalities

Shepherds: Shepherds herd in the mountains between late spring and early fall, depending on location and climate. Some shepherd stations have drinking troughs that fill from a hose that carries spring water; other stations are not located near a water source, and the shepherds have to bring their supply of water. Shepherd stations can be a source for water replenishment, but hikers should avoid depending on them in areas without a natural water supply nearby. 

Making calls: The area code in Azerbaijan is +994. If you are dialing locally, without the area code, you must replace them with a zero (0) before dialing the rest of the number.

Other literature/resources 

Check out the Azerbaijan Tourism Board’s website for more information about what to do in Zagatala.