Things To Do
in Qusar
Qusar is a northeastern Azerbaijani province set against the backdrop of the Caucasus mountains, offering a gateway to both rugged highland scenery and traditional village life. The town serves as a base for exploring nearby Khinalug and the Shahdag corridor, with opportunities for hiking, photography, and cultural encounters. The region blends Nomadic-era histories, mountain hospitality, and dairy-rich cuisine that reflects its highland heritage.
Expect a warm welcome, panoramic viewpoints, and a slower pace that lets you savor mountain air and local flavors.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Qusar and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque town to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. Enjoy a traditional Azerbaijani breakfast at a local café, soaking in the ambiance of the quaint streets.
Visit the Qusar State Museum to gain insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage. Explore the vibrant marketplace where you can shop for handcrafted souvenirs and local delicacies. Relish a lunch of local cuisine at a nearby restaurant, perhaps trying Qutab or Piti.
As the sun sets, take a hike to a nearby viewpoint for a panoramic view of the stunning mountains. Enjoy a quiet dinner at a local eatery, sampling more of Azerbaijan's delightful flavors. Wrap up the evening with a stroll along the riverbank, listening to the sounds of nature.
Start your day with breakfast at the resort, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Prepare for a day of adventure by selecting from activities like hiking, skiing, or horseback riding. Head out to explore the beautiful trails that lead deeper into the Shahdag Mountain National Park.
Take a break for lunch at one of the mountain lodges to taste hearty, local dishes designed to recharge you. Continue your outdoor explorations, possibly trying out mountain biking or paragliding for a rush of adrenaline. Capture the breathtaking scenery that surrounds you with plenty of photographs.
Return to your accommodation to relax after an active day. Enjoy a cozy dinner surrounded by the warmth of a traditional Azerbaijani meal featuring seasonal ingredients. Spend the evening socializing with fellow travelers or enjoying a quiet night under the stars.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| 🚕Taxi ride within city | $3-8 |
| ☕Cappuccino | $2-4 |
| 🧀Local cheese or dairy product | $3-6 |
| 🛒Market snack or bottle of water | $0.5-2 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning highland scenery and traditional mountain culture
- Friendly locals with a strong hospitality tradition
- Limited nightlife and some services may be basic outside the main towns
- Winter driving can be challenging due to snow and mountain passes
- "Salam" - Hello
- "Çox sağ olun" - Thank you very much
- "Necəsən?" - How are you?
- "Zəhmət olmasa" - Please
- "Bağışlayın" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Haraya getmək istəyirsiniz?" - Where would you like to go?
- "Nədir?" - What is this?
Places to Visit in Qusar
Visit one of these nice places.
Ancient stone houses, narrow lanes, and alpine backdrops make Khinalug a quintessential highland photography spot at sunrise or sunset.
Panoramic ridge and meadow scenes with rolling hills and pine forests, especially dramatic in early morning light.
Scenic river lines and distant mountain silhouettes ideal for wide-angle shots and drone photography (where permitted).
Colorful local life, markets, and mosques with warm evening light suitable for street photography.
Food in Qusar
Qusar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A warm yogurt-based soup with herbs and sometimes rice, commonly enjoyed as a comforting starter.
Must-Try!
Slow-cooked mutton with chickpeas and vegetables, traditionally prepared in clay pots and served piping hot.
A fragrant rice dish cooked with herbs, sometimes with meat or vegetables, and a staple at gatherings.
Delicate dumplings served in a light broth, a popular choice in northern Azerbaijan.
Fresh, creamy cheeses from nearby dairy farms paired with fragrant honey from mountain apiaries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A traditional market where you can sample dairy products, honey, dried fruits, nuts, and seasonal produce from local farms.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a friendly 'Salam' and a handshake. Use polite terms with elders and avoid displaying disrespect in public.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women in many places.
Ask permission before photographing people, especially in homes or private spaces; respect refusals.
Safety
Tipping in Qusar
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always expected in smaller eateries. In mid-range restaurants, 5-10% is a common tip if service is good. In cafes or markets, rounding up the bill is common practice.
Cash in Azerbaijani manat is widely accepted in markets and smaller establishments. Credit/debit cards are increasingly accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and tourist services.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with cooler evenings in the highlands. Good for hiking and photography, but expect occasional showers and carry a light rain jacket.
Colors shift to golden and copper tones; comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities and village visits.
Cold, with possible heavy snowfall on higher passes. Some roads may be treacherous; winter scenery is stunning, but check conditions and be prepared.
Milder weather with blooming meadows and fresh greenery. Great for long walks, but rain is possible; layers are advisable.
Qusar at Night
Hiking in Qusar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Ancient village routes with stone houses, offering sweeping views and a sense of timeless mountain life.
A network of forest and meadow trails around Shahdag for different skill levels, with dramatic panoramas.
Airports
How to reach Qusar by plane.
Major international gateway to Azerbaijan; from the airport you can take a long drive or domestic flight to Baku and onward to Qusar.
Regional airport serving Gabala and nearby areas, offering easier access to Shahdag and the Qusar region from the west.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly ethnic Azerbaijani residents with vibrant rural communities.
Smaller minority communities contributing to cultural diversity in the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and watched across Azerbaijan, including in the Qusar region.
Traditional sport with deep cultural roots in the Caucasus, often practiced in village gatherings.
Popular in mountain areas for exploring valleys and trails.
Skiing and snow-related activities in the Shahdag area during the winter season.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Qusar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many vegetarian-friendly options exist: yogurt-based dishes, plov with vegetables, fresh cheeses, breads, fruits, and vegetable stews. When ordering, ask for dishes without meat broths and request dairy-friendly options.