Shahdag National Park, National park in Shamakhi District, Azerbaijan
Shahdag National Park is a mountain protected area in northern Azerbaijan that covers extensive woodland zones and alpine terrain. The landscape includes steep valleys, mixed forests, and high peaks where different plant and animal species thrive at different elevations.
The area became an official national park in 2006 through a presidential decision. Boundaries were expanded a few years later to protect additional forest and mountain regions.
Several traditional villages within the park show how local communities live and practice their crafts. You can see handmade items and daily traditions that reflect how people have adapted to mountain life here.
The management center provides information, accommodation, and organized tours for visitors. It is best to plan ahead and bring sturdy hiking boots and weather-appropriate clothing, as mountain conditions change significantly with the season.
The park is a key habitat for the East Caucasian tur, a rare mountain goat found nowhere else in the world. This animal lives only in these specific peaks and valleys, making it a critical refuge for the species.
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