hiking along the Chiragli – Dastafur trail

This trail connecting the Dashkasan and Goygol regions begins in the uniquely beautiful Chiragli village, from all sides of which you can see Mount Goshgar.

Chiragli – Dastafur trail

There is an Albanian temple 1km from Dastafur dating to the 15th century. However, in the 20th century it was vandalised by the Soviet authorities under the guise of reconstruction. Part of the temple was even blown up.

DISTANCE - 8,3 KM

ELEVATION GAIN - 494 M

ELEVATION LOSS - 543 M

MAX. ALTITUDE - 1405 M

MIN. ALTITUDE - 1125 M

DURATION - 3 H 30 MIN

The entire route has been marked and trails are clearly visible everywhere. Follow the directional signs along the route. After 1.8km from the starting point you will reach the bank of the Ganja river. Continue for 350m along the river in the direction of its flow and cross the river to the opposite side near the spring and the gazebo. You will encounter an old road for cars going into the forest. When you reach an open area at the end of the forest the road splits in two: the left road will take you to Kollu village after 250m, while the right road leads to Dastafur village, which is 4.6km away. Even though the entire trail follows an old road for cars, it is currently unsuitable for vehicles.

It is also possible to hike this route the opposite way.

Nearby trails

This trail can be connected with the Chiragli – Azgilli and Chiragli – Javadkhan peak trails.

Seasonality

It might be difficult to cross the Ganja river in rainy seasons (autumn and spring).

Food and accommodation

There is only one small shop in Dastafur village with limited products. So take care to buy supplies before the trip.

Stay: Samaya’s Guesthouse (+99455 225 7871) – Dastafur; Rasim’s Guesthouse (+99455 286 5228) – Chiragli

Water

There is only one spring along this route other than those in the villages. It is on the left bank of the Ganja river, at the place where you cross it.

Transportation

There is no road for cars to Chiragli village from the Dashkasan region. It is possible to reach this village from both Kollu and Dastafur villages on foot (4.1km and 8.5km respectively), as well as by either driving or walking from Azgilli village. Azgilli is the last village in the Goygol region, located on the border with Dashkasan. The only road for cars to Azgilli is from Togana village. You can reach Togana village by bus or taxi from the Goygol region bus station. An off-road vehicle is needed in order to get to Azgilli village from Togana village. You can arrange an off-road vehicle at the entrance of Goygol National Park. Also, you can agree with the driver to wait for you and take you back as well.

Permits & Specially Protected Areas

No special permissions are required to walk along this trail.

Warning

There is no bridge to cross the Ganja river. As the river is fairly wide you will need to enter the river in order to cross to the other side. It is not recommended to do so in rainy seasons, when the river level rises.

GALLERY