mountain escapeto the village of Duruja
At the foot of the mighty Shahdag, surrounded by steep cliffs and deep forests, lies Duruja, one of the most scenic villages of Gabala. Just 3 km from the city center and close to the first station of the Tufandag Tourism Complex, Duruja offers an accessible escape into the embrace of the mountains.
The village takes its name from the Duruja River that flows through it, fed by the Duruja Waterfall at the village’s northern edge. This waterfall marks the village’s highest point and offers magnificent views for travelers. Around 120 houses are spread along a slope between two hills, with homes scattered in tiers on the riverbank, creating a unique and picturesque landscape.
Duruja is famed for its exceptionally rich nature. Summer pastures and mountain springs dot the landscape, providing for grazing areas and sustaining a tradition of semi-nomadic herding that continues to this day. For generations, the inhabitants of Duruja have lived in rhythm with the seasons, driving their flocks to high summer pastures, and returning again to the valley in winter.
Duruja’s proximity to the Tufandag Ski Complex makes it one of Azerbaijan’s leading destinations for both winter sports and year-round mountain activities.
