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DISTANCE - 14.6 KM
ELEVATION GAIN - 1200 M
ELEVATION LOSS - 1100 M
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MAX. ALTITUDE - 2050 M
MIN. ALTITUDE - 950 M
DURATION - 7 H 50 MIN
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The hike to the village of Bash Goynuk is a physical challenge due to the distance and steep descents and ascents. Following the signs from the starting point, continue on between the village neighbourhoods and the trail starts 400 metres ahead. The steep, winding path through the forest opens up 2 km ahead and continues through an open area with forested valleys on both sides. Another 2 km and it rises above the forest line and ascends a picturesque mountain.
At the top of the mountain, you advance 600 metres to a flat plain, then finally continue on the path to the right. The winding route descends into a forest strip 500 metres ahead and continues through the forest. On the left slope, you go down a steep path. Arriving at an open area 1 km ahead, the path descends slightly for 700 metres then goes to the right side of the ridge, and after a while begins to descend to a wider and steeper path, which goes down to the right. Reaching a gorge 700 metres ahead, you turn left and continue down the gorge. Shortly after reaching a shepherd hut, the path leads to a forest track. After about 6 km, you cross a river and enter the village.
It is recommended to do this route in the opposite direction, starting from Bash Goynuk.
Nearby Trails
You can travel between the villages of Bash Goynuk and Gumukh by car or on foot (7 km) on the Gumukh-Gashgachay and then Gashgachay-Ilisu routes, which are both marked. By combining these three routes, it is possible to go through the mountains from Sheki to Gakh districts.
Beyond Ilisu, the mountainous areas fall mainly into the territory of Ilisu State Nature Reserve and the border control zone. If you have a local guide or an up-to-date map and sufficient experience, you can plan a two-day trek from Ilisu to Gum or the village of Lakit Kotuklu. It is recommended to go in this direction only in summer and with proper camping equipment.
Seasonality
May-September is the best time in terms of weather conditions and day length. There is only one shepherd hut along the route. During this period, you can check with the local community to see if the shepherds are in the mountains. These huts can provide warm shelter and you can ask for information from the shepherds, but you need to be careful around shepherd dogs.
In general, although it is possible to do this route throughout the year, it requires more preparation in winter months. In winter, spring and autumn, it is important to check the weather forecast more carefully and prepare food, clothing and equipment (tents, sleeping bags and so on). On cold and short winter days, it is very difficult and risky to finish this route in one day, so it is not recommended to leave without proper camping equipment.
Food and Accommodation
In both villages there are small shops, cafés and restaurants. For places to stay overnight, you can find guesthouses, hotels and other accommodation facilities, located on the map.
Water
There is only one spring along the trail, which is located near a shepherd hut at the end of the Bash Goynuk gorge. As water sources are limited, it is recommended to take at least 1.5-2 litres of water with you.
Transportation
Minibus numbers 15 and 25 go regularly from Sheki City to Kish Village (40 gepiks per trip). You can also get to Kish by taxi for about 3-5 AZN (using the *0066 and *5577 taxi services).
Permits and Specially Protected Areas
No prior permission is required to walk along this route. The route does not pass through specially protected natural areas or the border protection zone, and there are no permanent border guard posts anywhere along the route. When meeting border guards, it is necessary to show your documents and explain your route.
