Yergi Kek is one of the highest villages in Azerbaijan. The local population of both Yergi Kek and Kuzun are Lezgis, who are considered to be descendants of the Legois – one of the tribes that are believed to have populated the ancient kingdom of Caucasian Albania.
Download the map
DISTANCE - 8 KM ELEVATION GAIN - 1090 M ELEVATION LOSS - 20 M |
MAX. ALTITUDE - 2380 M MIN. ALTITUDE - 1310 M DURATION - 4 H 50 MIN |
Follow the signs that are clearly visible throughout the trail, which follows a road used to reach Sudur village in summer and to transport haystacks by the people of Kuzun in winter. After 500m, you will come to a road going left to Laza village, but you need to continue straight and after 200m turn left at the crossroads. Continue along this uphill road for 4km and then turn left along a path that leads to the village. After 3km, you will come to a view of the steep cliffs of Mount Shahdag. The village is a little below here.
Seasonality
As this is a relatively difficult hike, it is important to have appropriate outdoor clothing and prior hiking experience. Particularly in winter you need to wear winter hiking clothes. If you want to enjoy green nature, then May-July is the best time to hike this trail. Do not forget to check the weather forecast before your trip as foggy or rainy weather can make the trail significantly more difficult.
In the sixth kilometre of the trail, there is a shepherd camp between May and September. You can call the shepherd from a distance to help you pass the shepherd dogs safely.
Nearby trails
You can connect this trail with the Laza-Kuzun trail.
Food and accommodation
Kuzun is not a touristy village. There is only one guest house and a shop near the bridge that is open only during certain hours in summer, but there are no cafes or restaurants. You can find the location of guest houses, hotels and other accommodation facilities on the map.
Water
You can fill your water bottles from springs in the yards of local villagers as there are no public springs in the village. It is recommended to take at least 1.5-2 litres of water depending on the temperature. There is only one spring along the route, which is located near small bushes and trees about 2.5km from the start point.
Transport
Local taxis can take you to Kuzun from the centre of Gusar for 25-30 AZN. If you intend to return to Gusar from Kuzun on the same day, you can ask the driver to wait for you and take you back for no additional payment. A local villager with an off-road vehicle can drive you back down to Kuzun for 40-50 AZN.
Permissions and Special Protected Areas
No prior permission is required to hike along this route. The trail does not pass through a special protected nature area or border protection zone.
Kuzun – Yergi Kek trail
bookan adventure
Choose from a wide range of places to stay and tours to enjoy for the ultimate Azerbaijan travel experience.
other experiencesin Gusar
Shahdag’s wild thrills and placid pauses
Shahdag National Park, the largest in Azerbaijan, is a vast wilderness that offers an enthralling... More
Uncover an epic saga at Sheikh Juneyd Mausoleum
Built in 1544, Sheikh Juneyd Mausoleum has been witness to a series of historic events... More
Alpine Coaster on the slopes of Shahdag
The slopes of Shahdag are not just for skiing and snow-capped mountain views. A host... More
Hiking along the Yergi Kek – Kuzun trail
Along this route, you can enjoy fabulous views of vast subalpine meadows against a backdrop... More
Hiking along the Kuzun – Laza trail
Walking along this route, you can enjoy views of the steep cliffs, waterfalls and sparse... More
Hiking along the Laza – Kuzun trail
Walking along this route, you can enjoy views of the steep cliffs, waterfalls and sparse... More
Visit a hospitable Lezgi village
The natural beauty of the village of Hil charms everyone who sees it. The residents... More
Climb to the top of Mt Bazarduzu
Bazarduzu is the highest mountain in Azerbaijan situated on the border with Russia. To hike... More
Take a healthy stroll in Gusar
The Gusar region’s stunning nature is well known. But wouldn’t you like to come and... More
Active holidays at Shahdag
The Shahdag resort offers dozens of interesting and entertaining activities for the whole family. If... More
Need a great gift? Buy some ‘jorab’ socks
Visit the bazaar in Gusar to buy a symbolic product of the Lezgi people –... More
Stroll through time in central Gusar
Discover a peaceful old city highlighted by a few colourful old cottages reminiscent of a... More
Sample Lezgi cuisine
A perfect place to enjoy at any time of the year; winter is for those... More
Enjoy winter and summer adventures at Shahdag
This is the perfect place to enjoy at any time of the year. Come in... More