On the Story of Nohur Lake
Lake Nohur (Nohur Gölü in Azeri) is located about 3 km (approx. 1.9 miles) east of the city of Gabala.
It’s estimated to be located about 1 km to the north of the village of Nohurqishlaq.
And it’s approximately 700 meters above sea level.
At first sight, it looks like a natural lake because it’s located between 3 mountains named Gulluburun, Goydag and Yumuru.
Yes, it really was like that once upon a time.
Today's Nohur Lake was once surrounded by a swamp with dense reeds and aquatic vegetation.
Also, unlike today, at the center of the hollow of the lake, there was yellowish-green water.
Now the color of the water is more of a greenish-blue color.
But it existed as a natural lake until 1949.
So, the lake you’ll see was artificially created during Soviet times to help irrigate farming.
Historically speaking, I can't say that the lake has existed since ancient times.
But old enough to have legends about it.
Common Myths Among Locals About Nohur Lake, Azerbaijan
Aside from its man-made origins, legends and stories have added a layer of mystery to this serene lake over time.
Some older locals still remember these myths about Nohur Lake Azerbaijan, even if many have forgotten them.
Lost Village Under Nohur Gol
There’re natives who believe that an ancient village lies beneath the placid lake, long lost to the world, like Atlantis.
In fact, some claim that on a quiet night, the whispers of the past can be heard echoing out over the lake.
It might not seem that deep, but I’ve to tell you that it’s not any less deep than Lake Maggiore, Switzerland.
By the way, the deepest part of Nohur Gol is 24 meters.
Tears of King’s Daughter, Nohur
Another legend tells about the love of poor Demirchioglu for the King's daughter Nohur.
In this legend, Nohur is a girl who disguises herself as a boy and fights while waiting for her future beloved with the thought:
"I’ll marry the one who wins".
Eventually, she meets Demirchioglu.
After a fight, Nohur realizes that Demirchioglu is the one she has been looking for.
However, Nohur's father, the king, is against their love and sends men to Demirchioglu's execution.
Devastated by this tragedy, Nohur's tears form a large lake.
In the end, the girl drowns in her own tears, and the lake is named Nohur, a symbol of the unforgettable pure love that still reverberates.
Nohur Lake as the Number One Tourist Destination in Gabala
Besides its history and rumors, Nohur's main characteristic today is tourism.
Each year, ten thousands of domestic and foreign tourists visit here to relax and literally enjoy its beauty.
The reasons are twofold:
#1 is the location of this wonder on the Qaramaryam – Ismayilli – Shaki highway.
For those coming from Baku, the main road through nature will bring them here without any extra trouble.
That is to say, easy to reach.
Reason #2 is the most obvious of all.
The Nohur Gol tour is the best choice for people who love nature, unforgettable scenery and especially photography.
So it's packed all year round.
Activities and Tips for Lake Nohur Tour in All Seasons
You can visit Lake Nohur in all seasons.
In summer, the lake is a great place for boating and fishing.
Angling and boating are also popular in spring and fall when the weather is good.
The cost for a boat ride is approximately 10 AZN ($6 USD) per person.
And plus, it'll also satisfy your lungs for clean and fresh air in scorching July or August.
Camping near Gabala's Nohur Lake during the warmer months is also an excellent opportunity to enjoy nature and relax in peaceful surroundings.
However, it’s difficult to get an official camping permit because of the littering of wildlife by some visitors.
So for camping regulations, please check with local authorities or nearby guesthouses.
On the flipside, in winter, the surface of the lake can freeze, creating a picturesque landscape.
This is the best time to take a photo shoot for your Instagram story.
Furthermore, 5-star Nohur Hotel in Gabala is also located on the banks of the lake.
A lovely garden, picnic area and terrace are available at this hotel.
Here, you can enjoy activities such as a horse-drawn carriage ride and electric car driving.
It also has one of the best restaurants in Azerbaijan.
Note: Swimming is not allowed in Lake Nohur because it has an unknown depth and underwater vegetation, which can be dangerous for swimmers. That's why there have been so many drownings here in the past.
Don't forget to see the dedicated pinned map of Nohur Lake Azerbaijan.
And have a safe & nice trip!
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