The wild unpaved road to Lake Maralgol in Azerbaijan

Lake Maralgöl is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 1,910m (6,266ft) above sea level located in the region of Ganja-Gazakh, in Azerbaijan. It’s one of the most beautiful and picturesque places in the country.

Lake Maralgol

Where is Lake Maralgöl?

The lake (eng. Deer lake) is located in the western part of Azerbaijan, within the Göygöl Milli Parkı (Goygol National Park). It was formed after the collapse of rocks as a result of an earthquake in 1139. The maximum depth of the lake is 60 m.

Is the road to Lake Maralgöl unpaved?

The road to the lake is mostly unpaved, with very steep parts and narrow sections. Along the way you’ll find Lake Göygöl. It’s usually drivable for most passenger vehicles in dry weather conditions. The last part, a pretty degraded old road, is more challenging, with mud and large loose rocks.

How long is the road to Lake Maralgöl?

Set high in the Murovdag Mountains, the road to the lake is called Goygol-Maralgol Road. It’s 11.1km (6.89 miles) long, running from the R19 Road, near Toghanali, to a big parking lot near the lake. The ascent is very steep, with an elevation gain of 743 meters and an average gradient of 6.69%.
Pic: Taleh Imanov