Laza - Kuzun trail

Start point: Laza village (1650 m)
End point: Kuzun village (1250 m)
Distance: 7 km
Ascend: 350 m
Descend: 660 m
Duration: 3.5 hours

Laza village (Laza) is a popular tourist destination situated between Gizilgaya (Qızılqaya) and Shahdag (Şahdağ) plateaus on the banks of the Gusar River (Qusarçay). The village is settled by Lezgin people, a north-eastern Caucasian ethnic group. There are more than 25 families living in the village and they operate a few guest houses. Routes to surrounding lofty mountains and peaks go through Laza and this feature creates favourable conditions for development of mountain tourism. There is a new asphalt-covered road connection to the village. A major tourist attraction is Twin waterfalls (Ekiz şəlalələr) discharging from high rocks near Laza village. These waterfalls freeze in the winter and become a large ice formation. So there is an excellent opportunity for ice climbing as well. Besides, the village is located about 4 km from the Shahdag Mountain Resort. Low-budget travellers using services of the resort may stay at Laza at affordable prices and taste local dishes.
There are many possible hiking trails starting at Laza and the most convenient one is the eco tour trail between Laza and Kuzun villages (Kuzun). You can witness spectacular views during the hike – gigantic cliffs of Gizilgaya and Shahdag, as well as the waterfall discharging into the Gusarchay gorge.
Kuzun village is a traditional settlement also inhabited by Lezgin people and it is bigger than Laza. More than a hundred families reside here. Locals are employed in Shahdag Mountain Resort. However, there is no asphalt-covered road connection and the village is located at 6 km from the main road.