Muçuq and Oraban: the highest waterfalls of Şəki

In the mountainous part of the Şəki district there are two of the country's highest waterfalls, and both are within one day of Baku — just a long day.

Muçuq waterfall

Near the village of Muçuq in the Şəki district, this is considered the highest waterfall in the country; its height is usually given as around 50 metres. The water falls through a narrow ravine and forms a small pool below.

The route. It starts from the village and follows the gorge. It is not long, but the ground is rocky and there are several river crossings. Difficulty is moderate — no technical skill is required, but stable footwear is.

When. April–June is the period of strongest flow. By late summer the flow weakens considerably and the waterfall loses much of its effect. In autumn there is less water but the scenery is colourful.

Oraban

Also in the Şəki district, towards the village of Oraban. It is less well known and therefore quieter. The route climbs from the village through forest; before reaching the waterfall you pass several cascades and small pools.

Most people who come here see the waterfall not as the end point but as part of the route — the gorge itself is the most interesting section.

General notes on the region

The Şəki–Qax–Zaqatala belt is the wettest part of Azerbaijan. That has two consequences:

1. The waterfalls are powerful and hold water over a long season.
2. Trails get muddy and the forecast is often wrong. Keep the rain jacket in your pack at all times.

After rain the water level in the gorges rises. If a crossing looks dangerous, turning back is a normal decision — these gorges change substantially in a short time.

Practical advice

• Your boots will get wet. Waterproof boots stop mattering after a few crossings; bring spare socks.
• Trekking poles are very useful on rocky water crossings: choosing poles.
• Village roads. The last few kilometres to the waterfall trailheads are dirt roads; after rain they are difficult for an ordinary car.
• Local agreement. Some trails cross private land or a village's grazing area. Going with a guided group settles that by itself.
• Dogs. There are livestock guardian dogs around villages and pastures: how to behave.

Other routes in the region

Easy to fit into the same trip: Şəki, the Xan pasture hike, Qax, the Qoçyataq waterfall, the Qax camp. For a Şəki–Qax weekend plan: two districts in one weekend.