Experience the Gabala Cable Car Ride for Stunning Views

Needless to say, Gabala, Azerbaijan has plenty of things to do… Like its vast lavender fields, waterfalls (for example, Yeddi Gozel Waterfall), lakes (e.g. Nohur Lake), and dozens more.

And let me tell you, almost every newcomer to Gabala already knows about those activities, as they become part of the welcome package as soon as someone sets foot in the Land of Fire. 

Or vice versa... Like everyone else, they do a bit of research on the internet about this mountainous town and its places to visit before the tour.

But you know, with everything on the internet just being a copy of everything else, it’s no surprise they might not be up to speed on Gabala’s more exclusive highlights.

I’m talking about the most breathtaking aerial lift ride in the Caucasus… The Gabala Cable Car.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Gabala and want to know this attraction inside out, here’s what you’ll find in this tiny penning:

What is the Cable Car in Gabala (for those who tend to confuse the definition)... How long will it take? Not over 150 words, promise.

Stations, routes, and the full journey length;

Ticket prices, ride timings, useful tips, and more.

Let’s get to it then.

What Actually Is the Gabala Cable Car

It might sound a little funny, but the term "cable car" can really throw some people for a loop.

Because it has different meanings in different countries.

For example, in the U.S. (especially San Francisco), “cable car” refers to a streetcar pulled by a cable under the road.

So, it is known as a ground-based vehicle, not one that goes into the air like in Gabala.

That is, the reason I see a need to clarify this is simply that tourists, mostly from the U.S., often assume the cable car station is on the street rather than in the mountains.

More clearly, we get tons of inquiries from American travelers who want to book a cable car tour in Gabala.

And they have something different in mind.

Long story short, the Gabala Cable Car is a mountain gondola lift (an aerial ropeway), or in basic Azerbaijani, “Kanat”.

From Rope Lines to Route Length of Gabala Cable Car

As a part of the Tufandag Mountain Resort, the cable cars of Gabala have four rope lines with a total length of 4.8 km (4,800 meters):

• Riverside (L2)

• Gabala (L4)

• Duruja (L5)

• Yatmish Gozal (L6)

So, the names above are the ropeway names, not the station names. Though the station names are more or less the same (for example, the most popular one is the Gabala Cable Car Tufandag Resort Station).

Each rope line has different sea-level heights, lengths, maximum visitor capacities per hour, and total numbers of passenger vehicles.

On the flip side, each cabin has the same passenger (or cargo) capacity of 640 kg and a maximum speed of 5 m/h.

Now I’m going to walk you through the differences between the cable car lines one by one…

#1. L2 Riverside Line

Altitude above sea level:

• Upper point - 1,660 m

• Low point - 956 m

Length: 2.50 km (2,500 meters)

Passenger capacity: 2,165 people per hour

Carriers: 74 in total

Note: The Riverside rope line is by far the longest among the four.

#2. L4 Gabala Line

Altitude above sea level:

• Upper point - 1,660 m

• Low point - 1,251 m

Length: 1.0 km (1,000 meters)

Passenger capacity: 2,200 people per hour

Carriers: 35 in total

Note: The Gabala rope line is the shortest among the four.

#3. L5 Duruja Line

Altitude above sea level:

• Upper point - 1,410 m

• Low point - 1,251 m

Length: 1.17 km (1,170 meters)

Passenger capacity: 1,800 people per hour

Carriers: 21 chairs + 21 cabins

#4. L6 Yatmish Gozal Line

Altitude above sea level:

• Upper point – 1,920 m

• Low point – 1,410 m

Length: 1.13 km (1.130 meters)

Passenger capacity: 1,800 people per hour

Carriers: 20 chairs + 20 cabins

Note: The Yatmish Gozal (Sleeping Beauty in English) rope line is at the highest altitude among the four.

Enough of the technical details… Now it’s time to look at the working hours and more.

From Ticket Prices to Timings of the Gabala's Cable Car

The Gabala Cable Car operates on several lines with different schedules. Example-wise, the Gabala and Duruca rope line lifts operate from 10:00 to 17:30. The Yatmish Gozal, on the flip side, works from 10:30 and finishes around 17:35.

Unfortunately, the Riverside line is currently closed (it was open during my last visit, though).

There are ticket options for two or four rope lines.

Adults and children have separate fares (kids under 6 can enjoy the line without a dime).

Those choosing two lines pay less than the full four-line package.

So, you can decide based on how much of the mountain you want to explore.

Simple, flexible, and easy for every visitor to plan their ride.

Interestingly, the Gabala cable car ride isn’t over in a blink, duration-wise. If you go all the way to the top and back, it can take more than 30 minutes.

Useful tip: I don’t want to share the exact cable car ticket prices with you, because they were a bit different when I was there last time in autumn. So it’s better to call our tour managers to get the prices (you might even get discounts).

What to Expect from the Tufandag Cable Car Experience

As I said, I’ve ridden the Tufandag Cable Car several times myself (the last time was in fall).

And I can confidently say it’s one of the most unique things to do in Gabala.

It’s loved by everyone… From families to solo travelers. 

Each stop offers something different. The bottom stations are surrounded by the massive forests of Gabala, while the higher ones (like L6 ropeway) open up to wide mountain views.

On clear days, you can see the entire valley of Gabala spread below like a painting.

For example, in summer, it’s mostly all fresh air and greenery.

In winter on the flipside, it turns into a snowy fairytale. Sometimes, in foggy weather at the highest altitude, the clouds might be beneath your feet. Look…

For me, the best part was the vast view of the sunset.

The cabins, overall, are clean, fully enclosed, and feel safe, even if you’re afraid of heights like me.

Big glass windows let you enjoy the full panoramic view without missing anything.

Some stations even have cafés and restaurants where you can have a cuppa tea or eat while staring at the mountains.

You don’t have to rush either… You can get off at the stops, walk around, and hop back on, just like the Hop-On Hop-Off Baku tour.

So, if the weather’s nice and you get there early, expect one of the calmest, most scenic cable car rides in the Caucasus; even better than the one in Tbilisi, Georgia.

That’s all! Have a good one.

Need help planning your Gabala adventure? For online reservations, reach out to us at this number » +994 992 72 22 27.