Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

Azerbaijan has many travel opportunities for its first time visitors. One such destination is Gryz village, a place for admirers of adventure, history, and undisturbed nature.

The mountain village Gryz is located in Guba region in northern Azerbaijan and sits 2,171 meters above sea level. This village is one of the oldest settlements in the region.

Gryz was established in a picturesque area on the left bank the Gudyalchay River.

Until recently, the secluded village was inaccessible for most tourists as it was connected with the outer world by a path suitable only for pedestrians and horses.

Then, in 2012, a new road and bridge were constructed, providing access to the ancient village for all who were interested.

Gryz is home to one of Azerbaijan’s many ethnic minorities – the Gryz. The Gryz people are descendants of the tribes that made up the population of Caucasian Albania. Their language belongs to the Lezgi group of the Nakh-Dagestani language family.

Like other mountain villages, houses in Gryz are surrounded by small yards. The houses are made of stone and have flat earthen roofs with chimneys.

The population of this village is mainly engaged in sheep breeding, but agriculture is also well developed here. Moreover, you can find craftsman engaged in carpet weaving, knitting traditionally patterned wool socks, and the manufacture of leather goods.

Interested travellers can reach Gryz village from Guba city by distance of only 35 kilometers. The unique mountain village is located 195 kilometers from the capital Baku, which is now hosting the first European Games.

Tourists who are already in country for the Baku 2015 competitions can also enjoy a stay in the authentic Gryz village and purchase a pair of the sought-after colorful Gryz wool socks.

In Gryz, the air is pure, the uninterrupted nature flourishes, and the food is natural and exquisite. The majestic mountain view inspires and overwhelms. Immerse yourself in nature with a weekend in Gryz.

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Nigar Orujova is AzerNews’s staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @o_nigar

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