Batabat Lake

Lake Batabat is situated on a wide plateau rising from the Shahbuz Mountains, about 60 kilometers north of Nakhchivan city. By car, there is only one road from the city to the lake; though the slope increases in the final section, it is possible for vehicles to reach lake level. Public transportation does not reach the lakeshore, so most visitors either rent a car or take a taxi.

It is famous for its floating peat island. The island is not fastened to the bottom of the lake and drifts depending on the wind. Such a phenomenon gives Batabat its inimitable look and turns it into one of the most distinctive natural landscapes of Azerbaijan. On days without winds, in fine weather, the island in the same frame with the silhouette of the mountain is distinctly visible.

Batabat is a high-altitude area and is 6–10 degrees cooler than the city center. Even in summer, winds can be strong, so a light jacket is essential. The meadows surrounding the lake are fully green by the end of May, and the most suitable visiting season begins from this time until the beginning of September. The wet ground in early spring and the difficulty of access due to snow and ice in winter should be taken into account when planning your visit.

The best viewpoints in the region are on the roadsides, affording a view of the lake from above. Down at shore level, there is directly opposite a floating island; if you want a higher viewpoint, a wide-angle view of the lake and mountains can be had from the nearby Batabat Astrophysical Observatory.

There are no permanent facilities open on the lakeshore, so accommodations are made in the city center and it’s best to take Batabat on a day trip. While small seasonal stalls can be seen along the road in summer, food and drink should be bought from the city. It’s suitable to visit with your family; the expansive meadows provide a safe playing area for children.

Batabat could be the ideal setting for nature photographers: a light fog softens its reflection on the water’s surface at dawn; the floating island is more remarkable during evening lights. Equally, surrounding wildflowers provide a unique color for macro photography.

Generally, the area is safe during the day but is not recommended to stay by the lake at night because of the deserted area and poor phone coverage. The lake is an official tourist area, so no entry permits are required; however, caution is advised against photographing military sites, and the operator must be informed of any drone use.

Such a rare natural zone as Batabat combines the cool air of high mountains, a natural floating island, and the quiet atmosphere of a highland. It is a good stopping place not far from the city that can provide scenic views and fresh air for guests seeking them during their visit to Nakhchivan.