Batabat

Azerbaijan


In stark contrast to lowland Naxçivan's arid semideserts, the upland lakes of Batabat are set in high, rolling grasslands. They make for cooling family picnic spots in summer and are known for the novelty of their 'floating islands'. For twitchers, however, it's the birdlife (golden oriole, Radde's accentor etc) that form the sanctuary's main attraction.

Be careful not to go further up the road from the upper lake. Though there is no sign, that is a military zone and your presence could cause an international incident.

In winter, snow makes birdwatching less fulfilling but there's a small new ski centre under development at nearby Ağbulaq.

The site is 60km north of Naxçivan City, around AZN35 return by taxi or accessible as part of a tour with Nakhchivan Travel.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Azerbaijan attractions

1. Sisavank Church

11.53 MILES

Originally built in the 7th century, Sisavank Church was restored as recently as the 20th century. It combines an elegant square-cross floor with some…

2. Sculpture Park

11.78 MILES

The sculpture park in front of the Sisian History Museum displays khachkars as well as some stones in the shape of rams. There are also a couple of stones…

3. Sisian History Museum

11.78 MILES

Townsfolk are very proud of their museum, which showcases a modest array of carpets, archaeological artefacts and ethnographic displays. It faces the…

4. Mermaid's Hair

21.71 MILES

According to local legend, the beautiful daughter of an Armenian nobleman was highly sought after, but she only had eyes for the handsome shepherd's son…

5. Gallery of Waters

22.02 MILES

This collonaded structure built in 1956 contains five flowing stone urns fed with mineral water by pipes set in the wall. Temperatures of the water range…

6. Alinja Castle

24.52 MILES

For those prepared to climb over 1500 steps up a mountain crag, one of Naxçivan's great highlights is the magnificent view from the sparse medieval ruins…

7. Əshabi-Kəhf

24.88 MILES

Əshabi-Kəhf is a series of holy caves, locally believed to be the scene of a Koranic miracle in which seven pious men managed to evade their enemies by…

8. Tatev Monastery

26.25 MILES

The bishops of Syunik built the main church, Surp Poghos-Petros (St Paul and St Peter), in the 9th century to house important relics. There are faint…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "azerbaijan/naxcivan/attractions/batabat/a/poi-sig/1627379/358681",
      "destination": "Azerbaijan",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "country": "Azerbaijan",
      "position": "superzone"
    }