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Basut-Chay State Reserve: A Plane Tree Paradise

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Discover Azerbaijan's Basut-Chay State Reserve: Home to the world's largest ancient plane tree grove, a haven for nature and tranquility.

Basut-Chay State Reserve, located in the Zangilan district of Azerbaijan, is a haven for nature lovers. Established in 1974 to protect the world's largest grove of oriental plane trees, the reserve offers a tranquil escape with lush greenery and diverse wildlife.

A brief summary to Basut-Chay State Reserve

  • 3J27+X26, Mashadiismayilli, AZ
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Basut-Chay State Reserve.

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best chances of spotting wildlife.
  • Pack a picnic to enjoy in one of the serene spots within the reserve.
  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes, as the trails can be rugged.
  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching; the reserve is home to many species.
  • Respect the natural environment by staying on designated trails and avoiding disturbing wildlife.

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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Goris, Armenia, continue on the M2 highway for approximately 30 km. Follow signs to the Azerbaijan border. After crossing the border into Azerbaijan, drive towards Mashadiismayilli. Use GPS to find coordinates 3J27+X26, the location of Basut-Chay State Reserve. Note that there may be fees for crossing the border.

  • Public Transport

    To reach Basut-Chay State Reserve via public transport, take a bus from Goris to Yerevan. From Yerevan's central bus station, take a bus to Ganja, Azerbaijan, ensuring you have your passport for the border crossing. Upon arriving in Ganja, take a local taxi or bus towards Mashadiismayilli and ask to be dropped off at coordinates 3J27+X26. Be prepared for border crossing fees and local transport costs.

Discover more about Basut-Chay State Reserve

Basut-Chay State Reserve, nestled in the valley of the Basutchay River in Azerbaijan's Zangilan district, is a protected area established in 1974 to preserve the unique oriental plane tree. The reserve spans 107 hectares, with plane trees covering 93.5% of its territory. These trees, some of which are 1200-1500 years old, reach heights of 50 meters and trunk diameters of up to 4 meters.The reserve's landscape features the asymmetrical Basutchay Valley, with a steep right side and a flatter left side. The climate is moderately warm, with hot summers and mild winters. The average annual temperature is 13.3°C. The reserve is home to diverse flora, including oak, Caucasian hornbeam, and juniper. Wildlife includes wild boar, roe deer, wolves, jackals, badgers, and hares.Visiting Basut-Chay State Reserve offers a serene experience, with opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and photography. The winding trails lead through dense forests and alongside tranquil streams, providing a chance to connect with nature. The reserve shares similarities with the nearby Shikahogh Reserve, making it a valuable ecological site in the region.

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