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Shirvan National Park: A Haven for Gazelles and Birdlife

Discover Azerbaijan's wild side at Shirvan National Park: a sanctuary for Persian gazelles and a haven for diverse birdlife.

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Established in 2003, Shirvan National Park in Azerbaijan protects a unique semi-desert landscape and is a crucial habitat for the endangered Persian gazelle. It's also a paradise for birdwatchers, with over 200 species, including migratory birds, inhabiting the park's diverse ecosystems.

A brief summary to Şirvan Milli Parkı - Shirvan National Park

  • Q42V+MFJ, Ashagi Khalaj, AZ

Local tips

  • The best time to visit Shirvan National Park is during the spring and autumn months for mild weather and vibrant landscapes.
  • Bring binoculars for optimal wildlife viewing, especially for spotting the park's diverse bird species.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the park's hiking trails.
  • Consider a guided tour to learn more about the park's unique ecosystems and conservation efforts.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby historical sites like the ancient city of Shamakhi or the village of Lahij.
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Getting There

  • Bus and Taxi

    From Baku, take a bus from the Baku International Bus Station to the town of Shirvan. From Shirvan, hire a taxi to the park entrance. Bus travel time to Shirvan is approximately 2 hours. The taxi ride from Shirvan to the park will take approximately 30-45 minutes. The bus fare from Baku to Shirvan is approximately 5-8 AZN. A taxi from Shirvan to the park may cost around 15-20 AZN.

  • Driving

    Shirvan National Park is located approximately 100 kilometers south of Baku. Take the Baku-Alat-Astara highway. The drive from Baku to the park entrance takes about 2 hours. Note that you need to turn right at the State Traffic Police post to enter the park. Make sure to include the visit to Shirvan National Park to your itinerary as you visit the south of Azerbaijan.

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Discover more about Şirvan Milli Parkı - Shirvan National Park

Shirvan National Park, located in southeastern Azerbaijan, is a haven for wildlife and a testament to the country's commitment to preserving its natural heritage. Established in 2003 on the base of the Shirvan State Reserve (founded in 1969), the park spans over 54,373 hectares (543.735 km2) and protects a unique semi-desert landscape. Once part of the Caspian Sea floor, the park is now an accumulative plain, lying 20-25 meters below sea level. The park's diverse ecosystems support a wide array of flora and fauna. Desert vegetation, including Halocnemum, Halostachys, and Salicornia formations, thrives on the salty soils. Semi-desert areas feature wormwood and ephemeral grasses, while meadow-type vegetation can be found in the humid lowlands. Shirvan National Park is renowned for its role in protecting and increasing the population of the endangered Persian gazelle (Gazella sulgutturosa), also known as the goitered gazelle. The park is home to one of the largest populations of these elegant creatures in the world, and gazelles from Shirvan have been reintroduced to other areas in Azerbaijan and Georgia. Birdwatchers will find themselves in paradise, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the park. The park's location on the Caspian Sea coast makes it an important stopover for migratory birds. Keep an eye out for flamingos, white-tailed eagles, and steppe eagles, among many other species. The park also hosts reptiles such as the European pond turtle and spur-thighed tortoise. Visitors can explore Shirvan National Park through well-marked hiking trails, guided tours, or by renting a bicycle. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild.

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