Galarsan-Gorarsan Fortress: Sentinel of Sheki
Explore the historic Galarsan-Gorarsan Fortress in Sheki, Azerbaijan, for breathtaking views and a glimpse into the region's medieval past.
Galarsan-Gorarsan Fortress, near Sheki, Azerbaijan, is a medieval fortress dating back to the 8th or 9th century. Its ruins sit atop Garatepe Mountain, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the region's rich history along the Silk Road. The fortress is linked to the defiant words of Haji Chalabi Khan to Nadir Shah in the 18th century.
A brief summary to Galarsan-Gorarsan Fortress
- 767H+8CW, Sheki, 5500, AZ
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for the hike to the fortress, as the trail can be steep and uneven.
- Bring water and snacks, especially during warmer months, as there are no facilities at the fortress.
- Consider visiting in the late afternoon to enjoy the sunset views from the fortress.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit, as the trail can be slippery after rain.
- Combine your visit to the fortress with a trip to the nearby village of Kish to see the ancient Albanian Church.
Getting There
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Public Transport
To reach Galarsan-Gorarsan Fortress via public transport, begin in Sheki city center. Take marshrutka (minibus) number 15 or 23 from Sheki's new bazaar towards Kish. The marshrutka departs approximately every 20 minutes and costs about 0.4 AZN per person. Alight at Kish bus stop. From there, follow the dirt road north along the river. The hike to the fortress is roughly 4 km and takes about 1.5-2 hours. Maps.me is a useful navigation tool for this hike.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Alternatively, take a taxi or ride-sharing service (like Bolt) from Sheki city center to Kish. The ride takes approximately 15-20 minutes to Kish. Agree on a fare beforehand, typically around 4-6 AZN. From Kish, it's a 2.5 km hike to the fortress. You can also negotiate with the taxi driver to take you closer to the fortress entrance via the dirt road, though this may involve a higher fare.
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Walking
For a more adventurous approach, walk from Sheki city center to Kish (approximately 7km). From Kish, follow the dirt road north for about 2.5 km, hiking towards the fortress. Maps.me is a useful navigation tool for the hiking portion.
Discover more about Galarsan-Gorarsan Fortress
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