Gusar is all about the stunning mountains that dominate this north-eastern region which borders with Russia. In winter, head to Azerbaijan’s first ski resort, the Shahdag Mountain Resort, which is named after the iconic 4,243-metre-high Mt Shahdag located in the Shahdag National Park – a vast protected area spanning multiple regions of the country. Near the ski resort is the charming village of Laza, which is surrounded by breathtaking scenery promising hours or days of enjoyable hikes, especially in summer. Much of the local population are Lezgis, an ancient people of the Caucasus Mountains with some unique national dishes that you can try throughout the region.