Glavnyy Kavkazskiy Khrebet

Glavnyy Kavkazskiy Khrebet refers to the main ridge of the Greater Caucasus mountain range as it runs through northern Azerbaijan. It is the principal high-elevation crest of the Greater Caucasus and contains many of the region’s prominent peaks.

The ridge includes high summits such as Mount Bazardüzü (4,466 m), which is the highest point on the Azerbaijan side and lies on the international frontier with Russia. The range forms a natural watershed and a significant orographic barrier.

Geologically the ridge was formed by tectonic uplift associated with the collision of the Arabian and Eurasian plates and features steep relief, alpine terrain and glaciated valleys at higher elevations. It is important for regional hydrology and mountain ecology.

In Azerbaijan the main crest runs roughly west to east along the northern limits of the country and acts as a border zone with Russia in places, with access points from mountain valleys on both sides.

• Climatic Divide: The ridge forms a major climatic divide between the wetter northern slopes and the drier southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus.

What to See #

• Main Caucasus Crest: The main high ridge of the Greater Caucasus that forms the watershed and contains many of the highest peaks in the region.
• Mount Bazardüzü: Mount Bazardüzü, the highest summit on the Azerbaijan side, rising to 4,466 metres and forming part of the international border with Russia.