Shahbuz: The next feature in AZERTAC's 'If I Were a Tourist' column turns the spotlight on the Batabat Plateau. Located in the Shahbuz district of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the Batabat Plateau is a popular tourist destination throughout the year. Lake Batabat, home to the famous 'Floating Island' and 'Zorbulag,' lies at an altitude of 2,500 meters above sea level and contains approximately 3 million cubic meters of water, offering breathtaking views in every season.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, each season unveils a distinct beauty and mystery in Batabat. In winter, the lake transforms into a serene and unique landscape, encircled by towering, snow-covered mountains. One of Batabat's most remarkable features is that the lake freezes completely during winter, creating a stunning mirror-like surface that reflects the sky and clouds. The deep silence beneath the ice and the cold mountain winds sweeping across it evoke a profound sense of stillness, allowing visitors to momentarily escape the rhythm of daily life.

The mountains of Gonaggormez, Sabetkechmez, Tekeli, Ayrigar, and Chaldag surround the white-clad Batabat like a ring, enriching the plateau's winter fairytale with greater depth, vividness, and majesty. Over the years, numerous notable poems have been dedicated to the lake, inspired by its enchanting beauty.

A winter retreat to the coral-eyed Batabat offers a truly memorable and meaningful experience, distinguished by its pristine landscapes and crisp mountain air.