About this experience
I invite you to a one-day trip through the mountains of Azerbaijan. Admiring the majestic Caucasus Range and the Caspian Sea along the way, we will pass by the famous Mount Beshbarmag and reach the largest Jewish mountain settlement in the world. We will see the hammam that Alexandre Dumas himself enjoyed. Finally, we will visit the remote village of Khinalug, the legendary resting place of Noah's Ark.
What to expect
Rainbow Mountains
Our journey will start from Baku towards the northern part of Azerbaijan. The excursion to the north of Azerbaijan will show you the rainbow mountains in the Khizi region. They got their name because of the colorful stripes formed by various geological layers. You will be able to enjoy unique landscapes: the colorful sandy deposits resemble a rainbow - it is truly impressive!
On the way to Guba
Then we will drive through the picturesque mountain road to the Guba region. Believe me, this path will make your heart beat a little louder: proud Caucasus mountains will rise above you, and the magical expanse of the Caspian Sea will spread beneath you. Along the way, we will see Sumqayit, the second largest city in Azerbaijan. We will also pass by the famous Mount Beshbarmag, which resembles five outstretched fingers in shape. I will definitely share some beautiful legends associated with this place.
Caucasian Jerusalem
Our acquaintance with Guba will begin with a visit to the village of "Red Settlement" - the largest Jewish mountain settlement in the world. The local population loves pomp, so huge villas resembling palaces have been built in the village, and expensive cars drive through its streets.
Then we will stop for lunch at the best restaurant in Guba. And then we will visit the Sakina-Khanum Mosque, admire the beauty of its facades, and the 19th-century dome bath nearby. According to legend, Alexandre Dumas himself bathed in this bath.
Village of Khinalug
An hour's drive from Guba, on the northern slope of the Main Caucasus Range, lies the oldest settlement in Azerbaijan - the village of Khinalug. Although the village is in a remote location and there are no hotels or restaurants here, it attracts travelers from all over the world. It is believed that Noah's Ark once stopped here, and the local residents are direct descendants of the righteous. We will visit a local resident, learn about strange traditions, and listen to the preserved Khinalug language, which has no "relatives" younger than 4000 years. After visiting the village, we will head back.
Organizational Details
Part of the excursion goes through mountain roads, which may be uncomfortable for children under 10 years old.
The excursion will be led by me or one of the guides from my team
Additional Expenses
- Lunch with a local resident - 15 euros/person
- Entrance tickets to the Historical and Ethnographic Museum in Khinalug - 2-3 euros/person
- If it snows in cold weather, we will need to switch to a special vehicle - 30 euros/4 people
- In Khinalug, upon your request, we can stop for lunch with a local resident - 12 euros/person
