About this experience
During the trip to the iconic places of the Absheron Peninsula, you will explore the ancient settlements of primitive tribes and decipher the ancient rock paintings; hear the story of the Bibi-Heybat mosque, where direct descendants of Muhammad are buried. You will visit the places of worship of fire worshipers, explore the world of mud volcanoes, and see one of the eight pink lakes in the world.
What to Expect
Gobustan Reserve
The journey will start with an extensive historical and artistic complex located 70 km from Baku. You will familiarize yourself with the main motifs of rock carvings and symbolism of petroglyphs, explore ancient settlements and burial mounds, follow the traces of ancient man, and learn what information has been obtained about the primitive tribes of the Absheron Peninsula.
World of Mud Volcanoes
Azerbaijan is home to more than a third of the planet's mud volcanoes. And the most famous ones are located in the vicinity of Gobustan. We will talk about the origin of this natural phenomenon and its connection to oil and gas deposits. And the landscapes of erupting volcanoes will temporarily transport you to a different reality.
There are two ways to reach the mud volcanoes:
— thrill-seekers can take off-road vehicles off the beaten path
— those who prefer comfort can continue the route in the same car (we will drive an additional +50 km)
Lunch by the Sea and Visit to Bibi-Heybat Mosque
On the shore of the Caspian Sea, in a pleasant seaside restaurant, a flavorful lunch of national dishes will be prepared for you. And then you will head to the iconic sanctuary of the Muslim world – the Bibi-Heybat Cathedral Mosque, located on the shore of Baku Bay, in the village of Shikhovo. You will learn about the eponymous 13th-century mosque, on the ruins of which a new building was constructed, and hear about the direct descendants of Muhammad buried here.
Tracing Zoroastrianism
On the outskirts of the village of Surakhany, you will visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple. You will learn about the periods when this place was venerated by Zoroastrians, Hindus, and Sikhs. You will see the eternal fires – burning natural gas outlets. And you will get a closer look at the basic principles and traditions of Zoroastrianism. And on the slope of Yanar Dag Mountain, you will see the impressive spectacle of the natural eternal fire, burning since ancient times and spewing flames ten meters wide.
In the end, you will visit Lake Masazir, one of the eight saltwater pink lakes in the world. You will uncover the secret of its unusual color and be able to take magical pictures.
Organizational Details
- I or another guide from our team will conduct the tour for you
- Bring a headgear to protect from the sun's rays and preferably non-white shoes
Additional Expenses:
- Bill for lunch at a seafood restaurant
- Payment for off-road vehicle to reach the mud volcanoes off-road – 40 manats
- Payment for off-road vehicle to reach the mud volcanoes on paved road – 40 manats
- Those preferring comfort can continue the journey (over 50 km, about 40 minutes) in the same off-road vehicle for an additional fee – 40 manats
- Entrance ticket to Gobustan Museum – 10 manats, Yanar Dag – 10 manats, Ateshgah – 4 manats per person
