About this experience
To truly experience the magic of Azerbaijan's nature, one day is not enough. I invite you to fully recharge during a two-day journey. We will drive through Martian-like landscapes of the Khizi mountains and authentic settlements to find ourselves among the local Alps with canyons and waterfalls in Shahdag. It is incredibly beautiful here at any time of the year! The cost is indicated for a 2-day tour.
What to Expect
Day 1: The Journey Begins
Alien Khizi Mountains - our first stop. Stepping onto their red slopes, you will feel like you're on Mars. Contrary to popular belief, there are no agates here, but you will find other artifacts and traces of prehistoric life. The main treasure will be the unearthly views captured in photographs.
Piece of Israel. Next, we will visit the picturesque settlement of Azerbaijan - Krasnaya Sloboda. You will admire the combination of old brick-wooden houses and modern palaces, and I will share the history of the Jewish life in these lands. You will see an ancient bridge with 15 spans and the Six-Domed Synagogue. And if the trip does not fall on a Saturday, we can visit the local museum.
Shahdag - the royal mountain of Azerbaijan. Leaving the settlement, you will enter the world of the mountainous nature of the country's north. In winter, you will admire the snow-white slopes and frozen waterfalls, ride skis or snowboards. In March, the spring warmth arrives in these places, glaciers begin to melt, filling the mountain rivers with water. And by May, alpine meadows are covered with colorful poppies, chamomiles, and delphiniums.
If desired and if time allows, we will visit the amusement area, where you can ride sleds down the alpine hills.
Gusarchay River Valley. You will find yourself on the edge of a canyon, along the bottom of which flows a ringing river. Here, you will be greeted by the Shahdag Mountains from a different angle, playing the role of a magnificent background.
Laza Village and Waterfalls. What could be better than a mountain waterfall? Two mountain waterfalls! Our path leads to such a pair waterfall, during which we will make several stops in picturesque places.
Overnight stay at the hotel. Full of impressions, we will head to a comfortable hotel to relax. You will choose in advance from three options the one that suits you best: with panoramic windows and a view of the river valley, cozy and reminiscent of a rural estate, or a fashionable one right in the middle of the Shahdag resort.
Day 2: The Journey Continues
Gedjresh Forest. Waking up surrounded by nature, we will set off to discover new landscapes. This time - into the forest. It is beautiful at any time of the year, and personally, I like it for its tangible transparency. Here, there is a feeling that you have entered a distant Sherwood Forest, where you can meet a noble robber.
Khynalyg Gorge. I am sure the road to Khynalyg will be one of the most beautiful in your life! This is the place where every kilometer seems like it can't get any better, but the incredible views just keep going. You will want to take non-stop photos, but no pictures will convey your feelings.
High-Mountain Village of Khynalyg. We travel up the serpentine roads amidst rocks to the oldest and highest village of Azerbaijan. It is 5000 years old, and its residents have preserved not only their originality but also a language that no one else speaks in the world. The history of the village itself and its name is interesting - I will definitely tell you about it. We will stroll through the streets of this village, visit a local museum with curious exhibits, and a house-museum of a local resident, where a delicious lunch will be prepared for you.
Recharged by the energy of the local nature, we will head back and closer to nightfall return to Baku. In the summer, when the day is long, we can visit the sacred mountain of Beshbarmag along the way.
Logistics Details
- When booking this tour, make sure both consecutive days are free on your calendar.
- The price is indicated for 2 days.
Tour Itinerary
- Upon request, the tour can be conducted for a group of up to 18 people.
- We will travel in a comfortable Hyundai SantaFe car or a minivan depending on the number of people.
- The tour can also be done in reverse: I will pick you up in Shahdag and we will drive through the same locations back to Baku.
- Note: In winter, the pass to Khynalyg may be closed. We can reach the foot of the pass, but not beyond. In this case, we can rent a UAZ and drive to the neighboring village of Gryz to see the frozen waterfalls in the rock caves. In that case, the total cost of the tour will increase by €50. Please consider this when booking in winter months.
Conditions
- Children up to 3 years old go on the tour for free, children up to 12 years old get a 50% discount.
- If the group has more than 2 adults, each additional adult gets a 50% discount.
- Transport for a group of up to 4 people is included in the price (Chevrolet Captiva crossover).
- If you are more than 4 people, the extra cost for transportation will be €100/day (Mercedes Viano or Sprinter).
What's Included
- Tea with jam on the first day and lunch on the second day.
- Bottled water unlimited throughout the trip.
Extra Expenses
- Lunch and dinner on the first day.
- Museum tickets (optional).
- Hotel - from 70-90 to 300 manat for a double room (price depends on the chosen option). It is often possible to negotiate the stay of the third, and sometimes even the fourth guest at the same price - it all depends on the season. I will send you detailed descriptions, links, and photos of possible hotels in advance.
- Shahdag Resort attractions (optional): zipline, Segway, quad biking, mountain cart downhill ride - Bobkart, bicycle, archery, cable car, etc. - €1.5-€7.5 per attraction.
Extended Program: 3 Days
- Overnight stay in Khynalyg or at a lake shore hotel in Guba.
- The country's highest waterfall - Afurja.
- The mysterious Chirag Gala fortress.
- Tengalty Gorge.
- Masazyr Pink Lake (from mid-June to mid-October)
If you choose the 3-day program, please let me know in advance.
