About this experience
This trip will take you to the origins of the 'Land of Fire' and introduce you to its ancient relics. You will visit the site of primitive settlements in Gobustan, unravel the meaning of petroglyphs, and witness the phenomenal mud volcanoes. Explore the Ateshgah Fire Temple, learn about the Zoroastrian religion, and marvel at the Burning Mountain. Experience the oldest and most unique era in Azerbaijan's history!
What to Expect
Gobustan Mud Volcanoes
Our first stop will be the ancient Gobustan, a place of primitive human settlements. You will delve into the history of the reserve at the local museum, stroll among the rocks, and examine the preserved petroglyphs - ancient rock paintings, discussing their symbolism and significance. Here, you will also find the carved inscription of a lost Roman legion on the stone and walk along mountain trails, admiring the unbelievable alien landscapes of Gobustan. Next, we will visit another natural attraction, the mud volcanoes where you will see the healing mixture of mud and oil erupting from the earth. On the way back, we will stop at the beautiful Bibi-Heybat Mosque with a tragic history.
Ancient Zoroastrian Temple - Ateshgah
You will visit the Ateshgah temple - a place of power where ancient Zoroastrians 'imprisoned fire in stone' thousands of years ago. Travel back to the times of Mannae and Media when the cult of fire blossomed in Azerbaijani lands. I will tell you about the history of the 'Fire Temple,' whose fame reached distant lands with the arrival of Indian trading caravans.
Burning Mountain Yanardag
In this place, you will understand why Azerbaijan bears the name 'Land of Fire' and why the fire-worshipping religion thrived here. Millennia later, oil magnates realized that the fire erupting from the ground was a reliable indicator of oil and gas deposits. On the sites of 'eternal fires,' they began to build oil rigs, but the 'Burning Mountain' Yanardag was lucky - this peak was discovered quite recently and therefore preserved its pristine flame. Yanardag looks especially impressive as twilight falls, and this is when you will find yourself on the Burning Mountain.
Logistical Details
- For groups of up to 4 participants, transfer in a comfortable Hyundai SantaFe SUV is included. If the number of participants is more than 4, an additional fee of 60 euros for a Mercedes Vito minivan or a Mercedes Sprinter minibus applies.
- Visit to Gobustan Museum and bottled water are included.
- If you get hungry on the way, we will stop at the only restaurant in Baku that operates on an 'all you can eat' system. For just 10 manats (5 euros) per person, you can order unlimited amounts of Azerbaijani food and non-alcoholic drinks. Later, a tea table will be set up for you with Eastern sweets and jams (you can choose from a dozen different types of jams).
