About this experience
Gobustan is called the hallmark of Azerbaijan. Just an hour from Baku - and together with other nature and archaeology enthusiasts, you will explore mud geysers and rock drawings. I will show you the unusual places of the reserve and around it: you will find wild nature, exciting stories captured in stone, and the very first oil derrick in the world.
What awaits you
Martian Chronicles
In 12 km from the Azerbaijani reserve Gobustan - the 'land of gullies' - there are over 300 mud volcanoes (there are about 900 of them in the world). Traditionally, tourists massively visit a group of volcanoes of Mount Dashgil. I offer an author's program in which we will visit non-touristic places - the surroundings of Mount Kyanyzdag.
You will encounter an 'emotional volcano' - in scenery resembling distant planets, you will explore the slopes of mountains and marvel at the variety of sculptural forms that griffins and salzes take on. I will tell you about the origin of volcanoes, their nature, and common misconceptions about volcanic mud. Additionally, you can visit the traditionally popular group of volcanoes of Mount Dashgil (for an additional fee).
Gobustan Rock Drawings
We will head to the museum of the Gobustan reserve for primitive art. We will understand why ancient people lived in this area and what the life and religion of the Paleolithic era were like. After the museum, we will go to the mountains, where we will inspect the camp and cave dwellings, explore the heritage of ancient people - petroglyphs. I will tell you about a version of the origin of the name Gobustan that differs from the traditionally accepted one. I will teach you to read inscriptions on medieval tombstones and dwell in detail on aspects that researchers usually overlook.
At the dawn of the oil era
On the way back to Baku, we will visit the famous Bibi-Heybat Mosque - the burial place of the prophet Muhammad's descendants. Here, I will tell you about the local village where the houses of the Nobels have been preserved, as well as the discovery of oil deposits in the Caspian Sea. We will tour the oil-producing area of Baku and stop at the world's first oil derrick.
If you wish, I can recommend a fish restaurant on the seashore with a magnificent view, where you can taste fresh Caspian fish. The tour will end either at the restaurant (if you decide to have lunch there) or near your hotel.
Organizational details
- The tour will take place in a comfortable sedan class car. Transportation costs are included in the price.
- I am ready to accept a group of up to 15 people: in this case, travelers will be provided with a Vito or Mercedes Sprinter minivan. Additional payment is discussed and depends on the specific number of participants.
- Choose comfortable shoes, as the journey takes place in mountainous terrain.
- In rainy weather, the tour to the volcanoes is canceled, with a 25% refund of the total cost. The rest of the tour will proceed according to the program.
- Entrance tickets to the Gobustan reserve are additionally paid for. Check the price with the guide at the time of booking, as it may change.
