10 Days Trekking and Jeep Tour in Azerbaijan – Hike from Khinaliq, Astara and Ganja
per person
Trekking and Jeep Tour in Azerbaijan is perfect chance for those who want to have a hike tour in Azerbaijan mountains, fully enjoy the hikes in both in the area of great Caucasus range and smaller Caucasus mountains as well. It also lets you explore beautiful cities of Baku and Sheki, lets you taste Azerbaijani food and enjoy the local hospitality.
Get a ride by jeep in the wildest and less traveled areas of Azerbaija
Explore and taste Azerbaijan at fullest – Have Azerbaijan hiking tour from lesser Caucasus near Georgian border, deserts of Absheron peninsula, Tropical nature near Iran border, to the north northern highlands near the border with Dagestan
Drink tea with Talysh people from Astara area, eat cheese produced by Khinalug (old Caucasian Albanian people speaking one of the lezgin languages) and sleep in a guest house by mountain Azeri shepherds.
Learn more about the history of Azerbaijan from paintings of Sheki Khans’ Palace.
Feel the distinctive culture of Baku
Hike in tropically magical atmosphere of Sim
Visit one of the most beautiful villages on the northern side of the Caucasus mountains – Khinalug, located above 2200 and learn about their traditions, embroidery and craftsmanship and their zoroastrian past.
Hike between best places to visit in Azerbaijan – Trekking from villages of Xinaliq, Galakhudat, Griz, Laza, Kuzun- in the amazing nature of the high mountains of Azerbaijan.
See the daily life of mountain people with your own eyes during hiking tour in Azerbaijan
Take a walk and browse the handmade items in the ancient streets of Lahic.
Learn more about medieval Azerbaijani poetry and literature in Nizami Mausoleum.
Compare the amazing nature of Goygol lake and Maragol Lake.
Trekking and Jeep Tour in Azerbaijan Outline:
Day 1: Tbilisi – Sheki Khans Palace – Hike to Gelersen-Gorersen Fortress
Day 2: Sheki – Baku
Day 3: Baku City Tour
Day 4: Gobustan National Park – Astara – Hike in Sim
Day 5: Baku – Khinaliq Village – Hike from the village
Day 6: Hike from Khinaliq Village to Griz Village
Day 7: Hike from Griz Village to Laza Village
Day 8: Hike from Laza Village to Kuzun Village – Lahich
Day 9: Lahich – Azgili to Chiragli trial – Ganja
Day 10: Nizami Mausoleum – Goygol Lake – Maragol Lake – Tbilisi/Baku
Check out more tours in Azerbaijan:
8 Days Village to Village Trekking Tour in Azerbaijan – Hike from Khinalug to Griz, Laza and Kuzun
Weekend Tour In Azerbaijan – Explore Beautiful Baku & Sheki from Tbilisi
Tour to the Caucasus – 12 Days Azerbaijan-Georgia-Armenia Tour
Tbilisi - Sheki Khans Palace - Hike to Gelersen-Gorersen Fortress
We will drive from Tbilisi in the early morning. We will cross the border at the Lagodekhi checkpoint and start tour in Azerbaijan. We will have lunch and visit Sheki Khans ’Palace, which is the most distinctive Azerbaijani monument of the 18th century. The facade of the palace is painted with beautiful paintings showing war scenes and geometric patterns. In the center is a huge stained glass mosaic stained glass window with up to 5,000 pieces of glass per square window. We will explore the palace while walking through the halls full of small windows made of colored glass and rooms which are different from each other. After visiting Sheki Khans's Palace, we will visit the local museum to get to know the spirit of Azerbaijan through the archeological and art monuments presented there. We will visit Sheki bazaar where you can buy natural fruits and vegetables.
Then we will go hiking to Gelersen-Gorersen - Fortress in Sheki.
(Distance - 7.4km, Elevation gain/loss - 275m)
We will start our road from Kish. Nature around is green and great for hiking. On the way to the fortress we will stop for a refresh next to the river Kish. After the break we will go up through the shortcut to the top of mount Garatepe. At this Fortress you will feel like in medieval timе. In the area we will find deep wells, fresh air and an amazing panoramic view.
Night in Sheki
Sheki - Baku
On this day we will drive to Baku. On the way we will pass The ancient town of Shemakha. From the road we can observe desert landscapes first which are soon changed by beautiful landscapes of Azerbaijani villages below the main Caucasus range. In case of interest, it is possible to stop near the main road at Nohur lake for a photo or boat/catamaran ride. Upon arrival in the city, we will visit a local restaurant where you can taste delicious Azerbaijani dishes.
Overnight in Baku
Baku City Tour
We will start the day with a visit to the Baku old town - "Icheri Sheher". Walking through the narrow streets we will see wooden balconies overlooking the cobbled streets. We will visit many sights and hear interesting stories about Baku. Soon we will approach the Museum of Miniature Books, which in 2014 was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest collection of miniature books in the world. After exploring microscopic books , we will visit Shirvanshahs ’Palace, dating to the 15th century, which was declared to be a world heritage site by UNESCO. Our next destination will be the oldest building of the city The Maiden Tower - fortress, which is considered to be the main symbol of Baku. No one knows exactly when The Maidan Tower was built or why it was named that way. The mystery adds charm to this sight. We will pass an antiques shop, beautiful exhibits on the shelves and colorful carpets.
Then we will visit the Baku Carpet Museum, which has a very creative building. After seeing the eye-catching carpets we will go to Baku boulevard, which is the second largest in Europe. We will also have the opportunity to take a boat ride on the Caspian Sea, take photos of the largest lake in the world. and look at beautiful Baku from another angle.
Overnight in Baku.
Gobustan National Park – Astara – Hike in Sim
On this day we will have an option to visit Gobustan National Park and mud volcanoes. Petroglyphs Museum and explore petroglyphs dating back to 10,000 BC are included in Unesco world heritage. One of the most famous sights of the land of Fire - Azerbaijan are mud volcanoes of Gobustan Reserve.
Longer driving but more interesting destination will be to get further south to Astara - a small city in Azerbaijan. Town is located near the border of Iran, at the seaside of the Caspian Sea populated by ethnic Talysh people - a tiny minority group of Azerbaijan and Iran with unique identity and traditions. This area feels very tropical, green and different, just like Mtirala and Kintrishi National Parks of Georgia. There you will find fields of rice, tea, citrus fruits and vegetables.
(Distance - 5.7km, Elevation gain - 295m, Elevation loss - 340m)Then we will go for a hike from Sim village . There we will feel like an explorer discovering new locations, visiting the remains of thousands of years old trees, rocks and historical buildings. We will pass orchards burdened with heavy fruit and humming bee hives. The large old trees and mossy rock makes the atmosphere great for hikers. This beautiful nature and waterfall create a magical environment that will make you feel like in a fairy tale. In the end you can enjoy delicious Azeri chai (tea) and return to Baku.
Overnight in Baku.
Baku – Khinaliq Village – Hike from the village
After breakfast we will drive to one of the most ancient and continuously inhabited settlements in Caucasus - Khinalug Village. The village is located away from the daily noisy towns and cities. The 5,000-year-old settlement is home to the ancient Caucasian Albanian tribes - Khinaligi. Due to its location at 2200 meters above sea level, even in the past the enemies rarely attacked the village. Breathing cold air in this place you will really feel like on another planet. Here you will find a museum and Atesha (fire temple) which is located very high in the mountains.
(Elevation - 2783m, Distance - 9km, Elevation Gain/Loss - 675m)From this magical place we will hike to the Khari-Bulbul peak. From there we will enjoy beautiful views to the Azerbaijani mountains.
Overnight in Khinalug.
Hike from Khinaliq Village to Griz Village
(Distance - 16.7km, Elevation gain - 760m, Elevation loss - 940m)
Our hiking tour in Azerbaijan continues with a simple hiking trail which is great for beginners and amateur tourists. On the way to the rocky parts of the giant massif, the river Gudyal and the high peaks of Khinalig (3713 m) and Tufandag (4191 m). Soon we will reach village Galakhudat(2270m) The trails are visible and marked everywhere. The name of the village means “the ruler’s fortress” in Persian and it is thought that the area was one of main residences for the rulers of Guba khanate. If in the group there are amateur hikers it is possible to cut distance and stay in this village and continue the next day to Griz. On the way to Griz we will cross the rivers, look at nature from the hill with a good view of the canyon, see the amazing nature and finally reach the village of Griz - A highland settlement shrouded in clouds. We will see beautiful views from this place. The environment is full of healthy air and free spirit.
Overnight in Griz(2000m). Griz is a midpoint for hikes including a panoramic route to Grizdehne which is recommended only in case we are limited in time. Our company has opted to show you the other side of the mountains and hike towards Laza and Shahdag resort.
Night in Griz
Hike from Griz Village to Laza Village
(Distance - 19km, Elevation gain - 869m, Elevation loss - 1207)
On this day a very interesting long hike is coming, we will start our route from Griz. In summer the greenery of the mountains attracts hikers and in winter the snowy cliffs. On the way you may meet a flock of sheep. Guide will help you to be safe from shepherd dogs. You will take very nice photos along the way as the views along the way are fascinating. Trail is full of misty mountains, towering cliffs and there are even mountain waterfalls. You will make it above Shahdag mountain resort which is a famous destination for ski tourism in winter. At the end of the hike we will reach the small but very interesting Laza village(1600m). People of Laza are considered a minority and They have their own language and culture. We will rest and get ready for the next day. Accommodation during this hike will be in Guest Houses but guests may opt for staying in one of the hotels of Shahdag resort at extra cost.
Overnight in Laza village
Hike from Laza Village to Kuzun Village – Lahich
(Distance - 6.8km, Elevation gain - 250m, Elevation loss - 610m)
Our adventure continues. On this day we will hike from Laza village to Kuzun village. This trail is of moderated difficulty and is very picturesque. During the hike you will see beautiful nature in front of you - the huge cliffs of Gizilgaia and Shahdag will overlook us, we will hike next to the deep Gusarchay gorge and the beautiful waterfall discharging into it. After walking these amazing roads we will reach village Kuzun - traditional settlement where more than hundred families live.
After enjoying the local village life and gazing at the landscapes, we will drive to Lahich.
Overnight in Lahich.
Lahich – Azgili to Chiragli trial - Ganja
We will start exploring Lahic in the morning. Lahich village is a calm, cozy and picturesque ancient settlement. There you can explore unique carved copper items, knitted and wooden hand-made ware, souvenirs and more. Then we will drive to village Azgilli where we will hike.
Azgili to Chiragli trail
(Distance - 8.7km, Elevation Gain - 390m, Elevation Loss - 560)
During the hike we will see one of the most beautiful views of Mount Kapaz(3066m). The road is well visible everywhere and marked. We will walk in the beautiful mountain nature, cross the hills, in front of us there will be beautiful views where you can take amazing photos and explore two charming villages of lesser Caucasus mountains. Later we will head to Ganja.
Alternative: Hike down from Javadkhan peak to Azgilli village
(Distance - 12km, Elevation Gain - 277m, Elevation Loss - 840m)
In this case we will take local off-road car to the Javadkhan mountain. Local car can make it to the top from where we will enjoy the views. Then we will descend to Azgili village.
Overnight in Ganja.
Nizami Mausoleum – Goygol Lake – Maragol Lake – Tbilisi/Baku
In the morning we will go to visit Nizam Mausoleum in Ganja. Poet Nizami Ganjevi made a great contribution to the history of Azerbaijani. Modern monumental construction of the mausoleum today is the monument of and adoration of poets.
After this sightseeing we will go to visit the beautiful lake of Goygol. This stunning, crystal-clear lake will impress you. Here we can take amazing pictures of the lake surrounded by beautiful nature. Many think that Goygol is Azerbaijan's most beautiful lake. After watching the beauty of the blue lake our next destination will be Lake Maralgol - a high mountain lake 1.900m above sea level. The lake was created by a strong earthquake. The name means “Deer Lake”. The beauty of the lake competes well with the Goygol lake. There are stairs to go up to the smaller lake, however it is possible to hire horses to ride up there. After visiting this amazing lake we will drive to the airport.