The Gobustan-Absheron tour is one of the most popular sightseeing routes in Baku. Entirely historical, it nevertheless introduces the guests of the country to our culture, the peculiarities of the nature in the Absheron peninsula, as well as the adjacent Gobustan desert. The roads of the Gobustan and Absheron tour will lead you to the active craters of mud volcanoes, salt lakes of the semi-desert, the most extreme mountain of the Greater Caucasus, from the depths of which flames escape to the meditativeness of a truly unearthly landscape of rocky hills and the expanses of oil rig fields.
The staff of Azerbaijan Travel International, with its inherent professionalism, provides tourists with generous information in stories about various historical epochs of Azerbaijan. From the Stone Age to modern history and the realities of the present, from Roman legionnaires to Hindu ascetics - events and personalities will become an unforgettable part of your new knowledge about Azerbaijan.
Transfer to the Mud Volcanoes
Duration: 9 hours<br/>Lunch<br/>Off-road experience on the way: Entrance tickets to museums (Mud volcanoes, Open-air Museum, Fire Temple, Yanardag)
Duration: 9 hours<br/>Van, Mini bus
Duration: 9 hours<br/>Van, Minibus
Morning
The guests meet with the tour guide, go to 70 km. to the south of Baku city in the Gobustan desert and fall into an oriental fairy tale.
Mud volcanoes
One of the features of the geology of the region is that there are many mud volcanoes on these lands. A dirt road, not devoid of romanticism, will lead to the accumulation of their active craters.
According to legend, djinn live in these places. Volcanic mud, which is based on blue clay, creates a landscape like the moon. And the only thing that calms a tourist who does not want to say goodbye to this phantasmagoric spectacle is the anticipation of contemplating even more interesting landscapes.
Gobustan National Reserve: a modern museum-exposition.
Gobustan National Reserve: a modern museum-exposition.
The next stop on a trip to Gobustan is, in fact, what it is known for all over the world. The largest parking lot of primitive man on the planet is located here – the village of the first Cro-Magnons has been preserved intact since ancient times. At the beginning, the guests are preparing to meet the Paleolithic in the modern museum, which presents to visitors the history of these places and talks about the life of our prehistoric ancestors.
Gobustan National Reserve: Petroglyphs.
After the historical introduction received at the museum, the guests of Azerbaijan Travel International get acquainted with the heritage of the primitives themselves. The main trace they left behind is rock paintings. Following the excursion trail among the majestic rocks on the background of the Caspian Sea coast, watching all kinds of petroglyphs and listening to the guide's story, the tourist seems to be witnessing the mental development of a divine creature named Homo Sapiens. The harsh conditions of existence of prehistoric people, their will to live, the peculiarities of the hierarchy of their community, everyday life, and aspirations - everything becomes clear, and our contemporary understands that we and our ancestors differ from each other only in decorations. And the essence, which was, remained so.
The first part of the tour ends with an excursion to the places of life of the first Cro-Magnons and the guests return to Baku.
On the way back, you can also see the Bibi-Heybat mosque, built by Shirvanshah Abu-l-Fath Farrukhzad in the 13th century. The interior amazing with its colorfulness and the majestically stretching up the facade is not all! Visiting this beautiful monument of architecture, you can also admire views of the Caspian Sea and high cranes of the cargo port located nearby.
Stop at the Restaurant, Lunch time
In one of the central parks of the capital, guests are greeted by the set tables of one of the most delicious restaurants in the city – the Baku restaurant.
After a three-course lunch of national cuisine and a traditional cup of tea, guests embark on the second part of the tour – a trip to the Absheron Peninsula.
Surakhany Village: Temple of Fire Worshippers.
In the first century BC, Hindu Brahmanites and Persian Zoroastrians heard that there was an interesting feature in the land called Absheron – naked flames burst out of the ground. Ateshgah Temple was founded where there was the largest concentration of these natural fires.
At that time, the road of the Great Silk Road passed through this land, therefore, in addition to the temple, there was also a caravanserai, an inn for traveling merchants. The guests will learn the peculiarities of the life of the fire-worshipping hermits and their neighbors - merchants staying in the caravanserai from the fascinating story of their guide. This story is illustrated with numerous installations that adorn the narrative about the beliefs and everyday life of representatives of ancient fire cults.
Kazar region, Yanardagh Reserve (Burning Mountain)
Of the several dozen burning places that burned on the lands of Absheron, only one has survived till nowadays. Near the top of the most extreme mountain of the Great Caucasian Ridge, an unquenchable fire has been beating from the ground for many centuries. The mountain is named Burning in his honor, which translates into Azerbaijani as Yanardag.
In this, the final part of the tour "Gobustan-Absheron", guests will see the ancient flame, and, in addition, from the observation deck at the top of Yanardag they can see a third of the Absheron peninsula.
Completion
The Gobustan-Absheron tour, which is conducted by Azerbaijan Travel International, lasts from morning to evening and after about 9 hours after its start, the bus with tourists returns to Baku.
The meeting place is at Azerbaijan Avenue 1, located about 10 to 15 minutes' walk from the Old City and Nizami Street. It's also known as the KFC parking lot, and it's easy to find on the map. For those living nearby, just head up the stairs next to the KFC located on Nizami Street.
Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a vibrant city where modernity meets tradition. Situated on the Caspian Sea, it's known for its futuristic skyline, historic sites, and rich cultural heritage, including the ancient Maiden Tower and the iconic Flame Towers.
A 12th-century monument that is a symbol of Baku. Its exact purpose remains a mystery.
Three futuristic skyscrapers that are landmarks of modern Baku. The towers are designed to resemble flames, a reference to Baku's ancient history as a center of the fire-worshipping Zoroastrian religion.
The historic core of Baku, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient walls, narrow streets, and historic buildings.
A scenic park along the Caspian Sea with walking paths, cafes, and entertainment options.
A stunning piece of modern architecture designed by Zaha Hadid. The center hosts exhibitions, concerts, and conferences.
A fragrant rice dish cooked with saffron, meat, and vegetables. It's often served at special occasions and is considered a national dish.
Tiny dumplings filled with minced meat and served in a broth. It's a popular street food in Baku.
A traditional soup made with lamb, chickpeas, and noodles, served in a clay pot.
Grapes leaves or vegetables stuffed with a mixture of minced meat and rice, cooked in a spicy tomato sauce.
This is the best time to visit Baku with pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Crowds are moderate, and the city hosts several festivals during these months.
Azerbaijani Manat (AZN)
GMT+4
220VV, 50HzHz
Baku is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Exercise caution at night, especially in less touristy areas.
Baku Railway Station
Baku International Bus Terminal
The metro is efficient, clean, and affordable. It's the best way to get around the city quickly.
Available • Apps: Bina Taxi, Yandex.Taxi
Car, Bike
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient rock carvings, mud volcanoes, and a unique desert landscape. It's a great place for hiking and exploring.
A city in southern Azerbaijan known for its lush greenery, historic sites, and the nearby Hirkan National Park. It's a great place for nature lovers and history buffs.
A historic city known for its ancient Juma Mosque, the Yeddi Gumbaz mausoleums, and the nearby Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory. It's a great place for history lovers and those interested in astronomy.
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