Sofi Hamid, Gobustan and Mud Volcanoes Tour (with entry tickets)

Baku , Azerbaijan

Sofi Hamid, Gobustan and Mud Volcanoes Tour (with entry tickets)

Active

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Welcome to Sofi Hamid Cemetery and Shrine! Here, pastel colored images on the gravestones will tell you more about the history of Azerbaijan than any museum or history book. Arabic, Cyrilic and Latin scripts sharing one common space, as if coming from a distant dream. In front of you are bizarre symbols, pictures of snakes and fruits and poems dedicated to the dead by close relatives. It's a place of celebration of life and death, as if the locals managed to break the thin veil between them. Combine this mystical experience with a trip to Gobustan, where the sounds of ancient humans still whisper with the coalescing winds around the rock paintings. Finalise this trip with a visit to mud volcanoes, where the solid meets the soft. Feel the very material that surrounds this area and let your mind wander with the impressions from this tour.

Available options

Private tour

Private: Private tour option for a more personalized service. Pickup and lunch included<br/>Pickup included

Standard Package

Lunch box included: Lunch box included in the tour price. Please specify if you have any meal preferences/allergies.<br/>Pickup included

What's included

All Fees and Taxes

Lunch box included. Please specify your preferences/allergies during the checkout.

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

You will be picked up by your driver from your accommodation or the starting point, which is Sahil metro station exit. From there we'll head directly to Sofi Hamid, which will take about 50 mins.

Our first place of visit will be Sofi Hamid Shrine and Cemetery on the way to Gobustan. Get ready to spend about an hour there with our guide, learning about Sufi mysticism in Azerbaijan, as well as exploring the unique cemetery located around the shrine.

Stop 3

After Sofi Hamid, we will proceed to Gobustan Museum and National Park. At Gobustan Museum you will get a broad information from your tour guide and explore life of Gobustan's ancient inhabitants through interactive screens and expositions.

After visiting Gobustan museum, you will advance to the mountain in order to see real rock paintings in the open air museum. The petroglyphs (stone carvings) located in Gobustan are as significant as Chauvet Caves, and were left untouched for milleniums until discovered in the 1930s. You will have a chance to witness those prehistoric engravings, including images of old inhabitants that seem to be dancing a tribal dance!

Later on, the tour will proceed to the mud volcanoes area which is 20 mins away from Gobustan National Museum. Azerbaijan keeps the first place in the world for the number of mud volcanoes. About 300 mud volcanoes are to be found in Azerbaijan – at the shore, in the sea and on islands. During this trip you will get a great chance to see these rare and active volcanoes from very close distance. Some people swear by the mud's medical benefits, so it might be worth to try it on your skin!

After ending the trip with the mud volcanoes, you can ask your driver to be dropped off either at your accommodation or anywhere in the central city area.

After about 1-hour drive, we'll get back to the city and you can ask to be dropped off either at your hotel or any central city area.

Available languages

Guide guide

RU EN

Important information

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

The remaining of the 6 hours tour duration will be for the transportation from the meeting & pick-up and from attractions to attractions

Meeting point

The tour departs from the exit of Sahil metro station. Your guide will have a badge with their name and Baku Tours logo on it. See the image for the exact meeting point: http://bit.ly/SahilMeet. If you'd like a hotel pickup, please specify in your booking

About Baku

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.

Top Attractions

Maiden Tower

A 12th-century monument that is a symbol of Baku. Its exact purpose remains a mystery.

Historical 1-2 hours Moderate (5 AZN)

Flame Towers

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.

Architecture 30 minutes to 1 hour Free to view from outside

Old City (Icheri Sheher)

The historic core of Baku, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient walls, narrow streets, and historic buildings.

Historical 2-3 hours Free to explore, attractions within have varying costs

Baku Boulevard

A scenic park along the Caspian Sea with walking paths, cafes, and entertainment options.

Nature 1-2 hours Free to enter, activities have varying costs

Heydar Aliyev Center

A stunning piece of modern architecture designed by Zaha Hadid. The center hosts exhibitions, concerts, and conferences.

Architecture 1-2 hours Moderate (depends on the event)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Plov

A fragrant rice dish cooked with saffron, meat, and vegetables. It's often served at special occasions and is considered a national dish.

Main course Contains meat, can be made vegetarian upon request

Dushbara

Tiny dumplings filled with minced meat and served in a broth. It's a popular street food in Baku.

Soup Contains meat, can be made vegetarian upon request

Baku Piti

A traditional soup made with lamb, chickpeas, and noodles, served in a clay pot.

Soup Contains meat, can be made vegetarian upon request

Baku Dolma

Grapes leaves or vegetables stuffed with a mixture of minced meat and rice, cooked in a spicy tomato sauce.

Appetizer Contains meat, can be made vegetarian upon request

Popular Activities

Hiking in Gobustan National Park Exploring mud volcanoes Visiting the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory Strolling along Baku Boulevard Enjoying a cup of tea in a traditional teahouse Relaxing at a local hammam (bathhouse) Exploring the Old City Visiting museums and historic sites

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

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.

18°C to 28°C 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Azerbaijani
Widely spoken: Russian, English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Azerbaijani Manat (AZN)

Time Zone

GMT+4

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

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.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps
• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services

Getting there

By air

Heydar Aliyev International Airport • 20 km from city center

By train

Baku Railway Station

By bus

Baku International Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The metro is efficient, clean, and affordable. It's the best way to get around the city quickly.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bina Taxi, Yandex.Taxi

Rentals

Car, Bike

Neighborhoods

Old City (Icheri Sheher) Nizami District Khatai District

Day trips

Gobustan National Park

60 km from Baku • Full day

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.

Lankaran

220 km from Baku • Full day or overnight

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.

Shamakhi

120 km from Baku • Full day

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.

Festivals

Baku International Jazz Festival • October Baku International Film Festival (BAFTA) • October Novruz Bayrami • March 20-21 (or around the spring equinox)

Pro tips

Visit the Flame Fountain in Baku Boulevard, a unique attraction where natural gas flames continuously burn from a stone fountain
Try traditional Azerbaijani tea in a local teahouse, such as Sazaghan Teahouse or Chaykhana #1
Explore the Old City on foot, taking in the narrow streets, historic sites, and local markets
Take a day trip to Gobustan National Park to see ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes
Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center, a stunning piece of modern architecture designed by Zaha Hadid