Baku , Azerbaijan

Gobustan+Absheron Day Trip

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(21 reviews)

6h - 8h

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This is an all-included tour you will pay once and after you will not be charged throughout the tour. This tour offers a unique combination of ancient rock art, historical landmarks, natural beauty, and cultural insights. It provides a comprehensive overview of the region's history, culture, and scenic landscapes, ensuring a memorable and enriching experience for visitors.

Available options

Gobustan+Absheron Day Trip

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape covers three areas of a plateau of rocky boulders rising out of the semi-desert of central Azerbaijan, with an outstanding collection of more than 6,000 rock engravings bearing testimony to 40,000 years of rock art. The site also features the remains of inhabited caves, settlements and burials, all reflecting an intensive human use by the inhabitants of the area during the wet period that followed the last Ice Age, from the Upper Paleolithic to the Middle Ages. The site, which covers an area of 537 ha, is part of the larger protected Gobustan Reservation.

Azerbaijan has the most mud volcanoes of any country, spread broadly across the country. 350 of the 800 volcanoes of the world are in the Azerbaijani Republic. Local people call them “yanardagh” (burning mountain), “pilpila” (terrace), “gaynacha” (boiling water) and “bozdag” (grey mountain) alongside its geographical name – mud volcanoes.

Note: Since the road to the "Mud Volcanoes" is bumpy you will be transferred to local taxis( price of taxis are included)

Stop 3

Yanar Dag (Azerbaijani: Yanar Dağ, meaning "burning mountain") is a natural gas fire which blazes continuously on a hillside on the Absheron Peninsula on the Caspian Sea near Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan (a country which itself is known as "the Land of Fire"). Flames jet into the air 3 metres (9.8 ft) from a thin, porous sandstone layer. Administratively, Yanar Dag belongs to Absheron District of Azerbaijan.

Unlike mud volcanoes, the Yanar Dag flame burns fairly steadily, as it involves a steady seep of gas from the subsurface. It is claimed that the Yanar Dag flame was only noted when accidentally lit by a shepherd in the 1950s. There is no seepage of mud or liquid, which distinguishes it from the nearby mud volcanoes of Lökbatan or Gobustan.

Stop 4

The Baku Ateshgah (from Persian: آتشگاه‎, Atashgāh, Azerbaijani: Atəşgah), often called the "Fire Temple of Baku" is a castle-like religious temple in Surakhani town (in Suraxanı raion), a suburb in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Based on Persian inscriptions, the temple was used as a Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian place of worship. "Atash" (آتش) is the Persian word for fire. The pentagonal complex, which has a courtyard surrounded by cells for monks and a tetrapillar-altar in the middle, was built during the 17th and 18th centuries. It was abandoned in the late 19th century, probably due to the dwindling of the Indian population in the area. The natural eternal flame went out in 1969, after nearly a century of exploitation of petroleum and gas in the area, but is now lit by gas piped from the nearby city.

What's not included

Lunch

All Fees and Taxes

Available languages

Guide guide

RU EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

20 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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