Private Tour to Gobustan Mud Volcanoes and Absheron.

Baku , Azerbaijan

Private Tour to Gobustan Mud Volcanoes and Absheron.

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About this experience

Discover diverse attractions across the Absheron peninsula on this full-day tour from Baku, with round-trip transfer from your hotel ensuring easy access to several off-road sites. Get up close to mud volcanoes in the Gobustan National Park, explore the Bibi Heybat Mosque and Ateshgah Temple, and see the Yanar Dag flames first-hand. The small-group tour size ensures an intimate experience, with admission fees and lunch included for a hassle-free trip.

Available options

Private Tour to Gobustan Mud Volcanoes and Absheron.

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

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.

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.

Stop 3

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.

Stop 4

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.

What's not included

Meals

All entry fees excluded

Available languages

Guide guide

HI RU EN HE

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

20 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

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