Baku , Azerbaijan

Half Day Gobustan Tour

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About this experience

Step back in time with our Half Day Gobustan Tour. An immersive journey through ancient petroglyphs, mud volcanoes, and breathtaking landscapes. This experience is guided by professional local experts, includes all entrance fees, and offers hotel pickup and drop-off. Ideal for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike!

Available options

Half Day Gobustan Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Pickup and drop off

Off road car fee

Entry fee to Gobustan National Park

Professional Guide

Transportation

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

When travelers book an experience at Gobustan Rock Art, they will embark on a journey through time, exploring one of Azerbaijan's most fascinating historical sites. Here’s what they can expect:

Discover Ancient Petroglyphs: Travelers will see thousands of rock carvings dating back over 40,000 years, depicting scenes from prehistoric life, such as hunting, dancing, and rituals. These petroglyphs offer a glimpse into the lives of ancient humans who once inhabited the region.

Explore the Gobustan Museum: Before heading to the rock art sites, travelers will visit the Gobustan Museum, which provides an in-depth overview of the area’s history, archaeology, and the significance of the petroglyphs.

Mud volcanoes are one of the most unique and fascinating natural attractions you’ll encounter on your tour. Unlike traditional volcanoes, mud volcanoes don’t spew molten lava. Instead, they release a cool mixture of water, clay, and natural gases like methane, which bubble up from deep within the earth.

These eruptions create small, dome-like mounds of mud that can range from a few meters to several kilometers wide. The mud is often rich in minerals, making it a source of interest not just for tourists, but also for scientists studying geology and the Earth’s processes.

At Gobustan, you’ll have the opportunity to see these mud volcanoes up close. You can watch as the mud bubbles and occasionally erupts, creating an ever-changing landscape. The area around the volcanoes often looks like an alien world, with its greyish, cracked surface, giving visitors a truly otherworldly experience.

Stop 3

When travelers visit the Bibi-Heybat Mosque as part of your experience, they will step into a site rich in spiritual significance and history. Located on the shores of the Caspian Sea in Baku, this mosque is an iconic example of Islamic architecture in Azerbaijan. It is a modern reconstruction of a 13th-century mosque that was destroyed during the Soviet era.

Upon arrival, travelers will be greeted by the mosque's striking exterior, featuring ornate minarets and a large, elegant dome. The facade is adorned with intricate patterns and Arabic calligraphy, reflecting the traditional Islamic architectural style. Inside, the mosque is equally impressive, with beautifully crafted interiors, including chandeliers, detailed tile work, and prayer halls that exude a peaceful ambiance.

Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the mosque's historical and cultural significance.

Available languages

Guide guide

AR RU EN IT PL TR ES

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Meeting point

We will pick-up from our office. Our guests will be monitored in front of our office.

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