Baku , Azerbaijan

Full Day Shamakhi & Lahij Private- Tour

Active

12h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

In order to learn more about the culture and history of Azerbaijan, you must start your journey from its ancient capital, Shamakhi city. And in order to see, how people lived hundreds years ago, you need to go to the small mountain village of Lahij. There you will plunge into the real atmosphere of the middle ages.

Available options

Full Day Shamakhi & Lahij Private- Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Guide

Transportation

Detailed itinerary

Road to Shamakhi City.
Shamakhi & Lahij Tour usually starts at 8:00 AM with picking guests up from their location within Baku.
Located 118 km from Baku, Shamakhi is one of the ancient cities of Azerbaijan. According to some information, this city was founded in 5th century BC. Moreover, Shamakhi is a well-known center in the field of winemaking and carpet weaving.

Diri Baba Mausoleum.
The Diri Baba Mausoleum located on the way to the city of Shamakhi was built in 1402. This two-storeyed building stands on a platform carved into a sheer rock. There are many legends associated with this place, so pilgrims and tourists have been coming here since ancient times.

Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum.
7 Gumbaz is an ancient cemetery with the tombs of Shirvan khans located 1,5 km from Shamakhi city. To date, only 4 of the 7 mausoleums have been preserved.
The great Azerbaijani poet Mirza Alekper Sabir (1862-1911) is also buried in this cemetery.

Juma Mosque.
The oldest and largest Juma (Friday) mosque in Azerbaijan, according to legend, was built by the Arab caliph of in 8th century. According to the inscription on the minaret, this mosque was built in 744. Therefore, Juma mosque of Shamakhi cirty is considered one of the oldest mosques in all Transcaucasia.

Road to Lahij Village.
Founded in 4th- 3rd centuries BC, Lahij is located at the height of 1505 meters above sea level in the north of Azerbaijan, on slopes of the mountains of the Greater Caucasus range. It takes about 40 minutes to get there.
Lahij was one of the centers of tinning and weapons production in Azerbaijan in the 18th-19th centuries. Here you can find a lot of workshops, where hereditary blacksmiths are still creating household items.
Moreover, in Lahij village our guide will show you such places of interest as Nurmahammad and Haji Molla Huseyn hamams, suspension bridge and museum.

Lunch Break.
Before going back to Baku city, you will have some time to have lunch and enjoy the local beauty.

The End of the Tour.
At the end of the tour (approximately at 21:00) the driver will drop you off to your location in the city center of Baku.

What's not included

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

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