Located in the southeastern part of Azerbaijan, Lankaran city immediately attracts the attention of guests with its subtropical climate, ancient historical monuments, and green tea plantations. Situated at the foothills of the Talish mountains, this area has become one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the country thanks to its dense forest cover, citrus orchards, and unique culinary traditions. Especially in February and March, blooming lemon, mandarin, and feijoa trees spread an extraordinary scent around. The harmony of nature and the historical past is not accidental here; the geographical richness stretching from the ripples of the Caspian Sea to the remote mountain ranges leaves a deep mark in everyone's memory. Thanks to the hot and humid weather, the Southern zone possesses a rich vegetation, especially relict tree species.
The continuation of our road, the high mountainous Lerik district, presents a completely different climate and scenery. Distinguished by its pure air, harsh rocks, deep valleys, and turbulent rivers, this place has gained fame for centuries as a land of longevity. It is no coincidence that the Museum of Longevity, which is considered unique in the world, operates in this district and provides visitors with extensive information about the lifestyle and eating habits of people who lived for a century. Due to being located much higher than sea level, the air here is extremely cool and rich in oxygen. As you climb to the foggy mountain peaks, the ancient village houses, natural springs, and crystal clear waters flowing from the valleys that come your way will enrich your journey with special visual pleasure.
One of our stops of special importance during the trip will be the famous Hirkan forests, which were included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2023. Considered the home of ironwood, chestnut-leaved oak, zelkova, and other rare plant species that have survived untouched from the Ice Age to the present day, this vast reserve area is distinguished by its different ecosystem. Khanbulan lake, located right in the center of the National Park, surrounded by dense trees, and reflecting the lush green mountains on its surface, is the main place for those seeking tranquility. Relaxation breaks accompanied by black tea brewing and the tasting of original dishes of Southern cuisine such as lavangi, harga, pata, and pumpkin pilaf will give you a real gastronomic feast in the bosom of nature.
Tour highlights
- Touring the Hirkan National Park featuring rare relict trees, included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2023.
- Close acquaintance with subtropical Lankaran tea plantations with a different ecosystem and large citrus orchards.
- Relaxing on the shores of the peaceful Khanbulan lake, hiding on the slopes of the Talish mountains and having extraordinary natural beauty.
- Trip to the fresh air Lerik mountain villages, hosting the world's only Museum of Longevity, rich in oxygen.
- Tasting the unique flavors of Lankaran and Lerik cuisine, including lavangi made with walnut, onion, and cherry plum paste filling.
Photos
Tour program
- Day 1, 07:00
Departure from Baku and breakfast
Our journey begins by departing from the designated meeting place towards the south at around 07:00 in the morning. Passing through Jalilabad and Masalli districts along the way, we will witness the gradual change and greening of nature. After about a two-hour drive, we take a breakfast break made up of rich natural products at one of the traditional roadside restaurants. By tasting village cream, hot tandoor bread, and fresh cheese, we gather the necessary energy for the long road.
- Day 1, 11:30
Discovery of tea plantations and citrus orchards
After entering the Lankaran area, our first visiting place will be the large tea plantations. Here, guests will be able to walk in the fields where green tea bushes are lined up in rows and get detailed information from local agronomists about the tea leaf picking process. Right after, we head to the nearby subtropical citrus orchards. The natural scents created while walking among lemon, mandarin, and kiwi trees fascinate a person. It is an ideal opportunity to capture beautiful shots and breathe in the fresh air.
- Day 1, 15:00
Khanbulan lake and gastronomic discoveries
In the second half of the day, we head to the Khanbulan reservoir located at the entrance of Hirkan National Park. Complete silence reigns in the lake area, situated surrounded by mountains and dense forests. After walking on the shore and watching the marvelous shapes of the relict ironwoods, we gather at a traditional restaurant for a lunch break. We will order chicken lavangi, fisinjan, and hashimi pilaf made from a special kind of local rice to enjoy the extraordinary flavors of this area located below sea level.
- Day 2, 09:00
Journey to Lerik mountains
Leaving the hotel on the morning of the second day, we start moving from Lankaran towards the mountainous zone. As our road goes up in winding turns, we feel the air sharply clearing and cooling. A chance arises to stop and watch the mountain landscapes at altitudes where nature takes the form of harsh rocks and deep valleys. Passing by natural water streams and mountain springs, we get the opportunity to get acquainted with the lifestyle of remote Lerik villages right on the spot.
- Day 2, 13:00
Museum of Longevity and return
Upon reaching the Lerik district center, we enter the Museum of Longevity, which is unique in the world and gathers rare exhibits. Museum staff will tell us amazing facts about the life histories of people like Mahmud Eyvazov and Shirali Muslumov who lived for more than 150 years, their eating rations, and the beneficial effects of mountain conditions on human genetics. After the museum visit, we relax by drinking tea brewed from local mountain herbs, and at the end of the day, we set off towards the capital Baku city again.
Included in the price
- Comfortable and air-conditioned transport service
- Experienced guide accompaniment (providing extensive historical and geographical information along the way)
- One night stay in a standard grade hotel
- Refreshing drinks and water reserved for guests along the way
Not included
- Entrance tickets to museums, national parks, and enclosed historical monuments
- All personal food expenses including breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Non-mandatory additional individual shopping and souvenir expenses
Useful tips
- Since the local cuisine of the Southern zone is very filling and greasy, it would be useful for those on a diet to inform the restaurant staff in advance about the ingredients of some dishes.
- As some trails of the Hirkan forests are damp and slippery, wear shoes with non-flat soles, made of rubber, or designed for special mountain terrain.
- As you climb towards Lerik, the air pressure and temperature change sharply, therefore, be sure to always have your personal medicine box with you against headaches and pressure fluctuations.
Lankaran-Lerik tour: questions and answers
What is included in the price of the South tour?
Comfortable transport provision, a professional guide, morning samovar by the forest edge, and interesting excursions are included in the package. You should allocate an extra budget for lunch.
Where is the departure place and what time does the route start?
The gathering takes place in the center of Baku, departure time: 07:00. The exact meeting place is sent via WhatsApp a day before the trip. Since the Southern region is quite far, starting the day early is essential.
Is it possible to take pictures in the Lankaran tea plantations?
Of course, our route definitely passes through green tea fields. Guests are given ample time to walk among the plantations, take souvenir pictures, and get some fresh air.
What is recommended to taste from the local cuisine in the Lankaran side?
Lankaran has a rich cuisine. It is especially recommended to order cholmak lavangi, fish stuffed with lavangi filling, and special pilaf varieties made from local rice.
Worth reading
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