Considered one of the oldest human settlements in Azerbaijan, Gobustan is a unique place that reflects the path civilization has taken over millennia. During this journey starting from Baku, you will witness thousands of rock carvings spanning various periods from the Stone Age to the Middle Ages. In this area where nature and history unite, the lifestyle, hunting customs, yalli dance scenes, and beliefs of primitive people are skillfully engraved on the surface of the stones. Besides the rock paintings, the extraordinary geography and rocky terrain of the area immediately attract the attention of visitors.
Our trip covering the Absheron peninsula will continue with exploring natural wonders and ancient religious monuments. The vast majority of the world's mud volcanoes are located exactly in this part of our country. Boiling grey clay mud, erupting from the depths of the earth due to natural gas pressure, creates bubbling craters. Closely observing these geological processes live on the peninsula, which is known for its hot, dry climate, is always considered an amazing sight for travelers. At the same time, the ancient Ateshgah temple in the Surakhani settlement, a symbol of Zoroastrianism and fire-worship, as well as the Yanar Dag monument, formed by the continuous burning of natural gas seeping from beneath the earth for centuries, make this journey unique.
Despite the specific dry, semi-desert climate of the peninsula, it carries a very ancient and rich cultural heritage. Throughout our walk, you will get detailed historical facts about local architectural traditions, ancient religious rituals, shamanism, and Zoroastrian beliefs. In the afternoon, you will have the opportunity to taste the delicious dishes of our national cuisine at traditional restaurants in the area - especially hot tandoor bread, various qutabs with cheese and meat, saj dishes, and delicious kebabs cooked on a mangal. For those who want to discover the mystical sides of our country known as the Land of Fire, be captivated by the magic of centuries-old monuments, and watch rare geological phenomena, this program is a real exploration.
Tour highlights
- Close acquaintance with the Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve, featuring millennia-old rock paintings and a rich interactive museum.
- Closely observing the activity of mud volcanoes, considered a rare natural phenomenon consisting of boiling and grey craters.
- Feeling the mystical atmosphere and architecture of the famous Ateshgah temple located in Surakhani, considered an ancient sanctuary of fire-worshippers.
- Watching the continuous burning of fire at the Yanar Dag monument, formed as a result of natural gas reserves surfacing.
- Discovering the unique culinary samples of the Absheron peninsula, hot tandoor bread, and different qutab varieties during the journey.
Photos
Tour program
- 09:00
Departure from Baku to Gobustan
Gathering at the designated place at 09:00 in the morning, we depart from the capital city of Baku towards the Gobustan Reserve. During the short and comfortable journey of approximately 70 kilometers, the coastal landscapes of the Caspian Sea accompany us, and our guides provide detailed information about the upcoming program.
- 10:30
Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve
Upon reaching the Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve area, we first get acquainted with the exhibits inside the enclosed Gobustan Museum, equipped with high technologies. Then, walking among the rocks in the open air, we physically explore the petroglyphs reflecting the daily life, hunting scenes, and dances of ancient people.
- 12:30
Visit to Mud Volcanoes
We go up from the Gobustan rocks to the Mud Volcanoes area using special transport vehicles. Free time is allocated to closely observe the boiling mud from inside the grey clay craters, considered a unique natural phenomenon in the world, and to take interesting photographs.
- 14:00
Ateshgah Temple and Lunch Break
After tasting traditional meals during the break, the Ateshgah Temple complex located in the village of Surakhani is visited. Walking through the cells and the central fire hearth of this rare historical monument, which served as a sanctuary for Zoroastrians and Hindus throughout history, we travel into the depths of beliefs from centuries ago.
- 16:30
Yanar Dag and Return to Baku
The last historical stop of the day is the territory of the Yanar Dag State Historical-Cultural and Natural Reserve near the village of Mahammadi on the Absheron peninsula. After watching the mountain slope burning naturally without ever going out, and without any external influence, we conclude our journey and return to Baku city full of memories.
Included in the price
- Round-trip travel by a comfortable and air-conditioned transport vehicle (from Baku)
- Professional guide service specializing in historical and cultural monuments
- Organization of special cars for the trip from the Gobustan reserve to the mud volcanoes
- Taking photo shoots for participants during the tour
- Refreshing waters and small sweets on the way
Not included
- The cost of entrance tickets to museums, Ateshgah, and Yanar Dag reserves
- Personal food expenses during the lunch break
- Individual expenses outside the program and purchasing souvenirs
Useful tips
- Since the Gobustan rocks and the surroundings of the volcanoes are rugged, it is highly recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes with non-slip soles.
- As a lot of time will be spent outdoors, do not forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, which is especially important in the hot months.
- Around the mud volcanoes, your clothes may accidentally get stained, so it is highly advisable to bring spare clothes with you.
- Fully check the memory and battery of your cameras and phones, because you will want to take a lot of photos of these landscapes.
Gobustan-Absheron tour: questions and answers
Are entrance tickets to the Gobustan reserve and other places included?
No, entrance tickets to the Gobustan museum, Ateshgah, and Yanar Dag complexes are not included in the base price. Guests must pay for these at the ticket offices themselves.
What is the departure time and gathering place from Baku?
The gathering takes place in the center of Baku, departure time: 09:00. The exact meeting place is sent via WhatsApp a day before the trip. Since our route is close, we start the day a little late and relaxed.
Which car is used to go to the mud volcanoes?
Since the road to the volcanoes is dirt and rugged, special old model Soviet cars are used. This transport cost is usually shared among the participants.
Is it possible for foreign guests to join the tour?
Of course, this route is especially popular for foreigners. If a guide in another language is needed, please ask during the booking.
Worth reading
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