Guba-Khinalig Tour

Our trip begins early in the morning, at the capital of Azerbaijan, Baku. From there, we will leisurely head to our first stop -the Pink Lake. It is one of the most unique lakes in Azerbaijan, famous for its unusual hue. There are not many pink lakes in the world, and Masazyr ranks among the top ten thanks to its stunning colors. The pink tint of the water comes from halophilic algae, which thrive in salty waters and produce a reddish carotenoid pigment. Depending on the lighting and salt concentration, the water can shift in tone — from soft pastel pink to a deep, rich shade. Pink Lake is rich in both liquid and solid salt. For centuries, locals have harvested salt here using traditional methods, and every corner of the lake preserves traces of this ancient history.

Our next stop on our way to uncover Khinalig’s history and cultural footprint, are Candy Cane Mountains. We stop at the foothills of the North Caucasus, which is leading to the Khizi mountains. This area is home to the Daghlis, a sub-ethnic group of Iranian origin, Azerbaijani Persians, and one of the few European Persian tribes. Khizi is renowned for its unique mountain scenery, particularly the Candy Cane Mountains, also known as the Colored Mountains, Agate Mountains, or Rainbow Mountains, named for their striking purple-stained hues resembling sugar candies. The combination of both vibrant and pastel colors that these mountain slopes are covered in create a surreal enchanting atmosphere. A picturesque mountain road that winds like a snake through these Colored Mountains for several kilometers, offers an unforgettable experience and an indescribable sense of joy for even the most seasoned travelers. This area is a highlight of any Guba Khinalig tour, a must-see for any type of travelers.

A hundred kilometers from Baku, we come across the majestic views of the sacred mountain Beshbarmag (which translates from Azerbaijani as “Five Fingers”), which was for past centuries inhabited by the Azerbaijanis-Daghli, one of the few European Persian tribes. This area in general and specifically Beshbarmag holds deep cultural significance for Azerbaijanis and is associated with the Quranic character Khadir according to legend of Azerbaijani folklore. Visitors on a Guba Khinalig tour often stop here for a rest. There, tourists can buy necessities, listen to the stories of our professional guide and unwind after a long road. The bus pulls into a public parking lot that offers a stunning view of the Great North Caucasian Ridge. Everything about this place is enchanting; from the mountain views opening up before your eyes to the dozens of legends, that this area is surrounded with. This mountain, with its ancient parking facilities, cult mosque, cafes, and shops, has been a place of pilgrimage since the days of the caravan routes. Many believe the divine grace of Beshbarmag can fulfill their wishes. If you would like to learn more about this magical place and different legends surrounding it, you can read more in our Beshbarmag Mountain: Azerbaijan's Hidden Gem blog post.

Lunch on the first day of the tour takes place in one of the cozy restaurants in the city of Guba. Tourists will be able to taste the traditional dishes of Azerbaijani cuisine, which are famous for their rich taste and the use of fresh local ingredients. After the main course, guests are offered national tea, served with jam and sweets. This lunch not only allows you to satisfy your hunger, but also gives you the opportunity to directly get acquainted with the culinary traditions and delicacies of the northern region of Azerbaijan, enjoy hospitality and relax before continuing our rich excursion route.

Gechresh forest is stunning and breathtaking, dense and lush it can truly make anyone fall in love with the scenery. With the road winding along wall of trees, which almost fully cover the summer skies with their crowns, this place on our Guba-Khinalig tour can be easily taken from a fairytale scene. The trees create a natural tunnel above our heads and the sight of mountains approaching with each passing kilometer and the wild river running along will truly leave an unforgettable impression. After the stop at the fascinating forest, each of our guests will be picked up by local drivers on off-road vehicles under our guidenance and driven through the breathtaking landscapes of the region to the main attraction of the tour - Khinalug village

Arguably the most stunning location in Azerbaijan, and one of the oldest in geophysical terms, is the gorge carved by the Gudialchai River. A standout feature of the Guba Khinalig tour offered by Azerbaijan Travel International is a half-hour walk on an asphalt road that winds between towering, majestic rocks alongside a roaring mountain river. This experience immerses you in the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, erasing past negativities and rejuvenating the soul.

The highlight of the tour is a journey along a winding road through the majestic mountains of the Greater Caucasus, leading to Azerbaijan's highest settlement, perched at 2500 meters above sea level in the Alpine meadows climatic zone. This is Khinalig, a Caucasian village where the people speak a language unlike any other in the world. With its steep, narrow streets laid between houses built from river boulders, Khinalig is a living museum, dating back about 4000 years. The legend of its foundation offers a profound cultural experience for visitors. This legend along with other interesting information will be told to you while sightseeing Khinalig. Khinalig’s history and heritage will be discussed with our guests, the places uniqueness and peculiarity can spark anyone’s curiosity and affection towards this settlement buried in the clouds, away from prying eyes. After exploring this ancient and beautiful village, the tour group begins their return journey to Baku, arriving late in the evening with unforgettable memories of their adventure. We can promise you, as a highly professional company, that our Guba-Khinalig tour is once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that no one would want to skip.