Starting with the fascinating blend of things to do in Baku, such as marveling at the futuristic skyline contrasted by the ancient Old City and strolling along the Caspian Seafront promenade, sets the stage for an enriching exploration of Azerbaijan’s capital. For those eager to delve deeper, day trips from Baku offer a gateway to discovering the country’s diverse landscapes, from mud volcanoes to ancient petroglyphs, enriching your experience with natural wonders and historical depth.
Beyond the vibrant streets of Baku, the wider expanse of Azerbaijan awaits, inviting adventurers to explore the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, soak in the therapeutic Naftalan oil baths, or wander through the timeless alleys of Sheki’s historic center. These journeys outside the city not only reveal the stunning natural beauty of Azerbaijan but also its rich tapestry of culture and history.
Choosing where to stay in Baku is key for visitors looking to soak up the city’s unique blend of modernity and tradition, while also enjoying easy access to the breathtaking adventures beyond its borders. The right accommodation ensures a comfortable and convenient base for exploring Baku’s architectural wonders and the unmissable day trips that offer a deeper insight into the heart of Azerbaijan.
Discover Best Day Trips from Baku, Azerbaijan
1. Gobustan National Park, Azerbaijan
Gobustan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its ancient rock carvings, mud volcanoes, and gas-stone landscapes. It’s a window into prehistoric times with more than 6,000 rock engravings.
Distance: Approximately 70 km
Travel Time: About a 1-hour drive from Baku
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Ancient rock carvings, mud volcanoes, gas-stone landscapes
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Park Entrance: $5
- Museum: $3
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, Mud Volcanoes
Travel Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the rocky terrain and consider hiring a guide at the park to fully understand the history behind the carvings.
2. The Fire Temple of Baku (Ateshgah), Azerbaijan
The Fire Temple of Baku, known as Ateshgah, is a historical religious site built by Indian fire worshippers. It’s a fascinating place where natural gas flames once burned endlessly, inspiring legends and worship.
Distance: Approximately 30 km
Travel Time: About 30 minutes from Baku by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Historical religious site, natural gas flames
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Temple Entrance: $4
Budget: Approximately $10-$20 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Fire Temple, Surrounding Area
Travel Tip: Visit during the cooler hours of the day, as the surrounding area can get quite hot, especially in summer.
3. Qobustan Mud Volcanoes, Azerbaijan
The Qobustan Mud Volcanoes offer a surreal landscape, where you can witness the natural phenomenon of bubbling mud volcanoes, a rare sight globally.
Distance: Approximately 80 km
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes drive from Baku
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Bubbling mud volcanoes
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Volcano Area: Free
Budget: Approximately $10-$20 (including transportation and food)
Scenic Spots: Mud Volcanoes, Surrounding Landscapes
Travel Tip: Wear old clothes and shoes that you donβt mind getting dirty, as the mud can splatter.
4. Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain), Azerbaijan
Yanar Dag, known as “Burning Mountain,” is a fascinating natural gas fire which blazes continuously on a hillside. It’s a unique and mesmerizing sight, especially at night.
Distance: Approximately 25 km
Travel Time: Around a 30-minute drive from Baku
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Natural gas fire on a hillside
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Entrance: $2
Budget: Approximately $10-$20 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Burning Mountain, Surrounding Area
Travel Tip: The fire is more impressive after dark, so consider an evening visit.
5. Shaki, Azerbaijan
Shaki, a historic city set in a picturesque mountain backdrop, is known for its ancient architecture, like the Shaki Khan Palace, and its rich history in silk production.
Distance: Approximately 300 km
Travel Time: About a 4-hour drive from Baku
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Shaki Khan Palace, ancient architecture, silk production history
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Shaki Khan Palace: $2
- Local Museums: $1-$3
Budget: Approximately $50-$100 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Shaki Khan Palace, Shaki Halva Shops, Caravanserai
Travel Tip: Try the local sweets, especially Shaki Halva, and visit the Caravanserai for a step back in time.
6. Guba, Azerbaijan
Guba, a town surrounded by apple orchards and mountains, is famous for its rich culture, carpets, and nature. The town is also a gateway to the lush Qechresh forest and the mountainous Tenghi Canyon.
Distance: Approximately 170 km
Travel Time: Around a 2-hour drive from Baku
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Apple orchards, carpets, Qechresh forest, Tenghi Canyon
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Local Carpet Factory: Free
- Nature Sites: Free
Budget: Approximately $30-$60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Qechresh Forest, Tenghi Canyon, Local Carpet Factory
Travel Tip: Visit the local carpet factory to see traditional carpet weaving.
7. Lahij, Azerbaijan
Lahij is a quaint and ancient mountain village, known for its cobbled streets, traditional crafts, and copper workshops. It’s an excellent spot for those interested in artisan crafts and serene mountain scenery.
Distance: Approximately 190 km
Travel Time: About a 3-hour drive from Baku
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Cobblestone streets, traditional crafts, copper workshops
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Village Entry: Free
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Village Streets, Copper Workshops, Surrounding Mountains
Travel Tip: Purchase unique handmade souvenirs from the local craftsmen, especially copper items.
8. The Candy Cane Mountains, Azerbaijan
The Candy Cane Mountains, located in the Greater Caucasus range, are named for their distinctive red and white striped rock formations. This natural phenomenon offers spectacular photo opportunities.
Distance: Approximately 150 km
Travel Time: Around a 3-hour drive from Baku
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Red and white striped rock formations
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Area Entry: Free
Budget: Approximately $20-$40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Striped Rock Formations, Surrounding Landscapes
Travel Tip: The best time for photography is during the late afternoon when the sun accentuates the colors of the mountains.
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FAQ About Best Day Trips from Baku, Azerbaijan
What are some recommended day trips from Baku?
Recommended day trips from Baku include visits to Gobustan National Park to see ancient petroglyphs, the mud volcanoes of Gobustan, the fire temple Ateshgah of Baku, and the burning mountain Yanar Dag.
Is the Gobustan National Park worth visiting?
Absolutely! Gobustan National Park offers a unique opportunity to explore outdoor museums of prehistoric rock art, giving insight into early human life. The site is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Can I visit the mud volcanoes near Baku?
Yes, the mud volcanoes of Gobustan are a fascinating natural wonder and one of Azerbaijan’s most popular tourist attractions. They are easily accessible on a day trip from Baku.
What is special about the Ateshgah Fire Temple?
The Ateshgah Fire Temple is a historic religious site once used by Zoroastrians, Hindus, and Sikhs. Its eternal flame, fed by natural gas vents, highlights Azerbaijan’s nickname as the ‘Land of Fire.’
Can I see real burning flames in Yanar Dag?
Yes, Yanar Dag offers a unique spectacle of natural gas seeping from the earth and igniting to create a permanent fire, which has been burning for thousands of years on the hillside.
Is there a tour to the ancient city of Qobustan?
Yes, there are tours available to Qobustan, which include visits to the Gobustan National Park and its prehistoric rock art, along with the mud volcanoes and other historical sites in the area.
Are there any cultural experiences available on day trips from Baku?
Day trips from Baku can also offer cultural experiences such as visiting local craft workshops, tasting Azerbaijani cuisine, and exploring ancient villages that showcase the country’s rich heritage and traditions.
What natural sights can I visit near Baku?
Besides the mud volcanoes and Yanar Dag, you can visit the Caspian Sea coastline, the green hills of the Guba region, and the Caucasus Mountains for breathtaking natural landscapes.
Sources:
https://www.getyourguide.com/baku-l1408?activity_type=dayTrip
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