7-03-2025, 18:54

Tour to Khinalig: An Island Among the Mountains

Journey to Khinalig: A Unique Village and Power Places of Azerbaijan
Embark on an exciting tour of Azerbaijan from Baku to discover the famous village of Khinalig – a hidden gem located at an altitude of 2,200 meters above sea level in the rugged mountains of the Guba region. Nestled on the slopes of Mount Kizilkaya at the northern edge of the Greater Caucasus Range, the village is surrounded by majestic peaks such as Gyzyl Gaya, Shahdag, Tufandag, and Khinalig, earning it the nickname "Island Among the Mountains." This unique destination attracts travelers with its remoteness, ancient culture, unique language, and traditions preserved for thousands of years.
Khinalig, a village over 5,000 years old, consists of 380 houses inhabited by around 2,000 residents. The houses here are true architectural relics, some 200–300 years old. They are built in such a way that the roof of one house serves as the courtyard for another, creating a stunning cascading appearance. Winters in Khinalig are harsh, with temperatures dropping to -23°C, and cold weather sets in as early as autumn.
Khinalig is an open-air museum, included in UNESCO's World Heritage List. Here, you will find the medieval Temple of Fire Worshipers, the tomb of Khidir Nabi, the mosques of Sheikh Shalbuz and Abu Muslim, caves, and unexplored archaeological sites. In 2007, the village was declared a State Historical-Architectural and Ethnographic Reserve, highlighting its uniqueness.
Tour Program
All tours and excursions start from Baku, opening the door to the natural and cultural wonders of Azerbaijan:

• Khizi: The colorful "caramel" mountains – a unique natural formation with shades of red, pink, white, and gold, creating a Martian landscape.
• Guba: A city tour – Juma Mosque, 17th-century mausoleums, Red Settlement, known as the "Caucasian Jerusalem" – the historical homeland of Mountain Jews (19th century), and the ancient Red Bridge connecting Red Settlement to Guba.
• Forest Tunnel and "Mysterious Minaret" – natural wonders that add mystery to the route.
• Khinalig Village (2,300 meters above sea level) – the oldest settlement, surrounded by canyons, mountain rivers, and scenic roads, including the Azerbaijani "Grand Canyon." Here, you can feel the power of nature and touch the power places of Azerbaijan.

Gastronomic Delight
In Khinalig, you can enjoy village food at the home of one of the local families: fried potatoes with unique salt made from five mountain herbs, roasted chicken, saj, chicken soup with turmeric, and tea from a samovar. Or try river trout in the mountains at an altitude of 1,800 meters, complemented by mountain tea from a samovar – the perfect end to the day as part of a gastronomic tour in Baku and the regions.
This tour of Azerbaijan is the perfect choice for a weekend in Baku or a summer vacation in Azerbaijan, combining historical excursions, natural beauty, and cultural immersion with the best guides.