hiking along the Galakhudat – Khinalig trail

Walking along this route, you can enjoy views of the steep cliffs of Mount Gizilgaya, the vast Gudyalchay river valley and the terraces of land previously used for farming - in short, magnificent views of the Greater Caucasus Mountains.

hiking alongthe Galakhudat – Khinalig trail

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Galakhudat – Khinalig trail

Khinalig is one of the highest villages in Azerbaijan and its territory is protected by the government as part of the Khinalig Historical, Architectural and Ethnographical Reserve. The Khinalig people are considered one of the most ancient ethnic groups in Azerbaijan and have their own unique Khinalig language, spoken exclusively in the village.

DISTANCE - 8.2 KM

ELEVATION GAIN - 250 M

ELEVATION LOSS - 270 M

MAX. ALTITUDE - 2300 M

MIN. ALTITUDE - 2155 M

DURATION - 3 H 15 MIN

For those who like easy walks, this route is an excellent choice. The paths are clearly visible everywhere and the entire trail is fully marked. Follow the signs and you will pass through the village, below the school, and head towards a mountain pass along a slightly ascending trail for about 1km. At the pass, you will have a stunning view of the high mountains surrounding Khinalig village. After a short descent from the pass, you will see the village of Bostankesh on the left of the road. Direction signs will appear at certain points along the route. You will walk for 6km along a clear and wide road with very few ups and downs until you reach a point where you can see the village of Khinalig. From here, descend 800m, cross a small river and walk up to the village on the left. The marked trail ends near the spring at the entrance of the village. If you have time, you can visit the village mosque. Or simply follow the slightly broken asphalt road from the spring that descends to the centre of the village.

Nearby trails

You can connect this trail with the Griz-Galakhudat trail.

Seasonality

This hike can be done in all seasons. However, it is best to go between May and July if you want to enjoy green scenery. If you want to see snowy mountains, then go between December and February. It is always highly recommended to check the weather forecast before your trip as this trail is more difficult in foggy, rainy or snowy weather. You might encounter shepherd dogs in the flat area before the small pass between May and September. You can call the shepherd from a distance to help you pass safely.

Food and accommodation

There are no restaurants or cafes in either village (only a small tea house in Khinalig). However, in the villages there are guest houses that offer food and accommodation. You can find the location of guest houses, hotels and other accommodation facilities on the map.

Water

There are no springs directly on the trail in Galakhudat village, but you can ask locals for water. It is recommended to take 1.5-2 litres of water depending on the temperature. During the walk, you will cross a small river with water which is drinkable, except on rainy days when it is cloudy. In summer, it is also not recommended to drink the water since it is used by shepherds for their livestock further upriver.

Transportation

You can get to Galakhudat in an off-road vehicle. From the centre of Guba, local taxis (Niva and UAZ jeeps) can take you there for 50 AZN. If you intend to return to Guba from Khinalig, you can ask the driver to collect you from there and take you back for about an extra 10 AZN.

Permissions and Special Protection Areas

No prior permission is required to hike along this trail. The trail does not pass through a special protected natural area or border protection zone.

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