hiking along the Khinalig – Galakhudat 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 Khinalig – Galakhudat trail

Khinalig – Galakhudat 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. 

Download the map

DISTANCE - 8.2 KM

ELEVATION GAIN - 370 M

ELEVATION - 350 M

MAX. ALTITUDE - 2300  M

MIN. ALTITUDE - 2155 M

DURATION -  3 H 10 MIN

 

For those who like easy walks, this route taking you to the neighbouring village of Galakhudat is an excellent choice. The paths are clearly visible everywhere and the entire trail is marked. There is an information board for the Galakhudat-Griz trail at the end of this trail. Follow the signs and after crossing a small river you will go uphill for 800m. The road to the left from here leads to the foot of Mount Gizilgaya, but you need to continue straight along the main road towards the village of Galakhudat. After just over 6km you will reach a small mountain pass. You can see the village of Bostankesh in the distance on your right before the pass. Once you reach the top of the pass, you will see Galakhudat village on your left below the steep cliffs. Follow the signs towards the centre of the village. 

 

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

 

Seasonality 
You can hike this trail 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 the trail is more difficult in foggy, rainy or snowy weather. You might encounter some shepherd dogs in the flat area before the small mountain 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, there are guest houses in both villages that offer food and accommodation. You can find the location of guest houses, hotels and other accommodation facilities on the map.

 

Water 
The only spring is in Khinalig at the beginning of the trail. There are no springs directly on the trail in Galakhudat village, but you can ask the 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 turns cloudy. In summer, it is also not recommended to drink this water as it is used by shepherds for their livestock further upriver. 

 

Transportation 
There is no public transport to either of the villages. Local taxis in Guba city centre (Niva and UAZ jeeps) can take you to Khinalig for 60 AZN. If you intend to return from Galakhudat to Guba, you can ask the same driver to collect you from Galakhudat and take you back for no additional payment. 

 

Permits & Special Protected Areas
There is no need for any permission in order to hike along this trail. The trail does not pass through a special protected nature area or border protection zone. 

 

Useful information

weather and season

Air temperature

Current:
7.5°C
Average:
6.1 – 8.1°C / 43.0–46.6°F

Feel temperature

Current:
-2°C
Average:
-5.2 – 3.5°C / 22.6–38.3°F

Wind

Current:
  • Winds becoming strong; rain
  • N
  • speed 35.2 km/h

When to go

  • Peak Season:
  • All year round

bookan adventure

Choose from a wide range of places to stay and tours to enjoy for the ultimate Azerbaijan travel experience.

Asset 1 tours

other experiencesin Guba

The moreish flavours of Jewish cuisine
The moreish flavours of Jewish cuisine
Experience local gastronomy

The moreish flavours of Jewish cuisine

Perhaps you have sampled the flavours of Jewish cuisine at least once before. If not,... More

Gurgur Waterfall dazzles in all four seasons
Gurgur Waterfall dazzles in all four seasons
Hiking

Gurgur Waterfall dazzles in all four seasons

Whether you visit in summer or winter, it makes no difference here, where the captivating... More

The Arched Bridge conveys a feat of construction
The Arched Bridge conveys a feat of construction
History and Local Lore Museums

The Arched Bridge conveys a feat of construction

In the heart of Guba stands the remarkable Arched Bridge, an outstanding marvel of 19th-century... More

A testament to tolerance by Red Village’s Mountain Jews
A testament to tolerance by Red Village’s Mountain Jews
Museums & galleries

A testament to tolerance by Red Village’s Mountain Jews

In the heart of Guba, lies the remarkable Red Village, a beautiful Mountain Jewish settlement... More

Shadows of Guba's sorrows light a path to prevention
Shadows of Guba's sorrows light a path to prevention
Museums & galleries

Shadows of Guba's sorrows light a path to prevention

The Guba Genocide Memorial Complex is one of the main sites to visit to commemorate... More

Contemporary healing in traditional Guba
Contemporary healing in traditional Guba
Health & wellness

Contemporary healing in traditional Guba

Nestled in the lap of the Great Caucasus Mountains, boasting untouched natural beauty, Guba is... More

Khinalig’s knitted woollen socks will warm more than your feet
Khinalig’s knitted woollen socks will warm more than your feet
Crafts making

Khinalig’s knitted woollen socks will warm more than your feet

Do not be put off by the snowy, frosty mountain scenery of Khinalig - woollen... More

Birdwatching along the Nabran coastline
Birdwatching along the Nabran coastline
Birdwatching

Birdwatching along the Nabran coastline

This unique strip of Caspian coastline is known for the proximity between pristine forest and... More

Hiking along the Grizdehne – Griz trail
Hiking along the Grizdehne – Griz trail
Marked trails

Hiking along the Grizdehne – Griz trail

Walking along this route, you can enjoy passing through the low mountain forests of the... More

Hiking along the Griz – Grizdehne trail
Hiking along the Griz – Grizdehne trail
Marked trails

Hiking along the Griz – Grizdehne trail

Walking along this route, you can enjoy amazing views of the steep cliffs of the... More

Hiking along the Griz – Galakhudat trail
Hiking along the Griz – Galakhudat trail
Marked trails

Hiking along the Griz – Galakhudat trail

Walking along this trail, you can enjoy views of the wide Gudyalchay river valley with... More

Hiking along the Galakhudat – Griz trail
Hiking along the Galakhudat – Griz trail
Marked trails

Hiking along the Galakhudat – Griz trail

Walking along this route, you can enjoy fabulous views of the wide Gudyalchay river valley... More

Hiking along the Galakhudat – Khinalig trail
Hiking along the Galakhudat – Khinalig trail
Marked trails

Hiking along the Galakhudat – Khinalig trail

Walking along this route, you can enjoy views of the steep cliffs of Mount Gizilgaya,... More

Birdwatching in the Caucasus Mountains
Birdwatching in the Caucasus Mountains
Birdwatching

Birdwatching in the Caucasus Mountains

The stunningly set mountain villages of Khinalig and Laza are great places for birders to... More

Fishing at Chanlibel lake
Fishing at Chanlibel lake
Exploring outdoors

Fishing at Chanlibel lake

The nature of Guba and the hospitality of its local people have turned this region... More

Play golf in the beautiful countryside of Guba
Play golf in the beautiful countryside of Guba
Golf

Play golf in the beautiful countryside of Guba

If you are a golf and nature fan, you should visit Guba’s National Golf Club... More

Take a masterclass of Guba cuisine
Take a masterclass of Guba cuisine
Food, drinks and nightlife

Take a masterclass of Guba cuisine

Learn how to cook the most delicious and traditional Guba sweets like pakhlava or bukma,... More

Take carpet weaving masterclasses in Guba
Take carpet weaving masterclasses in Guba
Crafts making

Take carpet weaving masterclasses in Guba

Carpets in Guba are traditionally woven in winter and considered some of the finest in... More

Visit the first Museum of Mountain Jews
Visit the first Museum of Mountain Jews
Jewish heritage

Visit the first Museum of Mountain Jews

Red Settlement is a truly unique place to visit. Characterized by its red-tiled roofs, this... More

soaring Khinalig conqueror of the Caucasus
soaring Khinalig conqueror of the Caucasus
Hiking

soaring Khinalig conqueror of the Caucasus

Welcome to Khinalig, one of the mountain villages located in the highlands of Azerbaijan. Here... More

read more aboutregion and route

Northern route
Northern route

Northern route

This route leads from Azerbaijan’s buzzing capital along the Caspian Sea coast and into the heart of the Caucasus Mountains. Expect outdoor adventures such as hiking, kitesurfing and paragliding, culinary surprises and some of the best scenery anywhere in the Caucasus. More

Guba
Guba

Guba

Discover Guba, a great place to experience the Caucasus Mountains and its timeless villages full of history. Explore its culture and traditions. More

Azerbaijan right now #ExperienceAzerbaijan

This is where your mind will wander, where your soul will flourish & where your senses come alive. Share your experience.

subscribe to our newsletter