northern route

from the lowest points to the highest peaks

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.

betweenmountains & sea

Visit some of Azerbaijan’s most picturesque places

Travelling from Baku to the northern regions of Azerbaijan, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy kicking back and relaxing in some of the most picturesque parts of Azerbaijan. Stretching from the lowest lying national capital in the world to the highest peak in the country, this unique route has something to be admired by everyone. You can take a tour to the Chirag-gala fortress and be hosted by the local people of Khinalig village, whose population is a completely unique ethnic group. And if you’re a fan of active tourism, enjoy kitesurfing during summer in Shuraabad or visit the state-of-the-art ski resort near the Shahdag National Park.

Climate

Climate

Rising from sea level to over 4,000-metre-high mountain peaks, the landscape of this route is extremely diverse. Expect hot summers and mild winters in low-lying semi-arid areas and cooler summers and cold snowy winters in the mountains. 

Natural resources

Natural resources

Much of this route is mountainous with large areas covered by forest, above which lie mountain meadows used by shepherds as summer pastures. There are several mineral springs as well as vast oil and gas resources and salt lakes around Baku.

Accessibility

Accessibility

The Baku-Rostov railway line runs through this route with stations in Shabran, Khachmaz, Khudat and Yalama. There's a highway from Baku to the Russian Border and daily buses from Baku's International Bus Station to each town and city. Taxis and shared cars are available.

Economy

Economy

The main industries and activities in this route include: production of canned fruits and vegetables, carpet weaving (especially in Guba and Gusar), wheat growing and dairy products, and oil and gas extraction in low-lying areas closer to Baku. 

where to goin the northern route

Baku
Baku

Baku

Discover Baku, a truly contemporary city criss-crossed by history. From the modern elegance of the Flame Towers to the medieval old city full of life. More

Khizi
Khizi

Khizi

Khizi region’s has unusually enticing landscapes, calm seas and marvelous mountains are waiting to be explored just a short distance from the capital city. 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

Gusar
Gusar

Gusar

Enjoy Gusar, the ¨northern gates¨ of the сountry with breathtaking Caucasus Mountain vistas from some of the country’s highest peaks. More

what to doin the northern route

Need a great gift? Buy some ‘jorab’ socks
Need a great gift? Buy some ‘jorab’ socks
Local designers

Need a great gift? Buy some ‘jorab’ socks

Visit the bazaar in Gusar to buy a symbolic product of the Lezgi people –... More

Hiking in the Candy Cane mountains
Hiking in the Candy Cane mountains
Family holidays

Hiking in the Candy Cane mountains

Walk along a rocky, fun and colorful road and understand why Mark Elliot decided to... More

Visit Baku's Carpet Museum
Visit Baku's Carpet Museum
Fun and learn

Visit Baku's Carpet Museum

Situated on Baku's Seaside Boulevard, the Carpet Museum is home to the world’s largest collection... More

Shahdag’s wild thrills  and placid pauses
Shahdag’s wild thrills and placid pauses
Adventure

Shahdag’s wild thrills and placid pauses

Shahdag National Park, the largest in Azerbaijan, is a vast wilderness that offers an enthralling... More

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

Uncover an epic saga  at Sheikh Juneyd Mausoleum
Uncover an epic saga at Sheikh Juneyd Mausoleum
Ancient Architecture

Uncover an epic saga at Sheikh Juneyd Mausoleum

Built in 1544, Sheikh Juneyd Mausoleum has been witness to a series of historic events... 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

Windsurfing in Azerbaijan
Windsurfing in Azerbaijan
Adventure & sports

Windsurfing in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan’s first windsurfing school, Windsurfing Baku, is the perfect place to learn new outdoor skills... More

Enjoy a boat trip on the Baku Boulevard
Enjoy a boat trip on the Baku Boulevard
Adventure & sports

Enjoy a boat trip on the Baku Boulevard

The Seaside Boulevard is one of Baku’s must-see places. In addition to discovering its many... More

Discover Azerbaijan’s underwater secrets
Discover Azerbaijan’s underwater secrets
Adventure & sports

Discover Azerbaijan’s underwater secrets

Home to nine different climate zones in a small area, Azerbaijan is a nature-rich country... More

Hit the bull’s eye at Baku Shooting Center
Hit the bull’s eye at Baku Shooting Center
Outdoor Activities

Hit the bull’s eye at Baku Shooting Center

Baku Shooting Center waits for those who are used to always hit the target in... More

Relax your body and mind at the Hamambath Wellness & Spa Complex
Relax your body and mind at the Hamambath Wellness & Spa Complex
Wellness

Relax your body and mind at the Hamambath Wellness & Spa Complex

The hammam is a symbol of cleanliness, purity and wellbeing in Eastern culture. A visit... More

Take a yacht trip on the blue Caspian
Take a yacht trip on the blue Caspian
Exploring outdoors

Take a yacht trip on the blue Caspian

Go for a sail on the Caspian Sea and have a wonderful time with your... More

In the abode of flames an exciting adventure
In the abode of flames an exciting adventure
Adventure & sports

In the abode of flames an exciting adventure

Yanardag (the Burning Mountain) is one of Azerbaijan’s most famous sights, home to natural flames... 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

Birdwatching in Altiaghaj  National Park
Birdwatching in Altiaghaj National Park
National parks (birdwatching)

Birdwatching in Altiaghaj National Park

This lovely forested area of the Greater Caucasus Mountains is rich in raptors and passerines... More

Birdwatching in Absheron National Park
Birdwatching in Absheron National Park
National parks

Birdwatching in Absheron National Park

Birders who visit this remote part of the Absheron Peninsula will be rewarded with sightings... More

Alpine Coaster on the slopes of Shahdag
Alpine Coaster on the slopes of Shahdag
Adventure & sports

Alpine Coaster on the slopes of Shahdag

The slopes of Shahdag are not just for skiing and snow-capped mountain views. A host... More

House-museum of Gara Garayev
House-museum of Gara Garayev
Arts, culture and heritage

House-museum of Gara Garayev

A visit to the house-museum of Gara Garayev, one of the most prominent representatives of... More

The jazz world  of Vagif Mustafazade
The jazz world of Vagif Mustafazade
Arts, culture and heritage

The jazz world of Vagif Mustafazade

A visit to the house museum of Vagif Mustafazade, whose music and magnificent performances are... More

Discover the literary heritage of Magsud Ibrahimbayov
Discover the literary heritage of Magsud Ibrahimbayov
Arts, culture and heritage

Discover the literary heritage of Magsud Ibrahimbayov

Magsud Ibrahimbayov (1935-2016) was an honoured Azerbaijani writer and public figure who authored numerous popular... More

Take a journey through Azerbaijan’s literary history
Take a journey through Azerbaijan’s literary history
Arts, culture and heritage

Take a journey through Azerbaijan’s literary history

Azerbaijan has created some of the most beautiful examples of Oriental literature in different periods... More

Immerse yourself in art on the Caspian shoreline
Immerse yourself in art on the Caspian shoreline
Arts, culture and heritage

Immerse yourself in art on the Caspian shoreline

Constantly in search of new trends, Azerbaijan’s contemporary artists are increasingly attracting attention for their... More

Ali and Nino - walking tour of Baku
Ali and Nino - walking tour of Baku
Arts, culture and heritage

Ali and Nino - walking tour of Baku

This tour will take you to the places where the events in the novel "Ali and... More

Prominent people of Baku
Prominent people of Baku
Arts, culture and heritage

Prominent people of Baku

Take a cultural tour of Baku to learn about prominent artists and musicians who left... More

Tahir Salahov’s  world of colors
Tahir Salahov’s world of colors
Art and Culture Museums

Tahir Salahov’s world of colors

As you walk through the narrow streets of the Old City, you can come across... More

House-museum of genius musicians
House-museum of genius musicians
Art and Culture Museums

House-museum of genius musicians

Mstislav Rostropovich, a world-famous musician and genius cellist, holds a special place among the prominent... More

Nobel brothers’ house-museum
Nobel brothers’ house-museum
Unique Museums

Nobel brothers’ house-museum

By visiting the former Baku residence of the Nobel brothers, who made an exceptional contribution... More

Modern art in ancient city
Modern art in ancient city
Art and Culture Museums

Modern art in ancient city

Azerbaijan’s representatives of fine arts and sculpture, distinguished by their original works, are also well-known... More

The National Museum of History of Azerbaijan
The National Museum of History of Azerbaijan
Museums & galleries

The National Museum of History of Azerbaijan

The National Museum of History of Azerbaijan is incomparably important in terms of protection and... More

Exciting wildlife in the city center
Exciting wildlife in the city center
entertainment with kids

Exciting wildlife in the city center

Without leaving the city center, you can find yourself in the animal world by visiting... More

Take a walking tour  of Soviet films shot in Baku
Take a walking tour of Soviet films shot in Baku
Arts, culture and heritage

Take a walking tour of Soviet films shot in Baku

Baku has always stood out for its international character, blending harmoniously elements of East and... More

Visit the world’s first oil tanker museum
Visit the world’s first oil tanker museum
Unique Museums

Visit the world’s first oil tanker museum

Did you know that the world's first oil tanker was put into operation in Baku... More

Fun for everyone at the Baku circus
Fun for everyone at the Baku circus
entertainment with kids

Fun for everyone at the Baku circus

Professional circus shows first appeared in Azerbaijan in the late 19th century. Today, at the... More

Snowshoeing adventures at Shahdag
Snowshoeing adventures at Shahdag
Adventure & sports

Snowshoeing adventures at Shahdag

More

Children's entertainment on the seashore
Children's entertainment on the seashore
entertainment with kids

Children's entertainment on the seashore

Located on the seafront boulevard, Deniz Mall is not just a great destination for shopping... More

Hiking along the Yergi Kek – Kuzun trail
Hiking along the Yergi Kek – Kuzun trail
Marked trails

Hiking along the Yergi Kek – Kuzun trail

Along this route, you can enjoy fabulous views of vast subalpine meadows against a backdrop... More

Hiking along the Kuzun – Yergi Kek trail
Hiking along the Kuzun – Yergi Kek trail
Marked trails

Hiking along the Kuzun – Yergi Kek trail

Walking along this trail, you can enjoy fabulous views of vast subalpine meadows backed by... More

Hiking along the Kuzun – Laza trail
Hiking along the Kuzun – Laza trail
Marked trails

Hiking along the Kuzun – Laza trail

Walking along this route, you can enjoy views of the steep cliffs, waterfalls and sparse... More

Hiking along the Laza – Kuzun trail
Hiking along the Laza – Kuzun trail
Marked trails

Hiking along the Laza – Kuzun trail

Walking along this route, you can enjoy views of the steep cliffs, waterfalls and sparse... 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

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

Hiking along the Khinalig – Galakhudat trail

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

Baku Olympic Stadium
Baku Olympic Stadium
Adventure & sports

Baku Olympic Stadium

The architecture of Baku never ceases to amaze. You’ll be convinced of this yourself after... More

Gala State Historical and Ethnographic Reserve
Gala State Historical and Ethnographic Reserve
Ethnography Museums

Gala State Historical and Ethnographic Reserve

If you want to see ancient ruins, a medieval town of the Absheron Peninsula and... More

The Museum of Miniature Books
The Museum of Miniature Books
Art and Culture Museums

The Museum of Miniature Books

In Baku there’s an unusual museum whose exhibits fit easily into the palm of your... More

Birdwatching in Besh Barmag Reserve
Birdwatching in Besh Barmag Reserve
Birdwatching

Birdwatching in Besh Barmag Reserve

The Besh Barmag birdwatching site is a narrow coastal strip 90km north of Baku. Here... 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

Polish heritage in Baku
Polish heritage in Baku
Arts, culture and heritage

Polish heritage in Baku

In the central streets of Baku there are dozens of stunning European-style buildings built during... 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

Relax and have fun at Zire Ecopark
Relax and have fun at Zire Ecopark
Culture with Kids

Relax and have fun at Zire Ecopark

The modern cultural centre and ecopark in the Baku village of Zire offers dozens of... More

Visit a hospitable Lezgi village
Visit a hospitable Lezgi village
Traditional Food

Visit a hospitable Lezgi village

The natural beauty of the village of Hil charms everyone who sees it. The residents... More

Climb to the top of Mt Bazarduzu
Climb to the top of Mt Bazarduzu
Other routes

Climb to the top of Mt Bazarduzu

Bazarduzu is the highest mountain in Azerbaijan situated on the border with Russia. To hike... More

Take a healthy stroll in Gusar
Take a healthy stroll in Gusar
Adventure

Take a healthy stroll in Gusar

The Gusar region’s stunning nature is well known. But wouldn’t you like to come and... More

Active holidays at Shahdag
Active holidays at Shahdag
Adventure & sports

Active holidays at Shahdag

The Shahdag resort offers dozens of interesting and entertaining activities for the whole family. If... More

Shop and socialise in the Port Baku area
Shop and socialise in the Port Baku area
Arts, culture and heritage

Shop and socialise in the Port Baku area

If you love going out to eat or shop and are looking for an upmarket... More

Snap a photo of the Flame Towers
Snap a photo of the Flame Towers
Arts, culture and heritage

Snap a photo of the Flame Towers

The trio of skyscrapers named the Flame Towers are one of the top architectural wonders... More

Admire the curves and collections of the Heydar Aliyev Centre
Admire the curves and collections of the Heydar Aliyev Centre
Art and Culture Museums

Admire the curves and collections of the Heydar Aliyev Centre

Explore the wide range of art collections and exhibitions of the Heydar Aliyev Centre, then... More

Browse the home of Azerbaijani fine arts
Browse the home of Azerbaijani fine arts
Art and Culture Museums

Browse the home of Azerbaijani fine arts

Discover an oil-boom mansion packed with a wealth of art spanning multiple centuries and geographic... More

Take a wine bar crawl
Take a wine bar crawl
Wine Degustation

Take a wine bar crawl

Baku's growing number of wine bars are a great place to soak up the local... More

Visit Yashil Bazaar for a world of aromas
Visit Yashil Bazaar for a world of aromas
Bazaar experience

Visit Yashil Bazaar for a world of aromas

Baku's Yashil Bazaar is one of the largest food bazaars in the Caucasus. Enter it... More

Gutab-making masterclasses
Gutab-making masterclasses
Food, drinks and nightlife

Gutab-making masterclasses

If you're in Baku and keen to uncover local culinary secrets then don't miss the... More

Horse riding in Baku
Horse riding in Baku
Adventure & sports

Horse riding in Baku

Horse riding is a truly royal experience Baku can offer. Spend an active and unforgettable... More

Relax at Baku’s traditional hammams
Relax at Baku’s traditional hammams
Wellness

Relax at Baku’s traditional hammams

Discover centuries-old hammams like Agha Mikayil, Agha Zeynal, and Tezebay to rejuvenate in the traditional... More

Uncover Jewish traces in Baku
Uncover Jewish traces in Baku
Judaism Sights

Uncover Jewish traces in Baku

Since the early 1800s, Baku has been home to a vibrant community of Jews. Explore... More

Stroll through time in central Gusar
Stroll through time in central Gusar

Stroll through time in central Gusar

Discover a peaceful old city highlighted by a few colourful old cottages reminiscent of a... More

Sample Lezgi cuisine
Sample Lezgi cuisine
Culinary master classes

Sample Lezgi cuisine

A perfect place to enjoy at any time of the year; winter is for those... More

Enjoy winter and summer adventures at Shahdag
Enjoy winter and summer adventures at Shahdag
Adventure & sports

Enjoy winter and summer adventures at Shahdag

This is the perfect place to enjoy at any time of the year. Come in... 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

Discover the mysteries of Beshbarmag Mountain
Discover the mysteries of Beshbarmag Mountain
Arts, culture and heritage

Discover the mysteries of Beshbarmag Mountain

Hike a mountain shrouded in mystery where the locals come to pray for strength and... More

Explore Baku's mud volcanoes
Explore Baku's mud volcanoes
National parks

Explore Baku's mud volcanoes

Discover why the landscape around Baku is fulfilled by mud volcanoes, how are they formed... More

Discover Gobustan's ancient rock art
Discover Gobustan's ancient rock art
Arts, culture and heritage

Discover Gobustan's ancient rock art

Uncover an astonishing collection of over 6,000 ancient petroglyphs charting ways of life dating back... More

Enjoy the Caspian sea & beaches
Enjoy the Caspian sea & beaches
Beach activities

Enjoy the Caspian sea & beaches

From water sports to romantic afternoons and lively evening parties, the sandy Caspian beaches around... More

Learn the legacy of ancient fire worshippers
Learn the legacy of ancient fire worshippers
Cultural activities

Learn the legacy of ancient fire worshippers

Discover the incredible story of Azerbaijan’s ancient fire worshippers. Visit the Ateshgah Fire Temple and... More

experience Baku's vibrant nightlife
experience Baku's vibrant nightlife
Nightlife experience

experience Baku's vibrant nightlife

Baku is the perfect city for a night out, dance the night away and enjoy... More

Dining in Baku
Dining in Baku
Traditional Food

Dining in Baku

Baku offers a wide variety of restaurants and bars, from the traditional options to the... More

Play golf in Baku
Play golf in Baku
Golf

Play golf in Baku

What more can a golf lover ask for than a challenging course and stunning scenery?... More

Shopping: boutiques & bazaars in Baku
Shopping: boutiques & bazaars in Baku
Bazaar experience

Shopping: boutiques & bazaars in Baku

Baku has the perfect combination of international shops, fashion boutiques and traditional stores and bazaars.... More

Stroll along Caspian seaside boulevard
Stroll along Caspian seaside boulevard
Family holidays

Stroll along Caspian seaside boulevard

To soak up Baku’s relaxed seaside atmosphere, take a stroll along the beloved Boulevard. Founded... More

take a walking tour of  Baku’s oil-boom architecture
take a walking tour of Baku’s oil-boom architecture
German heritage

take a walking tour of Baku’s oil-boom architecture

Discover the stunning old architecture built in Baku during the late 19th century, early 20th... More

Explore Baku's Old City
Explore Baku's Old City
Carpet

Explore Baku's Old City

A city within a city, the Old City is Baku's historic core and a UNESCO... More

Northen route

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Northen route

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see other routesin Azerbaijan

Southern route
Southern route
southern route | gateway to the subtropics

Southern route

To truly experience Azerbaijan’s natural diversity, head south to Lankaran, Lerik and Astara to a land of hot springs, nature reserves and the majestic Talysh Mountains. The local cuisine is pretty great too – don't leave without trying dishes like fish lavangi or parcha-dosheme plov and enjoy endless cups of freshly grown Azerbaijani tea. More

Western route
Western route
western route | history & heritage

Western route

Naftalan’s healing oil is one of Azerbaijan’s great natural wonders but the western region is also packed with heart-stopping history and breathtaking landscapes. More

North-western route
North-western route
north-western route| spirit of the Silk Road

North-western route

You’ll be following in the footsteps of ancient travellers and merchants on this scenic route along the southern slopes of the Caucasus Mountains. More

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