On top of otherwise unremarkable Daşgil Hill, some 10km south of Qobustan are an astonishingly weird collection of baby mud volcanoes . Here a whole family of 'geologically flatulent' little conical mounds gurgle, ooze, spit and sometimes erupt with thick, cold, grey mud.

It's more entertaining than it sounds - even when activity is very modest you get the eerie feeling that the volcanoes are alive. And normally the place is delightfully peaceful, if not completely deserted.

If driving, easiest access is from the Әlət junction, 15km south of Qobustan. Follow 'Şpal Zavodu' signs, but keep straight ahead after crossing the railway. Keep to this unpaved track for 3km then climb the hill to your right.