Things to do in Northern Azerbaijan
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
Hiking - Xınalıq to Laza
A delightfully rewarding hike links Xınalıq to Laza in 10 to 12 hours. Two routes are possible, around the base of Mt Şahdağ or past the fire-vent and over a shoulder of dramatically crag-topped Qızılqaya. A local guide (around around Manat30 per day) is particularly important for the latter, as fog can descend suddenly even on an apparently clear day, totally hiding the path.
If you have luggage it's also a good idea to hire packhorses (around Manat20 to around Manat40). In Xınalıqi-Ketsh language dzhim onongondeh pshii i hadmé ishkeléh Laza guisu means 'where can I find a horse and guide to take me to Laza?'. Since a new army/customs post was built across the …
reviewed
-
Hiking - Xınalıq to Vəndam
It's also possible and incredibly exhilarating to hike to Vəndam (two days). This requires camping en route, as there are no villages in between. As with any hike, sheepdogs can be vicious.
Since a new army/customs post was built across the valley from Xınalıq, some travellers have reported soldiers preventing hikers from exploring the nearby valleys including the route to Laza. To avoid problems ask your guide to forewarn the military post before you set off.
reviewed
-
Qadim Quba
You can watch Quba’s famous carpets being made at Qadim Quba, which also has a delightful boutique selling them along with handicrafts and paxlava (alternating layers of chopped nuts and white, stringy, fried pastry, all saturated in a sickly sweet syrup).
reviewed
-
Cümə Mosque
The main attraction in Quba is just wandering its orderly grid of quiet leafy streets, admiring the 19th century Russian houses and distinctive mosques, notably the unique, octagonal Cümə Mosque. with its distinctively pointy metallic dome.
reviewed
-
ateşgah
Xınalıq's most popular tourist activity is hiking to ateşgah, a small ever-burning natural fire-vent. The walk takes about two hours (towards Laza then up a side valley) but finding the site without help is pretty much impossible.
reviewed
-
Günbəzli hamam
The main attraction in Quba is just wandering its orderly grid of quiet leafy streets, admiring the 19th century Russian houses and distinctive mosques. Notice the decrepit century-old Günbəzli hamam with its big beehive dome.
reviewed
-
Krasnaya Sloboda
A long flight of steps lined with statues of Adonis-like Soviet youth leads down to the old bridge, which links Quba to the town of Krasnaya Sloboda, home to a unique Jewish community with two active synagogues.
reviewed
-
Nizami Park
Nizami Park is a pleasant tree-shaded retreat overlooking the broad gravel bed of the Qudiyalçay River. A long flight of steps lined with statues of Adonis-like Soviet youth leads down to the old bridge.
reviewed
-
Mahir Kafé
A very plain place with just two sit-down tables, but serving perhaps the best lavaş döner (döner kebab in lavaş bread) in all of Azerbaijan (AZN1.20).
reviewed
-
History Museum
There's a little History Museum but the main attraction in Quba is just wandering its orderly grid of quiet leafy streets, admiring the 19th century Russian houses and distinctive mosques
reviewed
Advertisement
-
Xeyraddin Gabbarov
Charming Xeyraddin Gabbarov works in Quba but comes from Xınalıq, speaks OK English and for a relatively modest profit can tailor-make a homestay-tour or hiking holiday in Xınalıq.
reviewed
-
Sərin Restoran
A selection of inside dining styles and an appealing summertime lawn area make Sərin the nicest place in town. There’s no menu but prices are reasonable.
reviewed
-
museum
Apart from examining the one-room museum and gazing at the hypnotic views, Xınalıq's most popular tourist activity is hiking to ateşgah.
reviewed
-
-
