Xinaliq

Introducing Xinaliq

An undisputed highlight of all Azerbaijan, this fabled mountain village speaks directly to the soul. Its timeless stone houses are often wrapped in spooky clouds, giving it a haunted medieval feel.

Then, when the clouds lift, you realise that you’re perched on a mountaintop with stunning 360-degree views of the Caucasus. Xınalıq’s hardy shepherd folk have their own distinct language (Ketsh) and still live much of their lives on horseback. Nowhere in Azerbaijan offers a more fascinating glimpse of mountain life nor a better opportunity for inspirational hiking.

However, you should hurry to get here. A new road was built in 2006, tourists are starting to discover this gem and already some homes are starting to sprout corrugated metal roofs.

Apart from examining the one-room museum (admission 40q; on request) and gazing at the hypnotic views, 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.

Charming Xeyraddin Gabbarov (050 2259250; www.xinaliq.com) 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.

Note that there are proposals to declare the whole Laza-Xınalıq area as the Şahdağ National Park. If this happens expect to pay an AZN4 entry fee to access the area.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009