Overview
This 10-day adventure combines Azerbaijan’s most iconic cultural landmarks with a serious high-altitude trekking and mountaineering experience. The journey begins in Baku and its surroundings, gradually transitions into remote mountain villages of the Greater Caucasus, and culminates with ascents of Bazarduzu (4466 m) — the highest peak in Azerbaijan — and Shahdag (4243 m).
Designed for active travelers with trekking experience, this itinerary offers a balanced progression from cultural exploration to multi-day mountain expeditions, allowing proper acclimatization and a deep connection with both landscapes and local life.
Highlights
- Explore Baku, the Old City, and Gobustan rock art sites and Mud Volcanoes
- Visit Shamakhi and historic mausoleums with local wine tasting
- Village-to-village trekking through Griz, Galaykhudat, and Khinalig
- High-altitude trekking and camping in the Greater Caucasus
- Summit Bazarduzu (4466 m) — Azerbaijan’s highest mountain
- Summit Shahdag (4243 m) — the country’s second highest peak
- Scenic descent to Laza village
- Traditional hammam experience after the mountain section
Itinerary
This 10-day Azerbaijan itinerary combines cultural sightseeing with high-altitude trekking and mountain ascents in the Greater Caucasus. The tour begins in Baku and Shamakhi, then continues with village-to-village trekking through Griz, Galaykhudat, and Khinalig, allowing a gradual approach to altitude.
The mountain phase focuses on climbing Bazarduzu (4466 m), the highest peak in Azerbaijan, and Shahdag (4243 m), supported by multi-day base camps and a carefully paced acclimatization program. The journey ends with a scenic descent to Laza village, a traditional hammam experience, and a final free day in Baku.
Arrival in Azerbaijan. After hotel check-in, explore Baku’s panoramic viewpoints, historic center, and main streets. In the afternoon, visit Gobustan National Park, including its rock art museum and mud volcano area. Evening in Baku.
Drive time: ~3 hours (Total)
Overnight: Hotel in Baku
Day trip to the Shamakhi region. Visit Diri Baba Mausoleum, historic sites, and enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Continue with a guided wine tasting at a regional winery before returning to Baku in the evening.
Drive time: ~4-5 hours (Total)
Overnight: Hotel in Baku
Transfer from Baku to the trailhead in the Greater Caucasus. Begin trekking the historical Eh route toward the ancient mountain village of Griz. The route starts with a steady ascent followed by open panoramic sections. Griz village has a history of more than 2000 years, and it lies on the Transcaucasian Trail.
Drive time: ~3-4 hours
Hiking distance: ~8km
Altitude: ~2200 m
Overnight: Guesthouse in Griz village
A full day of village-to-village trekking. Pass through Galaykhudat for lunch and continue along historic routes toward UNESCO village - Khinalig, one of the highest continuously inhabited villages in Europe. Evening walk through the village and final preparations for the mountain section.
Hiking distance: ~17km
Altitude: ~2150 m
Overnight: Guesthouse in Khinalig village
Transfer by off-road vehicle to the mountain zone, followed by a trek to Bazarduzu Base Camp. The day is dedicated to acclimatization, camp setup, and preparation for the summit push. Overnight in high-altitude tents.
4x4 Drive time: ~1 hour
Hiking distance: ~3.9km
Overnight: Mountain basecamp (tents)
Altitude: ~3,200 m (depending on camp location)
Early start for the ascent of Bazarduzu, the highest peak in Azerbaijan. After reaching the summit and spending time at the top, descend back to base camp. Overnight at the same camp.
Hiking time: 7-9 hours
Overnight: Mountain basecamp (tents)
Highest altitude: 4,466 m
Camp is packed in the morning. Transfer by off-road vehicle to the Shahdag Valley, followed by a short hike to Shahdag Base Camp. The rest of the day is for rest and preparation for the next summit.
4x4 Drive time: ~1 hour
Hiking distance: ~5km
Overnight: Mountain basecamp (tents)
Altitude: ~3,100 m (depending on camp location)
Early morning start for the ascent of Shahdag, the second highest mountain in Azerbaijan. After reaching the summit, descend back to base camp for overnight.
Hiking time: 8-10 hours
Overnight: Mountain basecamp (tents)
Highest altitude: 4,243 m
Descend from base camp toward Laza village with scenic mountain views. After lunch in a local guesthouse, transfer back to Baku. In the evening, enjoy a traditional hammam experience for recovery.
Road Drive time: ~4 hours
Hiking time: ~6 hours
Overnight: Hotel in Baku
Highest altitude: 3100 m
Free time in Baku for personal exploration, shopping, or rest. Optional activities can be arranged. Farewell dinner in the evening and transfer to the airport.
Difficulty: Challenging
This climb is suitable for participants who:
- Have previous high-altitude or multi-day hiking experience
- Are in excellent physical condition
- Are comfortable with long hiking days and steep terrain
Not suitable for beginners or travelers without trekking background.
Please consider the total distance and elevation gain/loss when assessing the difficulty of this tour. This data is approximate and provided for reference only.
Day 3:
Trekking Distance: ~8km
Elevation: +840 m / –130 m
Day 4:
Trekking distance: ~17 km
Elevation: +830 m / –690 m
Day 5:
Trekking distance: ~3.9 km
Elevation: +540 m / –95 m
Day 6:
Trekking distance: ~8 km
Elevation: +1160 m / –1160 m
Day 7:
Trekking distance: ~5 km
Elevation: +490 m / –100 m
Day 8:
Trekking distance: ~9.4 km
Elevation: +1240 m / –1240 m
Day 9:
Trekking distance: ~10 km
Elevation: +130 m / –1050 m
Included
- Professional private guiding throughout the itinerary
- Accommodation: hotels, village guesthouses, and mountain tents
- Private transportation (regular class vehicle) and off-road transportation
- Most meals during the trekking and summit sections
- Shared camping equipment (tents, cooking gas)
- Entrance fees, national park permits, and special access permits
- Medical insurance for the full trip duration
Excluded
- International flights
- Personal equipment (sleeping bag, crampons, mat – rental available in Baku)
- Some meals in cities and personal expenses
- Extra services (VIP class vehicle, Airport transfers, Bag delivery to the Basecamp 2)
This tour operates on an inquiry-only basis.
All requests are reviewed prior to confirmation. The itinerary may be adjusted depending on participant requests and mountain conditions.
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Maximum Altitude: 4,466 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Tour type: Private guided
Best Season: June – September (weather dependent)
Start / End Point: Baku
Accommodation: Hotel (Day 1, 2, 9), Guesthouse (Day 3, 4), Tents (Day 5-8)
Terrain: City, Semi-desert, Sub-alpine, alpine, rocky, high-altitude
- Hiking boots with strong ankle support
- Insulated jacket and warm layers
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Backpack (40–60 L)
- Sleeping system (sleeping bag + mat)
- Headlamp (mandatory for summit day)
- Trekking poles
- Gloves, hat, sunglasses
- Personal medications
A detailed equipment list will be provided upon inquiry.
Participation in this tour involves travel in a remote, high-altitude mountain environment and carries inherent risks associated with hiking and mountaineering, including but not limited to weather changes, altitude-related effects, uneven terrain, and physical exertion.
All safety-related decisions during the trip are made by the guide, taking into account weather conditions, group performance, and overall safety considerations. The planned itinerary may be adjusted or shortened if necessary. Summit success is never guaranteed and is always secondary to participant safety.
Participants are responsible for ensuring they are in appropriate physical condition, have the required experience, and bring suitable personal equipment. By joining this tour, participants acknowledge and accept the risks associated with high-altitude mountain travel.
Yes, this is a private guided climb.
The ascents of Bazarduzu (4466 m) and Shahdag (4243 m) are physically demanding due to altitude and elevation gain. The routes are non-technical but require endurance, discipline, and the ability to hike for several hours at high altitude.
No technical climbing skills are required, but the ascent is physically demanding and takes place at high altitude.
Previous high-altitude trekking experience is strongly recommended. The itinerary is structured to allow gradual acclimatization before summit days.
The core structure of the itinerary remains the same. Minor adjustments may be made to improve safety, pacing, or overall experience, depending on conditions and group needs. The itinerary can be adjusted if necessary.
Hike Away provides an appropriate number of professional local guides based on group size and terrain difficulty, including additional mountain guides for summit days.
Yes. This itinerary can be adjusted in terms of pacing, cultural elements, or additional rest days upon request.
After receiving your inquiry, we will:
-Review your experience and expectations
-Confirm availability and conditions and calculate the price according to number of participants
-Share full logistical details
-Finalize the program
Yes. This tour can be arranged as a private experience, even for a single participant. The itinerary and logistics are tailored individually based on experience, fitness level, and preferences.
No. You can submit a single inquiry together. Simply mention in the details that you are applying as a pair or group, and we will take care of the rest.
By default, we arrange clean, comfortable, mid-range hotels with breakfast included. Hotels are chosen to be easily accessible by car while still being within reasonable distance of the city center, so guests can comfortably explore or go out in the evenings without hassle.
If you prefer a specific hotel category, location, or would like to arrange accommodation independently, the itinerary can be adjusted accordingly.
