Overview
This 8-day adventure combines a day among Azerbaijan’s cultural landmarks with a serious high-altitude trekking and mountaineering experience. The journey begins with Gobustan and Baku, then moves 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.
Book on WhatsAppHighlights
- Explore Baku, the Old City, and Gobustan rock art sites and Mud Volcanoes
- 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 mountain
- Beshbarmag Mountain and the Candy Cane Mountains on the way back to Baku
Itinerary
This 8-day Azerbaijan itinerary combines cultural sightseeing with high-altitude trekking and mountain ascents in the Greater Caucasus. The tour begins with a day in Gobustan and Baku, 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. After the second summit we return to Khinalig for the night, and on the last day drive back to Baku past Beshbarmag Mountain and the Candy Cane Mountains. Please arrive in Baku the day before the tour starts.
We pick you up at your hotel in Baku in the morning. Visit Gobustan National Park, including its rock art museum and mud volcano area. In the afternoon, explore Baku’s panoramic viewpoints, historic center and main streets. Evening in Baku.
Drive time: ~3 hours (Total)
Overnight: Hotel in Baku
Meals: lunch and dinner 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
Meals: breakfast at the hotel, lunch on the way, dinner in Griz
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
Meals: breakfast in Griz, lunch in Galaykhudat, dinner in Khinalig
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: ~1.5 hours
Hiking distance: ~3.9km
Overnight: Mountain basecamp (tents)
Altitude: ~3,200 m (depending on camp location)
Meals: breakfast in Khinalig, lunch and dinner at camp
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
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner at camp
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)
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner at camp
Early morning start from base camp for the ascent of Shahdag, the second highest mountain in Azerbaijan. After the summit, descend to base camp, pack up and continue down on foot (~5 km) to the pickup point, where a 4x4 takes us to Khinalig for dinner and the night in a family guesthouse.
Hiking time: 8-10 hours to the summit and back to camp, plus the walk down to the pickup point
Overnight: Family guesthouse in Khinalig
Highest altitude: 4,243 m
Meals: breakfast and lunch at camp, dinner in Khinalig
After breakfast, visit the local museum in Khinalig, then leave for Baku. On the way, we stop for lunch and at Beshbarmag Mountain and the striped Candy Cane Mountains. The tour ends in Baku in the evening with a drop-off at your hotel.
Drive time: ~5 hours (not counting stops)
Overnight: Not included
Meals: breakfast in Khinalig, lunch on the way
Difficulty: Strenuous
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 2:
Trekking Distance: ~8km
Elevation: +840 m / –130 m
Day 3:
Trekking distance: ~17 km
Elevation: +830 m / –690 m
Day 4:
Trekking distance: ~3.9 km
Elevation: +540 m / –95 m
Day 5:
Trekking distance: ~10 km
Elevation: +1160 m / –1160 m
Day 6:
Trekking distance: ~5 km
Elevation: +490 m / –100 m
Day 7:
Trekking distance: ~14.4 km
Elevation: +1340 m / –1730 m
What's included
Included
- Professional private guiding throughout the itinerary
- Accommodation: hotel in Baku (night 1), village guesthouses, and mountain tents
- Private transportation (regular class vehicle) and off-road transportation
- All meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 8, as listed in the itinerary, with plates, cups and cutlery at camp
- Shared camping equipment (tents, cooking gas)
- Entrance fees, national park permits, and special access permits
Not included
- International flights
- Personal equipment such as crampons (rental available in Baku)
- Sleeping bag ($30 per trip) and mat ($10 per trip), per person, available to rent subject to availability
- Dinner on day 8 and personal expenses
- Extra services (VIP class vehicle, Airport transfers, Bag delivery to the Basecamp 2)
- Horse for your backpack, both camps round trip ($70 per person, optional)
- Travel and medical insurance
- Hotel in Baku before day 1 and on the night of day 8
How to book
Use the booking box on this page (on a phone, tap Book at the bottom of the screen). Choose your date and number of travelers, add a horse for your backpack if you like, and you’ll see the price per person and the total right away. Then press Book now, pay later and leave your contact details.
No payment is taken online. We check availability and send you a link to pay a $150 deposit, usually within a day. The rest is due 14 days before the trip. If you book less than 14 days ahead, you pay the full amount right after booking. Because this trip includes two high-altitude climbs, we may ask about your experience and fitness before we confirm.
Cancellation: the deposit is non-refundable. After full payment, cancel more than 90 days before the trip for an 80% refund; 61–90 days before, 60%; 31–60 days before, 30%; 30 days or less, no refund.
Prices are per person and drop as your group grows. For more than 12 people, or if you’d like to ask something first, message us on WhatsApp.
Ask on WhatsAppTrip facts
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Maximum Altitude: 4,466 m
Difficulty: Strenuous
Tour type: Private guided
Best Season: June – September (weather dependent)
Start / End Point: Baku
Accommodation: Hotel in Baku (night 1), Guesthouse (nights 2, 3, 7), Tents (nights 4–6)
Terrain: City, Semi-desert, Sub-alpine, alpine, rocky, high-altitude
What to bring
- Hiking boots with strong ankle support
- Insulated jacket and warm layers
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Backpack (40–60 L)
- Sleeping bag and mat (or rent them from us: $30 and $10 per trip, subject to availability)
- Headlamp (mandatory for summit day)
- Trekking poles
- Gloves, hat, sunglasses
- Personal medications
A detailed equipment list will be provided upon inquiry.
Safety & Disclaimer
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.
FAQs
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 you send a booking request, we review your experience and expectations, confirm availability and conditions, and send you a link to pay the $150 deposit. Then we share the full logistical details and finalize the program with you.
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. Make one booking and choose the number of travelers. The price per person drops as your group grows.
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.
We pick you up from your hotel in Baku. We’ll confirm the exact pickup time when we confirm your booking.
Yes. For $70 per person, a horse carries your main backpack to both base camps and back down. You can add it in the booking box, subject to availability.
After you book, we send you a link to pay a $150 deposit, which confirms your trip. The rest is due 14 days before the trip, through an online payment link. If you book less than 14 days ahead, you pay the full amount right after booking.
The deposit is non-refundable. After full payment, the refund depends on how long before the trip you cancel: more than 90 days, 80% refund; 61–90 days, 60%; 31–60 days, 30%; 30 days or less, no refund.
There’s no minimum age. Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who should decide whether the trip suits the child. Keep in mind this is a long, strenuous climb at high altitude.
Yes. Vegetarian meals are possible, and we’ll do our best to accommodate other dietary needs. Just tell us when you book.
In the villages and in the mountains, toilets are mostly traditional outhouses.
Signal can be patchy on the trails, but there’s usually a strong network in the villages.
