A Full Day Adventure: Khinalug, Guba & Candy Mountains Tour

Exploring Azerbaijan’s northeastern corners offers a blend of breathtaking scenery, intriguing villages, and authentic culture — and this guided tour manages to pack all that into approximately 12 hours. While it’s a long day on the road, the journey reveals some of the most captivating sights outside Baku, from surreal rock formations to Europe’s highest inhabited village.

What makes this trip stand out? First, we love the variety — visiting everything from the iconic Five Finger Mountain to a historic Jewish town. Second, the guides are praised for their knowledge and enthusiasm, making the experience richer. Third, the chance to try traditional Azerbaijani cuisine in a local home adds a warm, personal touch. The main consideration? It’s a full day, so pacing yourself and being prepared for a lot of driving is key. This tour is ideal for those eager to see a different side of Azerbaijan — scenic, cultural, and slightly adventurous.

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Key Points

Diverse Stops: From mountains to historic villages, each stop offers a distinct experience.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Leyla enhance the journey with insider insights.
Authentic Food: Enjoy a traditional Azerbaijani lunch at a local home, adding flavor and local hospitality.
Comfortable Transport: Air-conditioned vehicles make the long drives more pleasant.
Cost-Effective: At $57, the tour packs in plenty of value, considering transportation, guides, and lunch.
Flexible Cancellation: Free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance offer peace of mind.

Discovering Azerbaijan’s Natural and Cultural Treasures

This tour is a solid choice for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Azerbaijan’s northeastern highlights without the hassle of planning each stop themselves. It’s especially appealing if you enjoy scenic drives, learning about local history, and visiting remote mountain villages.

The price point of $57 per person is quite reasonable given the inclusions — transportation, a traditional lunch, and expert guiding. While additional expenses may include personal souvenirs or extra food, the core experience offers good value for those wanting to see a variety of sights in one day.

Looking for more options in Baku? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

The Surreal Five Finger “Beshbarmag” Mountain

The journey begins with a scenic drive past the Five Finger Mountain, which earns its name from the jagged rock formations stretching skyward. This landscape is famous for its otherworldly appearance, making it a perfect first stop to set the tone for the day. The views are spectacular and give a great introduction to Azerbaijan’s rugged natural beauty.

Red Village: The “Caucasian Jerusalem”

Next up is Red Village, or Red Town, often called the “Caucasian Jerusalem” due to its distinctive architecture and historical significance. The village is known for its red-tiled roofs and stone houses, and it’s one of the few remaining places where the Jewish community has maintained its traditions. Visitors have praised the visit as “free of charge,” allowing a chance to walk around and soak in the atmosphere without feeling pressured to buy tickets or souvenirs.

Qechresh Forest for a Coffee Break

The tour then takes you into Qechresh Forest, a peaceful setting where you can enjoy a cup of local tea or coffee. Many travelers mention the opportunity to buy honey from the local shops, which are nestled within the forest area. The serene green surroundings provide a welcome break from the long drive, and reviews highlight the pleasantness of the forest and the quality of the honey as a sweet souvenir.

There's plenty more to explore in Baku

Guba: The Historic Town

After the forest, the journey continues to Guba, a town celebrated for its vibrant culture and history. Visitors often appreciate the chance to explore briefly, taking in the local markets, architecture, or simply enjoying the lively atmosphere. While the stop is about 30 minutes, it’s enough for a quick walk or photo session.

Khinalig Village: One of Europe’s Highest Inhabited Villages

The highlight for many is Khinalig, claimed to be one of the highest and oldest continuously inhabited villages in Europe. With a history of over 5,000 years, Khinalig offers visitors a glimpse into ancient lifestyles still practiced today. Reviewers often mention the welcoming locals and the opportunity to see traditional ways of life. One visitor mentioned, “Loved the mountains and the locals,” emphasizing the genuine connection with the community.

Traditional Lunch at Khinalig

The day wraps up with a 45-minute traditional Azerbaijani lunch at a local home. This experience is often described as warm, hearty, and authentic — a chance to taste local dishes in a genuine setting. Many reviews highlight the delicious, traditional cuisine and the hospitality of the hosts as the memorable part of the experience.

Transportation and Group Size

Travel is in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, a significant plus for the long day. The tour group is capped at 15 travelers, which helps maintain a friendly, personalized vibe. The driver and guide are praised for their professionalism and knowledge, making the long drives informative and fun rather than tedious.

Duration and Timing

Starting at 9:00 am from Gosha Gala Square, the tour includes approximately 6 hours of driving, so it’s important to be prepared for a full day on the road. The schedule appears well-paced, with enough time at each stop to enjoy the scenery and take photos, though be prepared for a busy day.

Price and Value

At $57, this tour offers excellent value. It includes transportation, a traditional meal, and expert guidance — all crucial components for making the most of a day trip. Considering the diverse locations visited and the insights shared by guides like Leyla, it’s a cost-effective way to see Azerbaijan’s highlights without the stress of self-planning.

Authentic Experiences and Reviews

Multiple reviewers have raved about the guides, with Leyla singled out for her knowledge and enthusiasm. Guests mentioned her passion for the region, which enhanced the experience significantly. One review noted, “The guide’s passion truly brought the region to life,” highlighting how expert guides can make a difference.

The trip to Khinaliq gets high praise, with travelers describing the village as “beautiful” and the locals as “welcoming.” The chance to interact with villagers and enjoy home-cooked meals adds a layer of authenticity often missing from more commercial tours.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This adventure is perfect for travelers interested in natural beauty, history, and authentic cultural experiences. If you’re comfortable with a long day on the road and seeking a comprehensive taste of Azerbaijan’s northeastern beauty, this tour delivers. It’s suitable for those who appreciate knowledgeable guides, scenic drives, and a mix of outdoor and cultural activities.

Conversely, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or have mobility concerns, consider whether a full day with multiple stops is right for you. The itinerary involves quite a bit of driving, but each stop compensates with stunning scenery and meaningful encounters.

The Sum Up

This tour offers an engaging mix of Azerbaijan’s most emblematic landscapes and historic sites at a reasonable price. The highlight remains the opportunity to see remote villages, interact with friendly locals, and enjoy traditional Azerbaijani cuisine in an authentic setting. The well-reviewed guides, especially Leyla, help turn a scenic drive into a memorable cultural journey.

It’s an ideal choice for curious travelers eager to explore beyond Baku’s city limits, especially those keen on landscapes and historic villages. The combination of comfortable transport, mouthwatering food, and diverse stops ensures you leave with plenty of stories and photos to treasure.

If you’re after an immersive, well-organized day that balances scenic beauty with cultural richness, this tour is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but be prepared for a full day of driving and walking at various stops.

What is included in the price?
Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, a traditional Azerbaijani lunch if option selected, and guided commentary.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, it has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Gosha Gala Square in Baku at 9:00 am and returns to the same meeting point.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a camera for the stunning views and photo opportunities.

Is the lunch included?
Yes, if you select the lunch option, you’ll enjoy a hearty, traditional meal at a local home.

How long is the drive between stops?
The total drive time is about 6 hours, so expect some long stretches but with plenty of scenic views.

Are there any additional costs?
Personal expenses and extra food or drinks outside the included lunch are not covered.