Astara and Lankaran: A Trip to Sim Waterfall and Lake Khanbulan

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Duration: 12-13 hours Group Size: 1-17 5.0/5 (30 reviews) 2,161 views

Astara and Lankaran: A Trip to Sim Waterfall and Lake Khanbulan

If you have already visited Baku, Shaki, and Guba and want to discover less-known places in the country, an Astara and Lankaran tour is a great way to make your holiday more interesting. A private tour lets you travel at a comfortable pace, spend more time in the places you like, and enjoy the trip with your family or friends.

A private trip to Astara and Lankaran is a chance to see unusual natural places, visit mountain villages, and try traditional local food. Every part of the route offers something new: from a spring with burning water to a quiet lake, from winding mountain roads to the smell of fresh local tea.

If you are staying in the capital and want to explore other parts of the country, you can book a tour in Baku that includes a trip to the southern regions. If you want to visit several regions of the country, you can also book a tour in Azerbaijan with a private program and a schedule that suits your needs.

Travel at your own pace, discover new places, and experience Azerbaijan through its nature, culture, and famous hospitality.

Tour Itinerary

The trip starts in Baku. After travelling about 130 kilometres to the south, we will stop at Haji-oglu Caravanserai, located between the Kura River and the Mughan Canal.

Here, you can have breakfast with local dishes, drink hot tea, and rest before continuing the journey. This peaceful start to the day will help you get ready to explore the natural beauty of Astara and Lankaran.

Breakfast is not included in the tour price and costs 9 AZN.

One of the first natural attractions on the route is Yanar Bulag in the Astara district. This unusual spring contains water with dissolved gas. When the gas comes to the surface, it can catch fire, creating the impression that the water itself is burning.

During the stop, your guide will explain how this natural phenomenon works. You will have time to see the spring, take photos, and learn more about the unusual natural places of southern Azerbaijan.

After visiting Yanar Bulag, we will continue towards the Talysh Mountains.

After the spring, the road becomes more difficult as we travel towards Sim village. The road is narrow and uneven, so a suitable vehicle is needed. For this part of the journey, visitors change to a 4x4 vehicle, such as a Niva or UAZ, which are often used by local people.

The drive into the mountains is an adventure in itself. Along the way, you can enjoy views of forest-covered slopes, green valleys, and small mountain villages. This journey gives you a chance to see the natural beauty of the region away from busy tourist roads.

The 4x4 transfer is arranged separately from the main vehicle. One vehicle costs 80 AZN and can carry up to three people. Larger groups will need more vehicles.

Sim is a small village in the green Talysh Mountains. It is known for its peaceful way of life and beautiful natural surroundings.

There is no city noise or busy tourist atmosphere here. Traditional houses, fresh air, and the surrounding forests create a quiet place where you can experience the special character of southern Azerbaijan.

From the village, we will start a short walk to one of the main natural attractions of the trip.

The main goal of the mountain part of the journey is Sim Waterfall, hidden among the natural landscapes of the Astara district. The walk from the village to the waterfall is about 200–250 metres along a relatively easy path.

You do not need to be very fit for this walk. It is suitable for most travellers who can walk on natural paths. At the waterfall, you can rest, enjoy the sound of the falling water, and take photos with the green mountain slopes in the background.

A Sim Waterfall tour is a good choice for people who prefer natural attractions to busy tourist places. The waterfall often has more water in spring and autumn. During these seasons, the green landscape makes the area especially beautiful.

We recommend wearing comfortable shoes with non-slip soles. The path can be wet after rain.

After visiting the mountain village and waterfall, the journey continues to the Lankaran district. Here, you will visit Lake Khanbulan, located in the area of Hirkan National Park.

Surrounded by greenery, the lake is a wonderful place for a quiet walk and a rest after the mountain drive. You can walk along the shore, enjoy the natural views, and take memorable photos.

The next stop is all about local food. You can order barbecue for lunch and then try fragrant Lankaran tea with sweets. Tea is an important part of local life, so this experience is a pleasant way to finish the active part of the day.

There is a shop near the lake where you can buy Lankaran tea, honey, and spices. You can choose local products for yourself or as gifts. Shopping is paid for separately and is not included in the tour price.

Tour Category: Exclusive Tours

Group Size: 1-17 people

Duration: 12-13 hours

Pickup Location: Your hotel/residence

Transport: Sedan, Mercedes-Benz Vito, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

What's Included

 Services of a professional English- or Russian-speaking guide, depending on the agreed language.
Transport from Baku and back.
Stops for walks and photos.
An organised route with car journeys and short walks.
Information and support from the guide during the trip.

What's Not Included

Breakfast at Haji-oglu Caravanserai — 9 AZN.
Lunch near Lake Khanbulan, including barbecue and tea.
Purchases at the shop near the lake.
Personal expenses.
The 4x4 transfer to Sim village — 80 AZN per vehicle for up to three people.

Note

To enjoy the trip, we recommend preparing for changes in weather and road conditions between the city and the mountains.

Bring the following items:

Comfortable closed shoes with non-slip soles.

A light jacket for cool weather.

A hat or cap.

Drinking water.

Cash for buying tea, honey, and spices.

Spring and autumn are usually good seasons to visit the waterfall. During these months, the natural scenery is especially beautiful, and the waterfall often has more water.

Select Date

Adults 12+ yrs

Children 3-11 yrs

Infants 0-2 yrs

Adults $0

Children $0

Infants (Free) $0

Total Amount $0

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General Questions About Tours in Azerbaijan

The route combines several different experiences in one day. Instead of visiting only Lankaran city and its tea plantations, you will travel to the Astara district, see Yanar Bulag spring, drive along a mountain road in a 4x4 vehicle, and walk to Sim Waterfall.

After exploring the mountains, you will have time to relax by Lake Khanbulan and enjoy local food. This trip is a good choice for travellers who have already visited the country's most popular attractions and want to discover less-known places.

The road to Sim village is narrow and uneven. A normal car may not be suitable for these road conditions. For this reason, a Niva or UAZ 4x4 vehicle is used for this part of the trip.

Each vehicle can carry up to three people. Larger groups will need extra vehicles. The price for one vehicle is 80 AZN.

No, a long hike is not part of the programme. The walk from Sim village to the waterfall is about 200–250 metres along a natural path.

You do not need special hiking equipment, but comfortable shoes are important. Your guide will accompany you during the walk and help you choose a comfortable pace.

Lunch is planned near Lake Khanbulan in the Lankaran district. You can try barbecue, order tea with sweets, and relax in the green surroundings.

There will also be time to walk near the water and take photos.

Yes. A shop near Lake Khanbulan sells local tea, honey, and different spices. Your guide can help you choose products and tell you more about popular local specialities.

The cost of shopping is not included in the tour price.

The trip may be suitable for families with children and older travellers if their health allows them to take part. The walking section is short, while most of the day is spent travelling by car and stopping to rest.

However, please remember that the mountain road can be bumpy. The 4x4 ride may be uncomfortable for some people. If anyone in your group has limited mobility or other needs that may affect their comfort, please tell the organisers in advance.

Heavy rain can make the mountain road unsafe. If the weather does not allow the trip to take place safely and comfortably, you can discuss changing the tour date with the organisers.

We recommend checking the weather forecast with the organisers one day before departure.

Yes. If you prefer a more relaxed journey, you can choose a two-day trip to southern Azerbaijan, including Lankaran, Astara, and Lerik.

A longer programme gives you more time to explore natural attractions, enjoy walks, and learn about local traditions. If you are planning a trip from the capital and want to explore more regions, you can discuss your preferences with the organisers. They will help you choose a suitable travel option.