Excursion to Khizi – Shahdag: Pink Lake, Candy Cane Mountains and Mountain Landscapes of Azerbaijan

₼60

₼40

Duration: 8-9 hours Group Size: 1-19 4.9/5 (463 reviews) 2,145 views

If you are looking for an Azerbaijan Bus Tour that introduces you to the country's most remarkable natural attractions in just one day, this itinerary is an excellent choice. From colorful geological landscapes and sacred mountain peaks to breathtaking Caucasus scenery, every stop reveals a different side of Azerbaijan. Rich local traditions, authentic cuisine, and unforgettable viewpoints make this journey both exciting and comfortable.
Our Guided Shahdag Bus Tour takes you through the diverse landscapes of northern Azerbaijan. Along the way, you will visit the famous Pink Lake, admire the spectacular Candy Mountains, discover the legendary Beshbarmaq Mountain, drive through the beautiful Gachrash Forest, and finish the day at the country's leading mountain resort, Shahdag.

Tour Itinerary

The journey begins with a visit to Masazir Lake, one of Azerbaijan's most unusual natural attractions. Its famous pink color appears thanks to salt-loving microorganisms that produce natural pigments in the highly saline water. Depending on sunlight and weather conditions, the lake changes from soft pastel shades to bright pink, creating a unique landscape for visitors.
A Guided Pink Lake Tour offers much more than beautiful photographs. For centuries, Masazir has been one of Azerbaijan's traditional salt-producing areas, where natural evaporation continues to shape the salt fields visible along the shoreline. The combination of rare natural beauty and centuries-old traditions makes this location truly unforgettable.
Please note that from 1 August to 10 May, the Pink Lake is not included in the tour program because it loses its characteristic pink color during the winter season. Instead, guests enjoy more free time at Shahdag Mountain Resort.

The next stop brings you to the spectacular Candy Mountains of Khizi, one of Azerbaijan's most extraordinary geological landmarks. Millions of years of natural processes created layers of minerals that now form striking stripes of red, gold, brown, grey, and orange across the hillsides.
A Bus Tour to Candy Mountains gives travelers the opportunity to explore one of the country's rarest natural landscapes. As the sunlight changes throughout the day, the mountains reveal different shades and patterns, making every visit slightly different from the last.
During the walk, your guide will explain how these colorful formations were created, why they are often compared to caramel candies, and what makes them so unique from a geological perspective.

Leaving the colorful hills behind, the route continues to the legendary Beshbarmaq Mountain, one of the most recognizable natural symbols of Azerbaijan. Rising dramatically above the surrounding plains, its shape resembles the five fingers of an open hand, which inspired its name.
For centuries, Beshbarmaq served as an important landmark for traders, travelers, and pilgrims crossing the ancient routes between the East and the Caucasus. Even today, many locals consider it a place of spiritual significance, surrounded by fascinating legends passed down through generations.
From the viewpoint, visitors can admire panoramic views of the Caspian coastline, the nearby plains, and the first ridges of the Greater Caucasus, offering another unforgettable perspective on Azerbaijan's diverse landscapes.

After leaving the rocky landscapes of Khizi behind, the journey continues through the beautiful Gachrash Forest, one of the greenest natural areas in northern Azerbaijan. Towering trees create a natural tunnel along the road, offering cool shade and a peaceful atmosphere before the route climbs higher into the mountains.
The tour then pauses at a welcoming local restaurant in the Guba region, where guests can enjoy traditional Azerbaijani cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients. Flavorful meat dishes, homemade soups, seasonal vegetables, and freshly baked bread introduce visitors to the rich culinary traditions of northern Azerbaijan.
This part of the itinerary also highlights the region's nature, local customs, and everyday life. Thanks to its comfortable route and scenic surroundings, it has become a favorite stop on many Coach Tour Azerbaijan programs.

The tour continues to the city of Guba, famous for its hospitality and traditional cuisine.
During lunch, guests can enjoy authentic Azerbaijani dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. Northern Azerbaijan is well known for delicious meat dishes, homemade pastries, and rich traditional soups.
The meal ends with traditional Azerbaijani tea served with homemade jam and local sweets. This break is a great opportunity to relax, enjoy the local atmosphere, and get ready for the next part of the journey.

The journey continues to Shahdag Mountain Resort, Azerbaijan's premier year-round destination for outdoor activities, surrounded by the spectacular peaks of the Greater Caucasus. Combining breathtaking scenery with modern facilities, Shahdag offers something for every traveler.
Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of attractions, including ski slopes, snowboarding areas, tubing, mountain hiking trails, the Cable Car, the exciting Coaster ride, cycling routes, horseback riding, and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Caucasus Mountains.
Whether you are looking for adventure or relaxation, a Guided Shahdag Bus Tour is the perfect way to experience the resort's highlights. Fresh mountain air, stunning landscapes, and a wide range of activities make Shahdag one of the most popular destinations in Azerbaijan.
Everyone can spend their free time at their own pace—ride the cable car to enjoy breathtaking views, experience the thrill of the Coaster, capture unforgettable photos, or simply relax in the peaceful mountain atmosphere.

Travelers wishing to extend their mountain adventure can take an optional trip to the magnificent Laza Waterfall, one of the most picturesque natural attractions in the Greater Caucasus. The transfer is arranged by your guide and costs $18 per off-road vehicle (3–4 passengers).
Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear mountain streams, the waterfall is especially impressive during spring and summer, when melting snow creates a powerful cascade. A short and easy walking trail leads visitors to the viewpoint, making the site suitable for most travelers.
If you choose a Bus Tour to Shahdag, adding Laza Waterfall to your itinerary is an excellent way to discover one of northern Azerbaijan's hidden natural treasures. It is also a perfect extension to a Bus Tour from Baku, allowing visitors to experience even more of the country's spectacular mountain landscapes.
Please note that from 15 October to 15 April, the waterfall is partially or completely frozen. During this period, the flowing water transforms into impressive ice formations, creating a completely different but equally beautiful natural spectacle.

Tour Category: Day Trips

Group Size: 1-19

Start Time: 07:30

Duration: 8-9 hours

Pickup Location: Azerbaijan avenue 1/ KFC parking

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

What's Included

Services of an English-speaking guide throughout the tour
Transportation in a comfortable car or minibus
Guidance and assistance from the guide along the route, including help with directions and photos
Opportunity to ask personal questions and receive individual attention during the group or private tour

What's Not Included

Personal expences
Lunch at the restaurant

Note

For your comfort, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes.
Please also bring sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.

Select Date

Adults 12+ yrs

Children 3-11 yrs

Infants 0-2 yrs

Tour format:

Group ₼40 per person

Private See Details

Adults (1 Ã— ₼40) ₼40

Children (0 Ã— ₼30)

Infants (0 Ã— Free)

Total Amount ₼40

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Frequently Asked Questions

An early departure makes the trip more comfortable and allows more time to spend at the locations on the route. In the morning, traffic on the roads of Baku is much heavier, so leaving early in the day helps avoid long delays and use time efficiently.
Another advantage of this schedule is returning to the capital in the evening. After the tour, you still have free time for a walk around Baku, dinner, or other plans.
For an individual (private) tour, the departure time can be arranged in advance. However, an early start remains the most convenient option, allowing you to calmly visit all the planned sights.

About 10 minutes after leaving the center of Baku, there is a stop near a supermarket. During this stop, you can buy coffee, tea, drinks, pastries, or light snacks. The stop lasts about 15 minutes.
Many hotels also offer a pre-order lunch box service. Just ask at the front desk in advance to take breakfast with you.

The tour lasts on average 12–13 hours. The program includes travel between locations, stops for rest and photos, free time at the Shahdag resort, and visits to all the sites included in the route.
The exact duration may vary slightly depending on road conditions, the season, and the group's pace.

Visiting the Shahdag Mountain Resort usually takes about two hours. This is enough time to try the popular attractions, walk around the complex, and enjoy the mountain scenery.
Average duration of activities:

Mountain Coaster — about 20 minutes
Cable car — about 30 minutes
Zipline — 25–30 minutes
ATVs (quad bikes) — about 15 minutes

After the active part, there is usually time left for a walk, a cup of coffee, riding the panoramic swings, or other entertainment available at the resort.
With an individual booking, the time spent at Shahdag can be extended by prior arrangement. In winter, this allows more time for skiing or snowboarding.

The trip from the Shahdag resort to Laza Waterfall and back, including a walk and time for photos, takes about one hour.
This is enough time to enjoy the nature, look around the surroundings, and take beautiful photos against the backdrop of the mountain waterfall.

Yes, snow cover remains during the winter season.
The ski season usually starts in December and lasts until March, although its length depends on weather conditions. In the warm season, the resort offers a variety of summer activities and walking routes.

Shahdag Mountain Resort offers activities all year round, which is why the resort stays popular regardless of the season.
Available year-round:

Mountain Coaster
Cable car
Zipline
ATVs (quad bikes)
In winter, skiing, snowboarding, and tubing are available, while in the warm season there are horseback riding, mountain biking, and off-road tours through the scenic surroundings.

All the activities at Shahdag Mountain Resort meet the required safety standards and undergo regular technical checks.
Before each activity, visitors receive the necessary briefing, and experienced instructors and resort staff are always on site to make sure the rules are followed and to help if needed.
Summer:
Horseback riding, mountain biking, and off-road tours.

No. The resort has a modern rental center where you can rent skis, a snowboard, boots, helmets, and other necessary gear.
This means there's no need to bring your own equipment.

Yes. The route doesn't require any special physical preparation and is well suited for family trips.
Most stops are located right next to the road, so there are no long walks involved. Thanks to this comfortable format, the trip will be enjoyable for both adults and children.

The lunch break is usually about one hour.
During this time, you can relax, enjoy dishes of Azerbaijani cuisine, and recharge before continuing the tri

The trip includes several stops, which make the journey more comfortable and varied.
Approximate route sequence:

10 minutes after leaving Baku — a stop near a supermarket, where you can buy a snack and see the Pink Lake
about 40 minutes later — a visit to the Candy Cane Mountains (Caramel Mountains) of Khizi
about another hour on the road — a lunch stop in the Gechrash forest
then — a visit to the Shahdag resort with free time for walking and activities
for those who wish, there's an additional trip to Laza Waterfall, which takes about 20 minutes one way
Including all the stops, the drive to the main sights takes about 4–5 hours, which makes the journey comfortable and not tiring.

Yes. Throughout the route, there are stops at places equipped with restrooms for visitors.

No. A modern paved road leads to the resort, so the trip is comfortable in both regular cars and tourist minibuses.
The route doesn't include any difficult mountain sections or off-road terrain.

Yes, it's recommended to bring warm clothing regardless of the season.
The air temperature in the mountains is usually lower than in Baku. Even in summer, evenings or cloudy weather can be cool, and in winter warm clothing becomes essential.

Yes, Laza Waterfall can be visited all year round.
In the cold season, the water partly or fully freezes, turning into a beautiful ice formation. In case of unfavorable weather conditions, the waterfall visit may be replaced with extra free time at the Shahdag resort, so the trip remains as comfortable as possible.

No. Climbing to the top of Beshbarmag is not included in the group tour program.
The route to the summit takes quite a lot of time and requires good physical fitness. Part of the way can be covered by off-road vehicle, but the final section is on foot.
During the tour, there is a stop at the foot of the mountain lasting about 15 minutes. During this time, you can admire the scenic views, take photos, listen to the guide's stories about the legends of Beshbarmag, buy coffee, or use the restroom.
For individual bookings, the possibility of climbing can be discussed in advance and arranged for an additional fee.

Yes, this route is possible with an individual (private) tour.
However, for a more comfortable trip, the two-day "Khinalig – Shahdag" program is considered the best option. This format allows you to explore each location at a relaxed pace, without rushing or long drives packed into a single day.
The program is usually structured as follows:

Day 1 — a tour to Khinalig, followed by an overnight stay in a hotel in the city of Guba
Day 2 — a trip to Shahdag and return to Baku after the program is finished
This way of splitting the route makes the trip more relaxed and lets you get the most out of your experience of northern Azerbaijan.
Detailed information on both trip options can be found in the "Similar Tours" section.

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