Book this group tour to bring together three very different sides of Azerbaijan in one trip: an unexpectedly pink lake at the foot of the mountains, slopes that look as if they were painted with natural pigments, an ancient village hidden above the clouds, and a modern ski resort on day two. That contrast is exactly what makes this one of the most popular 2-day tours in Azerbaijan — a short trip designed to show the difference between untouched highland nature and modern resort comfort.
Guba, Khinalig & Shahdag — A 2-Day Mountain Tour in Azerbaijan
₼160
₼120
Tour Itinerary
The Pink Lake
The tour begins with an early departure from Baku to the Pink Lake, a rare natural phenomenon where the water takes on shades of pink due to halophilic microalgae. The intensity of the color shifts throughout the day depending on light and salinity levels, and the lake has been a traditional salt-harvesting site for centuries.
Note: from August 1 to May 10, the lake temporarily loses its characteristic color, so it isn't included in the route during this period.
The Colorful Slopes of Khizi
The route continues through the mountains of the Khizi district, also known as the Agate or Rainbow Mountains for their striped red, purple, and orange slopes. The winding road stretches for several kilometers, with the landscape changing noticeably at every turn.
Beshbarmag Mountain
Around the 100-kilometer mark from Baku, the route passes Beshbarmag Mountain ("Five Fingers"), a site long considered culturally and religiously significant to local communities. A stop here offers a panorama of the Greater Caucasus range, along with time to hear local legends from the guide.
Lunch in Guba
Next is lunch at a restaurant in Guba, featuring dishes from the region's northern cuisine, made with ingredients grown locally.
Gachrash Forest
The route continues through Gachrash Forest, where the tree canopy forms a natural tunnel over the road and a mountain river runs alongside it. This is where the group transfers to 4x4 vehicles for the final, more challenging stretch to Khinalig.
Gudyalchay Gorge
One of the most striking parts of the route is a roughly half-hour walk along the gorge carved by the Gudyalchay River. The cliffs rise so high they block out much of the sky, and the sound of the water below drowns out conversation.
Khinalig Village
Day one ends in Khinalig, Azerbaijan's highest-altitude settlement at around 2,500 meters, set among alpine meadows. The stone houses, built from river boulders, sit so close together that one roof often serves as a neighbor's yard. Locals speak the unique Khinalig language, found nowhere else in the world, and the village itself is estimated to be around four thousand years old.
Overnight at Quba Macara Village
Instead of returning to Baku the same day, the program includes an overnight stay at Quba Macara Village, a mountain resort complex. This format lets travelers skip the rush of a same-day return and spend the evening at a relaxed pace among the mountains — something guests particularly value about this 2-day tour with an overnight stay.
Lunch in Guba
In the morning, the group is picked up from the hotel and taken to lunch in Guba again — this time at a different restaurant, with a new menu and views of the surrounding region.
Shahdag Ski Resort
The second half of the program takes place at Shahdag, one of the largest ski resorts in the Caucasus. Here you can book skiing or snowboarding, try tubing or snowmobiling, and take the cable car up to viewpoints overlooking mountains that were only visible from a distance the day before. Free time can be spent at local cafés or exploring the resort grounds.
Return to Baku
The final leg of the trip is the drive back to the capital. Over two days, the tour shows several very different sides of Azerbaijan: the natural phenomenon of the Pink Lake, colorful mountain slopes, the isolated life of a highland village, and modern resort infrastructure — a combination rarely found in a single short trip.
Tour Category:
Day Trips
Group Size:
1-17
Start Time:
07:30
Duration:
2 Days
Pickup Location:
Azerbaijan avenue 1/ KFC parking
Transport:
Sedan, Mercedes-Benz Vito,Toyota HiAce,Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
What's Included
- A professional Russian-speaking guide for the whole trip
- Comfortable car or bus
- Guided tour with historical facts along the way
- Photo stops at the main places
- A good mix of driving and walking
What's Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Lunch at the restaurant
- Hotel stay
Note
You need your original passport to check into the hotel.
The route is the same for group and private tours.
The Pink Lake is not part of the trip from August 1 to May 10, because the water loses its pink color in that time.
Part of the road is not paved, so you will change to a 4x4 car. Wear closed, comfortable shoes.
General Questions About Tours in Azerbaijan
This schedule allows enough time to cover all of day one's stops — from the Pink Lake to Khinalig — and arrive at the overnight stay before dark. For private bookings, departure time can be discussed and adjusted in advance.
No problem — there's a stop on the way to the Pink Lake where you can grab coffee, tea, or a light snack.
A passport or ID card is sufficient — you'll need it when checking into the resort hotel.
Yes, it's a good idea to carry some cash in manats for souvenirs and small expenses, since cards aren't accepted everywhere in the mountain areas.
No, all necessary information is sent electronically — just show it to your guide from your phone when you meet.
Yes. If you're only interested in part of the route, check the "Related Tours" section for one-day options — either "Guba – Khinalig" or "Shahdag" separately.
Yes, on the evening of day one, after checking in at the resort, guests have time to relax or explore on their own.
Light clothing and sun protection work well in summer. In shoulder seasons, bring a warm jacket and comfortable closed-toe shoes. In winter, pack warm, waterproof clothing — temperatures around Khinalig and at Shahdag are noticeably lower than in Baku.
No additional gear is needed. The transfer to 4x4 vehicles happens in Gachrash Forest, where local drivers take the group along the more difficult stretch of road to the village.
No special fitness level is required, but part of the route to Khinalig runs along an unpaved road and includes a 4x4 transfer — please let your guide know in advance about any chronic conditions.
Yes, we recommend bringing a bottle of water for the trip — there are also stops along the way where you can grab a snack.
Both lunches take place in Guba — at different restaurants on day one and day two.
Generally yes, the route is family-friendly, though the 4x4 transfer to Khinalig is worth keeping in mind if traveling with young children.
Not always — the road can be temporarily closed during heavy snow. In that case, the day-one program is adjusted in advance, while the Shahdag portion of the tour remains unchanged.
Yes, regular stops are scheduled throughout both days of the tour.
Yes, if you're only interested in one region, one-day versions of "Guba – Khinalig" or "Shahdag" are available under "Related Tours."
Check the general FAQ section in the site menu for more traveler answers. If you still have questions, reach out through the "Contact" section — we respond within 24 hours.