The 3 Highest: Bazardüzü, Shahdag and Tufandag Expedition

Guests are welcomed at Heydar Aliyev Airport and transferred to the hotel. Depending on the flight arrival time, we may start a city tour. In the evening, we check in at the hotel.

Overnight: Baku hotel

Our tour starts in Baku in the morning. Heading north, city views gradually give way to mountain landscapes, leading us to the magnificent nature of the Greater Caucasus. During the roughly 3-hour journey, the Caspian Sea and Caucasus mountain panoramas add a special charm to the trip.

After arriving in Quba, we make final preparations and shopping for the mountain days and continue towards Khinalug. The Quba–Khinalug road passes through the Qudialchay canyon, gradually gaining altitude. Along the way, we observe deep valleys, cliffs, and mountain streams.

Finally, we reach Khinalug village, situated at 2,150 meters above sea level, known for its millennia-old history and unique architecture. Here, we stay in guesthouses, have lunch with local cuisine, and take a short rest.

In the afternoon, the mountain phase of the expedition begins. For acclimatization, we hike to Kharibulbul Peak (2,783 m). During the hike, we enjoy the wide panoramas of the Greater Caucasus, deep valleys, and rugged mountain terrain. After reaching the peak, the majestic view of surrounding mountains and the peaceful silence create a special experience. We then descend back to Khinalug village via the same route. In the evening, we enjoy a warm dinner and the magical tranquility of the mountain night.

Overnight: Guesthouse in Khinalug village

• Peak elevation: 2,783 m
• Hiking distance (round-trip): 6 km
• Starting elevation: 2,150 m
• Maximum elevation: 2,783 m
• Distance Baku–Khinalug: 231 km

After breakfast, we depart from Khinalug village in off-road vehicles towards Shahdag National Park. Before entering the mountainous area, we complete the required registration procedures at the State Border Service of Azerbaijan and begin the high-altitude phase of the expedition. After about an hour of mountain driving, we reach Shahyaylaq, a summer settlement of shepherds. From here, we continue on foot to the starting point of the Tufandag route and leave the vehicles behind. Our hike continues along the Tufanchay river. During the 3–4 hour walk, mountain streams, alpine meadows, and rocky terrain accompany us. By the end of the day, we reach Tufandag Camp at 3,300 meters, near the beautiful Tufangol Lake. Here, we set up our tents, rest, and spend the evening enjoying the tranquility and fresh air of the mountains. Overnight is in tents, which is crucial for acclimatization to high-altitude conditions.

Overnight: Tents at Tufandag Camp

• Shahyaylaq → Tufandag Camp: 7 km
• Camp elevation: 3,300 m
• Starting elevation: 2,800 m
• Maximum elevation: 3,300 m
• Khinalug → Shahyaylaq distance (by vehicle): 18 km

After breakfast, we pack up our tents and head towards Shahyaylaq. After reaching Shahyaylaq, we cross Yatighchay and follow the river towards Bazarduzu Camp at 3,250 m. Upon arrival, we set up our tents and spend the night at the camp.

• Tufandag Camp → Shahyaylaq → Bazarduzu Camp (3,250 m): 15 km
• Camp elevation: 3,250 m
• Starting point: 2,800 m
• Maximum elevation: 3,250 m

After breakfast, we pack up the tents and head toward Shahyaylaq. The route, surrounded by fresh air, steep slopes, and alpine meadows, invites us to immerse ourselves in nature. After reaching Shahyaylaq, we continue along Yatighchay, passing through the magnificent ranges of the Greater Caucasus, and arrive at Bazarduzu Camp at 3,250 m. We set up our tents, rest after the day’s exertion, and spend the night enjoying the calm of the mountains. This route offers an ideal day to experience panoramic views and the rugged mountain terrain.

Overnight: Tents at Bazarduzu Camp

• Tufandag Camp → Shahyaylaq → Bazarduzu Camp: 15 km
• Camp elevation: 3,250 m
• Starting elevation: 2,800 m
• Maximum elevation: 3,250 m

We wake up at 04:00, have breakfast, and start ascending Bazarduzu Peak. The climb takes approximately 6–7 hours due to high-altitude conditions. Moving along steep slopes and alpine meadows, we enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Greater Caucasus. Upon reaching the peak, we admire the spectacular view at 4,466 m, take photos, and enjoy the mountain tranquility. We then descend along the same route for about 3–4 hours, return to the camp, have lunch, rest, and spend the night in tents. This day is considered the most memorable panoramic summit day of the expedition.

Overnight: Tents at Bazarduzu Camp

• Peak elevation: 4,466 m
• Hiking distance (round-trip): 12 km
• Descent duration: 3–4 hours
• Ascent duration: 6–7 hours

After breakfast, we pack up our tents and descend to Bazarduzu’s first camp. From there, we drive about 1 hour in 4x4 vehicles to reach the foot of Shahdag. After getting off the vehicles, we hike approximately 1 hour to reach Shahdag Camp. We set up tents, rest, and prepare for the next day’s summit climb. In the evening, we relax in the peaceful mountain environment and spend the night in tents.

Overnight: Tents at Shahdag Camp

• Bazarduzu → Shahdag (4x4 vehicle): 10 km
• Camp elevation: 3,100 m
• Shahyaylaq → Shahdag Camp (on foot): 1.5 km

We wake up at 04:00 and start ascending Shahdag Peak at 05:00. The climb takes approximately 5–6 hours due to high-altitude conditions. We progress along rugged terrain with panoramic views, reaching the summit. At the top, we take photo breaks and enjoy the magnificent mountain vistas. After the summit visit, we descend about 3–4 hours to the camp, have lunch, rest, and travel by vehicle to the pre-arranged meeting point. From there, we continue to Khinalug and then back to Baku.

Overnight: Baku hotel

• Summit hike distance (round-trip): 12 km
• Shahyaylaq → Khinalug (4x4 vehicle): 17 km
• Summit hike duration: 5–6 hours (ascent) / 3–4 hours (descent)

After breakfast at the hotel, guests are transferred to the airport, marking the end of our journey.

1. Transportation
   

• Baku – Khinalig – Sugar Mountains – Besbarmaq Mountain – Baku (Vita, Sprinter)

• Khinalig – Bazarduzu – Khinalig (4x4 vehicles for off-road)

• Airport – Baku – Airport (Vita, Sprinter)

2. Mountain guide (1 guide per 7 people)

3. Summit certificate

4. Shahdag National Park entrance tickets

5. Tent (1 tent per 2 people)

6. 3 nights in the village guesthouse and 2 lunches

7. 1 gas cylinder per tent

8. Obtaining necessary permits
   

• Shahdag National Park

• State Border Service

• Ministry of Emergency Situations

9. 4* hotel (3 nights – double room)

10. Vehicle for transporting loads between villages

Note: Additional services can be added upon request.

• Meals in the mountains

• Plane tickets

• Meals in the city

• Other expenses not shown in the program (special requests, single room, etc.)

• Museum tickets

• Horses (can be included upon request)

• 50–70 liter backpack

• Waterproof/breathable pants and jacket (GORE-TEX), warm sweater (polar), thermal underwear, and hat

• Waterproof mountaineering boots, gaiters

• Climbing helmet, sunglasses, headlamp, and spare batteries

• Trekking poles

• Tent (provided by us)

• Sleeping mat and sleeping bag

• Camp stoves and kitchen utensils

• Water bottle

• Personal hygiene items

Note: Equipment needed for the tour may vary depending on the season. Please consult with the organizer before the tour.

• Registration and Permit: Participants must register at least 30 days in advance and make full payment to join the tour.
  

• Reservation Cancellation and Refund:
  

  • Full refund if canceled 30 days before the tour date.

  • 70% refund if canceled 15 days before the tour date (30% retained).

  • 50% refund if canceled 7 days before the tour date.

  • No refund for cancellations 5 days or less before the tour date.

• Changes to the Tour Program: The tour leader reserves the right to modify or cancel the program due to weather, public events, or other unforeseen circumstances.
  

• Group Size: Groups can be 3, 7, or 14 people. For different group requirements, please contact us for a custom price.

• Mobile Connection: Mobile signal may be unavailable in some mountainous areas. Best coverage is through Azercell.
  

• Food and Equipment: Participants are responsible for their own meals and cooking in the mountains.
  

• Special Requests: If you want to add or remove locations or meals from the tour, please contact us.

• Tipping: Giving a tip is optional and based on your satisfaction with the services.