Before joining the horseback tour, it is important to familiarize yourself with all the tour details. This is especially useful for first-time riders and helps prevent unexpected situations. Knowing in advance about the route difficulty, required equipment, distance, and weather conditions will help you move more comfortably and safely throughout the tour.
Horseback Tour Program:
DAY 1: Kuzun – Yergikek Village
In the morning, we depart from Baku and arrive at Kuzun village in Qusar. Here, after meeting the horses and a brief training session, we begin our horseback ride to Yergikek village. Yergikek is one of the highest villages in Azerbaijan, located at the foot of Mount Shahdag. Along the way, you will enjoy magnificent mountain views and the beauty of nature.
- Accommodation: Yergikek village house
- Distance: 7 km
- Starting elevation: 1,300 m
- Ending elevation: 2,380 m
- Maximum elevation: 2,380 m
- Difficulty level: Medium-Hard
- Duration: 3–5 hours
DAY 2: Yergikek – Laza Village
After breakfast, we descend from Yergikek towards Laza village. Continuing along the foothills of Mount Shahdag, we cross the Qusar River and reach Laza. The ancient Laza village is famous for its waterfalls. We explore the waterfalls on horseback and stay in a guesthouse in Laza.
- Accommodation: Laza village house
- Route distance: 12 km
- Starting elevation: 2,380 m
- Maximum elevation: 2,380 m
- Ending elevation: 1,700 m
DAY 3: Laza – Qrız Village
After breakfast, we continue our journey toward Qrız village. We cross the meadows of the Mixtoken ridge and gradually ascend from Laza. The path from Laza to Qrız is the longest and most interesting part of the tour. Along the way, we pass shepherds’ summer pastures and enjoy spectacular mountain views before arriving in Qrız village.
- Accommodation: Qrız village house
- Route distance: 30 km
- Starting elevation: 1,700 m
- Maximum elevation: 2,700 m
- Ending elevation: 2,020 m
DAY 4: Qrız – Xınalıq Village
After breakfast, we depart from Qrız towards Xınalıq. Before reaching Qalaxudat village, we take a short break near the Gur-gur waterfall.
Along the Qudyalchay Canyon, we admire the beauty of the stunning Gur-gur waterfall, then continue to Qalaxudat village. After lunch, we continue our journey to Xınalıq village.
Upon arrival in Xınalıq, we explore the historical sites and settle in a guesthouse.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse
- Route distance: 19 km
- Starting elevation: 2,020 m
- Maximum elevation: 2,300 m
- Ending elevation: 2,170 m
DAY 5: Xınalıq – Shahyaylaq – Bazardüzü Foothills – Xınalıq
After breakfast in Xınalıq, we enter Shahdag National Park. Traveling through high mountain peaks and shepherds’ summer pastures, we head toward Shahyaylaq. This alpine meadow, located among Azerbaijan’s highest peaks, is one of the country’s most beautiful. Afterwards, we ride towards the foothills of Azerbaijan's highest mountain, Bazardüzü. After resting, we return to Xınalıq village.
- Accommodation: Guesthouse in Xınalıq
- Distance: 30–40 km
- Starting elevation: 2,170 m
- Maximum elevation: 2,800 m
- Ending elevation: 2,170 m
DAY 6: Xınalıq – Haput – Əlik Village – Baku
After breakfast, we say goodbye to Xınalıq and head towards Haput village. We descend through the narrow streets of the ancient village to Qudyalchay. Crossing Qudyalchay, we proceed along historical paths to Haput Pass. Enjoying the valley and surrounding peaks, we descend to Haput village. Passing through shepherds’ huts, we reach Əlik village, say goodbye to our horses, and return to Baku.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Baku
- Distance: 15 km
- Starting elevation: 2,170 m
- Maximum elevation: 2,500 m
- Ending elevation: 1,600 m
Services Included in the Tour Price:
- Baku – Quba – Qrız Dehnə Village – Baku (Mercedes Vito, Sprinter)
- Qrız Dehnə – Qrız Village – Qrız Dehnə Village (4x4 vehicles)
- Mountain vehicle for luggage (4x4 vehicles)
- Mountain and horse guide (1 guide per 7 participants)
- Horses
- Accommodation in guesthouses (3 nights)
- Meals in guesthouses (3 times)
- Entrance tickets to Shahdag National Park
Services Not Included:
- Personal clothing and gear
- Other services not mentioned in the program
Required Equipment:
- Backpack 30–40 L (for tour use)
- Comfortable shoes for walking
- Comfortable pants and jacket for walking
- Weather-appropriate sunglasses, hat, etc.
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Thermos
- Helmet
Note: Equipment may vary depending on the season. Consult with the organizer before the tour.
Additional Information and Conditions:
- Registration and Permit: Participation requires registration at least 30 days in advance and full payment.
- Cancellation and Refund:
- Cancellation 30 days before the tour: full refund.
- Cancellation 15 days before: 70% refund (30% retained).
- Cancellation 7 days before: 50% refund.
- Cancellation 5 days or less: no refund.
- Program Changes: The tour leader has the right to change or cancel the program due to weather, public events, or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Group Size: Can be 3, 7, or 14 participants; contact us for individual pricing if your group differs.
- Mobile Network: Mobile service may not work in some mountain areas; best connectivity is via Azercell.
- Food and Equipment: Participants are responsible for their own meals and cooking in the mountains.
- Special Requests: Contact us if you want to add or remove locations or meals in the tour.
- Tipping: Optional, based on your satisfaction with services.
