Before joining the summit tour, we recommend familiarising yourself with all the details of the trip. This is particularly useful for those attempting a summit hike for the first time and will help you avoid unexpected situations. Knowing the physical challenges, route distance, and weather conditions in advance will help ensure that you are properly prepared.
Day 1: Baku – Guba – Khinalig – Base Camp
We depart from Baku and travel to Guba (approximately 3 hours). After making our final purchases, we continue to Khinalig village (approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival in Khinalig, we take off-road vehicles towards the hiking starting point and then continue on foot to the campsite. After approximately one hour of hiking, we reach our campsite at an altitude of 2,737 metres. Once we have set up our tents, we take some time to rest. Overnight in tents.
Day 2: Khinalig – Qizilqaya Summit – Khinalig – Baku
We wake up at 04:00 AM and complete our preparations after breakfast. We then travel by 4x4 off-road vehicles to the starting point near Qizilqaya Summit. The drive takes approximately one hour.
Upon reaching the starting point, we begin our hike towards the summit. Depending on weather conditions and participants' physical fitness, the ascent may take approximately 5–6 hours.
After reaching the summit, we enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, take photographs, and begin our descent. The descent may take approximately 4 hours. Afterwards, we return to Khinalig village by vehicle.
Overnight stay: Local guesthouse in Khinalig village.
-
Activity: Summit hike
-
Distance (round trip): 11 km
-
Starting altitude: 2,737 m
-
Finishing altitude: 2,737 m
-
Maximum altitude: 3,726 m
-
Duration: 6–7 hours
-
Difficulty: Difficult
Included in the Tour Price:
✅ Transportation from Baku to Khinalig village (Sprinter or minivan)
✅ Summit certificates
✅ Shahdag National Park entrance tickets
✅ Gas stove and gas canisters
✅ Entry permits for Shahdag National Park
✅ Mountain guide (1 guide per 7 participants)
✅ Permission from the State Border Service
✅ Tents and sleeping mats
✅ Permission from the Ministry of Emergency Situations
✅ Off-road vehicle transportation from Khinalig to the campsite
Not Included in the Tour Price:
❌ Horse rental
❌ Meals and food supplies
❌ Services or activities outside the tour programme
❌ Personal mountaineering equipment
Required Equipment:
Mountaineering boots, waterproof insulated trousers (Gore-Tex), waterproof insulated jacket (Gore-Tex), sleeping bag, trekking poles, cooking equipment, gas stove and gas canister, tent, headlamp, gaiters, hat, sunglasses, gloves, socks, thermal base layers, fleece jacket, sleeping mat, and other personal camping equipment.
Additional Information and Conditions:
-
Registration and Permits: Participants must register at least 30 days before the tour and complete the full payment. During this period, participants must provide a copy of their passport so that the necessary permits can be obtained from Shahdag National Park and the State Border Service.
-
Cancellation and Refund Policy:
-
Cancellations made 30 days or more before the tour date are eligible for a full refund.
-
Cancellations made 15 days before the tour date are eligible for a 70% refund (30% will be retained).
-
Cancellations made 7 days before the tour date are eligible for a 50% refund.
-
No refunds are available for cancellations made 5 days or less before the tour date.
-
Changes to the Tour Programme: The tour leader reserves the right to modify or cancel the programme due to weather conditions, public events, or other unforeseen circumstances.
-
Group Size: Groups can consist of 3, 7, or 14 participants. Please contact us for a customised price if you have a different group size.
-
Mobile Network Coverage: Mobile phone reception may be unavailable in some mountain areas. The best coverage is generally provided by the Azercell network.
-
Meals and Equipment: Participants are responsible for their own food supplies and cooking arrangements during the mountain trek.
-
Custom Requests: If you would like to add or remove specific destinations or meals from the tour programme, please contact us.
- Tips: Tipping is entirely optional and at your discretion if you are satisfied with the services provided.