Popular Medium-Hard May- November

Gizilgaya Mountain Trail: Circular Adventure Trek

Shahdag National Park 5 Days Max 14 people 4.8 (0 Reviews)

About Tour

2800m Summit
70km Distance
5 Day(s)
1650m Starting Point
2600m Camp

 The GizilGaya Circular Trekking Tour takes you to some of Azerbaijan's most spectacular and untouched mountain landscapes. This route is a unique and scenic trail that connects the villages of Laza – Shahyaylag – Khinalig – Galakhudat – Griz – Laza. Nestled in the embrace of the Greater Caucasus mountain range, this journey leads you to the heart of both nature and culture.

Harmony of History and Nature
During the hike, you will discover ancient caravan routes, medieval fortresses, watchtowers, and mysterious ruins hidden in the mountains. Each village will amaze you with its unique culture, dialect, customs, and cuisine. Along the way, you'll meet local people, experience their hospitality, and enrich your journey with unforgettable flavors and stories.

Breathtaking Natural Panoramas
As soon as we pitch our tents in Shahyaylag, you’ll feel as if you’ve disappeared into the silence of the mountains. Towering peaks such as Bazarduzu (4466 m), Shahdag (4243 m), Tufandag (4191 m), Yarudag (4116 m), and many more will dazzle your eyes. Along the route at the foot of the Qizilqaya range, alpine meadows, crystal-clear lakes, dense forests, and rich wildlife will accompany you. You'll witness shepherds’ tents in the highlands, grazing sheep flocks, and harmonious scenes between humans and nature in the wild.

Why this tour?

  • A unique route connecting the highest and most isolated mountain villages

  • Ancient trails rich in cultural and historical heritage

  • An experience filled with alpine scenery, glaciers, mountain lakes, and majestic peaks

  • Authentic mountain life, local cuisine, and interaction with local communities

  • Safe and unforgettable trekking experience with professional guides

Professional Guide
Not included
Included
Photo and Video

Before joining the trekking tour, it is important that you familiarize yourself with all the details of the trip. This is especially useful for those going on a mountain hike for the first time and helps avoid unexpected situations. Knowing the difficulty level of the route, required equipment, distance, and weather conditions in advance will help you move more comfortably and safely throughout the tour.

Travel Plan:

DAY 1: Baku – Guba-Gusar – Laza Village

We depart from Baku towards Kuzun village of Gusar district (approx. 3-hour drive).

Along the way, we take short breaks at Beshbarmag Mountain and Guba city. We then continue our journey towards Laza village. Upon arrival, we settle into local guesthouses and have lunch. In the afternoon, we explore the beautiful waterfalls around Laza village.

Overnight stay in a mountain-view guesthouse in Laza.

Altitude of Laza Village: 1650m

DAY 2: Laza Village – Shahyaylagh

After breakfast at the guesthouse, we start our hike along the Qusar River towards the Shahyaylagh area.

We pass through the entrance of Shahdag National Park and the checkpoint of the State Border Service. Upon reaching Shahyaylagh, we set up our tents and spend the night there.

What will you see along the route?

Our hike from Laza continues along a historical caravan route accompanied by the roaring sound of the Qusar River. We pass the junction of the Gizilgaya and Shahdag mountain ranges and head towards Shahyaylagh. At Shahyaylagh, we are surrounded by the stunning peaks of Azerbaijan’s highest mountains – Tufandag, Bazarduzu, Gizilgaya, Shahdag, and Yarudag. We camp here and spend the night amidst this unique mountain panorama.

  • Distance: 9 km

  • Starting altitude: 1700 m

  • Maximum altitude: 2500 m

  • Finishing altitude: 2500 m

DAY 3: Shahyaylagh – Ateshgah – Khinalig

After breakfast, we pack our tents and start our hike towards Khinalig village. First, we pass the Khinalig pass at 2800 meters altitude and continue towards Ateshgah. After visiting Ateshgah, we begin our descent towards Khinalig village. We pass through the checkpoints of the State Border Service and Shahdag National Park and settle into a guesthouse in Khinalig for the night.

What will you see along the route?

After Shahyaylagh, we enter the Guba region through the Khinalig pass – the highest point of our route. We begin our descent to Khinalig and eventually reach this unique mountain village.

  • Distance: 15 km
  • Starting altitude: 2500 m
  • Maximum altitude: 2800 m
  • Finishing altitude: 2154 m
DAY 4: Khinalig – Galakhudat – Griz Village

After breakfast, we head towards Griz village.

Before reaching Griz, we take a lunch break in Galakhudat village. During our hike through the Gudyalchay canyon, we will see the stunning Qur-Qur waterfall. We continue to Griz village and explore its historical sites. We spend the night at a guesthouse in Griz.

  • Route length: 19 km

  • Starting altitude: 2154 m

  • Maximum altitude: 2300 m

  • Finishing altitude: 2020 m

DAY 5: Griz – Laza – Baku

After lunch in Laza village, we return to Baku.

Services Included in the Tour Price:
  • Baku – Khinalig village – Baku (Mercedes Vito / Sprinter)

  • Baku – Laza (Mercedes Vito / Sprinter)

  • Laza – Baku (Mercedes Vito / Sprinter)

  • Mountain guide(s) (1 guide for every 7 participants)

  • Accommodation in guesthouses (3 nights)

  • Meals in guesthouses (2 meals per day)

  • Tent, mat, gas stove, gas

  • Horses to carry luggage from Laza to Shahyaylag
  • Mountain vehicles for luggage transport

  • Entrance tickets to Shahdag National Park

  • Obtaining permissions

    • Shahdag National Park

    • State Border Service

    • Ministry of Emergency Situations

Services Not Included in the Tour Price:

❌Personal clothing and gear

❌Meals during the hike

❌Other services not mentioned in the program

Necessary Equipment:
  • Backpack (40–50 L)

  • Waterproof boots

  • Wind and rainproof clothing (jacket and trousers) (Gore-Tex)

  • Gaiters

  • Trekking poles

  • Sunglasses, cap, sunscreen, etc.

  • Gloves, hat

  • Socks (synthetic)

  • Headlamp

  • First aid kit (personal medication, etc.)

  • Thermos and water bottle

  • Food and water supply

Note: The equipment you need to bring may vary depending on the season. Please consult with the organizer before the tour.

Additional Information and Conditions:
  • Registration and Permission: To participate in the tour, you must register and make full payment at least 30 days in advance.

  • Cancellation and Refund Policy:

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

    • 70% refund if canceled 15 days before (30% will be deducted).

    • 50% refund if canceled 7 days before.

    • No refund if canceled 5 days or less before the tour.

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

  • Group Size: Groups can consist of 3, 7, or 14 people. For custom group sizes, contact us for a personal quote.

  • Mobile Connection: Mobile coverage may not be available in some mountain areas. The best coverage is provided by Azercell.

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

  • Custom Requests: If you'd like to add or remove certain locations or meals from the tour content, please contact us.

  • Tips: Giving tips is your personal choice if you are satisfied with the services provided.

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