Azerbaijan is a landlocked country in Southwestern Asia, bordering Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Iran. To the east of its border is the Caspian Sea, officially and unofficially, known as the world's largest lake. The waters of the Caspian Sea do not rise to sea level and have much lower salinity levels that other seas.
Azerbaijan’s capital city, Baku, is certainly one of the more interesting world cities, having its name from the local word for “city of winds”. This strategic port city owes popularity to its location between Europe and Asia, but also creates a specific crossover of cultural, industrial and political interests on this side of Caspian. With shores rich in oil, the Caspian Sea has contributed to the rapid growth of the city and the impressive restoration of its old quarter, as well as the several new modern buildings, such as the Flame Towers, erected as a symbol of national prosperity.
To get some much-needed respite from the scorching UAE summer temperatures, on this trip we will adventure deep into the Great Caucasus Mountain range.
The destination of our weekend will be one of the most remote mountain villages in this part of the world - Xinaliq. It is the one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in history, spanning over 5,000 years. Due to its remote location it has managed to survive and withstand intruders over the centuries. You’ll find many historical places within small boundaries, including 12th and 15th Century mosques, ancient cemeteries and caves with petroglyphs from early humans. Surrounded by Caucasian hills, covered with meadows like a green carpet, Caucasian low floating clouds add to its magic, making it a dreamy illusion you will never forget.
Check out this clip from our first trip in 2017:
https://vimeo.com/225945512
Lets go!
DAY 1 // Friday
Meeting at Abu Dhabi airport at 20.30 a direct flight to Baku at 22.30. Immigration clearance and overnight.
DAY 2 // Saturday
Breakfast and hit the road into the countryside, passing through gorgeous canyons and endless meadows. Lunch stop in Quba. As we continue to the village of Gudialchay we’ll see terrace style agriculture, before embarking on a hike across the meadows to soak in some breathtaking views of the village from various perspectives, dinner and overnight.
Be ready for temperatures below 15C and hopefully some rain showers too.
DAY 3 // Sunday
Shortly after breakfast, we will cross the river and continue our discovery from 2,200m to 2,900m, as we approach the end of alpine belt. Here the terrain changes, becomes more rocky and less grassland.
After our hike we should have some time to visit the old mosque and local museum here. In the afternoon, its time to hit the road back to Baku. We should have enough time to visit Palace of Shirvan kings and walk in Old City with quick look at Baku Boulevard.
DAY 4 // Monday 02:25 – 05:30
After late dinner, we will return to airport for a flight back home.
Level: Easy to moderate, available for beginners. You can skip hike on Day 2 and enjoy the village life.
Activities: trekking, experiencing village life, sightseeing.
Accommodation & meals: guesthouse - double sharing. Meals excluded. Bring your fav snacks for the road.
Cost: 2110 AED excl. flights until JUNE 30th.
Specifically excluded:
visa,
insurance.
Visas:
Most of passports are entitled for evisa. More info here.
UAE residents get visa on arrival.
Requirement: trekking shoes – no shoes no hike! daypack, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, sports electrolytes, power bank, towel, weatherproof warm clothes (10-25C).
https://vimeo.com/220628342
See yah in Xinaliq x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup
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