Quba: Day Trips and Tours from Baku

Famous for its distinctive rugs, Quba was once an important stop on the Silk Route, and today more travelers are rediscovering its charms — usually during a day trip to Quba from Baku.

The city, and the eponymous district, act as a gateway to the stunning Caucasus Mountains, presenting visitors with extraordinary vistas, crowned with snowcapped peaks.

The people of Quba are as diverse and vibrant as the tapestries they’ve grown famous for — with the region being home to ethnic groups who exist nowhere else on earth, ensuring their guests truly memorable experiences.

Here's all you need to know about Quba, one of the most exciting day trips from Baku.

How to get to Quba from Baku?

The district and city of Quba, sometimes also spelled Guba, is located in northeastern Azerbaijan at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains.

From Baku to Quba by car

While renting a vehicle in Azerbaijan might be a bit complicated, the journey to Quba from Baku by car is not. Simply leave the capital on the M1 motorway heading northwest.

Follow this route until you reach your destination — approximately 170 kilometers and 2.5 hours later.

Guided tour to Quba from Baku

One of the most convenient ways to travel to Quba from the capital is with a guided tour from Baku. This way, you’ll enjoy the convenience of traveling in an air-conditioned vehicle, with a multi-lingual guide accompanying you.

What is the typical itinerary?

The itinerary of a day trip to Quba from Baku very much depends on the type of tour you choose — with different trips offering different levels of luxury and traveling styles.

As a rule, your excursion into the Caucasus Mountains will start with an air-conditioned vehicle fetching you from your hotel in Baku. From here, you’ll head north to the district of Quba, traveling through some of Azerbaijan’s most scenic countryside — as you skirt your way between the Caspian Sea and rolling mountainside.

Your guide will be on hand to tell you more about this mythical landscape, proving an invaluable resource when stopping along the journey. Arriving in Quba City, you’ll spend some time visiting its various attractions, including the fascinating Red Village — the world’s only remaining shtetl, a type of Jewish settlement that was once prevalent throughout Eastern Europe.

After exploring the city, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious, and generous, local lunch before heading into the Caucasus Mountains. Here, you’ll get to explore this magnificent landscape, visiting local villages along the way to learn more about the ancient customs that still exist here.

Be on the lookout for the iconic galloping herds of wild horses and soaring eagles, before boarding your transport and heading back to Baku.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Quba?

While most of the tours to Quba from Baku are small-group excursions, they visit different attractions in the region — allowing travelers to choose an expedition that fits their interests.

Guided small group tour to Quba and Shahdag Mountain from Baku

This small group tour from Baku to Quba is the perfect way to explore the Caucasus Mountains in all their glory — without costing an arm and a leg. After setting off from Baku, you’ll stop at a local holy site, and learn how myth and legend are interwoven with the landscapes.

The next stop is Quba, and your guide will help you explore the beautiful town, as well as the unmissable Red Village. Finally, head into the Caucasus Mountains to marvel at the looming presence of Mount Shahdag before heading home.

Private Quba tour from Baku with a visit to Khinalug Village

A private tour of this ancient region will allow you to explore Azerbaijan’s oldest, highest and most isolated village on your own terms and timeframe.

With the assistance of your knowledgeable guide, you’ll explore Quba, the Red Village and the Candy Cane Mountains before heading to the Khinalug Ethnographic Reserve. Because you’ll be the only people on the tour, you’ll gain a much more comprehensive view of this fascinating village and its ancient customs.

How much does a day trip to Quba from Buka cost?

Day trips from Buka to Quba usually cost between US$60 and US$80 per person depending on the places visited during the excursions. However, there are a couple of tours that are much more costly — with the main reason for this being the isolated nature of the sites that are visited.

A guided small group tour to Quba and Shahdag Mountain from Baku will cost US$70 per person, and it includes a traditional local lunch. The trip is limited to eight people, ensuring you’ll enjoy a much more personal experience.

A private Quba tour from Baku with a visit to Khinalug Village will cost US$125 per person — a great way to enjoy a unique itinerary of this wondrous region. The price also includes lunch, adding further value to the offering.

What will you see and do?

Quba

Quba is a mountainous region north of Azerbaijan’s capital, offering captivating views and unforgettable experiences around the Caucasus Mountains. The eponymous city acts as a gateway to the mountains, with several traditional villages situated nearby.

The city itself is also well worth a visit, as it played an important role throughout history — most recently as the Quba Khanate, a powerful semi-independent state under Iranian rule. Quba also boasts a fascinating glimpse into the authentic Azerbaijani way of life, with the town thus far unspoiled by the trappings of mass tourism.

The Red Village

The Red Village, officially called Qırmızı Qəsəbə, is a picturesque little town just outside of Quba City. The name alludes to the red bricks and tiles that were used in the majority of the town’s buildings.

The town is an important Jewish center and is widely believed to be the only Shtetl — a type of Jewish village that was once prevalent throughout Eastern Europe — in existence.

Khinalug Village

Khinalug Village holds a couple of interesting records. Reportedly, it’s the oldest village in the country, boasting a venerable age of well over 5000 years.

It’s also the highest and most isolated village in Azerbaijan, helping preserve a host of fascinating customs and traditions. Today, the community and the unique way of life are protected by the Azerbaijani government, preserving this intriguing community for future generations.

Shahdag

Shahdag is Azerbaijan’s second-highest mountain, treating visitors to mesmerizing views in the summer and snow-filled fun in the winter.

To ensure winter activities like skiing and snowboarding aren’t interrupted by poor snowfall, the Azerbaijani government created the Shahdag Mountain Resort. The resort features over 400 snow guns, guaranteeing 100% of the resort's skiable area.

Candy Cane Mountains

Located almost halfway between Baku and Quba you’ll find the Candy Cane Mountains — a stretch of exposed mountainside featuring unique layers of red and white sediment. The best time of day to visit these mountains is late afternoon, making a private tour with an adjustable itinerary the ideal option.

When is the best time to visit Quba?

The best time to visit Quba is during the late spring to early autumn months from May to October. The weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploration.

Travel tips

• Plan to begin your day trip early in the morning to make the most of your time in Quba and explore its attractions comfortably.
• Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for walking and exploring the attractions in Quba.
• Try the local Quba cuisine to get a flavor of the region. Quba is known for its delicious apples, so be sure to try apple-related dishes.
• Respect the local customs and traditions and follow any specific guidelines or rules at the attractions you visit.