Shahdag: Day Trips and Tours from Baku

Shahdag Mountain is the second-highest mountain peak in Azerbaijan and offers a host of exhilarating outdoor activities — making a Shahdag day trip from Baku the perfect excursion to explore the idyllic nature that this part of the Caucasus Mountains is famous for.

Some of the activities on offer in this area include several winter sports, like skiing and snowboarding — as well as activities that can be enjoyed throughout the year like hiking, zip-lining and cycling.

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

How to get to Shahdag from Baku?

Shahdag Mountain is located in the northern part of Azerbaijan, in the Caucasus Mountains close to the border with Dagestan.

From Baku to Shahdag by car

If you have access to a vehicle and are qualified to drive in Azerbaijan, you could travel to Shahdag Mountain from Baku by car. From the capital, head north on the M1 highway, staying on route as it changes into the E119 to Quba.

Once in Quba, take the R3 westwards and you’ll arrive at the Shahdag Mountain. The entire journey will take around 3 hours to complete and you’ll travel just over 200 kilometers.

Guided tour to Shahdag from Baku

A guided group tour to Shahdag from Baku is the best way to get the most out of your visit to the Caucasus Mountains.

This way, you’ll benefit from the expertise of a professional tour company that will take care of all the logistics for you — as well as a knowledgeable guide for your journey, telling you more about this ancient land, its people and its traditions and customs.

What is the typical itinerary?

A day trip from Baku to Shahdag Mountain will typically start with a hotel pickup at your place of residence in Baku. From here, an air-conditioned vehicle will take you and your fellow passengers northwards to the city of Quba.

The number of people on the excursion will depend on the type of trip you purchase but usually varies between 8 and 15 people. While traveling from Baku, you may stop at several interesting sites along the way — including the so-called Candy Cane Mountains with its red-and-white layered cliffs ideal for the perfect holiday snapshot.

The tour may make a brief stop in Quba or its surrounding villages, after which you’ll head to Shahdag Mountain. To reach the mountain, you’ll enter through a resort and you may need to pay an extra fee, depending on your tour.

Once in the park, you’ll travel to the Shahdag Mountain Viewpoint, where you’ll enjoy wondrous views of the Azerbaijani countryside. You may also partake in several activities, ranging from skiing to ziplining or quad biking, depending on the tour you’ve purchased.

It should be noted that winter activities are only available from the middle of December until the end of March. Finally, after a memorable day in the Caucasus Mountains, you’ll head back to Baku.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Shahdag?

There are several day trips available when traveling from Baku to Shahdag, with different tours featuring different activities.

Quba and Shahdag Mountain day trip from Baku

If you want a holistic overview of the region surrounding Shahdag Mountain then this option is perfect for you. The tour focuses on the sites and sounds of Quba and the Caucasus Mountains and your guide will illuminate the local traditions and legends.

You’ll also enjoy free time to explore both Shahdag Mountain and Quba City on your own time, after receiving some precious pointers from your guide.

Full-day Shahdag National Park guided hiking tour from Baku

This trip concentrates more on the natural splendor that Mount Shahdag has to offer. Your guide will escort you to the national park where you’ll hike your way through the wilderness, eventually reaching the stunning Garanohur Lake. Your guide will be by your side every step of the way and you’ll have access to a wide selection of hiking gear.

Group skiing tour to Shahdag Mountain Resort from Baku

If you’re heading to Mount Shahdag during the winter months, you should definitely consider this skiing tour. You’ll enjoy a full day out on the slopes, with 30 kilometers of skiable route under your feet, or should that be skis?

Modern facilities and pristine nature combine to create a skiing adventure few other places can equal — leaving you with a plethora of memorable moments before heading back home.

Private Skiing tour to Shahdag Mountain from Baku

This trip allows you to combine the snow-covered hills of Shahdag Mountain with a variety of other activities in the region. You’ll be the one in charge of the itinerary, enabling you to choose the points of interest along your journey to the slopes.

For an optimal day out, consider skiing early in the morning, and spending the afternoon visiting sites like Khinalug Village or the Candy Cane Mountains.

How much does a day trip to Shahdag from Baku cost?

The cost of a day trip from Baku to Shahdag Mountain may cost anywhere between US$70 and US$230 per person — depending on the number of activities included and the party size.

A Quba and Shahdag Mountain day trip from Baku will cost US$70 per person, making it the most affordable tour available. The price includes lunch and the tour group is limited to a maximum of eight people.

A full-day Shahdag National Park guided hiking tour from Baku will cost US$100 per person — the same as a group skiing tour to Shahdag Mountain Resort from Baku. Neither one of the tour options includes lunch, and both are limited to 15 people.

A private skiing tour to Shahdag Mountain from Baku will cost US$230 for a group of 3 people. Larger private groups are available and you can make the arrangements when confirming your booking.

What will you see and do?

Shahdag Mountain Resort

While Shahdag Mountain is millions of years old, the resort surrounding it was only completed in 2012. Therefore, it's no surprise that the Shahdag Mountain Resort features modern facilities like 449 snow machines — ensuring that 100% of its slopes are skiable during the winter season.

The resort also features various other activities, ranging from archery to paintball, making it the perfect destination when visiting the Caucasus Mountains.

Quba

Quba is an important city in northwest Azerbaijan and a must-visit destination in its own right, due to its interesting architecture and rich history. Apart from being considered the gateway to the Caucasus Mountains, it’s also the last stop before you reach Khinalug Village — the oldest and highest village in Azerbaijan.

Red Village

Located across the river from Quba, the Red Village is said to have obtained its name from the red tiles used in the local buildings. The town is home to a majority Jewish community and it’s considered the last remaining Shtetl in the world.

Skiing and outdoor activities

Shahdag Mountain is a haven for all types of outdoor activities and apart from snowboarding and skiing visitors may also enjoy hiking, zip-lining, paragliding, jeep tours and quad biking. Some of these activities are seasonal, so consider checking with your tour company when booking your trip.

When is the best time to visit Shahdag?

The best time to visit Shahdag is during the winter months from December to March. The mountain resort offers excellent skiing and snowboarding in this period due to the abundant snowfall and well-groomed slopes, making it a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Travel Tips

• Start your day early to maximize your time in Shahdag and enjoy various activities and attractions and plan the specific activities you want to engage in, whether it's skiing, hiking, or simply enjoying the scenery.
• Depending on the season, wear appropriate clothing and footwear. In winter, dress in layers and wear waterproof clothing if engaging in winter sports.
• Carry essentials like water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and any personal medications you may need. Also, have a power bank and a camera to capture memorable moments.
• Follow any rules and regulations in place, particularly if you're engaging in outdoor activities. Be mindful of your impact on the surroundings.