Azerbaijan · Trekking

9-Day Caucasus Trek in Azerbaijan with Remote Village Homestays

9 Days Round trip from Baku Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore remote mountain villages in the Caucasus of Azerbaijan
02 Discover unique people, places, and ancient traditions
03 Stay in local guest houses and family homes for an authentic experience
04 Trek about 46 kilometres through stunning mountain landscapes
05 Visit Jek, Elik, Bostankesh, Khinaliq, Qalakhudat, Griz, and Susai villages

Join a unique 9-day trek through remote villages in the stunning green Caucasus Mountains along Azerbaijan's northern border. Discover unique people, places, and ancient traditions while staying in local guest houses and family homes along the way. Over the course of about 46 kilometres of hiking, the route leads into the land of the Qriz people, one of the ethnic groups of the Quba district with roots in Caucasian Albania. The adventure also includes thrilling rides in a Russian UAZ jeep and a visit to the captivating village of Qriz.

Join a unique 9-day trek through remote villages in the stunning green Caucasus Mountains along Azerbaijan's northern border.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Baku, Quba, Khinalug

Languages English, Russian, Turkish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Baku

Meet at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Baku.

Day 02

Baku to Quba and Jek Village

Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to Quba, in the northern region of Azerbaijan, on a 3-hour bus journey.
Continue to Jek village.
Overnight in Jek in a local house or tent.

Day 03

Trek from Jek to Elik and Bostankesh

Breakfast in the village with a local family.
After breakfast, a short 15-minute safety briefing will be given for the route.
Begin hiking east from Jek to Elik village (distance: 3 km; altitude: 1800 metres).
Upon arrival in Elik, meet a local family and get introduced to local traditions.
Time to relax and take photos.
Continue the route to Bostankesh village (distance: 9 km; altitude: 2300 metres).
Upon arrival, enjoy dinner with a local family.
Overnight in a local family house or tent.

Day 04

Trek from Bostankesh to Khinaliq

Breakfast in the village at a local family's home.
Continue the trek for 9 km, including a 2 km ascent, reaching an altitude of 2500 metres.
Upon reaching Khinaliq village, enjoy an excursion around one of Azerbaijan's most famous mountain villages. Khinaliq (Xinaliq, Khinalyg) has a population of about 2000 people, with its historical and ethnic values represented by 220 families. The villagers of Khinaliq form a unique and separate ethnographic group. Located at 2500 metres above sea level, the village is often compared to an open-air museum because of its rare landscape and the unique lifestyle of its people. Khinaliq was known as the most isolated village in Azerbaijan, and its people speak their own distinct language, Ketsh.
Dinner and overnight stay in a local family house.

Day 05

Khinaliq to Qalakhudat

Breakfast in the village with a local family.
Qalakhudat village is located 10 km from Khinaliq at an altitude of 3400 metres.
After walking 4 km, ascend a further 6 km to reach Qalakhudat.
Explore the village and be introduced to local traditions.
Dinner and overnight at the house of a local family.

Day 06

Qalakhudat to Griz

Breakfast with a local family.
Griz village is located 12 km from Qalakhudat at an altitude of 2700 metres. The route includes a 5 km ascent and 7 km of descent.
Dinner and accommodation at a local family house.

Day 07

Griz and Darkness Valley to Susai

Breakfast at a local family house.
Drive for 1 hour to Griz village and Darkness Valley in small cars (Niva, UAZ, or another Soviet car).
Then continue trekking to Susai village with a 6 km descent-only route.
Enjoy beautiful views along the way.
Accommodation in Susai village.

Day 08