North of Baku the road climbs past the rainbow-striped hills of Khizi into the high Caucasus, where Shahdag — Azerbaijan's mountain resort — sits under some of the country's highest peaks. This Shahdag day trip from Baku trades the coast for alpine air, sweeping ridgelines and, in season, snow within a few hours of the city.
On the way up
Khizi's striped mountains — folded red, pink and ochre slopes often likened to a painted desert.
Shahdag resort — gondolas, high viewpoints and cool mountain air even in summer.
The Caucasus ridgeline — big-country scenery you won't find near sea level.
It is a full day into the mountains, so an early departure and a warm layer are worth having even in summer.
Not taking a tour? The road out of Baku is 200 km. How to Get from Baku to Shahdag sets the bus, the hired car and the guided day side by side.
Already staying up at the resort and curious about the orchard town below? A car from Shahdag to Quba covers the 46 km in about an hour.
Ride the gondolas for high viewpoints, walk the alpine meadows in summer or see snow in the cold months, with the striped Khizi mountains on the drive.
How long does the Shahdag trip take?
A full day. Shahdag is a few hours north of Baku, so tours start early and return in the evening.
Are the Khizi "candy cane" mountains included?
They line the route north, so most Shahdag tours pass them; a nature-focused day can make them the main event instead.
Do I need warm clothes in summer?
A light layer helps — it is noticeably cooler at altitude than in Baku, and weather turns quickly in the high Caucasus.
Tours From Baku
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