Azerbaijan is a developing secular country ranked 91st on the Human development index. Though it is considered a secular country, the majority of the people follow Islam and no limitations are placed on choosing your religion. Azerbaijan is in the south Caucasus region of Eurasia at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and that is why it is considered as both Europe and Asia.
More than half of the Mud Volcanoes are present in this Caucasus country, which is listed as nominees for the new 7th wonder of the world. Coming to tourism, Azerbaijan is popular because of its wide variety of landscapes. Several mountain ridges, crests, highlands, plateaus, lowlands, plains and meadows occupy Azerbaijan. This grants Azerbaijan a realistic outlook to cherish and flourish.
Azerbaijan suffers subtropical climate; the great Caucasus blocks the colder air flowing from the northern region, resulting in a tropical climate. If you are making a plan to pay a visit to Azerbaijan, please pack both some summer and some warm clothes. Usually, this region goes through a windy, cold climate but also gets the maximum heat sometimes. Not only this, nine out of eleven climatic zones are experienced in Azerbaijan.
Lankaran experiences the highest annual precipitation, while Absheron experiences the least. So, the different regions of Azerbaijan go through different climatic zones. Because of the rich climate, Azerbaijan has a vast range of floral species. It has recorded more than 4500 species of higher plants.
Azerbaijan is in 39th place among 148 countries in the Tourism list and is also listed in the top ten countries. It is a fast-growing country on the tourism map, and the number of tourists visiting is over 2.5 million. Azerbaijan attracts every kind of tourist with its cultural heritage, ancient history, and natural landscape from all over the World. It is also called the “Land of Fire” because of its natural gas and petroleum reserve, which has been burning for many years.
The capital of Azerbaijan is Baku which has additional attractiveness. Baku has a variety of flora and fauna and a number of resort areas with different types of Climates. Winter adventure activities such as skiing are trendy in this country. Also, different resorts are built with spa and health care, facilitating its significance along with the adventure.
Where is Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan lies in the south Caucasus region of Eurasia, straddling eastern Europe and western Asia. The Caspian sea bounds it to the east, Russia to the north, Georgia to the northwest, Armenia to the west and Iran to the south, which has a long border with Turkey in the northwest, i.e. 11km. The Caspian sea's broad shoreline and the great mount Caucasus forms a natural boundary protecting this Eurasia.
Azerbaijan is also called a landlocked country though the Caspian sea borders it, the Caspian sea does not connect to the ocean by natural waterways. The majority of this country is Muslim, known as a democratic Muslim state. The extensive flatlands in the country's central region make it a popular tourist destination.
Azerbaijan Major Attractions
Azerbaijan boasts a large range of attractions and beauties. Some of them are listed below:
1. Baku
It is known as the land of fire, the capital city of Azerbaijan, and the commercial hub. Baku is the center of the booming oil and gas industry and is famous for its controversial building craze and other unique places. Here are some highlights of the attractions you will go through on your tour, such as
Highland Park:
Located in Baku, it is a marvelous park with a spectacular view on the city's highest point. It is also famous as a viewing Tower, allowing you to see the most beautiful view of Baku. Both the old Baku and modern Baku are visible from here. The night view of the city looks fabulous from here. The flaming towers with their lights aid the beauty even more.
Carpet Museum:
Azerbaijan carpet museum is the national carpet museum located in Baku. It has the most extensive collection of Azerbaijan carpets in the world. In this museum, not only, can you watch different types of Azerbaijani carpets but also get a peek at the preparation process too. The multicolored, multi-styled printed carpets look good, and you can enjoy exploring them.
Little Venice:
Located in the Boulevard area, a man-made little Venice is a great and clear area. Even though the ride is short, it offers a lot of fun and attracts all aged people. The surrounding is the catch here; different modern architecture surrounds all around, and you can enjoy the view along with the ride.
Boulevard and Heydar Aliyev center
Boulevard is a large area with little Venice. It is a large pedestrian lane with different flowers and trees from different regions. It just provides a certain peace and tranquillity within the city. Heydar Aliyev center is a huge museum with unique architecture. This architecture has made it more popular, and inside it, you could get to observe the ancient Azer history, handicrafts, and other important pages of Azerbaijan.
Old City:
Old City is the historical site of Baku and the most ancient part of Baku, surrounded by walls. It has the most beautiful places listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Old city helps you know Baku's history and offers an amazing ancient site.
Ateshgah:
It is a Baku temple known as Fire Temple. Ateshgah means fire in Persian. Both naturally and historically, it is the temple of External fire and a holy place for the Zoroastrians who used to worship fire. Enjoy the fantastic fire temple.
Yanardag:
It is also known as a burning mountain; a natural gas fire blazes continuously on a hillside in Absheron, Baku. It is a fantastic, mysterious mountain. Beneath the Yanardog, it is believed to have a huge amount of natural gas; you can feel the heat underneath as you step there.
2. Gabala
It is known as a city in the Republic of Azerbaijan and is located in the northern part of Azerbaijan. Due to the perfect combo of its spring climate, diverse fauna and mountainous landscape, it is a popular tourist destination. There are many best hotels and resorts, and the climate is suitable for both summer and winter visitors.
The highest mountain peak of the republic is located in this region, i.e. Mount Bazarduzu (4466 meters). Also, Yedid Gozel waterfall lies here, which has seven beauties due to the seven-stage fall. The city is home to the Tufandag Ski Complex, a famous Ski resort in Azerbaijan and Gabaland, an amusement park and the famous Nohur lake with its magnificent view of Caucasus mountain.
Nohur lake:
Nohur lake is the one popular natural attraction of Gabala. The lake sparkles in the ocean green color, and is also a major tourist destination. The breathtaking view of mount Caucasus is observed from this lake. And also, with the greenery surrounding it, it looks fabulous. You can enjoy boat riding on this lake.
Gabaland park:
Gabaland park is an amusement park in Gabala. Different types of games can be played in this park. What makes this park unique is the greenery within the park. It is an amusement park surrounded by beautiful mountains and natural beauty. So, not just the game, you can enjoy playing with nature. Children are mainly fascinated by this park, but the adults also play some games for fun.
Gabala Shooting club
Gabala Shooting Club is the spot for outdoor adventure seekers. Different types of shooting games are played and practiced here. To make it more feasible and luxurious, small cottages are built inside this center to provide a night stay for the visitors if they are interested. Also, the shooting events in 2014 and 2016 were held here.
3. Gobustan
Located 40 miles southwest of the center of Baku, Gobustan is a national historical landmark of Azerbaijan in an attempt to preserve ancient carvings, mud volcanoes and gas-stones in the region. It is home to the famous mud Volcanoes and rock petroglyphs. Gobustan is rich in archaeological monuments that have more than 6000 rock carvings of people, animals, battle pieces, ritual dances, boats armed, warriors with lances in their hands, pictures of the sun and stars etc. Some top-listed attractions are Mud volcanoes, Gobustan museum, Gobustan National park (petroglyphs), Bibi-hey bat mosque, Gobustan rock art, etc.
Gobustan Mud Volcanoes:
Gobustan mud volcanoes are the representation of the volcanoes but not a volcano. They look like volcanoes but don't pose any threat as they exude mud, not magma. Also, It has become the major tourist destination in Gobustan. Some of them are active, as you can see the melted mud coming out of the top, while some of them just remain passive. This mud is believed to have some healing properties within them. So not just as an attraction but also important for scientific purposes.
Gobustan national park and Museum
Gobustan national park is unique, as it is not home to several wild beasts. This national park protects ancient art, especially the rock carvings known as petroglyphs. Many archaeological carvings can be seen here, which are believed to be dated back to the old centuries. More than 6000 rock carvings here depict ancient men, animals, women, their living way, battle weapons, and many more. This national park has been of huge importance in terms of archaeologists, too, not just as an attraction or a tourist destination. Mainly it houses stone carvings, a heap of stones, huge and many, and the tranquil ambience around here has been aiding even more.
4. Lankaran
Located in the south-east of the country, Lankaran is a beautiful part of Azerbaijan. It is one of the five natural geographical regions of Azerbaijan. It is bordered by the Kur-Araz lowland in the north and the Caspian sea in the south-East. There are sandy beaches near Lankaran and also a vast area of national parks with many flora and fauna.
Over 250 kinds of plants, 30 species of fish and over 220 kinds of birds are preserved by Gizil-Agach State Reserve. Some of the major attractions are Khan Palace (Xan Evi), Mayak ( LightHouse), Tower of Zindan, Khanbulanchay Reservoir, House museum of Hazi Aslanov, Grand Bazar Mosque ( Boyuk Bazar Mescidi), Tomb of Sheikh Zahid, and so on.
Khan Palace
Khan Palace, also known as Xan Evi, is the first multi-storey building in the Lankaran. It is designed byFrench architects, and because of it, this building demonstrates dual architecture: French and Azerbaijani. Nowadays, it is called themuseum of history and regional studies, where you can find ancient swords, shields, utensils, and many other Azerbaijani households.
Mayak
Mayak is the famous lighthouse of Lankaran. It is also a popular landmark near the railway station, around 200 years old. It used to be a fortress in the ancient era, and some parts were damaged during the war. No visit can be made inside it. Also, taking photos of it is prohibited. So, admire it with your eyes, and return back with a history embedded in it.
5. Quba
Located northeast of Shahadah mountain, Quba is the city and the capital of the Quba district, Azerbaijan. Quba is 600 meters above sea level and home to many archaeological and historical monuments. It attracts visitors with its green nature, forests, and mountain areas, part of the Caucasus mountain.
The Afurdja waterfall, with a height of 75 meters, is in Quba and is considered a major attraction of this city. Also, Nizami park, Qecresh Bag, Mestdergah, Chenlibel Lake, a carpet factory, Ganesh forest resort, Khinaliq road rock, an ancient Caucasian village, and many more are the attractions points of Quba.
Chenlibel lake
Chenlibel lake is one of the most picturesque of Quba. The lake looks spectacular in both summer and winter. In winter, the ice surrounds it all over, granting a pure, spotless whitish divine look, while in the summer, the bright sunny days make it even more charming and intriguing. You can enjoy boating here and enjoy the surroundings. The lake and the entire environment around here are vibrant and cheery.
Khinaliq Village
Khinaliq village is an ancient village of Quba, Azerbaijan, with old architecture and settlements. The roadway to this village is mainly more interesting as you will pass through the mixed forest, rivers, and landmarks. The greenery on the roadside and the small settlement at the end, far in the distance, make this village unique and traditional.
6. Ganja
Located in western Azerbaijan, Ganja is the third-largest city of Azerbaijan, with a population of around 332,600. It lies 400-450 meters above sea level and at the north-eastern foothills of the lesser Caucasus mountain ranges on the Ganja Hay river.
Ganja offers a wide range of cultural activities and is known for the famous metal handicraft industry. It is a famous tourist destination with historical buildings such as Nizami Mausoleum, Ancient gates, Juma mosque, Chokak Hamam, etc. Other places include the Bottle House, flag square, Hajikend resort zone, Javad khan street, Lake Goygol and so on…..
Goygol lake
This lake is known as the most beautiful lake in Azerbaijan. Goygol means blue, Hence this lake is known as the blue lake because the water looks blue here. The dense forests nearby, and their reflection on this lake make this lake spectacularly beautiful. It is the popular tourist destination of Ganja, and a huge crowd is always seen in this picturesque place to take a photo.
Nizami’s Mausoleum
Nizamis mausoleum is a tombstone of the renowned Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi. Nizami was not just a poet but also the most educated person at that time. The Mausoleum is now a pilgrimage, an epitome of the poet and his poetry. It was originally built in 1947 but collapsed in some time. Later in 1991, it was rebuilt in the same spot, which is the structure you can see now. It is a tall cylindrical building surrounded by gardens, where different sculptures were built depicting the characters from Nizami's poem.
Bottle house
Bottle house is made up of 48,000 bottles and is a famous landmark of Ganja. This house is built in memory of a lost brother Yusif. You can see a photo of Yusif on the wall and lots of glass bottles. The arrangement of glass bottles was made in such a way that it represents some designs, a kind of art which looks fascinating. A lot of love birds pay a visit to this place; not only this, any visitors who visit Ganja definitely pass through here.
Azerbaijan Packages
Some of Nepal's popular Azerbaijan tour packages are mentioned below:
Booking Procedure
You have to go through a series of steps for booking Azerbaijan tour packages which are elaborated below:
STEP 1: You have to send a query with all your requirements in the very beginning (filling up a form, displayed after clicking “Get a Quote ” in the website), and in accordance with that, we will respond to you. OR You can simply contact us via WhatsApp (+977 9823404148) or mail at the following mail address ( outbound@holidaystonepal.com) |
STEP 2: We will send you the quotations after receiving your queries. The quotations will carry the complete information about the package from the beginning of the tour to departure, along with the cost with all inclusions and exclusions. |
STEP 3: After receiving the quote, you have to confirm as soon as possible, as there is no such privilege of holding the room prior, and there may be unavailability of hotel rooms and flight tickets if the delay is caused. |
STEP 4: After the confirmation, You have to send us the complete payment; we will only start your trip preparation by hotel booking, visa procedure, and flight booking simultaneously. |
STEP 5: After receiving your payment, we will send you all the trip details, such as hotel vouchers, visa and flight tickets. |
STEP 6: You need an E- visa for Azerbaijan. For this, you need to provide the original passport with at least six months of validation, two to three passport-size photos with white backgrounds and some supporting documents such as marriage certificates in case of married couples, and a vaccination card in case of need. |
Above mentioned steps will guide you in booking the packages for Azerbaijan.
Things You Need to Know
Things you must consider before visiting Azerbaijan are cited below. Give it a look to know more:
Nepal Immigration Rules
Even after the visa is granted, you need to pay special care to Nepal immigration. Immigration will undergo a series of procedures, and you have to be completely honest with them, be ready for their interrogations, and carry all the necessary documents(in the case of the married couple, please carry your marriage certificate). There you have to state your purpose of visit clearly. Based on your statements, they will run a background check, from your travel history to financial activity. If immigration suspects you and stops you, then you will not be able to travel. In such cases, we will not be responsible.
Money to Carry/Cash Requirements
You can carry USD 1200 to 1500 for personal use. The sightseeing charges are included in the packages, but for extra expenses such as shopping, you need to carry some USD. You can only take USD 1500 at most, for taking more than that, you need to go through the law procedure.
Things Not to Carry
Don't carry any weed or drugs with you. It may result in a very deadly situation. So, avoid carrying such things.
Airport Pick Up
Our local representative will pick you up. What you need to remember about airport pick-up is that there may be multiple exit lanes sometimes. We will notify you of the exit lane where our local representative will be present, and you need to go to that particular lane; otherwise, you may not meet him/her in some other random lane. So, pay good attention to this.
Why Book with Us?
We can give several reasons for you to book your Azerbaijan tour with us. Some are mentioned below:
A Customized Trip
We will customize the trip per your needs and preferences. You can ping us if you want to upgrade the hotels, change the airlines, or expand the tour. We will make the modifications suggested by you; however, the itinerary remains the same, and only slight changes are performed.
Private Arrangements
All the transportation will be arranged privately; you don't have to worry about sharing your trip with a stranger. And if you like to make your moment even more unique and special, we can make private arrangements per your request. The arrangement costs will not be included in the package; you must pay extra.
Quality Hotels
Our prime consideration is quality hotels. We mainly focus on the accommodation, as the trip relies on it. All the hotels provided to you will be highly sanitized, in the proper location with excellent services. You won't have a word to complain afterwards, and we assure you that the services will delight you. So, book your trip with us without any worries.
Safety and Trustworthy
You can read our reviews on TripAdvisor. Till date, we are able to stay on what we say, “quality service with trustworthiness”. Your safety will be our prime responsibility, but don't violate any rules of the respective region. You must follow the guidelines, stay disciplined, and follow the local customs and practices. Additionally, for your comfort, we will provide you with a local guide from the start of your trip till the departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the frequent Azerbaijan tour queries are mentioned below:
When is the best time to visit Azerbaijan?
Azerbaijan has a favorable climate for both summer and winter. The best time to visit Azerbaijan is from April to June and September to October.
Is Azerbaijan safe to travel to?
Yes, Azerbaijan is safe to travel but be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas. Besides this, it is a safe country for both men and women to travel.
Do Nepalese need a visa to visit Azerbaijan?
Yes, Nepalese need a visa to travel to Azerbaijan. They have to apply for an Azerbaijan eVisa.
What are the most popular places in Azerbaijan?
The popular places in Azerbaijan are Baku, Gabala, Gobustan, Ganja, Lankaran, Shaki, Nakhchivan, and Quba.
Is Azerbaijan Worth visiting?
It is known as the Land of Fire, which has a modern and friendly environment. It offers amazing natural landscapes and historical sites with its mysterious history. Azerbaijan is a combination of all with a hospitable, friendly environment; no one will regret it at all.