In one long day from Baku you can trace Azerbaijan’s ‘Land of Fire’ story—from millennia-old rock carvings at Gobustan to steaming mud volcanoes and the eternal flames of Yanardag. This full-day tour pairs archaeology with raw geology and accessible cultural sites.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The bus pulls away from Baku's glass-fronted boulevard and the Caspian air thins into a flat, sun-bleached plain where the land seems to be holding its breath. By mid-morning you’re standing on a wind-scoured plateau at Gobustan, close enough to read the grooves of animals and boats carved by hands thousands of years ago. The rock faces look like pages of a very old book; the carvings keep their secrets but reveal a relentless human presence on this stretch of the Absheron Peninsula.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
9 hours
Fitness Level
Light walking and short climbs on uneven ground; suitable for most fitness levels.
Wildlife
History
Gobustan’s petroglyphs record millennia of human presence; the Absheron peninsula’s natural gas seeps inspired fire-worship and later petroleum development.
Conservation
Petroglyph panels are fragile—stay on marked paths and refrain from touching rock art; mud volcano sites are monitored to limit off-road damage.
Reserve your spot on the Qobustan-Absheron Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring sturdy footwear
Trails at Gobustan and around mud volcanoes are uneven and sometimes slippery—wear shoes with tread and ankle support.
Hydrate for the steppe
Carry at least 2 liters of water; the wind and sun can dehydrate you faster than you expect.
Sun protection matters
Wide-brim hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are useful—there’s little shade on the plateaus and at Yanardag.
Follow vehicle guidance to volcanoes
Access to mud volcanoes uses off-road SUVs—stay with your guide and avoid walking on thin surfaces near vents.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provides traction on rocky plates and muddy slopes near the volcanoes.
Sun hat & sunscreen
Protects against intense sun exposure on exposed plateaus and open-air sites.
summer
Reusable water bottle (2L+)
Keeps you hydrated during long drives and walks across exposed terrain.
Camera with zoom lens
Captures petroglyph detail, mud eruptions and the flames at Yanardag from a safe distance.