I spent 3 days in Baku on a solo trip without venturing outside of the city and elected, on the very last day, to take a hike. I came across this listing on TripAdvisor though I booked directly through Tural, the guide (and this saved me over 100 USD and ensured that the people doing the hard work were actually the ones compensated) by finding his number on the website (+994 55 233 85 88). Tural was fast to respond by Whatsapp and picked me up the very next day at 8am.
After a 3hour drive which in itself was incredible – the roads leading up the mountains are something to experience in themselves – we stopped to pick up some traditional Azeri 'fast food.' Delicious and made on the spot, the meat and cheese-filled breads provided the necessary sustenance to start the hike, which began in the highest living village in Europe and Asia. Located at 2,200m it was unlike any village I had seen before. Tucked away at the height of a mountain and only accessible as of 2 years ago.
The hike itself was magical. MAGICAL. Serene, bucolic, paradisiacal. The views, spectacular. All made even more perfect by Tural, my guide, who was funny, kind, friendly and informative.
I took this trip in summer (late June 2018) and the mountainsides were covered in wildflowers, the smell of the air fresh and clean, while the mountaintops in the distance still boasted snow-shrouded peaks. I was unprepared – I had sneakers only, no hiking shoes, sports clothes, but no backpack – and this turned out to be just fine. Tural carried my spare jacket and sunscreen, as well as the water. Lots of water is needed on this hike, but if you travel during summer months, the water coming down from streams is some of the crispest you'll ever taste, so bring a reusable bottle! My jacket wasn't needed, as it was hot, and a hat and sunglasses turned out to be essential.
My fitness levels being moderate, I was worried about the ascent. However, the hike wasn't steep, but rather was a horizontal trip around the side of the mountain – also a life saver since the elevation makes the air quite thin, and you can feel it! The hike culminated at another village where I had delicious, traditional Azeri food prepared by a family of village residents.
The short walk down from the village led to a beer garden where I finished off the day with a beer with my guides. I could not be happier about my decision to go on this trip and tipped 50% of the total price – an amount I still don't think covers my satisfaction with Tural, Nurlan, and Outdoor Caucuses.
This trip was perfect.
