This tour unveils some of
Azerbaijan’s most historic and interesting attractions. Drop in at the Gobustan
National Park; glimpse into the region’s pre-historic era with its carefully
preserved ancient petroglyphs; and finally experience one of the country’s most
amazing natural wonders as you set out to take in the mysterious mud volcanoes
of Gobustan.
Depart from your
location at Baku and join our expert guide to travel somewhat 60 kilometers away
into Gobustan National Park, officially called Gobustan Rock Art Cultural
Landscape. This massive park has been declared both a National Historical
Landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its immense archeological
significance with rock carvings, grave stones, and other features that shed
light on the place’s diverse historical periods. Encompassing the phases
between Paleolithic and Middle Ages, the petroglyphs seen here date back to as
early as 12th century BC.
From the
representations of bullfights and ritual dances to battle-scenes and men rowing
boats, there are about 6,000 sketches carved by Gobustan’s ancient dwellers, all
depicting how life used to be here around 40,000 years ago. Find some of the
most unique paintings on Kichikdash Mountain and don’t miss out on the stone beneath
(Beyukdash Mountain) that carry a Latin engraving by the Roman emperor Domitian
(81 AD - 96 AD), among others. Also, explore the local museum in the vicinity
with some interesting items like primitive cave tools, ornaments, beads etc. on
display.
Azerbaijan has to its
credit about half of the world’s mud volcanoes, with some of the most
significant ones in Gobustan. So next board a 4X4 vehicle which will make its
way through Gobustan’s rugged semi-desert landscape and then to these mud
volcanoes. Despite its boiling kind of appearance, these wet black mud
formations (seen in a variety of shapes and known for its therapeutic qualities)
are icy cold. That said, the wet mud dries out and cracks quite fast due to the
region’s windy desert weather.
With convenient pick up
and drop off included, this tour is definite to enthrall you with its blend of
ancient past, enigmatic aura and surreal natural phenomenon.