This full day excursion
is ideal for those who are pressed for time but still want to discover the classic
ancient sites and natural wonders of Azerbaijan. After a hotel pick up from
your Baku spot, your experienced guide will head you to Gobustan’s ancient rock
carvings and mud volcanoes. Then, venture into Absheron Peninsula in order to
get a perfect overview of the real attractions or sources behind Azerbaijan’s
reputation as the Land of Fire.
Go back to as early as
40,000 years when you step into Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape – a
UNSESCO World Heritage Site. Admire its over 6000 mesmeric petroglyphs, stone
relics etc, which represent the lifestyle of long-age dwellers, probably dating
from Paleolithic era. Follow it up with a trip to the local museum nearby and next
on to the region’s amazing mud volcanoes where the extraordinary eruptions of gooey
black mud (sometimes accompanied by froth and bubble) make for an awe-inspiring
sight. This is further cool to touch and contains therapeutic properties.
As you proceed to Absheron
Peninsula, the country’s ancient rituals and deep religious roots are brought
to life at Ateshgah or the Shrine of Eternal Fire which is protected as a state
historical-architectural reserve. Inspect its several striking features, mainly
the quadrangular pavilion with an altar burning the eternal flame. You’ll be
fascinated to know that this had remained an inextinguishable natural flame for
several thousands of years until its natural gas outlets completely got
exhausted in 1960s. And it’s now artificially lighted up by Baku’s gas supply.
Before you make your
way back to Baku, visit the astonishing Yanar Dag where you can cap off your Absheron
sightseeing. Also known as the Burning Mountain, it’s a natural fire site which
stretches for 10 meters along this hill. The heavy concentration of natural gas
found in the region actually causes the hill to burn inexplicably, making it
one of Azerbaijan’s most wondrous natural attractions.