Azerbaijan offers a range of exciting outdoor activities. With slowly changing colours and the air getting crisper, fall creates a perfect opportunity for hikes or picnics on the bank of lakes. For those travellers looking for exceptional activities, horse riding or a trip to mud volcanoes with unearthly landscapes would be an excellent opportunity to try something new.
Azerbaijan is blessed with mesmerising nature and scenic views. The Great Caucasus Mountains decorate the northern part of Azerbaijan, while the Lesser Caucasus Mountains embrace much of western and southwestern Azerbaijan. In the south, the diverse landscapes of mossy forests and Talysh mountains take you to a whole new world. Each touristic corridor in the country offers opportunities for hiking, with newly developed routes. Deciding which hiking route to take for your next adventure can be hard, as all locations in Azerbaijan have breathtaking nature and beautiful sightseeing.
For instance, when travelling to the north, travellers can enjoy the “Khinalig-Galakhudat” route. This route will take you to one of the highest and unique villages in Azerbaijan – Khinalig. It is believed that local people are descendants of Caucasian Albanians, and their language is spoken nowhere else. Moving further to the western side of the country, the “Javadkhan Peak – Chiragli” hiking trail will take you to the views of Murov mountain located at a 13.9 km distance. This route has marvellous views and ends at the secluded Chiragli village. If you decide to hike on the western side of the country, the Mahara and Albanian temples will impress you with their distinctive architectural style. No matter which location you choose for your next hike, you will be fascinated by the lush nature and the unique culture of the country.
Azerbaijan is home to several magnificent lakes which are very astounding in the autumn. Trips to the lakes are perfect for hiking or tranquil picnic with your family and friends. One of the most majestic lakes is Goygol, located in the national park named after it. Being an inspiration for artists and poets, it indeed magnetises with its beauty and unique flora, and fauna. Lake Goygol has an interesting story about its formation, as its dramatic landscapes were formed due to the 12th-century earthquake.
In the northwest, there is a beauty hidden in the forest – Lake Garanohur. Reaching this destination with marvellous views can be a challenge for beginners and a great opportunity for experienced hikers. But in the end, everyone will be rewarded with unbelievably astonishing views. When travelling to Nakhchivan, one must travel to lake Batabat which is located just 65 kilometres north of Nakhchivan city. The dramatically changing landscapes will impress you even before you get to the lake itself. Batabat is probably one of the most popular picnic spots by the locals in the whole country.
If you are looking for a truly royal experience, then Baku offers to spend an active day at one of the equestrian centres. Whether you would like to let off steam or just enjoy an active day, riding and polo are a perfect fit for such occasions. Meeting and connecting with gorgeous Azerbaijani horses is a must, as the country is home to two glorious breeds: the chestnut-coloured Karabakh and the resilient Dilbaz. The Elite Horse Club in Bina settlement near Baku is a popular spot among locals and tourists. Here you can choose an individual or group horseback ride. Moreover, you can enjoy a meal at the restaurant with a perfect view and perhaps organize a photo shoot for yourself.
At Cidir Riding Club, located near the city centre, you can take a horse riding lesson with a professional instructor. Another great location where you can learn and enjoy horse riding is Omar Riding Club. This club is surrounded by beautiful nature and a lake where you can take a boat or catamaran ride. Not only horseback riding but also pony trekking are available for the visitors. Moreover, at the centre one can enjoy fishing and take the spoils with you. Every club offers an opportunity to watch Azerbaijan’s famous national sport called “chovkan”, showjumping, polo, and other horseback games.
Probably one of the unique experiences you can ever have is a trip to the mud volcanoes that create unearthly moon-like landscapes. Azerbaijan is famous for being home to 700 out of the 1700 known mud volcanoes on Earth which are mainly located in the Absheron Peninsula, Shamakhi-Gobustan, Southeast Shirvan, and Baku archipelago. 350 of this nature’s wonders are active volcanoes, creating bubbling and explosive ground. One of the largest mud volcanoes in the world, Toraghay is also located here and promises an experience of a lifetime presenting you with something you have never seen before. The most popular to visit are mud volcanoes at Dashgil near the Gobustan Reserve, within 1.5 hour drive from Baku.
