Baku: Gobustan Mud Volcanoes, Fire Temple & Burning Mountain Day Trip

Summary

Gobustan rock art, mud volcanoes and fire temples in one wild Baku day

You’ll feel ancient heat at Yanar Dag’s burning mountain and touch bubbling mud volcanoes near Gobustan—all with a local guide who brings each stop to life. See petroglyphs older than history, taste fresh bread at lunch, and end your day back in Baku with new stories (and maybe a little sulphur on your fingers).

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest—I thought the “burning mountain” thing was going to be a tourist trick. But standing there at Yanar Dag, with the wind whipping smoke sideways and that line of orange flames licking the hillside (even though it’d rained earlier), I just kind of stared. Our guide, Emin, joked that locals used to bring their tea here to keep it hot. I still think about that—how something as wild as fire coming out of the earth is just part of daily life for people here.

The day started outside the Double Gates in Baku’s Old City. Emin picked us up right on time—he waved with both hands, which made me laugh for some reason. We zipped past Bibiheybat Mosque (the green tiles were shining in the morning sun) before heading out toward Gobustan. The drive was longer than I expected but not boring; Emin pointed out oil rigs and told us how his grandfather worked on them. At Gobustan, we saw those ancient petroglyphs—stick figures hunting or dancing?—and it was weirdly quiet except for the wind scraping over the rocks. Then came the mud volcanoes: cold, grey bubbles popping up from little cones. I stuck my finger in one (Emin said it’s good luck)—it felt clammy and left a faint sulphur smell on my hand all afternoon.

Lunch was simple but filling; flatbread, grilled meat, tomatoes so sweet they almost tasted like fruit. Afterward we drove out to Ateshgah Fire Temple. The courtyard smelled faintly smoky and incensey—there were Indian carvings on some stones, which Emin explained had to do with old trade routes and Zoroastrians passing through Azerbaijan. He told stories about pilgrims lighting fires here centuries ago—I didn’t catch every detail but you could feel how layered this place is.

The last stop was Heydar Aliyev Center—a quick photo break outside (no time to go in), but honestly I was still thinking about those flames at Yanar Dag. The city skyline looked soft in the late light as we headed back. It’s funny; I signed up for a day trip from Baku mostly because I wanted to see “weird geology,” but what stuck with me were these small moments: Emin laughing when I mispronounced “Ateshgah,” or that sulphur smell on my hand hours later.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Baku's key sights and nature

• Meet at hotel
• Start tour at Double Gates Old City
• Pass Maiden Tower in Old City
• Pass National Boulevard
• Pass Azneft Square
• Pass National Flag Square
• Visit Bibiheybat Mosque
• Visit Mud Volcanoes
• Explore Gobustan National Park
• Pass Park Bulvar Mall
• Pass Trump Tower Baku
• Pass SOCAR Tower
• Visit Ateshgah Fire Temple
• Visit Yanar Dag Burning Mountain
• Photo stop at Heydar Aliyev Center
• Drive back to Double Gates
• Drop off at hotel

Top questions

How long is the Gobustan & Mud Volcanoes tour from Baku?

The full day trip lasts around 8 hours including all stops and transfers.

Is hotel pickup included for this Baku day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Do you visit both Ateshgah Fire Temple and Yanar Dag?

Yes, both Ateshgah Fire Temple and Yanar Dag burning mountain are included on this tour.

Are entry fees covered for Gobustan or other sites?

Entry fees are included as part of the guided tour package.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

A lunch break is included before visiting Ateshgah Fire Temple.

Can children join this group or private tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available if needed.

Will we enter Heydar Aliyev Center during this tour?

No, there is only a photo stop outside; entry is not included.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Vegetarian options are available if requested at booking time.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Baku, all entry fees along the way, a professional local guide who shares stories you won’t find online, comfortable transport between far-flung sites like Gobustan’s mud volcanoes and Ateshgah Fire Temple, plus a lunch break before heading out to see Yanar Dag’s famous burning hillside.