Baku to Khinaliq: Candy Cane Mountains & Village Lunch Tour

Summary

From Baku’s city buzz to Khinaliq’s quiet peaks with homemade lunch

You’ll ride from Baku into Azerbaijan’s wild north—see surreal striped Candy Cane Mountains, visit Guba’s Red Town community, then climb off-road up canyons to Khinaliq village for a homemade lunch with local hosts. Expect laughter over fresh bread and views that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway up the M1 when our guide, Emin, pointed out Beshbarmak mountain—he told us sailors used to use it as a landmark long before GPS. The windows fogged up for a second as we left the city behind, and I remember the smell of fresh bread from someone’s bag mixing with that sharp mountain air. At Pir Hydyr Zundzha, Emin paused for a story about pilgrims—he said locals still stop here to pray, and I watched an old man press his palm to the stone wall, eyes closed. It was one of those moments where you don’t want to interrupt with photos.

The Candy Cane Mountains really do look painted—pink and white stripes running across shale hills, nothing like I’d seen before. Emin said some British writer gave them that name. We stopped for pictures but mostly just stared; it’s quieter than you expect, except for wind rattling through dry grass. Onward to Guba and then Red Town, which is home to this Jewish community called “Caucasian Jerusalem.” There are thirteen synagogues (I only saw two), and kids waved at us from behind a fence. I tried saying hello in Russian—got a giggle back.

After Qechresh forest (so green it almost hurts your eyes), we switched into an old Soviet jeep for the last stretch. That part was wild—the road gets bumpy, sometimes you feel like you’re going sideways more than forward. Somewhere in Gudyalchay canyon I realized how far we’d come; clouds hung so low they brushed the hood of the car. Lunch in Khinaliq was inside a family house-museum—four dishes on a floral tablecloth, all steaming and earthy-smelling. Their bread was still warm from the oven; I think I ate half a loaf myself. The family didn’t speak much English but somehow it didn’t matter—there was laughter anyway.

I keep thinking about that view from Khinaliq village: rooftops stacked along the slope, eagles circling overhead, everything so quiet except for distant voices and sheep bells. If you’ve ever wondered what “remote” feels like, this is it. The drive back felt different—I guess once you’ve eaten with someone in their home, even if you can’t say much, something sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Guba and Khinaliq village tour

• Pickup from central Baku hotels
• Drive along M1 motorway
• Stop at Beshbarmak mountain
• Visit Candy Cane Mountains
• Explore Red Town Jewish settlement
• Arrive in Guba city
• Reach Qechresh village and forest
• Switch to off-road vehicle
• Drive through Gudyalchay canyons
• Enjoy panoramic view of Cascade Mountains
• Visit Khinaliq village
• Have traditional homemade lunch
• Return to starting point in Baku

Top questions

How long does the Baku to Khinaliq day trip take?

The tour lasts at least 8 hours round-trip by road from Baku.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for central Baku hotels except those on Nizami Street or in Old City—you’ll meet at a set point if staying there.

What food is served at lunch in Khinaliq?

You’ll have four traditional homemade Azerbaijani dishes plus freshly baked bread served in a local family’s house-museum.

Are guides provided during the tour?

Yes, professional guides are available in English and Russian throughout the trip.

Do we visit Candy Cane Mountains on this day trip?

Yes, there’s a stop at Azerbaijan’s Candy Cane Mountains between Baku and Guba.

What vehicle is used for reaching Khinaliq village?

A Soviet off-road vehicle is used for the final stretch after Qechresh forest due to rough terrain.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants can ride on laps or use prams/strollers.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Baku city (or meeting point nearby), entry fees for Khinaliq reserve, an English or Russian-speaking guide throughout, comfortable AC transport plus off-road jeep ride up to Khinaliq village—and a full traditional lunch served by locals before returning in the evening.