Baku to Shahdag & Candy Cane Mountains Day Trip with Pickup

Summary

Colorful mountains, legends & Shahdag adventure from Baku

You’ll cross from Baku into wild hills striped with color at the Candy Cane Mountains, hear stories at Beshbarmag Five Finger Mountain, and feel fresh air at Shahdag resort. With hotel pickup and a local guide sharing small moments along the way, this day trip is more than just scenery — it’s a taste of Azerbaijan’s character.

What’s the experience like?

“They say the mountain’s got five fingers, but I only see four today,” our driver grinned as we pulled up near Beshbarmag. The clouds were low, almost hiding the peaks — you could smell rain in the air, that earthy sharpness I always forget until I’m back in the Caucasus. Our guide, Leyla, handed out warm bread she’d picked up on the way (still soft inside), and told us how locals believe wishes made here travel straight to the sky. I tried not to look too skeptical, but honestly? The place felt different. Maybe it was just the wind.

The drive from Baku was longer than I expected — about two hours with a couple of stops — but watching the landscape change kept me awake. Somewhere past Khizi, those wild stripes of red and white started showing up along the hills: the Candy Cane Mountains. Leyla called them “Şəkər əsası dağları” and laughed when I tried to repeat it (I definitely didn’t nail it). We stopped for photos; my shoes sank into powdery dust that stuck to everything. It’s not like any other mountain range I’ve seen — almost fake-looking, like someone painted them for a movie set. Even now, I think about those colors.

Shahdag itself was colder than I packed for (Leyla had warned us), but there’s something about mountain air that wakes you up even if you’re tired. Kids were learning to ski; a couple of older men played backgammon outside a café, their hands moving so fast it was dizzying. We didn’t have time for paragliding or anything wild — just wandered around, watched clouds roll over the peaks, and grabbed strong tea in a glass that burned my fingers a little. The trip back was quiet; everyone half asleep except our driver humming old Azerbaijani songs.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Candy Cane, Besparmak, Shahdag

• Visit Candy Cane Mountains
• Explore Five Finger Mountain
• Enjoy activities at Shahdag Resort

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Baku to Shahdag & Candy Cane Mountains take?

The tour lasts most of the day due to driving distances between Baku, Khizi (Candy Cane Mountains), Beshbarmag, and Shahdag.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

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

What should I wear for this tour?

Check weather before your trip; wear warm clothes if it's cold or rainy as Shahdag can be chilly even in summer.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes, entrance fees are included in this day trip package.

Is lunch provided during this tour?

No lunch is specifically mentioned as included; bring snacks or buy food at stops along the way.

Can infants join this tour?

Yes, infants can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infants must sit on an adult's lap during transport.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Public transportation options are available near some stops but not throughout the whole route.

Are there activities at Shahdag Resort year-round?

Yes; skiing and snowboarding in winter, hiking and biking in summer are possible at Shahdag Resort.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off with an air-conditioned vehicle, all entrance fees covered, plus guidance from a local who knows every story behind each stop — from photo breaks among surreal striped hills to wandering cool mountain villages before heading back to Baku.