Gobustan & Absheron: Fire Temple, Mud Volcanoes & Rock Art Tour

Summary

Gobustan’s ancient carvings, fire temples and burning hills near Baku

You’ll stand beside burning hills at Yanar Dag, trace your fingers near ancient petroglyphs in Gobustan, and step inside Ateshgah Fire Temple where flames dance quietly in old stone halls. With hotel pickup, entry tickets, and a local guide weaving stories between stops, this tour leaves you with dust on your shoes—and maybe a bit of wonder that sticks around longer than you expect.

What’s the experience like?

“It’s been burning for five thousand years,” our guide Rashad said, squinting at Yanar Dag’s flames. I could smell something sharp in the air—gas maybe?—and the wind kept blowing my hair into my mouth. We’d just come from Baku, not even an hour out, but it already felt like another world. Rashad joked that if you tried to roast kebabs over the fire mountain you’d never finish; it just keeps going. I believed him. The ground was warm under my shoes. Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so small watching a hillside burn like that.

The Gobustan rock art was quieter—almost too quiet after the fire. Our group shuffled along behind Rashad as he pointed out carvings of hunters and dancers scratched into stone thousands of years ago. There was this moment when everyone stopped talking at once and all you could hear was the wind moving through dry grass. Someone asked if we could touch the rocks (nope), and then Rashad told us about ancient tribes living here before Baku even existed. My hands got dusty from leaning on a boulder while trying to see one of the stick figures better.

I laughed trying to pronounce “Ateshgah” at the Fire Temple—the woman selling tea outside smiled politely but I’m sure I butchered it. Inside, flames flickered in little stone altars and it smelled faintly smoky and sweet, almost like incense but not quite. Rashad explained how fire worship shaped Azerbaijan’s history; he seemed proud in this quiet way that made me want to listen more closely. The sun was starting to dip by then and everything turned gold for a few minutes before we piled back into the van with mud volcano dust still stuck to our shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Gobustan and Absheron Peninsula

• Visit Bibi-Eybat oil well site
• Tour Bibi-Heybat Mosque
• Explore Gobustan museums and rock art
• See mud volcanoes and collect mud
• Visit Ateshgah Fire Temple
• View the burning Yanar Dag mountain

Top questions

How far is Gobustan from Baku?

Gobustan is less than an hour’s drive from central Baku.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for selected hotels in Baku.

What will I see on the Gobustan & Absheron tour?

You’ll visit Yanar Dag burning hill, Ateshgah Fire Temple, Gobustan Rock Art site, mud volcanoes area, and Bibi-Heybat Mosque.

Are entry tickets included in the price?

Entry tickets are included if you select the ‘all inclusive’ option when booking.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

Can I visit both museums at Gobustan?

Yes, both museums are included during your stop at Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape.

Do I need special equipment for mud volcanoes?

No special equipment is needed; just be prepared for dusty shoes!

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from selected hotels in Baku, comfortable transport with air conditioning, entry tickets if you choose the all-inclusive option, and guidance from a knowledgeable local who shares stories (and laughs) along every stop—from ancient mosques to fiery mountainsides.