Guba & Khinalig: Soviet 4x4 Day Trip with Pink Lake

Summary

Khinalig village, Pink Lake and Gudialchay gorge in one wild day

You’ll ride classic Soviet off-roaders from Guba into Khinalig village, stopping for tea near Beshbarmak Mountain and catching glimpses of wild horses in Gudialchay Gorge. See Azerbaijan’s rare Pink Lake up close and share laughter with locals along the way. This day trip leaves you feeling both windblown and quietly awed by how far you’ve come.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the cracked vinyl seat, I felt the old Soviet 4x4 shudder as we climbed out of Guba. Our guide, Farid, kept pointing at things out the window—first the pink shimmer of Masazir Lake (it really is pink, not just Instagram-fake), then Beshbarmak Mountain looming like a giant thumb over the road. We stopped for tea at a roadside stall where a woman handed me bread so warm it steamed in the chilly air. I tried to say thank you in Azeri—she laughed and corrected me gently.

The drive got rougher after lunch, bouncing along Gudialchay Gorge. There were wild horses on the riverbank—one of them stared right at us before bolting. Eagles circled above, and honestly, I kept thinking the clouds were low enough to brush with my hand if I stuck it out the window. Farid told stories about ancient warriors crossing here; sometimes I could almost picture them trudging past these same stones. The air smelled like wet grass and diesel.

Khinalug appeared suddenly—a cluster of stone houses clinging to a slope at 2,100 meters. It’s quiet up there except for sheep bells and kids shouting somewhere behind a wall. An old man waved as we passed; his hands looked like he’d spent years working with stone or maybe sheep. The mountains close in all around you—gray, green, purple stripes if you catch them in the right light—and I swear I still think about that view when I can’t sleep. We wandered narrow lanes while Farid translated greetings from locals who seemed half amused by our muddy shoes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore natural and cultural landmarks

• Visit Pink Lake (Masazir)
• Drive along M1 motorway to Beshbarmak
• Stop at Pir Hydyr Zundzha for prayers
• Drive through Gudialchay Gorge in off-road vehicles
• Observe eagles and wild horses en route
• Explore ancient architecture of Khinalug village
• Enjoy panoramic mountain views at Khinalug
• Drive past Candy Cane Mountains in Khizi

Top questions

How do you get to Khinalig village from Guba?

You travel by Soviet-era off-road vehicles through Gudialchay Gorge after lunch as part of this guided tour.

Is Masazir Pink Lake included on this day trip?

Yes, you’ll stop at Masazir Pink Lake at the start of your journey from Guba toward Khinalig.

What is special about Beshbarmak Mountain?

Beshbarmak is a pilgrimage site for locals and a historic reference point for sailors due to its height and shape.

Are there opportunities to interact with locals in Khinalig?

Yes, you’ll meet villagers along narrow lanes and your guide will help translate conversations.

Is lunch included on this tour?

The itinerary mentions lunch before heading into Gudialchay Gorge but doesn’t specify details about what’s served.

What languages does the guide speak?

The professional guide provides services in both English and Russian during the tour.

Are there any physical requirements for this trip?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness; it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart conditions.

Will we see wildlife during the trip?

You may spot eagles overhead and wild horses along rocky riverbanks while traveling through Gudialchay Gorge.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle from Guba, all fuel surcharges and parking fees covered, transfers up to Khinalug village in classic Soviet 4x4s, bilingual professional guiding throughout (English or Russian), plus stops at Masazir Pink Lake and other key sites before returning late afternoon or evening.