Khizi, Quba & Shahdag: Candy Cane Mountains Day Trip

Summary

Khizi’s rainbow hills, Quba’s flavors, Shahdag coaster thrills

You’ll wind past Khizi’s surreal Candy Cane Mountains and Masazir’s Pink Lake before sharing lunch in lively Quba. With your local guide leading the way, you’ll hear stories at Beshbarmak mountain and have time to ride the Shahdag coaster or just breathe in mountain air—leaving you with memories you didn’t see coming.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest—I’d never even heard of the Candy Cane Mountains near Khizi until this day trip from Baku. The name sounded made up, but when we pulled over and I saw those purple-striped hills curling along the road, it was like someone had painted them for fun. Our guide, Farid, grinned at my face—he said locals call them “Agate” mountains too. I tried to get a photo that did them justice but my phone just flattened all that color. The air smelled faintly metallic and dry. I kept running my hand through the pebbles—smooth and cold even under the sun.

We’d started out early, winding past Masazir’s Pink Lake (it really is pink—kind of milky-strawberry), then stopped at Beshbarmak mountain where people were quietly praying at a little shrine tucked below the cliffs. Farid told us sailors used to use this place as a landmark centuries ago. He shared some wild myth about a prophet hiding there—I only caught half of it because an old man nearby offered us sweet tea and I got distracted by how he poured it so slowly, not spilling a drop.

Lunch in Quba was noisy—big platters of pilaf and kebab, everyone talking over each other in Azerbaijani. The bread was still warm from the oven; I burned my fingers a bit but couldn’t wait. After that we drove through this forest tunnel where sunlight barely made it through—felt like we were sneaking into another world for a second. Then Shahdag Resort appeared out of nowhere: clean air, that sharp smell of snow even though it wasn’t deep winter yet. Two hours free time—I tried the Shahdag Mountain Coaster (honestly scarier than I thought) while some others just sat with coffee looking out at the peaks.

I still think about those colors in Khizi sometimes—they don’t really leave you. It’s not what I expected from Azerbaijan at all, but maybe that’s why it stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Khizi, Quba, and Shahdag

• Drive along M1 motorway
• Stop at Beshbarmak Mountain
• Visit Pink Lake (Masazir)
• See Candy Cane Mountains in Khizi
• Discover Quba region
• Enjoy free time at Shahdag Mountain Resort

Top questions

How long does the Khizi & Shahdag day trip take?

The tour is a full-day trip from Baku with multiple stops including Khizi, Quba, and Shahdag Resort.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Lunch is part of your experience in Quba where you’ll try traditional Azerbaijani dishes.

What is special about the Candy Cane Mountains?

The Candy Cane Mountains near Khizi are famous for their unique purple-striped colors resembling sugar candies.

Can you visit Masazir Pink Lake on this tour?

Yes, Masazir Pink Lake is one of the first stops on this day trip itinerary.

What activities are available at Shahdag Resort?

You’ll have two hours free time; options include riding the Shahdag Mountain Coaster or relaxing at the resort.

Is transportation provided for this tour?

The tour includes travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with pickup arranged for guests.

Are there any religious sites visited during this day trip?

You’ll stop at Pir Hydyr Zundzha shrine at Beshbarmak mountain where locals often pray or worship.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup by air-conditioned vehicle from Baku, all landing and facility fees covered along the way, fuel surcharge taken care of so you don’t need to worry about extras—and a hearty Azerbaijani lunch in Quba before heading up to Shahdag Resort for free time or adventure as you like.