Quba & Khinaliq Village Tour with Homemade Lunch Pickup

Summary

Mountain roads to Khinaliq village old stories homemade lunch

You’ll ride mountain roads from Quba into Khinaliq village with a local guide, pause for tea among forested hills, then share a homemade lunch in a villager’s home. Expect laughter over language slips and quiet moments above the clouds—this day trip leaves you feeling both welcomed and changed.

What’s the experience like?

Steam curled up from a chipped glass of tea as our guide, Emin, passed it over at the Besh Barmag stop. There was this earthy smell—wood smoke mixed with something sweet in the air—and I remember thinking I’d never have stopped here on my own. The drive from Quba had already surprised me: sheep everywhere, their bells clinking as we wound through forests that seemed to flicker between sunlight and sudden patches of mist. Emin pointed out a barbecue shack where he claimed the best kebabs in Azerbaijan are made (he winked and said every region says that).

The road started to climb after Qecresh Forest—sharp turns, then open sky. I pressed my hand against the window just to feel the chill coming off the mountains. At one point, we had to slow for a herd of goats blocking the way; a kid waved at us, grinning like he knew we’d come all this way just for this view. Khinaliq finally appeared—stone houses stacked up on each other, smoke curling from chimneys even though it wasn’t that cold. Our host family welcomed us inside; their living room was warm and smelled like fresh bread. Lunch was lamb stew and something called qutab—I tried to say it right but Li (our host) laughed gently at my accent.

I still think about sitting cross-legged on their carpet, listening to Emin translate stories about how people survive winters up here. There was a quiet moment when everyone just listened to wind rattling the windows—felt oddly peaceful. On the drive back down toward Quba city, clouds rolled over the peaks and everything looked washed in silver light. We didn’t talk much then; maybe everyone was just full or maybe there’s something about mountain air that makes you want to keep things inside for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Quba and Khinaliq Village

• Pick up from hotel
• Visit Quba city
• Visit Qecresh Forest
• Take coffee break at Besh Barmarg Mountain
• Visit Europe's highest village Khinaliq
• Taste traditional foods at local's house

Top questions

How long is the Quba & Khinaliq Village tour?

The tour lasts around 10 hours including travel time from your hotel in Baku or Quba.

Is lunch included on the day trip to Khinaliq?

Yes, a traditional homemade lunch at a local house in Khinaliq village is included.

What happens if weather blocks access to Khinaliq?

If heavy snow or rain makes Khinaliq unreachable, Shahdag Mountain Resort in Qusar will be visited instead.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if selected during booking.

Are guides local on this tour?

Yes, professional local guides lead the tour and help translate during village visits.

Is this day trip suitable for families?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

Can infants join this tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available upon request.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off (if you choose that option), all transport by air-conditioned vehicle, guidance from a local expert throughout Quba and Khinaliq village, plus a homemade lunch shared with villagers before heading back down through those winding mountain roads.