Şəki Khan's Palace & Yayla mountains: Full-day tour from Baku

Stained glass palace, mountain meadows, and three villages in one day

A full-day tour from Baku visits Şəki, Yayla, Oğuz and Xal-Xal with a certified guide who speaks English, German, Hindi, Persian and Urdu. You explore Şəki Khan's Palace and its intricate stained glass windows, walk through the old town and caravanserais, then head into the mountains to Yayla for a leisurely stroll through green meadows before visiting the traditional architecture of Xal-Xal and returning to Baku in the evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Sheki, Yayla, Oghuz, and Xal-Xal

• Visit Şəki Khan’s Palace
• Explore caravanserais and local markets
• Stroll through Şəki old town
• Travel to Yayla village
• Walk in Yayla’s meadows and mountains
• Enjoy traditional Azerbaijani lunch
• Experience Oğux village crafts and hills
• Visit Xal-Xal village
• Return to Baku

The experience

The day centers on Şəki Khan's Palace, where the stained glass windows and gardens anchor the morning. From there you move through the old town's caravanserais and local markets, where traditional Azerbaijani crafts and cuisine are on display. The route then climbs into the mountains toward Yayla, a village known for its lush meadows and panoramic views: a shift from the city's bustle into quieter terrain.

Midday brings a traditional Azerbaijani meal at a local venue, then a leisurely walk through Yayla itself. The afternoon continues to Xal-Xal, a village built around traditional architecture and local practices, before the drive back to Baku in the evening. A certified guide leads throughout, available in English, German, Hindi, Persian and Urdu, and bottled water is provided. An audio guide is also available in Spanish, French and Italian if you prefer that option.

Hotel pickup from Baku is included, so there's no need to arrange your own transport to the starting point. The day runs 7 to 12 hours depending on pace and stops. Lunch expenses are separate and typically run 20 to 25 dollars per person.

What’s included

• Certified guide in English, German, Hindi, Persian or Urdu.
• hotel pickup from Baku.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• audio guide available in Spanish, French and Italian.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Infant (1 to 6 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, German, Hindi, Persian and Urdu

Audio guideSpanish, French and Italian

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessiblePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Saba travel and tourism

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from Baku means you don't need a car or arrange your own transport to start the day. The guide collects you and handles the full route to all four destinations, returning you to your hotel in the evening.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

1 verified traveler review

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, German, Hindi, Persian and Urdu.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (1 to 6 years).

What is Şəki Khan's Palace actually like when you get there?

Şəki Khan's Palace is a historic structure famous for its intricate stained glass windows and surrounding gardens. You explore the palace itself and then move through the old town's caravanserais and local markets, where you can see traditional Azerbaijani crafts and experience the local food scene.

How much walking is involved in Yayla?

Yayla is built around a leisurely walk through the village, so the pace is relaxed. You move through green meadows and take in the mountain views at your own speed, with no strenuous hiking or climbing required.

Does the tour include lunch?

A traditional Azerbaijani meal is included at a local venue during the midday stop in Yayla. Lunch costs are separate and typically run 20 to 25 dollars per person, paid directly at the restaurant.

What is Xal-Xal known for?

Xal-Xal is a village recognized for its traditional architecture and local cultural practices. You visit it in the afternoon before heading back to Baku, giving you a look at rural village life in the region.