Shahdag tour from Baku: Ski resort and mountain weaving

Ride north to Azerbaijan's first ski resort and watch weavers at the largest looms in the country

A full-day tour from Baku to Shahdag mountain resort and the northern city of Gusar, 180 km away, with hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide and transport in an air-conditioned vehicle. The tour reaches Gusar's carpet-weaving shops, where you'll see the ten-person looms, the largest in Azerbaijan, and then moves to Shahdag, a winter ski resort that doubles as a summer mountain retreat in the Caucasus. Activities at Shahdag are available as an add-on choice at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Gusar and Shahdag resort

• Arrive in Gusar city
• Enjoy mountain air and panoramas
• Visit Shahdag ski resort
• Relax at resort restaurant veranda

The experience

You start from your Baku hotel and drive north toward Gusar, the country's northernmost major city, crossing 180 km of terrain that opens onto the Caucasus. Gusar sits at the geographical threshold between Azerbaijan and Dagestan, and the air shifts as you climb: clearer, thinner, carrying the weight of settlement that reaches back to the 2nd millennium BC. Your guide travels with you and speaks English throughout the day.

The first stop is Gusar's weaving district. The city's signature craft is carpet-making, especially lint-free carpets woven on traditional looms. You'll visit a large shop in the city center where the work happens, and the defining feature is the scale: the looms here are ten-person machines, the largest operating in Azerbaijan. You watch the weavers at work and see the finished pieces, understanding both the technique and the regional reputation that draws buyers across the country.

From Gusar, the route climbs into the mountains to Shahdag, Azerbaijan's first ski resort. In winter it operates as a full skiing and snowboarding complex. In summer it transforms into a mountain hostel and recreation area, still set in the lap of the Caucasus. Families come here not only for the slopes but for the fresh air, the views, and the chance to sit on a restaurant veranda and drink coffee with the peaks in sight. If you want to add activities (skiing, snowboarding, or other mountain pursuits), you can choose those at checkout. The drive back to Baku takes the afternoon and evening, with your driver handling the return journey.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your Baku accommodation.
• a professional English-speaking guide for the entire day.
• transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle.
• and professional driver service for the round trip.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 09:00, 09:30 and 10:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

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 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availableInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Private Tours Baku

Is this one for you?This is a shared tour with a fixed route and schedule, so you travel with other guests and follow the day as planned: ideal if you want a guide to handle the navigation and history while you focus on the drive, the weaving shops and the mountain views. If you want to add skiing or other activities at Shahdag, you select those options at checkout.

Traveler reviews

4.60★★★★★★★★★★

5 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4): free.

How far is Shahdag from Baku, and how much of the day is spent driving?

Shahdag is 180 km north of Baku. The tour runs 10 to 11 hours total, which includes the round-trip drive, stops in Gusar, and time at the resort.

What is there to see and do in Gusar?

Gusar is known for carpet weaving, particularly lint-free carpets made on traditional looms. The tour visits a large weaving shop in the city center where you can watch weavers work on the ten-person looms, the largest in Azerbaijan, and see the finished carpets.

What makes Shahdag different from other mountain resorts?

Shahdag was Azerbaijan's first ski resort. It operates as a winter ski destination and summer mountain retreat, both set in the Caucasus. The resort draws families and visitors who want mountain air, views and dining, not only skiers and snowboarders.

Can I add skiing or other activities at Shahdag?

Activities at Shahdag Mountain Resort are available as an optional add-on. You choose them at checkout if you want to include them in your booking.

What's included in the tour price?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Baku; an English-speaking tour guide for the full day; transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle; and professional driver service are all included.