5-Day Scenic Azerbaijan Road Trip: Guba, Shahdag, Khinalug, Gabala, Ganja & Sheki Adventure

Day 1: Arrival and Guba Exploration

Guba, Azerbaijan on June 6, 2025

5:00PM

Arrive at Baku Airport and Pick Up Self-Drive Car

Collect your rental car and start your journey towards Guba, approximately a 2.5-3 hour drive northeast that offers scenic views of the Caspian Sea and countryside.
FREE, 0h30m

8:00PM

Dinner at Quba Qebabi Restaurant

Enjoy traditional Azerbaijani kebabs renowned in Guba. The restaurant is open until 10 PM and offers a cozy atmosphere for your first dinner in Azerbaijan.
AZN30, 1h
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Day 2: Khinalug Village and Shahdag

Khinalug Village & Shahdag, Azerbaijan on June 7, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel or Local Cafe in Guba

Start your day with a hearty Azerbaijani breakfast including fresh bread, honey, and tea. Most cafes open by 7 AM.
AZN10, 1h

9:00AM

Drive from Guba to Khinalug Village

Enjoy the 1.5-hour scenic mountain drive to one of Azerbaijan’s highest and most ancient villages, known for its stunning landscapes and unique culture.
FREE, 1h30m

10:30AM

Explore Khinalug Village

Walk around this remote mountain village, visit local homes, and enjoy panoramic views. Guided tours available but not mandatory.
FREE, 2h

12:30PM

Lunch at a Local Guesthouse in Khinalug

Taste homemade Azerbaijani specialties like piti stew prepared with lamb and vegetables in a traditional setting.
AZN20, 1h

1:30PM

Drive from Khinalug to Shahdag Mountain Area

Around 1.5-hour drive descending from Khinalug to the Shahdag resort area known for its alpine scenery and outdoor activities.
FREE, 1h30m

3:00PM

Shahdag Mountain Recreation

Visit the Shahdag Mountain Resort for hiking, cable car rides, or relaxing in nature. The resort is open year-round and offers thrilling outdoor experiences.
AZN40, 3h

6:00PM

Dinner at Shahdag Resort Restaurant

Enjoy dinner with regional cuisine and mountain views. The restaurant is open until 9 PM.
AZN35, 1h
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Day 3: Gabala Leisure & Sightseeing

Gabala, Azerbaijan on June 8, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Shahdag Resort

Breakfast buffet available with fresh local and continental options starting at 7 AM.
AZN15, 1h

9:00AM

Drive to Gabala

Drive about 1 hour south-west to reach Gabala, a popular resort town with rich history and natural beauty.
FREE, 1h

10:00AM

Visit Nohur Lake

Nohur Lake offers exquisite nature views and recreational activities like paddle boating and relaxing lakeside walks.
FREE, 1h30m

11:30AM

Gabala Shooting Club or Tufandag Recreation Center

Choose either the shooting club for target practice or Tufandag’s adventure park for ziplining and rope courses. Both are open from 10 AM to 6 PM.
AZN50, 2h

1:30PM

Lunch at Qabala Bar & Grill

Enjoy grilled meats and Azerbaijani dishes in a modern atmosphere open daily from 12 PM to 10 PM.
AZN30, 1h

2:30PM

Gabala Archaeological Center & Gabala Dam

Explore local history and panoramic views near the dam; open daylight hours.
FREE, 1h30m

4:00PM

Relax in Gabala City Park

Leisure stroll in the park or enjoy a coffee at a café until dinner time.
FREE, 1h30m

6:00PM

Dinner at Chinar Restaurant

Popular spot for Azerbaijani cuisine with a great ambiance, open until 10 PM.
AZN35, 1h
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Day 4: Ganja Cultural Tour

Ganja, Azerbaijan on June 9, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast in Gabala Hotel

Quick breakfast with local and international options before driving to Ganja.
AZN15, 0h45m

8:15AM

Drive from Gabala to Ganja

A roughly 2-hour drive west towards Azerbaijan’s second largest city, rich in history and culture.
FREE, 2h

10:15AM

Visit Nizami Mausoleum and Bottle House Museum

Explore the famous poet Nizami’s mausoleum and the quirky Bottle House, both central landmarks in Ganja.
AZN10, 2h

12:15PM

Lunch at Firuze Restaurant

Dine on regional dishes including kebabs and plov at one of Ganja’s best-loved local restaurants, open daily.
AZN25, 1h

1:30PM

Visit Javad Khan Street and Shah Abbas Mosque

Take a walking tour of Ganja’s historic streets and visit the beautiful Shah Abbas Mosque with its intricate architecture.
FREE, 2h

3:30PM

Relax at Ganja Central Park

Leisure time in the city park; cafes available for coffee or snacks.
FREE, 1h

5:00PM

Dinner at Ganja City Restaurant

Casual dining with local specialties to enjoy before your trip to Sheki next day.
AZN30, 1h
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Day 5: Sheki & Return to Baku

Sheki & Baku, Azerbaijan on June 10, 2025

7:00AM

Early Breakfast in Ganja

Light breakfast to start your day before you travel to Sheki.
AZN10, 0h45m

7:45AM

Drive from Ganja to Sheki

Approximately 2.5-hour drive to Sheki, famous for its historic architecture and vibrant bazaar.
FREE, 2h30m

10:15AM

Visit Sheki Khan's Palace

Explore the beautifully frescoed palace with exquisite stained glass windows, open from 9 AM to 6 PM.
AZN15, 1h30m

11:45AM

Tour Sheki Old Bazaar

Walk through the traditional market offering local sweets, crafts, and souvenirs.
FREE, 1h

12:45PM

Lunch at Darvishi Karvansaray

Enjoy authentic Azerbaijani dishes in an atmospheric medieval caravanserai setting, open till 4 PM.
AZN30, 1h15m

2:00PM

Drive back to Baku

Return drive of roughly 4 hours to the capital to prepare for your early morning departure.
FREE, 4h

6:00PM

Check-in at Baku Hotel

Relax or enjoy a light dinner nearby; options like Art Garden Restaurant open till 10 PM and offer a comfortable ambiance.
AZN30, 2h
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