Most travelers associate Azerbaijan with Baku’s futuristic skyline, the Caspian Sea promenade, and the ancient walls of the Old City. But step just a little beyond the usual routes, and the country reveals a completely different side — wild, authentic, and unexpectedly diverse. Here, you’ll find mountain villages perched above the clouds, landscapes that look like another planet, sacred peaks wrapped in legend, and places where time seems to move at its own rhythm.
If you want to experience the real Azerbaijan — start here.

Khinalug — A Village Above the Clouds

High in the Greater Caucasus Mountains, at more than 2,000 meters above sea level, lies one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the region. Khinalug feels like a world apart.
Stone houses climb the mountainside in layered terraces, blending into the dramatic landscape. The air is crisp, the silence powerful, and the views stretch endlessly across peaks and valleys. On clear days, you quite literally stand above the clouds.
But Khinalug is more than scenery. It has its own unique language, preserved traditions, and a strong sense of identity. Visiting feels less like sightseeing — and more like stepping into another era.

The Candy Cane Mountains of Khizi

Just a short drive from Baku, the hills of Khizi surprise visitors with surreal red-and-white striped patterns that ripple across the landscape. Formed over millions of years, these geological layers create a natural artwork unlike anything else in the region.
The area remains largely untouched by mass tourism. There are no large crowds, no commercial infrastructure — just silence, wind, and wide open space. At sunset, the colors intensify, turning the hills into a glowing canvas.
It feels almost Martian — yet it’s unmistakably Azerbaijan.

Beshbarmag Mountain — Where Legends Live

Rising dramatically near the Caspian coastline, Beshbarmag (“Five Fingers”) is one of Azerbaijan’s most mystical landmarks. For centuries, it has been considered a sacred place.
Pilgrims and travelers climb the rocky path not only for the sweeping views of sea and steppe, but for something deeper — a quiet moment, a wish made at the summit, a sense of connection to something ancient.
Whether you come for the legend, the landscape, or the experience, Beshbarmag leaves a lasting impression.

Laza — Azerbaijan’s Hidden Alpine Escape

Tucked into the mountains of the Gusar region, Laza is a village surrounded by waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and untouched wilderness.
In spring, powerful streams cascade down the slopes. In winter, snow transforms the landscape into a frozen fairytale. Hiking trails lead through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country.
For nature lovers and photographers, Laza feels like discovering a secret.

Masazir Pink Lake

Not far from Baku lies an unexpected natural phenomenon — a lake that glows in shades of pink. Its color comes from salt concentration and microorganisms that thrive in its unique ecosystem.
The sight is striking, especially under the bright Azerbaijani sun. It’s a reminder that even near the capital, nature still holds surprises.

Lahij — The Living Craft Village

Hidden in the mountains, Lahij is a historic settlement famous for its cobblestone streets and centuries-old craftsmanship.
Copper workshops still operate here much as they did generations ago. The rhythmic sound of hammer on metal echoes through the narrow lanes. Handmade pieces, from intricate tableware to decorative art, reflect skills passed down through families for centuries.
Walking through Lahij feels like entering a living museum — one where traditions are not preserved behind glass, but actively practiced every day.

Buzeyir Cave — Echoes of Prehistoric Life

Deep in Azerbaijan’s southern region lies Buzeyir Cave, one of the oldest human habitation sites in the country.
Archaeological discoveries suggest that people lived here tens of thousands of years ago. Standing at its entrance, surrounded by nature, it’s impossible not to reflect on how long these lands have been home to human stories.
It’s a quiet but powerful reminder of Azerbaijan’s deep and layered past.

Why Travel Beyond the Main Route?

The true beauty of Azerbaijan isn’t limited to famous landmarks. It lives in mountain roads that twist through untouched landscapes, in villages where traditions remain alive, and in natural wonders that still feel undiscovered. Traveling beyond the expected doesn’t just show you new places — it changes how you experience the country. You slow down. You connect. You see details that guidebooks often overlook.
And that’s when Azerbaijan becomes unforgettable.

Categories: Nature & Outdoor Activities, What to See, Culture of Azerbaijan, Cities & Regions