Gobustan

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Azerbaijan

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3 out of 16 Places to visit in Azerbaijan

Gobustan Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1 -2 Days

Best Time: April - June, September - October Read More

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Also Refered As:

Qobustan

"Where History Comes Alive"

Gobustan Tourism

Gobustan is a captivating archaeological site situated in Azerbaijan. It is renowned for its blend of ancient history and breathtaking natural landscapes. At the heart of Gobustan lies its Petroglyphs, which were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2007 as the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape. Encompassing three areas of rocky boulders, it boasts an extraordinary collection of over 6,000 rock engravings, providing insights into 40,000 years of human history. From scenes of daily life to depictions of warriors, animals, and camel caravans, these petroglyphs offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the area.

The region also holds remnants of inhabited caves, settlements, and burial sites. You can also explore the Petroglyph museum, which houses artifacts discovered in the region, as well as learn about the history and significance of the site. The artefactes displayed in the museum along with the petroglyphs illustrate the ancient lifestyles, customs, human activities such as hunting and fishing in the region during the post-Ice Age wet period, spanning from the Upper Paleolithic era to the Middle Ages.

The Reserve also has a Roman inscription dating back to the 1st century AD, believed to be the easternmost Roman inscription ever discovered, and a unique musical stone known as a 'gaval dash.' This 2-meter-long stone produces a tambourine-like sound when struck with a smaller stone, adding to the allure of Gobustan's archaeological wonders. Additionally, just a short drive away, you can marvel at Azerbaijan's famous mud volcanoes.

The region also offers a serene escape with opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting abound. Picnic areas and designated viewpoints provide opportunities for relaxation and reflection, allowing travelers to soak in the tranquility of their surroundings while admiring the natural beauty of the landscape.

Gobustan stands as a testament to Azerbaijan's rich cultural heritage and natural splendor. Whether exploring ancient artworks, hiking through scenic landscapes, or simply enjoying the peace and tranquility of nature, it offers a truly unforgettable experience for all who visit.

1. Mud Volcanoes

The Mud Volcanoes at Dashgil are located on the Absheron Peninsula and are just a short drive away from the Gobustan Reserve. Taking a taxi from the reserve is the fastest way to reach them and costs (Read More)around AZN 25-50. You can also take shared rides that costs around AZN 10 per person. The region holds all types of known mud volcanoes, most of which are active. The mud from this area, concentrated with water, oil and natural gases, is considered to be therapeutic and rejuvenating in nature. You can take mud baths which are known to be very effective for skin health and stress reduction.

Must Know Before You Travel to Gobustan

The entrance fee for Gobustan is AZN 10 per person. This fee includes a guide.
The Gobustan National Park is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.
The best way to reach Gobustan is to take a private taxi or join a group tour. It takes approximately one hour to reach Gobustan from Baku.
The region has a rough terrain and areas around the mud volcanoes can be slippery, therefore wear comfortable shoes.
Carry a hat for sun protection and a travel raincoat as the weather can often be unpredictable.

How to Reach Gobustan

How to Reach Overview

Gobustan National Park, is just a short drive from Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku. The best way to reach Gobustan is via Baku by road. While the Gobustan Museum is easily accessible by taxi or bus and provides a fascinating introduction to the area's history, the mud volcanoes are tucked away off-road, requiring a bit more effort to reach. There are multiple group tours being run from Baku that have expert guides who can help you know more about the region. These tours often combine stops at the Ateshgah Fire Temple and the Yanar Dag ‘burning mountain’ on the way back to Baku.

How to reach Gobustan by flight

While there are no direct flights to Gobustan due to its lack of an airport, you can fly to Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Baku, the main gateway to Azerbaijan. From there, you can arrange ground transportation to Gobustan via taxi, bus, or a private vehicle.

How to reach Gobustan by road

You can take a Taxi from Baku to Gobustan or drive a private car. Gobustan is located 80 Kilometers away from Baku and it takes approximately 1 and a half hours to reach there by road.

How to reach Gobustan by bus

To travel to Gobustan from Baku, catch the Bus no. 125 from 28 May Station. This bus will drop you off at Bina Shopping Center. It costs up to 0.35 AZN for the 30-minute journey. From Bina Shopping Center, board Bus no. 195, which will take you to Gobustan village. This 45-minute bus ride costs 0.80 AZN. You can pay for bus 125 in cash or with a BakuCard. From the Gobustan Village, you can take a taxi to Gobustan National Park or Mud Volcanoes.