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Azerbaijan is a landlocked country in Southwestern Asia, bordering Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Iran. To the east of its border is the Caspian Sea, officially and unofficially, known as the world's largest lake.Covering an area of 371,000 square kms with a maximum depth of 1,025m, the Caspian Sea's bed is composed of a unique ocean type of Earth crust, which allows it the name of a sea rather than a lake. The waters of the Caspian Sea, however, do not rise to sea level and have much lower salinity levels that other seas.
Azerbaijan’s capital city, Baku, is definitely one of the more interesting world cities, getting its name from the local word for “city of winds”. Very much a port city due to its strategic location between Europe and Asia, Baku creates a specific crossover of cultural, industrial and political interests on this side of Caspian. With shores rich in oil, the Caspian Sea has contributed to the rapid growth of the city and the impressive restoration of its old quarter. As well as the several new modern buildings, such as the Flame Towers, erected as a symbol of national prosperity.
To get some much-needed respite from the scorching UAE summer temperatures, on this trip we will adventure deep into the Great Caucasus mountain range.
A trek through the Northern part of this country will have us reach one of the most remote mountain villages in this part of the world - Xinaliq. One of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in history, spanning over 5,000 years, Xinaliq has managed to survive and withstand many invasions, and the historical sites in this place tell the story of its rich history. There are many historical places within this small settlement including 12th and 15th Century mosques, ancient cemeteries, and caves with petroglyphs from early humans. Surrounded by Caucasian hills, covered with meadows like a green carpet, Xinaliq's low floating clouds, add to its magic, making it a dreamy illusion you will never forget. Check out this clip from our first trip in 2017: https://vimeo.com/225945512
Lets go!
DAY 1 // Friday
Meeting at airport at 6am for a direct flight to Baku. After clearing immigration, we will hit the road drive into the country as we head towards Xinaliq, passing through gorgeous canyons and endless meadows. Lunch stop in Quba. As we continue to the village of Gudialchay we’ll see terrace style agriculture, before embarking on a hike across the meadows to soak in some breathtaking views of the village from various perspectives, dinner and overnight.
Be ready for temperatures below 15C and hopefully some rain showers too.
DAY 2 // Saturday
Shortly after breakfast, we will cross the river and move from about 2,200m to 2,900m, as we approach the end of alpine belt and the beginning of nival belt. Here the terrain changes and becomes more rocky and less grassland. That won’t stop us however, because we will keep going until we reach the highest peak of the valley – which interestingly, faces towards Mecca and serves as a compass to the local Muslims when they pray. After our hike we should have some time to visit the old mosque and local museum here.
DAY 3 // Sunday
After breakfast we will hit the road back to Baku. We will visit Palace of Shirvan kings and walk in Old City with quick look at Baku Boulevard. On the way to airport we will pass by “Ateshgah” – famous temple of Zoroastrians. In the evening flight back home with pockets full of memories.
Level: Easy to moderate, available for beginners. You can skip hike on Day 2 and enjoy the village life.
Activities: trekking upto 6 hrs a day, sightseeing.
Duration: long weekend incl. Friday.
Accommodation & meals: guesthouse - double sharing. Meals included, bring your fav snacks for the road.
Cost: 3480 AED all incl. flights. until JULY 03rd.
Specifically excluded:
visa,
insurance.
Visas:
Most of passports are entitled for evisa.
More info here.
Requirement: trekking shoes – no shoes no hike! daypack, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, sports electrolytes, power bank, towel, weatherproof warm clothes (10-25C).
https://vimeo.com/220628342
See yah in Xinaliq x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238 / [email protected]
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Dubai International Airport, Dubai,Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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