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https://vimeo.com/225945512Azerbaijan is a landlocked country in Southwestern Asia located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia. It is bounded by the Caspian Sea, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Iran.
All official and unofficial information resources call the Caspian Sea the largest lake in the World. Truly, its area is about[masked] square kilometers and the maximum depth is 1025m. Its huge area as well as the fact that its bed is composed of ocean type Earth crust allows to call this lake “the sea”. However surface of the Caspian Sea is not at sea level and waters are not as salty as the waters of the other seas hence more favorable for swimming, less irritating eyes and does not dry skin.
Baku, Azerbaijan capitol, is definitely one of the most interesting world’s cities. The capital’s name itself is interpreted as a “wind blow”, “city of winds” or “hill”, “city on the hill”.
On this trip however we will focus on the pursue of the happiness deep in the mountains of Great Caucasus, located in Northern part of the country, to get some fresh air during hot and humid weather of UAE summer.
We will reach to the one of the most remote mountain villages in this part of the world called XINALIQ. This is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlement in history, spanning over 5,000 years. Because of its high altitude location and remoteness, Xinaliq managed to survive and withstand many invasions. There are many historical places within this small settlement such as a 12th + 15th-century mosques, ancient cemeteries and caves with the petroglyphs from early humans.
Village location is simply stunning! It is surrounded by Caucasian hills, covered with meadows like a green carpet. Low floating clouds, adds on to the magic of the place, making it a dreamy illusion you will never forget. Lets go!
DAY 1 // Thursday
Meeting 13.30 for a direct flight from T2 at 15.25. After completion of immigration formalities, check in to hotel, dinner and quick look at Baku nightlife.
DAY 2 // Friday - Xinaliq
After a breakfast made of fresh, locally made Azeri products we ll drive cross the country to Xinaliq. We ll be passing by gorgeous canyons and endless meadows. Although rent is not expensive there, we will not allow you to settle and continue to Gudialchay village with left overs of crops on terrace style agriculture.
Xinaliq is a real mountain pearl!! The village is an ancient settlement, with origins back in the Caucasian Albanian period. Its location is the highest, most remote and isolated village in Azerbaijan and whole Caucasus.
We ll go for a hike across the meadows to enjoy breathtaking views of the village from different perspectives. Once back, we will be hosted by locals in their houses.
Overnight in local village guest house. Get ready for temperatures below 15C and possibility of rain.
DAY 3 // Saturday - Xinaliq highest peak
Shortly after early breakfast, we will cross the river and move from about 2200 to 2900mtrs, to the end of alpine belt and beginning of nival belt with lost of rocky cliffs and absence of grass. We will continue until we reach the highest peak of the valley, that also serves as direction to Mekka to locals, when they pray. We should have a time to visit old mosque and local museum. Drive to airport for a flight at 19.55, back home 10pm.
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: weekend.
Accommodation & meals: guesthouses. Meals included, bring your fav snacks for the road.
Cost: 2900 AED all incl. flights. until JULY 19.
Specifically excluded:
- visa,
- PCR costs,
- insurance.
Visas: Most of nationalities are eligible for ASAN visa https://evisa.gov.az/en
More info here (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Azerbaijan).
Requirement: trekking shoes – no shoes no hike! daypack, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, sports electrolytes, power banks, towel, weatherproof warm clothes (10-25C). Sleeping bag, if you re sensitive.
https://vimeo.com/220628342
See yah in Xinaliq **
Piotr
050 4848238
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