Discover Azerbaijan’s Silk Road Heritage, Mountain Landscapes & Ancient Civilizations in Shamakhi, Lahij, Gabala and Sheki
Travel beyond Baku and experience the cultural heart of Azerbaijan on this carefully designed 2-day journey through the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. Follow the ancient Silk Road to UNESCO-listed Sheki, explore medieval monuments, ride a mountain cable car in Gabala, and uncover the legacy of Caucasian Albania—the ancient kingdom that once flourished in the region.
This tour combines history, architecture, local culture, mountain scenery, and authentic Azerbaijani hospitality into one unforgettable experience.
Attractions:
Diri Baba mausoleum, a Sufi sanctuary, Juma Mosque of Shamakhy (the oldest mosque in Azerbaijan); Sightseeing in Lahij; Cable Car in Tufandag Mountain Resort in Gabala; Khan’s Palace in Old Town and Caravansaray, Kish Albanian Church in Sheki.
Tour Highlights
Diri Baba Mausoleum: A remarkable 15th-century mausoleum built into a cliffside and surrounded by local legends.
Juma Mosque of Shamakhi: One of the oldest mosques in the Caucasus and an important symbol of Azerbaijan’s Islamic heritage.
Gabala and Tufandag Mountain Resort: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Caucasus Mountains from a modern cable car.
Sheki Historic Centre (UNESCO World Heritage Site): A beautifully preserved Silk Road town renowned for its history, architecture, and atmosphere.
Sheki Khan’s Palace: A masterpiece of Azerbaijani architecture famous for its stained-glass windows and vibrant frescoes.
Upper Caravanserai: A historic Silk Road inn where merchants once rested on journeys between Europe and Asia.
Kish Albanian Church: An ancient church near Sheki that preserves the legacy of Caucasian Albania.
What You Can Expect?
Discover the cultural heart of Azerbaijan on this 2-day journey through the historic regions of Shamakhi, Gabala, and Sheki. Travel from the Caspian coast to the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, passing through landscapes that rise from below sea level to nearly 2,000 meters above sea level.
Along the way, explore ancient monuments, Silk Road heritage, mountain scenery, and local traditions. Visit cultural sites of Shamakhi, enjoy the natural beauty of Gabala, and discover the UNESCO-listed historic centre of Sheki. You’ll also have the opportunity to sample regional cuisine and local wines as you travel through some of Azerbaijan’s most picturesque countryside.
The first day focuses on Shamakhi, Lahij and Gabala, while the second day is dedicated to exploring Sheki before returning to Baku.
Full Itinerary
📍 Approximate timings — subject to adjustment based on group size & season
Day 1
08:00–10:30 – Pick-up from Baku hotel and drive to Shamakhy
10:30–12:00 – Sightseeing at Diri Baba Sanctuary, Juma Mosque and Meyseri winery
12:00-15:00 – Scenic drive to Lahij village and walking tour of cobbled alleys, metalwork & carpet shops and Lunch Break
15:00-18:00 – Scenic drive to Gabala, en route stop at a Qutab (local slow food) stand and continue drive to Tufandag Mountain Resort and cable car ride to Laza village in Gabala
18:00 – 20:00 – Drive to Sheki and overnight stay in Sheki
Day 2
09:00–10:30 – Pick-up from Sheki hotel and drive to Sheki Fortress visit Khan’s Palace, Upper Caravanserai and Shebeke Workshop
10:30–12:00 – Drive to Kish village, en route stop by Silk Factory shop and Visit to Albanian Church
12:00-13:00 – Lunch break in Kish village
13:00-18:00 – Drive back to Baku and drop off at hotel
| TOUR INCLUDES |
| 2-day private tour Hotel pickup and drop-off Private transportation Professional English-speaking guide One night’s accommodation in Sheki Breakfast Lunch in Lahij and Sheki Entrance fees to all listed attractions Tufandag Cable Car ticket Bottled water |
PRICE per GROUP:
| Group Size | Price per Person (AZN) |
| 1 pax | 1270 |
| 2 pax | 849 |
| 3 pax | 799 |
| 4 pax | 679 |
| 5 pax | 619 |
| 6 pax | 599 |
| 7 pax | 619 |
Azerbaijan Traveller 