Azerbaijan Itinerary 7 Days
Flights From India
The first step is booking your flight from India to Azerbaijan. There are both direct and connecting flights available from major international airports in India like Mumbai and Delhi.
These flights usually start at INR 43,000 for a round trip and can cost more depending on class you’re flying in. If you keep a track of the flight prices, you might even get cheaper flight tickets.
The flight will drop you off at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, and from the airport you can take a cab to reach your hotel.
Azerbaijan Itinerary From India
All international travelers will first land up in Baku, meaning it will likely be the first place in Azerbaijan that you’ll explore. Here’s our suggested itinerary for a total of 7 days in Azerbaijan:
Day 1 and Day 2
You can easily spend a couple of days in Baku before setting out of the city to explore the rest of the country. Here, you can either rent a car or simply use Uber taxis to travel between places in Baku.
You can begin your day by exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Icheri Sheher or Old City of Baku. The city has many historic monuments, including the majestic Palace of the Shirvanshahs and the famous Maiden Tower. It is said that some of these structures date back to as early as the 4th century CE.
Also, the Museum of Miniature Books in Baku is a place you can’t skip if you are an ardent book lover. Other places to visit include the National Museum of History, Nizami Museum of Literature, Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center, Baku Boulevard, Muhammad Mosque, and Azerbaijan Carpet Museum.
You can easily split your Baku adventures in two days and explore the city at your own pace. Plus, do make it a point to explore the vibrant night markets here that sell everything from food, handicrafts, and even textiles.
Baku also has plenty of restaurants – both high-end and local eateries, where you can gorge on delicious traditional food.
Day 3
On your third day, you can step outside of Baku to explore the rest of Azerbaijan. In your Azerbaijan itinerary, make sure that you include a day trip to Gobustan Rock Art.
This is a mountainous area known for its intricate and ancient rock carvings that date back to the Stone Age. These rock carvings are a famous site in Azerbaijan, featuring ritual dances, animals, bullfights, and men doing various chores.
After you’ve admired the rock carvings, make your way to Gobustan’s mud volcanoes. In fact, the country is home to one third of the world’s total mud volcanoes!
The mud emerging from these volcanoes is said to have many benefits – it can detoxify your body, relieve muscle pain, and improve skin health – so make sure that you take a mud bath here!
Afterwards, you can head to the Atashgah Zoroastrian Fire Temple, about 2 hours away. The temple used to be an important place of worship for Hindus, Sikhs, and Zoroastrian, but today, only Zoroastrian people worship here.
The temple is filled with detailed panels about its history and has a centrally located fire – an important symbol of the people of Azerbaijan.
From here, you can visit the Yanar Dag, a place known for its natural gas fire. However, today, the flame has greatly reduced.
Day 4
On your fourth day, you can visit the ancient village of Lahij, located about 4 hours away from Baku. The village is famous for its cultural heritage dating back to 2,000 years.
In ancient times, more than 40 different crafts were practiced here and some of these have been preserved even today.
These include carpet weaving, leatherwork, blacksmithing, and many many others. However, the village is best known for its exquisite copperware.
Make sure to visit the local museums and workshops and also try out local food here. You can make your own ware and buy it as a souvenir, so make sure you don’t miss out on that DIY experience!
Day 5, 6, and 7
In your Azerbaijan itinerary, you can spend the rest of the days in Shahdag. Here, you can stay at beautiful mountain resorts and participate in many adventurous activities.
During summer, the place is known for its hiking trails, paragliding, and mountain biking and during winter, the place becomes a haven for snow adventure enthusiasts. If visiting in winter, you must try out skiing, snowboarding, and many other exciting activities in snow.
If you’re visiting Shahdag, you can do so in both the summer/spring season and the winter season. This is because the place is extremely breathtaking and offers unique experiences during both.
Best Season To Visit Azerbaijan
There is no ‘best’ season to visit Azerbaijan because it depends on the kind of weather you wish to experience. However, March to June and September to November is when Azerbaijan experiences peak tourism. The weather is pleasant during these times and tourism is in full swing.
If you wish to experience snowfall in Azerbaijan, the months between November and February are ideal. This is the time when the country experiences its coldest winter months, and chances are you will find snowfall here.
Some roads might get snowed under, especially in the mountainous areas. However, winter too makes Azerbaijan a unique place to explore, reminding you of Europe.
Tips For A Trip To Azerbaijan From India
Download Useful Apps
Make sure that you download these apps as they can prove useful when traveling within Azerbaijan:
- Baku Metro: for transport
- Bolt: for cab-hailing
- Yandex.Taxi: for cab-hailing
- Yango: for food delivery
- Azerbaijan Travel: for travel, food, and hotel recommendations
- Google Translate: for translation
Prepare Your Payment Methods
Check your debit/cards and ensure that you’ve enabled international functionality. Most banks have such features available on their app or online portal. Alternatively, you can rely on cash for your payments as they are the most reliable when traveling internationally.
Sort Out Your Visa Beforehand
Applying for a visa to visit Azerbaijan is quite simple! You must visit their official website and simply apply for an e-visa. Fill out the necessary details, make the payment (INR 2,200) and you’ll be getting your e-visa in 3 to 5 business days. This visa will grant you access to the country for 30 days.
You May Like Also: Countries Indian Passport Holders Can Visit Visa-Free
Summing Up
Azerbaijan is easily one of the best countries to visit outside India, and many Indians are making their way to the country for a delightful one-week visit.
The country is filled with rich culture, delicious food, and heritage that is centuries old. With its historic monuments, forts, palaces, natural formations, and breathtaking landscapes, it is hard to resist the urge to visit Azerbaijan.
FAQs
How Many Days Are Sufficient For Azerbaijan?
A week is easily sufficient for exploring Azerbaijan. You can cover most of its famous sites as well as lesser-explored regions easily in a week.
Is Azerbaijan Worth Visiting For Indians?
Yes, it is absolutely worth visiting for Indians. The country’s rich culture, heritage, attractions, and natural beauty will surely attract Indians. Plus, the country is also quite affordable for Indians.
Is Baku Expensive For Indians?
No, Baku is not expensive for Indians. It can be moderately affordable for Indians in terms of dining and accommodation.
