AZERBAIJAN, TREKKING THE LAND OF FIRE (JUNE 13 - 22)

Join us on an off the beaten path village-to-village trekking adventure in Azerbaijan's green Caucasus mountains!

Nights - 9. Group size - max 15. Cost - £739.

Known as the 'Land of Fire', Azerbaijan is a fascinating hidden travel gem located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia - a forgotten stop on the ancient silk road.

From the cosmopolitan, futuristic seaside city of Baku, we will make our way to the majestic Caucasus mountains of northern Azerbaijan with its formidable, snow-capped peaks. Our village-to-village trek will take us along the edges of deep canyons, through colourful wildflower meadows, past spectacular waterfalls and over mountain tops offering breath-taking panoramic views.

We will stay in some of the most beautiful, remote and highest villages of the Guba and Gusar regions, each with its own unique ethno-linguistic background, including the famous Khinalig and Yergi Kek. This region and its inhabitants hold a fascinating history and we will have the opportunity to experience an unparalleled combination of nature and culture along our trek.

This trip requires that you complete all stages on foot but luggage is transported by car or horse to the next destination so you will only need to carry a small day pack each day. There will be significant ascents and descents each day so you will need to have a good fitness.

We recommend this trek for experienced, intrepid hikers who are happy to experience the real local Azerbaijani culture and stay in local homestay accommodation that can sometimes be rustic. This is true "off the beaten path" travel!

To top it all off, on our last day we will go on a private tour to explore the UNESCO World Heritage site at Gobustan National Park, Gobustan mud volcanoes, Bibi Heybat Mosque, the castle-like Hindu-Zoroastrian pilgrimage site of Ateshgah (fire temple) Temple and the ever-lasting fire at Yanardag (fire mountain).

ITINERARY:

Fri 13/06 - Arrival in Baku.

Sat 14/06 - Free day to explore Baku (incl old town, Bibi -Heybat mosque, Heydar Aliyev centre).

Sun 15/06 - Drive to Xinaliq, hike to Galakhudat (8km, 3-4 hours).

Mon 16/06 - Hike to Giriz (4.5 hours), visit Gur-gur waterfall.

Tue 17/06 - Drive to viewpoint at 3300m+with views to Gizilgaya 3751m, Bazarduzu 4466m, Shahdag 4243m and other summits, Drive back to startpoint, -hike to Laza (13km, 5 hours).

Wed 18/06 - Hiking to Yergikek- highest mountain village of Azerbaijan (4 hours).

Thu 19/06 - Hike to Elik village (2-3 km, 1 hour), hike to Dagar village (4-5 km, 1.5 hour), hike to Sudur village (3 km, 1 hour), back to Dagar.

Fri 20/06 - Hike to Kuzun village (13 km ~4 hours), drive back to Baku (max 4 hours).

Sat 21/06 - Guided sightseeing tour of highlights near Baku (see details above).

Sun 22/06 - Trip finish.

DIFFICULTY:

You will need the fitness to cover up to 14 miles each day.

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• 9 nights accommodation: 4 nights hotel in Baku (twin share rooms) and 5 nights in mountain village guesthouses or homestays (multi-shared rooms)
• 9 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
• Airport transfers
• Local English speaking guide
• Trip organiser
• Luggage transfer for our 6 hiking days (one bag of 15kg max)
• Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Any other meals not specified
• Flights
• Travel Insurance

RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS:

Our airport transfers will be timed to meet the following flights:

Outbound - Friday 13 June
Azerbaijan Airlines J2108
Departs 11:25 LGW London Gatwick
Arrives 19:55 GYD Baku Heydar Aliyev International

Return - Sunday 22 June
Azerbaijan Airlines J2107
Departs 07:25 GYD Baku Heydar Aliyev International
Arrives 10:25 LGW London Gatwick

If you choose to book different flights then it will be easy to make your own way by taxi or public transport to our hotel in Baku.

HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:

To confirm your place on this trip please send payment through online banking and use AZER as your payment reference. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip. The account details are:

Account Name: EPIC ADVENTURE CLUB LTD
Sort Code: 08-92-50
Account Number: 63235003

Please email [email protected] as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)