• Mud Volcanoes - Upon arriving in the Gobustan area, the first stop is always the Mud Volcanoes.

Azerbaijan is home to nearly a third of the world’s mud volcanoes, offering a fascinating landscape of bubbling, messy, and occasionally explosive features. These mud volcanoes are closely linked to underground hydrocarbon and petrochemical reserves, which is why gas often escapes to the surface. Some of these gas emissions are perpetually aflame, sending small, continuous flames into the air. It is believed that these eternal flames are closely tied to the emergence of the Zoroastrian religion in Azerbaijan around 2,000 years ago.

Approximately every 20 years, one of these mud/gas volcanoes ignites deep underground, resulting in a significant explosion. Although generally not hazardous to people due to their remote locations, it is thought that a mud volcano in Bozdagh, Azerbaijan, once caused the deaths of six shepherds and over 2,000 sheep.

• Gobustan Rock Art - After visiting the Mud Volcanoes, the next stop is the Gobustan museum, followed by a visit to the Gobustan Rock Art (an open-air museum).

Gobustan State Reserve, situated west of the Gobustan settlement and about 40 miles southwest of Baku’s center, was established in 1966 when the area was designated a national historical landmark of Azerbaijan to protect its ancient carvings, mud volcanoes, and gas-stones.

Rich in archaeological monuments, Gobustan State Reserve boasts over 6,000 rock carvings. These carvings depict primitive humans, animals, battle scenes, ritual dances, bullfights, boats with armed oarsmen, warriors holding lances, camel caravans, and images of the sun and stars, dating back approximately 5,000 to 20,000 years.

• Bibi-Heybat Mosque - On the return journey from the Gobustan area, there will be a brief stop at the Bibi-Heybat Mosque.

• Private tour experience
• Hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Travel in a comfortable car with an English-speaking driver

• Food and drinks
• Additional expenses
• Entrance fees

The Gobustan & Mud Volcanoes tour is a half-day excursion tailored for tourists and visitors with an interest in the Stone Age era, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and historical exploration. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to witness a collection of mud volcanoes. The tour includes visits to the following locations:

• Gobustan National Museum & Gobustan Art Rock
• Mud volcanoes
• Bibiheybat Mosque

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.