A road trip to Guba is one of the most beautiful nature journeys in Azerbaijan. Surrounded by the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Guba (also called Quba) is a peaceful place to enjoy forests, rivers, high peaks, and quiet villages. This area is perfect if you love long drives, walking in nature, and breathing clean air. Renting a car in Azerbaijan makes it easier to explore these remote spots and stop anywhere. Our guide will help you explore the best places to visit in Guba, with clear travel tips and nature-focused stops.
To begin your Guba mountain road trip, the best place to rent a car is in Baku. Most travelers land in Baku, which has many car rental offices near the airport and city center. Renting a car early lets you choose the right model for your drive. For this road trip, a compact SUV is a good choice. It’s easy to handle on highways but strong enough for rougher village roads or mountain detours. You’ll also have space for luggage and any hiking gear. However, for mountain villages, you may need four-wheel drive.
The route to Guba is around 174 kilometers and takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes on the E119/M1 highway. The road is smooth, and the drive offers great mountain views as you get closer to Guba. You’ll need a valid driver’s license and your passport to rent a car. If your license is not in English or Azerbaijani, bring an International Driving Permit. Most rental companies also require a credit card for deposit and that the driver be at least 21 years old.
In 2023, a new toll road opened between Baku and the Russian border. The 129-kilometer part between Baku and Guba uses chipped cards for payment, which you can get at the road entrances. This route offers smooth driving, less traffic, and beautiful views of the changing landscapes. Guba town is beside the Gudialchay River, with orchards, hills, and red-brick landmarks around it. The town is small, easy to walk in, and has quiet parks. You can begin exploring villages and waterfalls just a short drive away from here. It is also a base that leads to highland villages.
Guba is full of natural places that make you stop and admire. Waterfalls fall from cliffs, canyons go deep between the hills, and old forests create peaceful walking spots. These places are open year-round but are best to visit in spring and autumn.
The Afurdja Waterfall is one of the most famous natural places in Guba. The water drops 50 meters down a steep rock wall, making loud sounds as it crashes below. Cafes nearby offer warm tea and snacks with a view of the falls.
The Red Waterfall is another beautiful stop. It gets its name from the color of the rock and soil. The scene becomes even more impressive during spring when the water level is highest. Surrounded by forest and quiet paths, it is a perfect spot for nature road trips in Azerbaijan.
The Tengya Alty Gorge is known for its 600-meter walls, clear rock shapes, and deep paths between mountains. You can hike along the edge or take guided walks into the canyon. The area shows how the land changes from low forests to rocky cliffs.
Guba National Park is a protected area near the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains. It offers open skies, fresh mountain air, and paths through quiet forests and meadows. Inside the park, hikers and local shepherds use trails. Along the way, you may encounter pastures, mountain springs, and grazing animals. These trails are not difficult, which makes them ideal for travelers of all ages. In spring and summer, the area is covered with wildflowers and green hills, while autumn brings cooler weather and golden colors across the trees.
The park is also a good place to observe wildlife. Foxes, birds of prey, mountain goats, and small mammals live in the area. Birdwatchers often come in the early morning hours to spot rare species near streams or cliff edges. Near the park's edges are picnic areas, rest zones, and open riverbanks where families and hikers take breaks.
The park has marked trails that take you through dense trees, open grass fields, and small mountain streams. These trails are perfect for beginner hikers. Along the way, you can see plants and birds that live only in this part of the Caucasus. Early morning or late afternoon are the best times to walk here.
This park is home to animals like foxes, birds of prey, and even wild goats. You will need to stay quiet and walk slowly to spot them. Some hiking paths are used by local animals too, so you may notice footprints in the mud or hear rustling in the bushes.
One of the most exciting trails in Azerbaijan runs through the Guba region. It is part of the Transcaucasian Trail (TCT), which connects remote villages, mountain passes, and grassy ridges. If you want to combine hiking and culture, this is a perfect way to do both.
From the village of Afurja, you can begin walking west on old shepherd paths that lead toward Sohub and Budug. The paths are sometimes steep or narrow, but they take you through green valleys, stone farms, and wild hills.
The route continues through Grizdehne and Griz, small mountain villages where locals still live traditionally. The TCT team is improving some trails here. The trail between these villages, called the Eh Yolu, is part of an old trade path. It gives wide views and connects to Khinalig, one of the region's oldest towns.
From Khinalig, the trail crosses Gabala’s Laza village, passing near Mount Shahdag and high pastures. This section has a few waymarks, so GPS is needed. The ground changes with the seasons: dry in summer, muddy in spring, snowy in winter. Still, the beauty of the open spaces, cold rivers, cloud-covered cliffs, and ethnic villages makes this one of the most rewarding hikes in the Caucasus.
Some of Guba's most unforgettable moments come from standing above the clouds and looking over the mountains. Villages like Khinalig offer a glimpse of ancient life and peaceful highland views.
Khinalig sits over 2,000 meters high and is known for its stone houses, steep paths, and unique language. The village is one of the oldest in the Caucasus and has been home to the same group of people for thousands of years. Improved roads now make it possible to visit by car, though the ride is steep and slow in some areas.
Like Khinalig, Griz is a mountain village where life moves slowly and traditions remain strong. The homes here are built from local stone, sitting neatly along steep cliffs and surrounded by open green fields. The village is part of the Transcaucasian Trail and can be reached on foot or by off-road vehicles during the dry season.
Getting to these villages is part of the adventure. Every few kilometers, the scenery changes from apple orchards and grassy fields to steep mountain drops and sharp turns. If you're not hiking, you can still enjoy these places by driving from one village to the next, taking breaks to admire the views or meet local families. The route includes stops like Grizdehne, Griz, and Khinalig.
Guba is famous for apples. The region has many apple trees, some growing in wild rows near the villages. These orchards show another side of the area, which is quiet, green, and tied to farming life. In autumn, the apples are ripe, and some farms allow visitors to walk among the trees and taste the fruit. The smell of apples, the fresh wind, and the quiet setting make this a great stop after a hike. Guba apples are sweet and used in many dishes and desserts.
Some farms near Guba still use hand tools, drying racks, and wood-burning stoves. You may be able to see how villagers grow and store apples. Learning about these farming methods is part of the nature journey and connects visitors to the land. Even outside the harvest season, the views around the apple orchards are worth seeing.
In the heart of Guba town is Nizami Ganjavi Park, a space filled with tall trees, stone steps, and monuments. A wide staircase leads to the Gudialchay River, passing statues, fountains, and even a chess school built in 2011. The park is peaceful, great for a walk, and connects you to other parts of the town.
Near the park, you'll find Azerbaijan’s longest brick bridge, built in the 1800s. Once, Guba had seven bridges, but this is the only one left. The bridge stretches 275 meters and is open to walkers only. It leads to Krasnaya Sloboda, a unique Jewish village. Walking here gives you wide river views and a quiet space to take photos or reflect.
Known locally as Chukhur Hamam, this old bathhouse is made of heat-resistant red brick and is shaped by two large domes. Built in the 1800s, it once welcomed travelers and locals. Even writer Alexandre Dumas is said to have visited. It no longer functions as a bath but stands as a monument.
Before you leave, visit local workshops and stores where handmade items reflect the beauty of this region. The Gadim Guba Handmade Carpet Factory lets you see the whole process of traditional weaving. From dying wool, spinning thread, to knotting patterns, every step is done by hand. These carpets are known for their colorful geometric designs and strong quality. The patterns tell stories about the land, family, and faith.
Guba carpets aren’t just decorative. Many are made with wool or silk, perfect for mountain homes or cold weather. Buying one helps support local weavers, many women keeping centuries-old skills alive. These items also carry the textures, colors, and symbols of Guba’s culture. You might also find embroidered scarves, hand-carved wooden tools, or jars of honey and dried herbs at local bazaars.
The best time to plan a road trip to Guba is spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is mild, the skies are clear, and the landscapes are full of color. Spring brings blooming trees, flowing waterfalls, and comfortable hiking temperatures between 12°C and 25°C. Autumn offers cooler days, apple harvests, and golden mountain views, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. Summer, especially July and August, can feel hot in the town, with temperatures climbing up to 30°C. However, highland areas like Khinalig and Griz remain much cooler, making them good escape spots from the heat. This is an excellent time for higher-elevation hiking, but lower trails and open roads may feel dry or dusty.
Winter (December to February) brings heavy snow in the mountains and colder temperatures, often falling below freezing. While the views are beautiful, snow and ice can block roads, especially the ones leading to remote villages. Access to trails like the TCT may become difficult or unsafe without proper winter gear and vehicles. If visiting during this time, focus on lower elevation walks and check road conditions before setting out. Spring and autumn are ideal for enjoying nature road trips in Azerbaijan because they offer the best combination of weather, trail access, and scenic variety.
A road trip to Guba is about enjoying the slow, scenic path. Our guide showed you where to stop, when to go, and how to explore places like Khinalig, Afurdja Waterfall, and the Transcaucasian Trail. It’s the trip that gives you space to breathe and moments you’ll want to remember long after the drive ends. Final Rentals is a trusted car rental service in Azerbaijan. Our platform offers a wide range of vehicles, such as compact SUVs, sedans, and 4WDs for mountain trips. You can pick up your car in Baku, choose unlimited mileage, and enjoy free cancellation.
