Planning to escape the busy streets of Baku for a day? One of the best short road trips from Baku takes you straight into the peaceful forests of Altyaghach National Park. This scenic drive is perfect for travelers who want to trade city noise for fresh mountain air, forest trails, and panoramic views.
Just a 2 to 3 hour journey by car, it’s ideal for a weekend or even a quick day trip. And here's the good news: renting a car in Baku is easy, and you can explore at your own pace. Whether you're into hiking, photography, or just soaking in nature, this nature drive offers a refreshing break with every mile. Let’s look at what makes the route to Altyaghach so rewarding.
Renting a car in Baku is the easiest way to reach Altyaghach National Park. The drive from Baku to the park takes around 1 hour and 52 minutes via the M1 highway, covering about 113 kilometers. There are no direct buses to the park, and public transport involves a mix of metro rides, bus transfers, and a taxi. This can be tiring and confusing, especially if you're on a tight schedule or traveling with kids.
For this kind of trip, compact cars are perfect for solo travelers or couples. They’re fuel-efficient and easy to handle. However, an SUV is a better choice during winter or if you prefer extra comfort. The road to the park is generally in good condition, but it can get slippery or foggy in colder months. You can rent cars in Baku at the airport, downtown, or online. Most car rental companies require a valid driver’s license, a deposit, and basic insurance coverage. It's best to book early, especially during holidays.
From central Baku, head northwest toward Ziya Bünyadov Avenue. Follow signs to the Moskva Prospekti, then merge onto E119, the main highway toward Sumqayit. Stay on the E119/M1 highway as it passes Sumqayit and Siyazan. After about 28 kilometers on the M1, take the exit for the Baku-Gilazi-Khizi-Altyaghach Road. Follow this road through Khizi, then continue onto the Xızı–Altyaghach Road. Road signs will lead you to Altyaghach National Park as you get closer.
When driving to Altyaghach National Park, why not turn the road trip into part of the adventure? The route from Baku winds through spiritual landmarks and surreal landscapes. Here are five scenic places you can visit along the way:
Just 7 kilometers from Baku’s center, Bibiheybat Mosque sits near the Caspian Sea. This striking mosque was initially built in the 13th century but was destroyed by the Soviets in the 1930s. What you see now is a beautiful reconstruction completed in 1997, showcasing Islamic architecture with large sandstone domes, elegant arches, and intricate calligraphy.
Inside, you’ll find the tomb of Ukeyma Khanum, a descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. The mosque is open to visitors year-round, and respectful clothing is required. You’ll also find a sea-view terrace where many travelers take quiet moments before hitting the road. Parking is available nearby, and entry is free. Spend 30 to 45 minutes here walking the grounds, admiring the design, and taking in the calm sea breeze before continuing your drive to Altyaghach.
Located beside Bibiheybat Mosque, the world’s first industrially drilled oil well is a modest but fascinating stop. The site was drilled in 1846, which predates Pennsylvania’s more famous Drake Well and marks Azerbaijan’s early lead in the oil industry. You’ll see a small fenced enclosure with old equipment remnants, historical markers, and photographs explaining the well’s significance. Since the area is compact and the information can be absorbed quickly, you only need about 20 to 30 minutes here.
The Candy Cane Mountains in the Khizi region are a geological wonder you shouldn’t skip. These striped hills get their pastel pink, red, and white colors from oxidized iron and mineral-rich sediment. The hills stretch across the horizon, and their soft curves and color bands shift in tone with the changing light. So it’s best to visit during sunrise or sunset. There are no visitor centers or hiking trails, but you can park alongside the road and wander carefully around the base.
The ground is mostly firm, but wear proper shoes. You won’t find vendors or signs here, just open nature and silence. Many travelers spend about 45 minutes to 1 hour here, taking photos, walking along the formations, and enjoying one of the most unique landscapes.
Besh Barmag, also called “Five Finger Mountain” because of its shape, is visible from the M1 highway. This sacred peak rises steeply from the plain, with fingers of stone reaching toward the sky. For centuries, it’s been a pilgrimage site for locals, and you’ll likely see small shrines, tied fabric strips, and candles placed at the base. A paved road leads to a small market area and shrine zone, and a dirt trail climbs partway up the mountain. While the full ascent requires hiking experience, you can walk to a viewpoint for sweeping views of the Caspian coast and surrounding hills. Near the base, vendors sell snacks and drinks. Most people spend about one hour exploring the site.
Masazir Lake is a rare natural attraction famous for its pink-colored water. The bright hue is caused by high salinity and the presence of Dunaliella salina algae, which thrive in such salty conditions. The lake spans over 10 square kilometers and serves as a commercial salt extraction site. You’ll notice large salt deposits along the shore, and the lake's color becomes more intense in summer.
You can park along the southern edge and walk to the shoreline to admire the view. Though swimming isn’t allowed, it’s a unique photo stop and a peaceful place to take a break from the drive. Most travelers spend about 30 to 45 minutes here taking photos, walking along the shore, and admiring this rare, colorful lake.
Altyaghach National Park, also known as Altıağac Milli Parkı, is located in northeastern Azerbaijan's Khizi and Siyazan regions. The park spans 11,035 hectares and is renowned for its temperate broadleaf forests. Let’s explore some of the best things to do in Altyaghach National Park.
One of the best ways to experience Altyaghach National Park is on foot. The park has a few well-marked hiking trails that guide you through forests filled with Persian ironwood, Oriental beech, and Caucasian oak trees. These trails take you over rolling hills, shaded valleys, and some gentle ridges. Most paths are beginner-friendly, so you don’t need to be an expert hiker to enjoy the walk.
Hiking in Altyaghach has trails that go from 400 to 1,000 meters in height. Along the way, you’ll spot small streams, birds, and local wildlife. Spring and autumn are the best times to hike here, with cooler weather and colorful leaves. Pack good shoes, water, and maybe a snack or two. Expect to spend 2 to 3 hours walking, resting, and enjoying the peaceful mountain scenery.
If you love birds, bring a pair of binoculars. Altyaghach National Park is home to an impressive range of birdlife, thanks to its location on a migratory path. You might spot a steppe eagle soaring overhead or a colorful Eurasian hoopoe hopping along the trail. Warblers, finches, and other small birds flutter between the trees, especially near open clearings and river paths.
Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to go, when birds are feeding and most active. The thick forest muffles outside sounds, so you’ll hear birdsong clearly, especially in spring. Don’t worry if you’re not an expert. Watching them flit around in their natural setting is relaxing. Give yourself 1 to 2 hours to enjoy it.
Altyaghach is one of the few places in Azerbaijan where you can spot animals like the East Caucasian tur, a rare wild goat that can easily climb steep mountain slopes. If you’re lucky, you might glimpse a lynx or a brown bear, which live deep in the park’s forests. These animals are shy and active mostly at dawn and dusk, so quiet hikers with patience have the best chance.
Use binoculars, stay on the trails, and avoid making too much noise. Even if you don’t see the big animals, you’ll likely spot traces like tracks, droppings, or scratch marks on trees. The park’s varied terrain, from valleys to high ridges, gives animals plenty of hiding spots. Plan for 2 hours, especially if you want to sit and wait in silence. It’s part wildlife watching, part nature meditation.
After a good walk, there’s nothing better than finding a quiet spot to sit down and enjoy a simple meal. Altyaghach National Park has designated picnic areas, which are usually flat, shaded clearings with benches or soft grass. These areas are marked on park signs and maps, and they’re generally close to the trail routes. The atmosphere is peaceful, with just the sound of wind through the trees or the occasional bird call. Bring your own food and water since the park has no cafes or shops. Also, clean up after yourself. There aren’t many trash bins. Fires are generally prohibited, so stick with packed lunches or cold snacks.
If you’re after panoramic views, head for one of Altyaghach’s natural lookout points. These spots are usually just a short detour off the main hiking paths. They open up to wide vistas of forested hills and winding valleys. On a clear day, you might even see the pink-and-white stripes of the distant Candy Cane Mountains. The best time to go is around sunset. The golden light hits the trees and cliffs just right, making it a great moment for photography. These lookout points aren’t too crowded, so you’ll likely have them to yourself. Bring a camera or a sketchbook if you’re into that kind of thing.
So, you've got the city lights of Baku behind you, and now you’re heading into the calm, green world of Altyaghach National Park. You can stop at ancient mosques, see oil history come alive, hike among colorful striped mountains, and catch a pink lake shimmering under the sun. Once in the park, forest hiking, birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and peaceful picnic spots feel a world away from busy streets.
If you're ready, make your trip easier by renting a car with FinalRentals. Choose your car, hit the road, and start exploring. If you’re arriving at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku or needing a car in the city center, we provide multiple pick-up and drop-off points. You can also book confidently with flexible cancellation options.
