Have you ever wondered what it’s like to drive through cloud-topped mountains to reach one of the oldest villages in the world? Azerbaijan makes that possible, and Khinalug is the hidden gem waiting at the end of the road.
This ancient village is tucked deep in the Caucasus Mountains, over 2,300 meters above sea level. It’s one of the highest and oldest inhabited places in the region, with a history stretching back more than 5,000 years.
Renting a car in Azerbaijan gives you full control of the adventure. You can freely explore winding valleys, make scenic stops, and take in panoramic views you’d miss on a bus. In this blog, you’ll learn why a self-drive is the best option, what to expect on the road, and what makes Khinalug a destination worth the effort.
Saudi travelers planning a visit to Khinalug, Azerbaijan, should note that a visa is required. Fortunately, obtaining an eVisa is easy and can be completed online. The eVisa allows for a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days. The trip from Saudi Arabia to Khinalug starts with a flight to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Direct flights from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) to Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) take about 3 hours.
After landing in Baku, you’ll find many car rental options. You can also book one online before your trip to save time. The drive from Baku to Khinalug is about 235 kilometers and takes 4 hours. The views along the way are beautiful, especially as you go higher into the Greater Caucasus Mountains. The last part of the road is rough and narrow, so it’s best to choose a 4WD vehicle.
Khinalug is one of the highest and most remote villages in the Caucasus, situated about 2,300 meters above sea level. This high altitude provides a cool climate, with summer temperatures between 15°C and 20°C. The village is over 5,000 years old and is known for its unique language and cultural traditions.
Saudi tourists in Khinalug can explore ancient stone houses, local mosques, and the Historical-Ethnographic Museum, which showcases artifacts from the village's history.
Start visiting the State Historical, Architectural, and Ethnographic Reserve Khinalig. This site preserves the original layout of the village, with stone homes and narrow alleys that have stood for centuries. Inside the small museum, you’ll find old farming tools, traditional clothing, and household items that tell the story of Khinalug’s ancient roots. Most staff are locals, so having a translation app will help if you don’t speak Azerbaijani or Russian. It’s a short walk through the village.
If you still have time and energy, hike up to the hilltop viewpoints and the old cemetery. These spots are slightly higher than the village, sitting above 2,400 meters. The trails aren’t marked, but locals can point you in the right direction. From the top, you’ll get wide views of the Greater Caucasus, with clear skies in the morning being best for photos.
Khinalug has nearly ten mosques. The most prominent is the Abu Muslim Mosque, built in the 12th century. It's located on a hill in the village center and made entirely from local stone. The structure has been preserved with minimal changes, and the small prayer hall still hosts daily prayers.
Another important site is the Sheikh Shalbuz Mosque, which serves the local community in the upper part of the village. Also worth visiting is the Pirjomard Mosque, dating back to 1388. This mosque is one of the oldest in the region and is tied to the spiritual history of the Caucasus highlands. It’s easier to access because it’s located at a slightly lower elevation than the Abu Muslim Mosque.
The Atashgah is a Zoroastrian fire temple situated at an elevation of about 3,000 meters on the slopes of Mount Shahdag. This site is considered the highest fire temple in the world. The temple was reconstructed in 2016 through the efforts of the World Zoroastrian Organization and Azerbaijan's Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The hike to Atashgah typically takes about 2 to 3 hours on foot, or approximately 30 minutes by horse. The trail is unmarked and ascends steep terrain, so it's advisable to go with a local guide.
Hikers can enjoy views of the Greater Caucasus and the Gizil-Gaya rock formation along the way. At the site, remnants of the temple's stone base and charred rocks indicate the presence of natural gas vents that once fueled eternal flames. These features align with the traditional Zoroastrian practice of constructing temples, or chahartaqs, at high elevations where natural fires were visible.
Khinalug is famous for its garadams. These single-room homes are built from river stones with flat roofs and a central aperture. This opening lets in natural light and allows smoke from cooking fires to escape. The houses are tightly packed, leaving no space for traditional streets or individual yards. Instead, the flat roof of one house serves as the yard or terrace for the house built above it. This vertical space helps residents adapt to the steep terrain of the Caucasus Mountains.
The entire village is built in a terrace-like structure, with homes blending into the rock and landscape. Stone and wood are sourced locally, giving each building a natural look that mirrors the surrounding mountains. These materials blend visually with the environment and provide insulation against Khinalug’s cold climate, especially during long winters at high altitudes.
One of the most visible local crafts in Khinalug is wool weaving. Residents shear their own sheep and use the wool to create thick, warm clothing suited for high-altitude life. You may see locals spinning yarn by hand or dyeing it with natural pigments. These materials are then used to produce socks, scarves, and carpets.
Another traditional craft is knitting jorab, a patterned wool sock unique to the region. Each pattern often has a symbolic meaning and represents a specific family or clan identity. Locals sometimes sell these handmade items to visitors or trade them in nearby markets like Quba.
Khinalug is surrounded by rugged mountain terrain, making it a strong base for hikers. From here, several trails lead deeper into the Greater Caucasus, passing alpine meadows, seasonal grazing lands, and remote ridgelines. One of the most scenic hikes begins from the upper edge of the village and heads toward Mount Tufandag. This path crosses sloping grasslands and offers wide views of valleys and high peaks. In summer, you’ll pass wildflowers, shepherds with flocks, and narrow streams.
Another well-known route is the Khinalug to Galakhudat trail, which stretches 8.2 kilometers. It gains around 370 meters in elevation and usually takes about 3 hours to complete. The trail is marked and offers views of Mount Gizilgaya and the Gudyalchay River Valley. This route is suitable year-round, but May to July brings the best greenery, while winter hikes offer snowy scenery.
The Caves of Khinalug are located near one of the oldest and most remote villages in the Caucasus. Found in the Quba Rayon of Azerbaijan at over 2,200 meters above sea level, these natural formations have developed over thousands of years. The caves were shaped by erosion and weathering and served as shelters, places of worship, and safe havens during past invasions. Some caves still show signs of ancient use, including soot-blackened walls and basic carvings.
One of the more notable features around the caves is a small waterfall, where water filters naturally through the cliff rocks. The area around the caves remains undeveloped and wild, adding to the sense of timelessness. Visitors can take in wide views of steep valleys and sharp mountain peaks stretching across the Greater Caucasus Range from the cave entrances. You must drive along winding mountain roads that climb steeply from Quba to reach the caves.
The Gudyalchay River plays two very different roles in Azerbaijan. It fuels high-energy adventure near Gabala and supports daily survival in Khinalug. For travelers seeking excitement, river rafting on the Gudyalchay offers a thrilling way to explore the region.
Organized tours are held about 25 kilometers from Gabala, where the river widens and flows through lush forests. This section features moderate rapids, twists, and wave surges ideal for beginners and intermediate rafters. The experience takes about 8 hours, including full safety briefings, equipment, and guided navigation.
Meanwhile, upstream in Khinalug, the same river is part of a daily struggle. Though the region is rich in springs and streams, the village has no usable water source nearby. Residents must walk down to the Gudyalchay, which cuts through the valley far below the settlement. Girls and brides traditionally carry water from the river in heavy jugs or pitchers.
A road trip to Khinalug is not just about seeing an old village but also about understanding how people live in the mountains, which are shaped by nature and old customs. You can walk past stone houses, visit old mosques, and hike through hills with great views.
The best way to explore Khinalug is to drive there. With Finalrentals, renting a car in Azerbaijan is simple, quick, and stress-free. You can pick up your car in Baku and start your trip without waiting for buses or tours. With fair prices, easy booking, and help along the way, Finalrentals is the best choice.
