Discover Khinalig: A Journey to Azerbaijan's Ancient Mountain Village

Welcome to Khinalig

Nestled high in the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Khinalig is an ancient mountain village in northern Azerbaijan, sitting at an altitude of 2,200 m. This picturesque settlement, along with the 'Köç Yolu' Transhumance Route, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit here offers a glimpse into an intriguing culture, a unique language, and rare customs, making it one of Azerbaijan's premier ethnographic and historical destinations. Khinalig boasts over 5,000 years of history, with its people adapting to the challenging mountain climate and utilizing limited natural resources judiciously. The village is located 60 km from the centre of Guba and was declared a State Historical, Architectural, and Ethnographic Reserve in 2007.

 

What to See and Do

Khinalig resembles an open-air museum with numerous historical sites, sacred places, and sanctuaries. Key attractions and activities include:

  • Historical and Ethnographic Museum of Khinalig: Opened in 2001, this museum showcases the village's history and developed culture. Housed in a beautifully renovated building of local grey stone. It is located within the village itself, offering visitors easy access to delve into Khinalig’s past.
  • State History, Architecture and Ethnography Reserve Museum: Explore more than 5,000 exhibits that shed light on the area's past. This museum offers a deeper insight into the rich history and archaeological heritage of the region.
  • Mosques and Shrines: Including the 8th-century Abu Muslim Mosque (also known as the Juma Mosque), Sheikh Shalbuz Shrine and Mosque, and many others. Khinalig is home to 31 temples and shrines, 16 Islamic and the rest pre-Islamic, scattered across the village.
  • Ateshgah (Fire Temple): Located just a few kilometres from the village, this fire temple is built over a natural, ever-burning flame and is associated with Zoroastrian traditions and many legends. Can be reached by hiking or using local transport.
  • The Shrine of Forty Ascetics (‘Girkh Abdal Piri’): A natural cave 2 km from the village, visited by women seeking to conceive. Accessible by foot.
  • Natural Landscapes: Numerous springs and caves surround the village, some of which were used as shelters or places of worship. These can be explored on foot.
  • Hiking: Khinalig is an excellent base for hiking routes through the Greater Caucasus Mountains.
  • Birdwatching: Best from mid to late May. Spot species like the Caucasian snowcock and Guldenstadt’s redstart.
    Check out Birdwatching in the Caucasus Mountains for more details.
  • Local Culture: Experience hospitality of the Kattid people. Traditional sock knitting is a common practice. Many households keep hand-knitted woollen socks in a ‘khurjun’.

 

Where to Stay

Guesthouses and homestays are available in Khinalig and nearby Laza:

Aghayev Elnur guesthouse, +994 50 965 4926
Ahmadov Mammadyar guesthouse, +994 50 532 4684
Babayev Telman guesthouse, +994 51 927 6942
Hamidov Rufaddin guesthouse, +994 51 715 0579
Khalifmammadov Zaur guesthouse, +994 51 468 8981
Lalayev Zaur guesthouse, +994 51 830 9720
Malikov Nariman guesthouse, +994 50 890 4475
Maliov Mazahir guesthouse, +994 70 550 9947
Orucov Natig guesthouse, +994 50 585 9821
Sarkarov Rahman guesthouse, +994 70 948 6647
 

What to Eat

  • Dairy Products: Cheese, yoghurt, butter (nehra), ayran.
  • Meat Dishes: Roast meat on branches, grilled meat between stones, stuffed lamb. Autumn is ideal for goat meat.
  • Breads: Tandir in winter, saj in summer. Try kherek, flatbread cooked over fire.
  • Honey: August is honey season. Mountain honey is considered a remedy for 70 diseases.
  • Traditional Sweets: Govut (halva-like sweet), jam with tea.
     

How to Get There

  • Baku to Guba: 2 h 45 min by car (167 km). Buses run from Baku International Bus Terminal.
  • Guba to Khinalig: From Guba Bus Station, take intercity bus №1 to Khinalig Guest House stop. Then, arrange local transport for the final 55 km.

 

When to Go

  • Dec–Mar: Snowy, traditional sock knitting season.
  • Apr–Jun: Ideal for hiking. Birdwatching in mid to late May.
  • Jul–Aug: Peak hiking season. Mountain permits may be needed.
  • Sep–Oct: Clear weather for hiking, sheep migration, and goat dishes.
  • Nov: Cold season, best for enjoying warm local food indoors.

 

Useful Information

  • Language: Locals speak Khinalug. Russian and English are limited.
  • Religion & Customs: Sunni Muslims. Modest dress recommended.
  • Money: Bring cash. Cards rarely accepted.
  • Telecom: Mobile and internet generally available, but varies by provider.