Azerbaijan Itinerary: Naxcivan, Qabala & Baku (6 Days)
- Ankitha
- Mar 1, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 24
In one of the most remote corners of Central Asia lies an autonomous republic that very few tourists ever explore — Naxcivan.
This exclave of Azerbaijan, bordering Turkey, Iran, and Armenia, is separated from the mainland yet deeply connected through history and culture
We decided to hop on a plane, took another one hour flight from Baku and landed in this unbelievably beautiful little corner of a mainstream country. We wandered through the empty roads, crushed on gorgeous minarets and fell in love with every part of Naxcivan.
Here’s our complete Azerbaijan itinerary 6 days:
Naxcivan – 2 days
Qabala – 2 days
Baku – 2 days
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Planning Your Trip to Azerbaijan
Flights & Visa
We flew with FlyDubai to Baku (2.5 hours). For Naxcivan, flights are available via Azerbaijan Airlines from Baku (1 hour, ~$80 return). We had our local guide book the tickets, which is recommended since online booking can be tricky.
📌 Azerbaijan visa for Indians – $26 eVisa (processed in 24 hours)
Currency
Use local currency (Azerbaijani manat) in rural areas. USD is accepted in cities.
Best Time to Visit
Spring & Fall – Ideal for hiking and sightseeing
Winter (Feb) – Snowy landscapes in Naxcivan
Summer – Best for Snake Mountain hikes
If you’re wondering about the best time to visit Azerbaijan, spring and autumn are perfect for exploring cities and cultural sites, while summer is best for hikes in Qabala and Naxcivan.
Currency
Use local currency (Azerbaijani manat) in rural areas. USD is accepted in cities.
Independent vs. Guided Travel
Baku: Can be done solo.
Naxcivan & Qabala: Hire a local guide + driver for logistics, especially for booking internal flights and remote site visits.
Where We Stayed
In Baku we stayed at the Landmark hotel. It is correctly priced, and located right in the middle of the city with easy access to the old city, perfect for anyone looking for a Baku travel guide starting point. In Naxcivan, you have two choices - both are about the same price too. We stayed in Grand Naxcivan hotel.
Vegetarian Food in Azerbaijan
Like with most of Central Asia, the cuisine is meat based. As a vegetarian, you can ask to customize the dishes. We tried the local saj and qutabs. Both delicious and freshly made. You can also find a whole lot of hot tea and bakhalava at every stop. If you’re looking for vegetarian food in Azerbaijan, Baku and Qabala have more options, but in Naxcivan it’s best to request customizations.
Top Destinations in Azerbaijan
Naxcivan – Offbeat and Magical
Alinja Fortress
Known as the “Machu Picchu of Eurasia,” this reconstructed fortress on a mountaintop offers panoramic views of the Iranian mountains.
On a freezing day, we hiked 1,800 steps to reach this historic stronghold. I could imagine how well-guarded it once was, but the real highlight was the sweeping panoramic views of the northern Iranian mountains—absolutely worth every step.
Qarabaglar Mausoleum
A visual twin to Uzbekistan’s blue-tiled wonders, located in a small village, this monument is stunning with twin minarets and mosaic artistry.
Resembling the blue-tiled marvels of Uzbekistan, this hidden gem in a quiet village is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.
With its striking twin minarets, intricate mosaic artistry, and timeless elegance, it offers a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage—well worth the visit for architecture lovers and history buffs alike.
Noah’s Mausoleum & Yezidabad Castle
Believed to be the final resting place of the biblical Noah, this sacred site is steeped in legend and history.
From the fortress walls of Yezidabad Castle, you can also spot the oldest mosque in Naxcivan—a breathtaking juxtaposition of spiritual heritage and ancient fortification that speaks volumes about the region’s deep cultural roots.
Momine Khatun Mausoleum
Dedicated to a ruler’s wife, this structure features a single support pillar, and the word Allah written over a thousand times. The Momine Khatun Mausoleum is one of the most important historical highlights of Naxcivan and a must for architecture lovers.
Khan’s Palace
Next to the Momine Khatun Mausoleum, this former royal residence showcases artifacts from Naxcivan’s past, with the dazzling mirror room as its unforgettable highlight.
Gulustan Mausoleum
One more distinct monument, this one stands out in two ways - the pinkish color of the tiles and the bright red mountains in the background.
Snake Mountain (Ilandag Mountain)
If you love outdoor hikes, summer is the best time to conquer Snake Mountain in Naxcivan.
Nearby, you can explore one of the region’s oldest salt mines, adding a fascinating historic twist to your adventure.
Qabala – Nature and Slow Travel
Just three hours from Baku, Qabala is the kind of place where time slows down and nature takes center stage.
If you’re planning things to do in Qabala Azerbaijan, highlights include Lake Nohur, forest drives, waterfalls, and even skiing in winter
Along the roadside, you’ll often spot local grandmas making fresh veggie qutabs right before your eyes—flaky, golden, and bursting with flavor. Qabala isn’t just a summer retreat; in winter, its slopes invite skiers, while spring transforms the valley into a haven for wine lovers.
Whether you’re here for adventure or simply to breathe deeply and unwind, Qabala is a year-round invitation to embrace slow travel at its finest.
Baku – Where Old Meets New
Our trip ended in Azerbaijan’s vibrant capital—a city of long coastlines, bold modern architecture, and centuries-old history.
Coastal Strolls & the Carpet Museum
A walk along the seaside boulevard is a must. The iconic Carpet Museum Baku, shaped like a rolled-up carpet, makes for a striking photo backdrop. Inside, the craftsmanship is mind-blowing.
Views from Highland Park
Perfect for panoramic city views and sunset shots of the Flame Towers.
Icherisheher Fortress Walls & The Old City
Walking the old cobblestone streets is the best way to soak in history..
The Old City
Narrow cobblestone streets, historic mosques, and hidden courtyards—this was my personal favorite part of Baku. Every turn hides a story.
Heydar Aliyev Center
The Heydar Aliyev Center Zaha Hadid creation is a futuristic masterpiece. Its sweeping curves and bold architecture make it one of Baku’s most iconic landmarks.
Nizami Street Vibes
Baku’s shopping and nightlife hub is alive with energy—perfect for people-watching, grabbing coffee, or just soaking up the city buzz.
Bibi Heybat Mosque
Green-and-gold interiors with Caspian Sea views, rebuilt after Stalin’s destruction.
Final Thoughts
Azerbaijan surprised us at every turn. From the shimmering mirror rooms of ancient palaces to snow-capped fortresses, every corner tells a story. One moment you’re hiking rugged mountains, the next you’re exploring modern marvels like the Heydar Aliyev Center Zaha Hadid design or browsing the Carpet Museum Baku.
Whether you’re here for history, culture, or food (yes—even vegetarian food in Azerbaijan), this Baku travel guide combined with offbeat stops like Naxcivan and nature escapes in Qabala makes the perfect Azerbaijan itinerary 6 days.
If you’re based in the Middle East or passing through Central Asia, Azerbaijan is an easy, accessible gem that deserves a place on your travel list. It’s close enough for a quick getaway yet rich enough to keep you exploring for weeks.
Thanks for reading! DM me on Instagram if you have questions or need help planning your trip.
Lots of love
Anki
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