How to Plan Your Baku Guided Tour to Gobustan National Park & Bibiheybat Mosque

Are you planning a trip to Baku and looking for the perfect way to experience the city’s rich history and natural beauty? Look no further than the Gobustan and Bibiheybat tour! This half-day adventure will take you to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Gobustan, where you will marvel at ancient rock drawings and discover the world’s greatest concentration of mud volcanoes. You will also visit the Bibiheybat Mosque, one of the major monuments of Islamic architecture in Azerbaijan and a spiritual center for Muslims in the region.

Here is your complete guide to planning your Baku guided tour to Gobustan National Park and Bibiheybat Mosque:

Experience

This tour is designed for tourists and visitors who are interested in the Stone Age period of humanity, UNESCO World Heritage, and history. You will have a chance to see a group of mud volcanoes, Bibiheybat mosque, and the world’s first industrially drilled oil well. The tour lasts 4-5 hours and is run on the 1st part of the day.

Highlights

During your tour, you will:

– Discover the world’s greatest concentration of mud volcanoes
– Marvel at the ancient rock drawings and petroglyphs in Gobustan
– Visit one of the spiritual centers for the Muslims and one of the major monuments of Islamic architecture in Azerbaijan
– See the world’s 1st industrially drilled oil well

The Full Description

The tour starts with a pickup from your hotel in Baku by an experienced English-speaking guide who will accompany you throughout the tour. On the way to Bibiheybat, you will pass by the world’s first industrial oil well.

The first stop of the tour will be Bibiheybat Mosque, which includes the tomb of Ukeyma Khanum, a descendant of The Islamic Prophet Muhammad. Today it is a spiritual center for the Muslims of the region and one of the major monuments of Islamic architecture in Azerbaijan.

You will then head to the Gobustan Museum of Petroglyphs, where you will learn about the history of the region and marvel at the ancient rock drawings and petroglyphs.

Following the Gobustan Museum visit, you will drive to the mud volcanoes located near the Dashgil village. As you hike around the mud volcanoes, you will have the opportunity to witness unique volcanic activity up close and explore a Martian-like landscape.

The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel in Baku.

Booking the Tour

To book your Baku guided tour to Gobustan National Park and Bibiheybat Mosque, simply click here to visit the GetYourGuide website. From there, you can select your preferred date and time, and purchase your tickets online.

Tips for Your Tour

– Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking
– Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
– Bring drinking water
– Respect the environment and do not disturb the mud volcanoes or petroglyphs
– Follow the guide’s instructions for your safety

Conclusion

Your Baku guided tour to Gobustan National Park and Bibiheybat Mosque is sure to be an unforgettable experience. From the ancient rock drawings and petroglyphs to the remarkable mud volcanoes and historic mosque, this tour combines history, culture, and natural beauty into one incredible half-day adventure. Book your tour today and get ready to discover the beauty of Azerbaijan!

An Insider’s Guide to Baku: The Jewel of Azerbaijan

Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan, is a unique blend of the ancient and modern worlds. It offers tourists a perfect mix of historical landmarks, cultural experiences, and natural attractions. In this guide, we will explore the city’s must-visit destinations, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Local Attractions

Baku has a rich history that stretches back thousands of years. For history buffs, a visit to the Old City is a must. Its narrow streets are lined with ancient buildings, mosques, and fortresses that provide a glimpse into the city’s past.

The Heydar Aliyev Center is another must-visit attraction. This award-winning building, designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid, is not only an architectural masterpiece but also home to a museum dedicated to the history and culture of Azerbaijan.

The Flame Towers- Baku’s iconic trio of flame-shaped skyscrapers- is another must-see attraction. At night, the towers light up with a dazzling display of LED lights, making them one of the most Instagrammable locations in the city.

Dining Spots

Baku is a food lover’s paradise. Azerbaijani cuisine, a blend of Middle Eastern and European flavors, is a unique culinary experience. You can find everything from street food vendors to high-end restaurants in Baku.

For an authentic Azerbaijani dining experience, visit Firuze Restaurant. It is a well-known local spot where you can try traditional dishes like plov (Azerbaijani rice dish) and shakh plov (Azerbaijani pilaf). For a fine-dining experience, head to Art Club Restaurant. This upscale establishment is known for its fusion cuisine, fancy cocktails, and impressive view of Baku.

Cultural Experiences

Baku’s cultural experiences are as diverse as the city’s history and food. A visit to the Mugham Center is a must for music enthusiasts. This center showcases Azerbaijani classical music, including the melancholic and evocative genre of mugham.

For a taste of urban culture, head to the Yarat Contemporary Art Centre. It is a cutting-edge art gallery that features contemporary Azerbaijani artists and emerging artists from around the world.

Local History

Baku has a complex and fascinating history that stretches back to the ancient world. The Palace of Shirvanshahs is one of the most significant historical landmarks in the city. This 15th-century palace complex served as the royal residence for the Shirvanshah dynasty. It features an impressive array of buildings, including the Shirvanshahs’ palace, mosque, and mausoleum.

The Maiden Tower is another iconic landmark that dates back to the 12th century. It is a cylindrical tower that served as part of Baku’s defensive wall and was later used as an astronomical observatory.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

For adventurous travelers, Baku offers plenty of off-the-beaten-path activities. One such activity is visiting the Ateshgah Fire Temple. It is a temple originally used by Zoroastrians in the 17th century and later by Hindu and Sikh merchants.

Another unique experience is visiting Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain). It is a natural gas fire that has been burning for thousands of years. This site is accessible via a short, scenic hike, and it offers a fantastic photo opportunity.

In conclusion, Baku is a city that offers something for everyone. With its unique blend of history, culture, food, and natural beauty, it promises to be a captivating travel destination.