A Day Trip from Baku: Gobustan, Mud Volcanoes & the Land of Fire

After two days of soaking in Baku’s futuristic skyline and old-town charm, we decided to venture beyond the city limits — and it turned out to be one of the most unforgettable (and unexpected) days of our Azerbaijan trip.

(Read all about our first impressions of Baku and the perfect itinerary for first timers in this blog post Exploring Baku: A Perfect 3-Day Itinerary + Honest First Impressions of Azerbaijan’s Capital)

This full-day adventure from Baku combines ancient history, bizarre natural phenomena, and a fiery finale — literally. From prehistoric rock carvings at Gobustan to bubbling mud volcanoes and the ever-burning flames of Yanar Dag, it’s a journey that perfectly captures why Azerbaijan is called The Land of Fire.

We joined a small group tour with Heritage Tours Baku, but private options are also available if you prefer to move at your own pace - especially handy if you’re traveling with a little one like we were!

If you have one extra day in Baku, make it this one.

Stop 1: Gobustan National Park — Azerbaijan’s Ancient Art Gallery

Roughly an hour south of the city lies Gobustan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that feels like an open-air museum. This rocky desert landscape is home to more than 6,000 petroglyphs, some dating back over 10,000 years. The carvings depict everything from dancing figures and hunting scenes to wild animals and boats — offering an incredible glimpse into the lives of early humans.

There’s a small visitor center with interactive displays explaining the site’s history before you head out to the rock formations themselves. It’s dusty, quiet, and absolutely fascinating.

Stop 2: The Mud Volcanoes — Earth’s Weirdest Bubble Bath

Just a short drive from Gobustan, the mud volcanoes are easily one of the strangest landscapes we’ve ever seen. Azerbaijan is home to nearly half of the world’s mud volcanoes, and standing among them feels like stepping onto another planet.

Interestingly, the main road only goes so far - after that, you transfer into these old Soviet-style cars that take you deep into the dusty, otherworldly landscape. The drivers treat it like an adventure ride, zipping across rough, dirt tracks with thrilling speed. We had our baby with us, which made things a bit more chaotic — our driver didn’t speak a word of English but somehow understood that we could only go so fast! Despite the uneven dirt roads, it was such a fun and memorable experience.

The volcanoes constantly gurgle and burp out cool, grey mud — no lava here! — creating a surreal, almost lunar environment. The drive out is a little wild (you’ll need a 4x4), but the moment you see dozens of mini volcanoes quietly bubbling away, it’s totally worth it.

PRO TIP: Wear shoes you don’t mind getting dirty, and bring wet wipes — the mud splashes more than you think! Although our driver kindly offered us shoe bags to wear over our feet, which we are super thankful for!

Stop 3: Yanar Dag — The Eternal Flame of Azerbaijan

Next up, a stop at Yanar Dag, or “Burning Mountain.” This hillside has been on fire for decades, thanks to natural gas seeping up from underground. The flames flicker continuously, even through wind and rain, creating an eerie but mesmerizing sight.

It’s a quick stop — about 15–20 minutes — but definitely one for the memory books. You’ll understand immediately how Azerbaijan got its fiery nickname.

PRO TIP: Visit at sunset if you can. The contrast of orange flames against the fading sky makes for incredible photos.

Stop 4: Ateshgah Fire Temple — Where Fire Meets Faith

The final stop of the day is Ateshgah, the Fire Temple of Baku. Located in the suburb of Surakhani, this 17th-century temple was once a pilgrimage site for Zoroastrians and Hindu traders traveling along the Silk Road.

The temple complex is beautifully preserved, with inscriptions in Sanskrit and Persian, and a central flame that once burned naturally (it’s now gas-fed). Even if you’re not a history buff, the mix of spiritual and architectural influences makes it a fascinating visit.

PRO TIP: Go inside the small museum rooms - they house interesting artifacts and stories about fire worship in the region.

Final thoughts

It’s a long day — about 8–9 hours in total — but it’s hands down one of the most unique day trips we’ve done anywhere. Between prehistoric carvings, bubbling mud, and eternal flames, this corner of Azerbaijan truly lives up to its nickname: The Land of Fire.

Family travel note: Most of the sites are stroller-unfriendly (lots of gravel and uneven terrain), so we used a baby carrier instead. Bring snacks, wipes, and plenty of water - facilities are basic outside Baku.

Alternative Day Trips from Baku

If you have more time or want something different from the 'Land of Fire' circuit, here are a few other day trips that we considered but didn’t manage to squeeze in:

• Qabala: A lush mountain resort town about 3.5 hours from Baku. Known for its cable car rides, lakes, and waterfalls, Qabala offers a refreshing break from the city’s desert tones. In winter, it’s also home to one of Azerbaijan’s best ski resorts.

Best for: Nature lovers and those craving cooler weather and green mountain views.

• Sheki: Around five hours away, Sheki is one of the country’s most historic Silk Road towns, filled with cobbled streets, ancient caravanserais, and the stunning Sheki Khan’s Palace, famous for its stained glass and intricate woodwork.

Best for: Culture buffs and architecture lovers. Consider staying overnight to truly soak in its charm.

• Lahij Village: A picturesque mountain village located on the southern slopes of the Greater Caucasus. Lahij is famous for its copper craftsmanship - you’ll find workshops where artisans still hand-hammer beautiful metalware using traditional techniques.

  Best for: Those seeking local culture, handicrafts, and a glimpse of rural Azerbaijani life.

Each of these day trips offers a completely different side of Azerbaijan - from ancient trade routes and mountain views to the wild volcanic desert of Gobustan - proving just how diverse and underrated this country really is.