Ancient Secrets of Greater Caucasus | Weekend in Azerbaijan (from Abu Dhabi)

Tucked between Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Iran, Azerbaijan is a landlocked country that opens onto the vast Caspian Sea—technically the world’s largest lake. Though it's called a “sea,” its waters sit below sea level and are far less salty than oceans, giving it a character all its own.

At the heart of the country is its capital, Baku, whose name comes from the local phrase meaning “city of winds.” With one foot in Europe and the other in Asia, Baku blends history, modernity, and strategic power. Fueled by oil wealth, the city has rapidly transformed—restoring its Old City while rising skyward with glass-and-fire Flame Towers, symbols of national pride and ambition.

But on this trip, we’re leaving the skyline behind and heading into the Great Caucasus Mountains—a wild, untamed region that offers a real escape from the UAE’s summer heat.

Our destination is the village of Xinaliq—one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world, with over 5,000 years of history. Hidden deep in the mountains, it has resisted change and invasion for centuries. Within its compact boundaries, you'll find 12th- and 15th-century mosques, ancient cemeteries, and caves etched with early human petroglyphs. Surrounded by peaks and meadows like a green quilt, and often brushed by low-hanging clouds, Xinaliq feels like a place caught between time and myth.

Xinaliq’s resilience is legendary. Perched at over 2,300 meters above sea level, isolated by rugged terrain and extreme weather, the village has preserved its unique language, customs, and architecture. It was historically cut off for much of the year by snow, and even today, reaching it requires patience and a sturdy vehicle. Yet its people have built stone homes designed to last, practiced highland herding traditions, and held onto their distinct culture despite wars, empires, and shifting borders all around them. They speak Ketsh, a language unrelated to any other in the region, and live in close-knit communities where oral history and hospitality remain central.

The Greater Caucasus Mountains stretch from the Black Sea in the west to the Caspian Sea in the east, forming a dramatic natural border between Europe and Asia. In Azerbaijan, the range towers over the country's north, creating a stark contrast to the dry plains farther south. The climate in these mountains is highly variable—lush and rainy in lower altitudes, crisp and cool in the highlands, with snow lingering on peaks well into summer. Xinaliq sits above the treeline, where wildflowers bloom in summer and clouds skim the rooftops. It’s a place of alpine beauty, shaped by wind and time, perfect for those who crave altitude, space, and stillness.

Check out the clip from our first trip, back in 2017:
https://vimeo.com/225945512

Lets go!

DAY 1 // Friday
Meeting at Abu Dhabi airport at 20.30 a direct flight to Baku at 22.30. Immigration clearance and overnight.

DAY 2 // Saturday
After breakfast, we hit the road into the countryside. Expect dramatic canyons, green meadows, and terrace-style farms. Lunch in Quba, then we continue toward Gudialchay, where the meadows stand against the backdrop of rocky mountains. Shortly we will begin our hike across the hills to soak in some breathtaking views of the village from various perspectives, dinner and overnight.

Dinner and overnight stay in the area.

Be ready for temperatures below 15C and hopefully some rain showers too.

DAY 3 // Sunday
After breakfast, we cross the river and begin our ascent from 2,200m to 2,900m, moving beyond the alpine grasslands into rocky high terrain. We'll also visit Xinaliq’s historic mosque and local museum. In the afternoon, we return to Baku with a quick tour of the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, a walk through the Old City, and a stop at Baku Boulevard for a final city glimpse.

DAY 4 // Monday
After a late dinner, we will head to the airport for our early morning flight back home — with a pockets full of memories of wind, mountains, and a weekend that felt like another world.

Level: Easy to moderate, available for beginners. You can skip hike on Day 2 and enjoy the village life.
Activities: trekking, experiencing village life, sightseeing.
Accommodation & meals: guesthouse - double sharing. Meals excluded. Bring your fav snacks for the road.

Cost: 2930 AED incl. flights on Wizzair from Abu Dhabi, until JUNE 10th.

Specifically excluded:

• visa,
• meals.

Visas:

Most of passports are entitled for evisa. More info here.
UAE residents get visa on arrival.

Requirement: trekking shoes – no shoes no hike! daypack, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, sports electrolytes, power bank, towel, weatherproof warm clothes (10-25C).

https://vimeo.com/220628342

See yah in Xinaliq x

Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup