A Private Day Tour to Shahdag and Candy Cane Mountains
Active
9h - 11h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
A one-day journey from Baku to the Shahdag Mountain Resort and the Candy Cane Mountains reveals the most striking landscapes of northern Azerbaijan. The Greater Caucasus reaches elevations exceeding 2,500 meters, creating subalpine and alpine climatic zones with crisp, low-humidity air and clear visibility. Shahdag offers expansive ski terrain alongside a range of high-altitude activities, including cable car rides, zip-lining, paragliding and ice skating, all set within a dramatic mountainous environment.
The route continues toward the Candy Cane Mountains, a unique geological formation recognized for its vividly striped sedimentary layers. These multicolored strata, primarily composed of iron oxide-rich claystones and siltstones, reflect mineral oxidation processes that occurred over millions of years.
The journey concludes with a return to Baku, following an extensive observation of Azerbaijan’s most extraordinary highland and geomorphological features.
Available options
A Private Day Tour to Shahdag and Candy Cane Mountains
Pickup included
What's included
Comfortable private vehicle for pick-up, drop-off and all scheduled tour places
A bottle of water per person
Licensed Tour Guide
Detailed itinerary
1
Guests are picked up from any address or meeting point in Baku and transferred to Shahdag Mountain Resort in the Gusar region, a journey of approximately three hours. Located in the Greater Caucasus near Shahdag National Park, the resort is known for its alpine climate, preserved natural environment, and elevations between 1,435 and 2,552 meters above sea level. The ski season typically runs from mid-December to early April. As Azerbaijan’s largest mountain resort, Shahdag offers 32 kilometers of ski terrain, 26 slopes for all skill levels, and 17 modern lifts with a capacity of up to 25,000 skiers per hour. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, visitors can enjoy activities such as cable cars, mountain coasters, zip-lining, paragliding, ice skating, and family-friendly attractions. Guests usually spend two to three hours at the resort before returning to Baku.
2
After completing the tour activities in Shahdag, the journey continues toward the Candy Cane Mountains located in the Khizi region. The driving distance from Shahdag to this destination is 3 hours. The Candy Cane Mountains are a distinctive geological formation, celebrated for their vividly colored, ribbon-like strata of red, white and pink rock that create a striking resemblance to swirling candy patterns. This unique topography results from natural sedimentary layering and mineral oxidation over millions of years, forming one of Azerbaijan’s most photogenic landscapes. Guests typically spend about 30 minutes at the site, accompanied by their private guide for interpretive explanations and a short walk across the mountain slopes to observe the terrain up close. Following the visit, the tour concludes with the return journey to Baku, which takes around 90 minutes to reach the city center.
What's not included
Shahdag Mountain Cable Car ride
Anything not mentioned in the inclusions
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
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3 reviews
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Travelers who do not require pickup can mention this in the "Special Requirements" section while booking the tour. Our tour operator will contact the Lead traveler to confirm and discuss the details.
About Baku
Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is a vibrant city where modernity meets tradition. Situated on the Caspian Sea, it's known for its futuristic skyline, historic sites, and rich cultural heritage, including the ancient Maiden Tower and the iconic Flame Towers.
Top Attractions
Maiden Tower
A 12th-century monument that is a symbol of Baku. Its exact purpose remains a mystery.
Historical
1-2 hours
Moderate (5 AZN)
Flame Towers
Three futuristic skyscrapers that are landmarks of modern Baku. The towers are designed to resemble flames, a reference to Baku's ancient history as a center of the fire-worshipping Zoroastrian religion.
Architecture
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free to view from outside
Old City (Icheri Sheher)
The historic core of Baku, a UNESCO World Heritage site with ancient walls, narrow streets, and historic buildings.
Historical
2-3 hours
Free to explore, attractions within have varying costs
Baku Boulevard
A scenic park along the Caspian Sea with walking paths, cafes, and entertainment options.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free to enter, activities have varying costs
Heydar Aliyev Center
A stunning piece of modern architecture designed by Zaha Hadid. The center hosts exhibitions, concerts, and conferences.
Architecture
1-2 hours
Moderate (depends on the event)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Plov
A fragrant rice dish cooked with saffron, meat, and vegetables. It's often served at special occasions and is considered a national dish.
Main course
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian upon request
Dushbara
Tiny dumplings filled with minced meat and served in a broth. It's a popular street food in Baku.
Soup
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian upon request
Baku Piti
A traditional soup made with lamb, chickpeas, and noodles, served in a clay pot.
Soup
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian upon request
Baku Dolma
Grapes leaves or vegetables stuffed with a mixture of minced meat and rice, cooked in a spicy tomato sauce.
Appetizer
Contains meat, can be made vegetarian upon request
Popular Activities
Hiking in Gobustan National Park
Exploring mud volcanoes
Visiting the Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory
Strolling along Baku Boulevard
Enjoying a cup of tea in a traditional teahouse
Relaxing at a local hammam (bathhouse)
Exploring the Old City
Visiting museums and historic sites
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
This is the best time to visit Baku with pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Crowds are moderate, and the city hosts several festivals during these months.
18°C to 28°C
64°F to 82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Azerbaijani
- Widely spoken: Russian, English (in tourist areas)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Azerbaijani Manat (AZN)
Time Zone
GMT+4
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Baku is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Exercise caution at night, especially in less touristy areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
Getting there
By air
- Heydar Aliyev International Airport • 20 km from city center
By train
Baku Railway Station
By bus
Baku International Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The metro is efficient, clean, and affordable. It's the best way to get around the city quickly.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Bina Taxi, Yandex.Taxi
Rentals
Car, Bike
Neighborhoods
Old City (Icheri Sheher)
Nizami District
Khatai District
Day trips
Gobustan National Park
60 km from Baku • Full day
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring ancient rock carvings, mud volcanoes, and a unique desert landscape. It's a great place for hiking and exploring.
Lankaran
220 km from Baku • Full day or overnight
A city in southern Azerbaijan known for its lush greenery, historic sites, and the nearby Hirkan National Park. It's a great place for nature lovers and history buffs.
Shamakhi
120 km from Baku • Full day
A historic city known for its ancient Juma Mosque, the Yeddi Gumbaz mausoleums, and the nearby Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory. It's a great place for history lovers and those interested in astronomy.
Festivals
Baku International Jazz Festival • October
Baku International Film Festival (BAFTA) • October
Novruz Bayrami • March 20-21 (or around the spring equinox)
Pro tips
- Visit the Flame Fountain in Baku Boulevard, a unique attraction where natural gas flames continuously burn from a stone fountain
- Try traditional Azerbaijani tea in a local teahouse, such as Sazaghan Teahouse or Chaykhana #1
- Explore the Old City on foot, taking in the narrow streets, historic sites, and local markets
- Take a day trip to Gobustan National Park to see ancient rock carvings and mud volcanoes
- Visit the Heydar Aliyev Center, a stunning piece of modern architecture designed by Zaha Hadid
Get Price
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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