2-Day Shahdag Tour: Quba, Candy Cane Mountains & Gecresh｜Azerbaijan

Escape the fast pace of Baku and head north into the heart of the Greater Caucasus for a scenic 2-day journey through Azerbaijan’s most spectacular landscapes. Designed for travelers who want to absorb the dramatic transition from coastal semi-deserts to lush forests and alpine peaks, this tour balances icon-packed sightseeing with time to truly relax.

Your journey begins with a drive through the surreal Candy Cane Mountains in Khizi. These rolling, striped shale hills—colored in vibrant hues of pink, red, and white by millions of years of iron oxidation—offer one of the most unique geological landscapes in the region.

Continuing north into Quba, you will enter the cool shade of the Gecresh Forest, where towering ancient trees form a natural, sunlit green canopy directly over the mountain road. Near Quba, cross the Gudiyalchay River to visit the famous Red Village (Qırmızı Qəsəbə), the world's last surviving all-Jewish settlement outside Israel, known for its rich history, unique architecture, and peaceful atmosphere.

Ascend into the high Caucasus to check in at Shahdag Mountain Resort, your base for mountain views and crisp alpine air. Enjoy full access to year-round outdoor adventures: take the panoramic cable car to high-altitude lookout points, speed down the mountain on the Shahdag Alpine Coaster, or explore the sheer cliff-framed gorge and waterfalls of nearby Laza Village.

By spreading the journey across two days, you experience the best of northern Azerbaijan without long, rushed hours on the road—giving you time to savor local mountain cuisine, breathe fresh air, and capture unhurried photos.