5 Days 4 Nights Shamakhi, Gabala, Lahij, Sheki and Qakh Tour

Departing from the modern pulse of Baku, today’s journey ventures into the historic heart of Shamakhi, once the glittering capital of the Shirvanshahs. The first stop, the Diribaba Mausoleum, emerges almost mystically from the cliffs – a 15th-century Sufi tomb entwined with legends and spirituality, carved directly into the rocky face of the hills.

In the heart of Shamakhi lies the Juma Mosque, a living monument to Islamic architecture dating back to the 8th century. With its elegant domes and history marked by resilience through earthquakes and invasions, it stands as a testament to Azerbaijan’s Islamic heritage.

Nearby, on a hilltop with sweeping views, the Yeddi Gumbaz Mausoleum – the “Seven Domes”- serves as the eternal resting place of the Shamakhi Khans, whispering stories of royal dynasties long faded into time. As the road begins to wind through the Caucasus foothills, you arrive in Lahij village, a mountain village seemingly untouched by time. Here, cobbled streets echo with the clang of copper as artisans continue the centuries-old tradition of metalwork and hand woven carpets. The aroma of mountain herbs and village tea fills the air, welcoming travelers into this cradle of craftsmanship.

The day concludes with a scenic drive to Gabala, where the mountains grow higher, the air crisper, and the hospitality ever warmer. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel. Relax and prepare for the next day’s journey deeper into Azerbaijan. Total transfer and tour duration of the day will cover about 10 to 12 hours by the explanation of professional guide:

• Pick up from Heydar Aliyev  International Airport or appointed hotel
• Diribaba Mauseloum
• Juma Mosque
• Yeddi Gumbaz Mauseloum
• Lahic Village
• Drop off  the hotel and overnight in Gabala

After the breakfast at the hotel, begin the day immersed in the grandeur of Tufandag Mountain Resort, where cable cars ascend into misty alpine vistas. Whether it’s lush green slopes or snow-covered peaks, the Caucasus never fails to impress. Next, serenity takes form at Nohur Lake, a tranquil mirror reflecting the surrounding forests and mountains. A perfect spot for quiet contemplation, light walking, or a gentle boat ride. Adventure resumes at Yeddi Gozel Waterfall, a seven-tiered cascade hidden deep within a forested ravine. A short hike leads to a fairy-tale setting of rushing water and birdsong, where nature feels untouched and sacred. From there, the tour turns cultural with a visit to Nidj Village, home to the ancient Udi people, guardians of the Chotari Albanian Church. Here, stone walls and sacred icons preserve the memory of the Caucasian Albanian Christian civilization – older than most churches in Europe.

In the afternoon, the journey leads into Sheki, but not before a refreshing stop at the Bio Garden -an eco-farm where visitors can taste local fruits and organic products straight from the earth. As the sun sets, the ancient Silk Road reveals one of its gems: the Caravanserai in Sheki. Once a resting place for merchants and traders, this beautifully preserved inn evokes the mystery and majesty of the trade routes that shaped empires. Before nightfall, indulge in a visit to Sheki halva shops, where sweet artisans craft the city’s most famous delicacy – Sheki pakhlava – layered with nuts, honey, and tradition. At the end of a full and enriching day, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel. Relax and prepare for the next day’s journey deeper into Azerbaijan. Total tour duration of the day will cover about 6 to 8 hours by the explanation of professional guide:

Drop off  the hotel and overnight in Sheki

Pick up from the hotel

Tufandag Mountain Resort

Nohurlake

Yeddi Gozel

Nidj Udin Village ( Chotari Albanian Church in Gabala)

Bio Garden Sheki

Caravanserai in Sheki

Sheki Halva Shops and shopping

The 3rd day is a deeper dive into the artistic and cultural core of Sheki. The morning begins at the ABAD Ceramic and Applied Arts Centre, a modern creative space empowering local artists. Here, traditional techniques blend with modern design, and travelers can witness the making of fine ceramics, weaving, and woodwork. Continue to the Sheki Museum of History and Local Lore, housed in a traditional noble mansion. The exhibits trace Sheki’s rich timeline – from prehistoric settlements to its golden age as a khanate – through artifacts, costumes, and stories. The Art Gallery showcases local painters and sculptors, offering a contemporary lens on Azerbaijani identity, nature, and heritage. At the Craftsmen’s House, visitors step into a world of delicate craftsmanship through a live demonstration of Shebeke – an intricate art form of stained glass assembled without glue or nails. This tradition, passed down through generations, transforms colored glass and wood into dazzling geometric windows.

At the end of a full and enriching day, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel. Free time more than 4 hours to dicsover the Sheki by your own and have a rest at the hote. Total tour duration of the day will cover about 4 to 5 hours by the explanation of professional guide:

• Sheki Khan Palace
• ABAD Ceramic Arts Centre
• Sheki Museum of History and Local Lore
• Art Gallery
• Craftsmen’s House (Shebeke Workshop)
• Drop off  the hotel and overnight in Sheki

The day begins with a journey to Kish Village, home to one of the oldest Christian churches in the Caucasus. The Kish Albanian Church, believed to date back to the 1st century, rests peacefully among mulberry trees and ancient stone tombs – its glass dome filtering light into a sanctuary of timeless silence. From here, venture to the Qakh region, where religious history and untouched nature coexist. The Kurmuk Temple, nestled in a forested hillside, remains a spiritual sanctuary visited by pilgrims of different faiths. Nearby, the Qum Basilica stands in quiet dignity as a remnant of early Christianity, its ruins framed by rural beauty and sacred mystery. Rising above Qakh is Sumug-gala Castle, a medieval fortification offering sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. It’s a short hike, but one rich with the echoes of warriors and watchmen who once stood guard over these lands. Visit the charming Ulu Bridge, an arched stone structure that has connected communities for centuries. And nearby, the Ulu Mosque and Abdulkhaliq Hammam reflect daily life in historical Qakh – spiritual, communal and enduring. At the end of a full and enriching day, you’ll be dropped off at your hotel. Relax and prepare for the next day’s journey deeper into Azerbaijan. Total tour duration of the day will cover about 6 to 8 hours by the explanation of professional guide:

• Pick up from the hotel
• Kish Albanian Church
• Kurmuk Temple
• Qum Basilica
• Sumug-gala Castle
• Ulu Bridge
• Ulu Mosque
• Abdulkhaliq Hammam in Sheki
• Drop off  the hotel and overnight in Sheki

Before departing, stroll through the bustling Sheki Bazaar – a vibrant center of daily life where the air is filled with the scent of dried herbs, spices, fruits, and warm bread. It’s a place to pick up local cheese, homemade preserves, and final souvenirs crafted by village hands. Depending on your travel plans, transfer either back to Baku – through winding forest roads and valleys – or onward to the Lagodekhi border, gateway to neighboring Georgia and the broader Caucasus.

As to 2 transfer options in the itinerary, return to Baku (Approx. 5 hours by road) or transfer to Lagodekhi (Approx. 90  minutes to the border crossing).

• Check-out from the hotel
• Sheki Bazaar
• Transfer to Baku or Lagodekhi (Georgian border)