Discover two main historic, ancient places – Yanar Dag and mystic Ateshgah on this 4 -hour tour from Baku. Learn the stories and historical facts from your local tour guide in ancient areas of Baku. The Ateshgah of Baku often called the “Fire Temple of Baku”, is a castle-like religious temple and based on Iranian and Indian inscriptions, the temple was used as a Hindu, Sikh, and Zoroastrian place of worship. This Fire Temple was a pilgrimage and philosophical centre of Zoroastrians from Northwestern Indian subcontinent, who were involved in trade with the Caspian area via the famous “Grand Trunk Road”. The four holy elements of their belief were: ateshi (fire), badi (air), abi (water), and heki (earth). The temple ceased to be a place of worship after 1883 with the installation of petroleum plants (industry) at Surakhany. The complex was turned into a museum in 1975. The annual number of visitors to the museum is 15,000. Yanardag is located in the village of Mammadli on the Absheron Peninsula, around 27 km from Baku. The main attraction of Yanardag, which literally means “burning mountain”, is a spectacular hill with a constantly burning wall of flames. Flames jet into the air 3 metres (9.8 ft) from a thin, porous sandstone layer. Unlike mud volcanoes, the Yanar Dagh flame burns fairly steadily, as it involves a steady seep of gas from the subsurface.
Trip Info
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4 days before the trip
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Baku
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English
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Included
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Included
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Any hotel or agreed place in Baku
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1 - 200
Overview
After the meeting at the arranged meeting point we drive to Ateshgah-Fire Temple. It is 25 minutes driving distance from the meeting point to the Fire Temple. Ateshgah, also known as the Fire Temple of Baku, is an ancient Zoroastrian temple located in Surakhani, a suburb of Baku, Azerbaijan. The complex was constructed in the 17th and 18th centuries but traces of fire worship at the site date back centuries, helped by the region’s natural gas vents that keep fires burning. The central altar has a fire pit, which was historically fed by natural gas. Ateshgah is closely associated with Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, which worships fire as a symbol of purity and the divine presence. The temple is not only a spiritual sanctuary but also a significant cultural and historical landmark. It attracts tourists, historians, and archaeologists interested in ancient beliefs and fire-worship practices. Guests visit the sightseeing and spend here approximately 40 minutes with the explanation by their private guide.
Next destionation is Yanardag –Burning Mountain. Driving Distance from the Ateshgah-Fire Temple to this point is 30 minutes. Yanardag (also spelled Yanar Dağ, meaning “Burning Mountain” in Azerbaijani) is a natural eternal flame located in Azerbaijan, on the Absheron Peninsula near Baku. It’s one of the most fascinating natural phenomena in the country and a key part of why Azerbaijan is nicknamed the “Land of Fire.” Yanardag is a hillside that’s been burning continuously for centuries, with flames leaping up to 3 meters high. These flames shoot out of vents in the sandstone hillside due to natural gas seeping through porous rock and igniting when exposed to the atmosphere. Unlike mud volcanoes or other geothermal phenomena, Yanardag doesn’t erupt or boil—it’s just a steady wall of fire, especially dramatic at night. Total tour duration here is 30 hour with explanation by their private guide and enjoying beautiful scenery around.
The last stop is Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre. It is 25 minutes driving distance from the Yanardag-Burning Mountain. The Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in Baku, Azerbaijan, is a striking example of contemporary architecture, designed by the late Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid. Completed in 2012, this cultural complex has become one of Baku’s most iconic landmarks, symbolizing the nation’s modern identity and commitment to cultural development.
The building’s design is characterized by its fluid, curvilinear form that eliminates sharp angles and traditional structural elements. The structure appears to emerge organically from the landscape, with the roof and walls flowing seamlessly into one another. This design approach reflects the fluidity of Azerbaijani culture and the country’s forward-looking vision.
Travelers will spend here at least 15 minutes for photostop from outside with explanation by their private guide.
We complete the tour here and we take the guests to dropping point which is only 15 minutes far from the city centre.
Highlights
- Visit the site Baku-based Hindu community related to Sikhs
- Admire the pentagonal complex with an altar in the center in mystical Ateshgah
- Travel to one of the most famous and popular tourist places Yanar Dag
- See a natural gas fire that blazes continuously on a hillside
- Discover the natural wonder of the state-protected conservation area
