Explore the Transcaucasian Trail’s self-guided itinerary through Azerbaijan: a 5-day, point-to-point trek across the Greater Caucasus in the Guba and Gusar region, linking the remote highland village of Khinalig to Gukhur via Griz, Aniq, Laza, and Yergi Kek. A second Azerbaijan itinerary is in development.
Visa & Entry
Citizens of the United States, the European Union, and 88 countries in total need an e-visa to enter Azerbaijan. Apply online — it typically costs $69 and is approved within 3 business days (urgent processing is available in as little as 3 hours). The e-visa is valid for 90 days from issue, with a maximum stay of 30 days per visit.
Currency
The local currency is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN). There are no outdoor equipment stores in the Guba region, so bring all camping gear, food, and cash with you from Baku — guesthouses along the route are cash-only.
Best Time to Trek
Late spring through early autumn is the most reliable window. Summers can be intensely hot, so plan for early starts and a rest during the hottest part of the afternoon. Spring and autumn bring the risk of flooded river crossings; winter brings heavy snow at higher elevations.
Safety Basics
The biggest hazard on this route is aggressive guard dogs at rural farms — stay calm, avoid sudden movements, and look for a shepherd rather than running. Watch for giant hogweed (its sap causes severe burns) and sudden mountain storms. Mobile coverage (Bakcell/Azercell) is good in villages but patchy in remote sections, and English is not widely spoken, so a translation app is worth downloading before you go.
Questions specific to the Azerbaijan trek? Email us at [email protected] — for anything else, reach our general team at [email protected].