TCT Azerbaijan 5 Day Self Guided Trek in Guba and Gusar

Distance: 18.5 km | Elevation change: +1,000 m / −1,150 m

The trek begins in Khinalig, one of the highest and most isolated inhabited villages in Azerbaijan, and climbs onto exposed high pasture before descending toward the village of Griz. Along the way the route passes above the dramatic Kokosh Gorge, with a detour option to the hidden Gurgur waterfall. Expect long stretches of open ridgeline with little shelter from wind or weather.

Safety note: Sections of today's ridgeline are exposed with limited shelter — check the weather forecast before setting out and turn back if conditions deteriorate. Overnight in a village guesthouse in Griz (arranged and paid locally).

Distance: 19 km | Elevation change: +930 m / −1,500 m

Today's stage climbs out of Griz over high pasture before a long descent into Aniq, a village known for its distinctive early-20th-century mosque — nicknamed the "Taj Mahal" for its ornate design — and the ruins of an old fortress. Shepherd dogs guard flocks on the pastures along this stage.

Safety note: Give a wide berth to any shepherd dogs encountered on the pastures — do not approach or run. Overnight in a village guesthouse in Aniq (arranged and paid locally).

Distance: 12.8 km | Elevation change: +700 m / −680 m

A shorter but still demanding stage, climbing over the Zindanmuruq pass before descending toward Laza, a village close to the Shahdag Mountain Resort. Route-finding requires attention in this section as trails cross near resort infrastructure and can be easy to lose track of.

Safety note: Pay close attention to navigation near the Shahdag Mountain Resort area, where multiple tracks converge — confirm your GPS position regularly. Overnight in a village guesthouse in Laza (arranged and paid locally).

Distance: 11.5 km | Elevation change: +1,270 m / −560 m

The steepest climbing day of the trek, gaining over 1,270 m via the Kuzun area en route to Yergi Kek, Azerbaijan's highest permanently inhabited village at 2,380 m. The trail passes through forest and open slopes where giant hogweed grows in places — a plant whose sap causes severe skin burns on contact with sunlight.

Safety note: Avoid contact with giant hogweed along this stage — its sap causes severe burns when exposed to sunlight; do not touch or brush against it. Pace yourself on the steep, sustained climb. Overnight in a village guesthouse in Yergi Kek (arranged and paid locally).

Distance: 12.7 km | Elevation change: +350 m / −1,070 m

The final stage descends from Yergi Kek through the Takar and Sudur areas to Gukhur, a remote hilltop village overlooking the Samur River canyon toward the Dagestan border. After four demanding days, fatigue can build on this stretch even though the net elevation loss is favorable — pace yourself and take breaks on the descent.

Safety note: Watch your footing on the descent when fatigued, and note that Gukhur has no scheduled onward public transport — arrange your return transfer in advance (see optional transportation add-on). Trip ends in Gukhur.