Things to Do in Gobustan National Park, Azərbaycan

Gobustan National Park, located about 64 kilometers southwest of Baku, is one of Azerbaijan's most significant archaeological and natural treasures. This UNESCO World Heritage site encompasses over 537 square kilometers of semi-desert landscape and contains one of the world's finest collections of prehistoric rock art, with more than 6,000 petroglyphs dating back 5,000 to 40,000 years. The ancient drawings depict scenes of hunting, dancing, boats, animals, and daily life, offering invaluable insights into the lives of early human settlements in the region. Beyond its archaeological significance, Gobustan is famous for its otherworldly landscape featuring mud volcanoes - nearly half of the world's mud volcanoes are found in Azerbaijan, with many concentrated in this area. The park also houses the ancient Beyukdash settlement and various archaeological sites that have yielded artifacts from different historical periods. Visitors can explore the interactive museum, walk among the ancient rock formations, and witness the bubbling mud volcanoes that create an almost lunar-like atmosphere in this remarkable corner of the Caucasus.

Top Things to Do in Gobustan National Park

Explore Ancient Petroglyphs

Walk through the main archaeological site to view thousands of prehistoric rock carvings that tell the story of ancient civilizations. The petroglyphs include depictions of hunting scenes, ritual dances, boats, and various animals, with some dating back up to 40,000 years. Guided tours provide detailed explanations of the historical significance and interpretations of these remarkable ancient artworks.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 2 AZN for locals and 10 AZN for foreigners. Visit early morning or late afternoon for better lighting and fewer crowds. Guided tours cost an additional 20-30 AZN but are highly recommended for understanding the historical context.

Visit Gobustan Museum

Start your visit at the modern interactive museum that provides comprehensive background on the site's archaeological importance. The museum features multimedia presentations, artifacts, and detailed explanations of the petroglyphs and their historical context. The facility offers an excellent introduction before exploring the outdoor archaeological sites.

Booking Tip: Museum entry is included in the park admission fee. Audio guides are available in multiple languages for 5 AZN. Plan 45-60 minutes for the full museum experience before heading to the outdoor sites.

Explore Mud Volcanoes

Venture to the fascinating mud volcano fields where dozens of small volcanic formations bubble and emit gas in an otherworldly landscape. These geological phenomena create cone-shaped mounds of mud and are completely safe to approach and observe. The largest accessible mud volcano in the area offers spectacular photo opportunities and a unique natural experience.

Booking Tip: Mud volcano access requires a separate trip or extended tour, typically costing 50-80 AZN including transport. Visit during dry weather as paths can become impassable when wet. Wear old shoes as the area can be muddy.

Gaval Dash Musical Stone

Experience the famous 'singing stone' that produces musical sounds when struck with smaller rocks. This natural phenomenon has been known for centuries and is mentioned in historical accounts of the region. Visitors can create their own melodies by tapping different parts of this unique limestone formation.

Booking Tip: The musical stone is accessible as part of the standard park tour at no additional cost. Best experienced with a guide who can demonstrate the proper technique. Visit during quieter times for the best acoustic experience.

Archaeological Site Hiking

Trek through various archaeological zones within the park to discover additional petroglyph sites and ancient settlements. The hiking trails offer stunning views of the Caspian Sea and allow visitors to explore lesser-known rock art sites. The terrain varies from easy walks to more challenging climbs up rocky outcrops.

Booking Tip: Hiking is included in park admission but requires good walking shoes and sun protection. Trails are not well-marked, so hiring a local guide for 30-40 AZN is recommended. Bring plenty of water, especially in summer months.

Getting There

Gobustan National Park is located approximately 64 kilometers southwest of Baku and is easily accessible by road. The most convenient option is to rent a car or book a guided tour from Baku, which takes about 1 hour each way via the Baku-Alat highway. Public transportation options include taking bus #195 from Baku to Gobustan village, though this requires additional local transport to reach the park entrance. Many visitors opt for organized day tours from Baku that include transportation, guide services, and sometimes combine the visit with nearby attractions like mud volcanoes.

Getting Around

Once at Gobustan National Park, most exploration is done on foot along designated walking paths and trails. The main petroglyph sites are accessible via well-maintained walkways suitable for most fitness levels, though some areas require climbing over rocks and uneven terrain. The park provides a shuttle service from the museum to the main archaeological sites for visitors with mobility concerns. For visiting the mud volcanoes, separate transportation is required as they are located several kilometers away from the main park area, typically arranged through tour operators or by hiring local drivers.

Where to Stay

Baku City Center

Baku Old City

Baku Seaside Boulevard

Gobustan Village Guesthouses

Alat Coastal Area

Baku Airport Area

Food & Dining

Dining options within Gobustan National Park are limited to a small café at the museum offering basic refreshments, snacks, and traditional Azerbaijani tea. Most visitors bring packed lunches or plan to eat before or after their visit in Baku. The nearby village of Gobustan has a few local restaurants serving traditional Azerbaijani cuisine, including fresh bread, kebabs, and local dairy products. For a more comprehensive dining experience, visitors typically return to Baku where the capital city offers an extensive range of restaurants, from traditional Azerbaijani cuisine to international options, with many establishments featuring local specialties like plov, dolma, and fresh Caspian Sea fish.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Gobustan National Park is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are mild and comfortable for outdoor exploration. Summer months can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 35°C, making hiking and extended outdoor activities challenging, though early morning visits are still possible. Winter visits are feasible but can be cold and windy, with occasional rain making some trails muddy and slippery. The lighting for photographing petroglyphs is optimal during the golden hours of early morning and late afternoon, regardless of the season.

Insider Tips

Bring a spray bottle with water to lightly mist the petroglyphs for better visibility and photography - this technique makes the ancient carvings more pronounced without causing damage

Combine your Gobustan visit with the nearby Absheron Peninsula attractions like Ateshgah Fire Temple and Yanardag for a full day of cultural exploration

Pack sturdy walking shoes and sun protection as there is minimal shade in the park, and the rocky terrain can be challenging in regular footwear

Things to Do in Gobustan National Park