Today, I'll show you what you can experience in the Gobustan Mud Volcanoes.
So, if you're curious:
what awaits you in mud volcanoes,
how to get there from Baku,
about the weather,
entrance fee,
and more,
It'll be helpful for you to get a quick idea of what to see in the Mud Volcanoes of Gobustan.
Most importantly, I’ll also point out some of the confusing differences in the names.
Time to dive in.
Just for your information, Azerbaijan is known as the world's unique and classic Mud Volcano region.
On top of that, about one-third of the world's known mud volcanoes are in East Azerbaijan.
That’s to say:
They're mostly on the Absheron Peninsula.
Baku and Gobustan are both part of this peninsula.
But this doesn't mean that the mud volcanoes in Baku are in Gobustan.
Needless to say, Baku also has dozens of mud volcanoes, such as:
Keyraki Mud Volcano
Lökbatan Mud Volcano, and so on.
I see a lot of travel bloggers online who give out misinformation, so I think this info is important.
Usually, they include mud volcanoes in the Gobustan region as one of the top attractions in Baku.
They even put it in the top 15 things to do in Baku.
But that's not actually the case.
In fact, Gobustan is a considerable distance away from the capital city of Azerbaijan.
Long story short, Baku and Gobustan are two zones that are somewhat close to each other, but they're different places.
If you're a tourist, the Gobustan Mud Volcanoes are probably on your list.
Unless you're a scientist, of course.
Then you can also check out the mud volcanoes in Baku.
Believe it or not, you're going to be amazed when you first look around.
The land is pretty dry, and there are small hills bubbling all over the place.
You'll feel like you've somehow ended up on the Moon.
It's just like an otherworldly place.
Gobustan Mud Volcanoes looks like nowhere else you've been.
The mud in these volcanoes is composed of a mixture of:
Clay
Silt
And other minerals
Which give the surface a unique appearance.
On the other hand, this mud has therapeutic qualities, and many people visit the area to enjoy the mud baths.
It detoxifies, is packed with minerals, and improves circulation.
And also great for stress relief.
So, if you've got some time, you can hop in the bath.
If not, you can ask for mud to use as a facial mask later.
Just remember to do an allergy test before you use it.
What’s more, there will also be plenty of chances to take pictures.
If you can get the right shot of the contrast between the desert and the sky, you'll come back with some great photos.
Or you might see eruptions or bubbling mud, which will add to the excitement of your visit.
Luckily for me, I experienced it twice on my first visit.
One of the most important questions tourists ask is how to get from Baku to Gobustan Mud Volcanoes.
I just want you to know that Gobustan is about 64 kilometers (40 miles) southwest of Baku, which can be a bit challenging for first-timers.
That’s why, I'd personally taken a day trip to Gobustan with a guided tour.
If you're new to touring in Gobustan, this will be a more useful choice.
What do I mean by that?
With this, you'll have the chance to visit the Gobustan Mud Volcanoes, the Petroglyphs, and other nearby spots, all in one go, losing no time.
But other than that, there are some other options for how to get from the city of the winds to Gobustan.
Like:
By car (Self-Drive)
By taxi
By public transport (Bus)
Or by private transfer
Google Maps says the distance from the Old City (Icheri Sheher) in Baku to the Mud Volcanoes of Gobustan via Elet-Baku is about 70 km.
So, depending on traffic and the route, it'll take about 1 to 1.5 hours from the heart of Baku to Gobustan.
Helpful tip: The bus option (from Baku’s central bus station to Gobustan) is the most economical (less than $3 per person).
But keep in mind that it's also the most tiring and time-consuming.
Generally, the weather in Gobustan is hot and dry due to its location on the Absheron Peninsula.
It’s also as windy as Baku's.
To be clear, it's got more of a salt crust.
You can also see the mud drying, cracking, and discoloring with your own eyes.
In particular in summer.
But just because you've got a t-shirt doesn't mean you can go there any time of year or without a plan.
So, I'll tell you what to take with you for the four seasons:
During the first spring, one can survive with just light layers such as a long-sleeved shirt.
It’s also the best time to visit mud volcanoes.
Not so cold, not so hot. Great deal.
BTW, don't forget to wear stout and comfortable shoes that are good for a light hike or trek, as the ground around Volcanoes is rocky.
You probably know that summer in Gobustan is rather hot.
Therefore, it is advisable to wear light and airy clothes, like cotton.
Don't forget to apply sunscreen too.
Most importantly, remember to bring water and sunglasses with you.
When the weather starts to cool down in the fall, a light layer like a long-sleeved shirt or jacket and comfy walking shoes is perfect.
It can get a bit chilly, especially at night, so remember to bring a sweater or jacket for the evening.
During winter, Gobustan has mild weather that sometimes can get really cold.
One should bring a heavy coat or woolen sweater with him/her.
And also remember to take as many clothes as possible with you to manage the temperature accordingly.
The entrance into the Mud Volcano Gobustan itself is generally free.
Because the mud volcanoes are in a totally open natural area and an official ticket to visit is not necessary.
While entrance to the mud volcanoes is free, you will need to buy a ticket to visit The Mud Volcanoes Tourism Complex in Gobustan.
This gives visitors a full experience like;
visiting the mud volcanoes, an information center, and a museum.
As of now, the entrance fee to the complex is somewhere between 3 and 15 AZN (which is about 2 to 9 USD).
Keep in mind, ticket prices can vary when you plan a Gobustan tour.
It was so hard to explain mud volcanoes in Gobustan in words.
And I want to hope at the end that I gave you a good overview of what the real feeling is in this extraordinary place.
I can also make you sure 100% that this visit will be well worth it.
So, for a nature lover, photographer, and geology nerd, this is going to be pretty cool.
I appreciate your comments.
If you’ve any questions to ask, I’ll be here for you.
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