Day Trip to the Mud Volcanoes and Qobustan National Park with Azerbaijan Travel International

Since we only had a few days in Azerbaijan, we decided to join a guided tour rather than figure out the logistics ourselves. It turned out to be one of the highlights of our backpacking trip. In a single day, we saw the mud volcanoes, visited the UNESCO-listed Gobustan (Qobustan) Rock Art Cultural Landscape, and learned more about Azerbaijan's unique geology and history than we ever expected.

If you're short on time and looking for an easy escape from the city, here's what to expect on a day trip to the Mud Volcanoes and Gobustan National Park.

💡 Planning a trip to Azerbaijan? Start here:

• Backpacking the Caucasus Region (Azerbaijan, Georgia & Armenia) – 8 Days Itinerary & 2026 Travel Guide
• How to go to Yanar Dag by Public Transportation
• Overnight Train from Baku to Tbilisi via Azerbaijan Railways (2026 Update)

Day Trip to Gobustan & Mud Volcanoes (Quick Guide)

• Location: Gobustan National Park and Mud Volcanoes, Azerbaijan
• Distance from Baku: ~60–70 km south of the city
• Duration: Half-day to full-day trip (4–8 hours)
• Cost: ~AZN 30–80 per person (depending on tour operator or package inclusions)
• Difficulty: Easy
• Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn for comfortable temperatures
• Highlights: UNESCO-listed rock carvings, prehistoric history, unique mud volcanoes, semi-desert landscapes, and an easy day trip from Baku

Mud Volcanoes and Qobustan National Park Tour Highlights & What To Expect:

Off-Road Taxis in Baku

Taxi for off-roading anyone? Believe it or not, this is our means to see the mud volcanoes which is about 20-25 minutes drive away from the drop-off point. Transferring to the taxi from our tour bus, we settled ourselves and prepared for the ride! With a dry mountain in the distance, a flock of sheep roaming around, and some natural oil along the way, it was an interesting journey for a start.

We were reminded of Dubai's Dune Bashing in the Desert although it is not as adventurous as that. It’s a usual off-road drive but with a taxi! The local driver even offered us the opportunity to drive the taxi, unfortunately, I don't know how to drive. A fellow traveler with us happily took the opportunity to drive and I can see he did enjoy driving the car!

Mud Volcanoes

A highlight of the tour is the famous mud volcanoes of Azerbaijan. Several of them are located in Qobustan, pronounced as Gobustan. Take note that this is NOT a huge volcano but rather a small volcano at your feet.

While it was underwhelmingly small, it was fascinating to see them especially when the volcano spurts out mud from its crater!

These muds came from gases released from deep within so if ignited with a lighter, a fire is created right away. Not only that, the volcanic mud is also healthy for the skin with its whitening and anti-aging properties, as the tour guide said. Didn't try though. 😉

Qobustan Museum

Qobustan Muzeyi commonly known as Qobustan Museum was our next stop. It is an interactive modern museum that took us on a time-travel journey for a wider understanding of life in Azerbaijan during prehistoric times.

Back then, I was not a fan of museums. However, I enjoyed the information inside but I found the tour fast-paced. I couldn't multi-task (listening to the tour guide and absorbing everything + taking pictures) so I'm always falling behind the group. As a matter of fact, I was behind the group most of the time and I was not able to hear everything he said. Sorry!

What fascinates me though are the petroglyphs! Petroglyphs are 'sketches that display ancient populations traveling on reed boats; men hunting antelope and wild bulls, and women dancing' according to Wikipedia. Below is a photo of petroglyphs taken from the museum which are not the actual ones inside Qobustan National Park (later on that).

Another interesting thing inside the museum is this interactive tool that shows the transition history of Qobustan National Park!

Qobustan National Park

If the museum is full of history lessons, then this part of the tour is the real deal! I feel like I was on an Archaeological Field Trip earlier and now this is the hands-on experience! This is now where we saw the actual petroglyphs which were carved and drawn thousands of years ago! 

With a similar experience from the museum, I was falling behind the group again because there is quite a lot to learn and see. But I'm happy enough to see the actual petroglyphs!

Tour Cost:

We paid 60 AZN for two people for this half-day tour, including a set-menu lunch in Baku afterwards. We booked directly through Azerbaijan Travel International's office near the Maiden Tower the day before our trip.

Since our visit was back in 2019, tour prices, inclusions, and itineraries may have changed. For the most up-to-date information, I recommend checking the official website of Azerbaijan Travel International.

If you're planning to visit Gobustan and the Mud Volcanoes, I also recommend comparing a few tour options before booking. Prices and inclusions can vary significantly depending on group size, transportation, entrance fees, meals, and any additional stops included in the itinerary.

Planning a day trip from Baku? Compare the latest tours, prices, and reviews below to find the option that best suits your travel style.

Overall Tour Experience:

Looking back, joining a tour to Gobustan and the Mud Volcanoes was the right decision for our trip. While independent travel is usually my preferred style, this was one of those first experiences where having transportation arranged for us made the day much easier and more efficient.

In just a few hours, we were able to visit some of Azerbaijan's most unique natural and historical attractions without worrying about routes, schedules, or negotiating with drivers. From the strange landscapes created by the mud volcanoes to the prehistoric rock carvings of Gobustan National Park, the trip offered us a fascinating glimpse into a side of Azerbaijan that feels completely different from the modern streets of Baku.

If you're visiting Azerbaijan for a short time and want to venture beyond the capital, I think Gobustan is one of the most worthwhile day trips you can take. Whether you join a guided tour or arrange your own transportation, it's an easy way to experience a different side of the country and learn more about its history, geology, and culture.