On the peaks of the Greater Caucasus

For those seeking a deeper connection with unspoilt nature and local culture, the place to go is the north-east. Perched at an altitude of over 2,300 metres in the Quba district, the village of Khinalug offers a glimpse into life as it was in days gone by. Recently inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its transhumant cultural landscape, this settlement is distinguished by its characteristic stone houses built in terraces on the mountain slopes. The inhabitants of Khinalug form a distinct ethnic group that has preserved its own unwritten language and unique pastoral traditions over the centuries. Staying in one of the local ‘homestays’ allows you to experience warm Azerbaijani rural hospitality, enjoy home-cooked meals and visit the small local ethnographic museum, which houses ancient manuscripts and traditional carpets.