2 Day Trip - Greater Caucasus
A two-day Greater Caucasus route through Besh Barmag, Khinalig and Laza, using mountain access and short hikes to search for regional high-altitude birds.
About this tour
This two-day journey moves from Baku into the Greater Caucasus, combining roadside birding, high-mountain access and village-based field time. The route passes Besh Barmag and Gudialchay Canyon before reaching Khinalig, then continues by UAZ four-wheel-drive vehicle toward the slopes of Gizilgaya at about 2,700 meters.
Mountain targets may include Caucasian Snowcock, White-winged Redstart, Great Rosefinch, Wallcreeper, Alpine Accentor, White-winged Snowfinch and Red-billed Chough. Bearded Vulture, Golden Eagle and other raptors are also possible. After the first day’s high-altitude session, the programme continues to Laza for dinner and an overnight stay in a private guesthouse.
The second morning begins with birding around the accommodation, followed by a short hike in habitat used by Caucasian Grouse. Green Warbler and Mountain Chiffchaff are further possibilities. After lunch, the return route visits the Candy Cane Mountains in the Khizi district, adding open rocky habitat for Finsch’s and Isabelline Wheatears and Chukar before reaching Baku in the evening. All wild-bird sightings remain dependent on season, access and weather.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Azerbaijan.
Birds you can spot
Lyrurus mlokosiewiczi
target
Tetraogallus caucasicus
target
Phoenicurus erythrogastrus
target
Prunella immaculata
target
Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
target
Serinus pusillus
target
Tichodroma muraria
target
Organizer
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Besh Barmag, Khinalig and Gizilgaya
Drive from Baku toward Khinalig, stopping for birding at Besh Barmag and Gudialchay Canyon. After lunch in Khinalig, transfer to a UAZ four-wheel-drive vehicle and climb toward the Gizilgaya slopes at about 2,700 meters to search for Caucasian Snowcock, Great Rosefinch, White-winged Redstart and other mountain birds. Return to Khinalig for dinner, then continue to Laza for the overnight stay in a private house.
Day 2
Laza and the Candy Cane Mountains
Begin with early birding around the Laza guesthouse, followed by breakfast and a drive to habitat used by Caucasian Grouse. A short hike may also produce Green Warbler and Mountain Chiffchaff. After lunch, travel to the Candy Cane Mountains for Finsch’s Wheatear, Isabelline Wheatear, Chukar and other birds of the open slopes. Return to Baku in the evening.
Locations & map
- Khinalig - Greater Caucasus Azerbaijan (Birding stops and field conditions vary by season, weather and access.)
- Laza - Greater Caucasus Azerbaijan (Birding stops and field conditions vary by season, weather and access.)
- Besh Barmag - Caspian migration bottleneck Azerbaijan (Birding stops and field conditions vary by season, weather and access.)
3 stops. Select a marker for its name.
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Best by arrangement for Greater Caucasus mountain specialties.
Included
- Hotel-to-hotel service in Baku - Included when confirmed in the final quotation.
- Transport service - Included when confirmed in the final quotation.
- Birding equipment if needed - Included when confirmed in the final quotation.
- Snacks and tea breaks - Included when confirmed in the final quotation.
- English-speaking bird guide - Included when confirmed in the final quotation.
- All inclusive from - Listed inclusion.
- hotel to hotel - Listed inclusion.
- in Baku - Listed inclusion.
- Transport services - Listed inclusion.
- Accommodation in Laza - Listed inclusion.
- Packed lunch - Listed inclusion.
- Entrance tickets to Shirvan National Park, Gobustan Museum and Mud Volcano Complex - Listed inclusion.
- Birding equipment (binoculars, scope and books) if needed - Listed inclusion.
- Snacks, tea breaks - Listed inclusion.
- English speaking bird guide - Listed inclusion.
- Company profit - Listed inclusion.
Not included
- Alcoholic beverages - Excluded according to the source unless the partner confirms otherwise.
- Anything else not mentioned as included - Excluded according to the source unless the partner confirms otherwise.
- Anything that is not mentioned above - Listed exclusion.
Transport & stays
- Private vehicle / minibus / bus depending on group Vehicle options may include Mitsubishi Pajero, Mercedes Vito and Mercedes Sprinter options on the day tours; exact vehicle depends on group size and route. | Meet: Hotel pickup in Baku or agreed Azerbaijan meeting point | Pickup: Hotel-to-hotel in Baku where stated by the source; confirm pickup after inquiry.
Policies & FAQ
Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Insurance & Safety
Are dates fixed?
Dates are arranged on request. Send preferred dates through BirdWatch for confirmation.
Is the price final?
No. Pricing may vary by group size, transfers and requested route.
Can the route focus on target species?
Yes. Share your target list in the BirdWatch inquiry so Birding Azerbaijan can confirm the best route and season.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.