Day trip - Shirvan-Gobustan
Private Azerbaijan birding day trip from Baku, focused on Shirvan National Park and nearby target-bird habitats.
About this tour
Shirvan National Park Easily accessible along the Baku-Astara highway 120 km south of Baku, Shirvan National Park is one of Azerbaijan's top all-round nature sites and is best known as the home of the iconic goitered gazelle. The gazelle is an absolute Azerbaijan success story, since their numbers had dropped to just a few hundred animals in the 1960s but now count between 7,000 and 8,000 alone in Shirvan, and you're guaranteed to see them during a visit here. Additionally, this huge area (54,000 hectares) is a paradise for birdwatchers as it has recorded over 270 different species, to see many of which this is the most accessible site in Azerbaijan. Gazelles in Shirvan NP. Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve From prehistoric rock art to musical stones, the Azerbaijani people's prehistoric past comes dramatically to life in the Gobustan State Reserve, home to an astonishing collection of over 6,000 ancient petroglyphs. Depicting scenes of people, warriors, animals, boats, dances, hunting, camel caravans, and more, they chart ways of life dating back between 5,000 and 20,000 years. While discovering the ancient history of the area we will look for Rock nuthatches, Finsch's Wheatear, Chukars, Red-billed Choughs, Lanner Falcons (in season), and so on. The rocky landscape of the Gobustan petroglyph site offers easy birding
Price starts from 440 USD for one person and may vary by group size and transfers. Send an inquiry through BirdWatch to confirm availability, exact quotation, pickup and current target feasibility.
Guide/contact name for this listing: Zulfu Farajli, Birding Azerbaijan.
Birds you can spot
Francolinus francolinus
target
Porphyrio indicus
target
Luscinia svecica
target
Sitta tephronota
target
Aythya nyroca
target
Oenanthe isabellina
target
Todus todus
target
Botaurus minutus
target
Tetrax tetrax
target
Carpospiza brachydactyla
target
Oenanthe pleschanka
target
Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
target
Petronia petronia
target
Merops malimbicus
target
Oxyura leucocephala
target
Vanellus leucurus
target
Organizer
Guides
Itinerary ▼
We'll depart from Baku in the morning, pausing briefly at a local market where you can grab snacks and refreshments before the journey. Our first destination is Shirvan National Park , a vast haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Be on the lookout for gazelles, rare birds, and other fascinating creatures as we traverse the park's diverse landscapes. After a rewarding exploration, we'll head back toward the park entrance, keeping our eyes open for more wildlife along the way. Next, we drive to Gobustan , a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its ancient petroglyphs. At the Gobustan Museum , interactive exhibits will bring the rich history of the region to life. We'll then venture into the rocky terrain, where you'll search for birds perched among millennia-old carvings. Our final stop is the surreal Gilinj Mud Volcanoes , part of one of the world's largest mud volcano fields. Feel the Earth's pulse as you witness bubbling mud and shifting landscapes-an unforgettable, otherworldly experience! We'll also explore the nearby Nature History Museum , gaining deeper insight into Azerbaijan's incredible natural wonders. Mud volcanos in Gobustan © Azerbaijan Tourism Board (ATB) As the sun sets, we'll return to Baku, enriched by a day filled with discovery and adventure.
Locations & map
- Shirvan National Park - Salyan / Caspian lowlands Azerbaijan (Birding stops and field conditions vary by season, weather and access.)
- Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve - Gobustan Azerbaijan (Birding stops and field conditions vary by season, weather and access.)
- Gilinj Mud Volcanoes - Gobustan Azerbaijan (Birding stops and field conditions vary by season, weather and access.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Year-round by arrangement; spring and winter target birds differ.
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.
- 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 else 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.