3 Day Trip - Southern Azerbaijan
A three-day southern Azerbaijan circuit linking Shirvan steppe, Talysh forest, Gizilagaj wetlands and Gobustan, with two nights based in Lankaran.
About this tour
This three-day route connects four contrasting birding regions south of Baku. It begins in the semi-desert and wetland habitats of Shirvan National Park and Mahmudchala Lake, continues into the forested Talysh Mountains, and then visits the Caspian lagoons of Gizilagaj National Park before returning through Gobustan.
Black Francolin, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater and European Roller are among Shirvan’s open-country possibilities. Wet areas may add White-tailed Lapwing, Marbled Teal and Purple Heron, while Mahmudchala provides another chance for waterbirds including White-headed Duck. Around Mastail in the Talysh Mountains, the forest search focuses on Caspian Tit, with Semi-collared Flycatcher and Black Stork among the other possibilities. Shikra is specifically associated with the May-July period on the approved source.
The final day moves through the wetlands of Gizilagaj for waders, terns, gulls, Terek Sandpiper and Caspian Stonechat. The return to Baku includes the rocky landscape of Gobustan, where Western Rock Nuthatch, Rock Sparrow, Finsch’s Wheatear and Chukar may occur. Two nights are spent at a hotel in Lankaran. Meals follow the existing programme: lunch in Shirvan on Day 1, a home-hosted lunch in Mastail on Day 2, and a packed lunch on Day 3.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Azerbaijan.
Birds you can spot
Francolinus francolinus
target
Porphyrio indicus
target
Glareola pratincola
target
Aythya nyroca
target
Dendrocopos major
target
Todus todus
target
Aegithalos caudatus
target
Xenus cinereus
target
Vanellus leucurus
target
Organizer
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Shirvan and Mahmudchala
Travel about 120 kilometers south from Baku to Shirvan National Park for birding in semi-desert, steppe and wetland habitat. Open-country possibilities include Black Francolin, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater and European Roller; wet areas may hold White-tailed Lapwing, Marbled Teal and Purple Heron. Continue to Mahmudchala Lake in the afternoon for additional waders and a possible White-headed Duck. End the day at the hotel in Lankaran.
Day 2
Talysh forest around Mastail
After breakfast, travel to Mastail in the Talysh Mountains and search the forest for Caspian Tit, Semi-collared Flycatcher, Black Stork and other woodland birds. Lunch is hosted by a local family in the village. Continue birding in nearby woodland during the afternoon; Shikra is a seasonal possibility from May through July. Return to the Lankaran hotel for the second night.
Day 3
Gizilagaj and Gobustan
Visit Gizilagaj National Park for coastal lagoons and wetland birding, with waders, terns, gulls, Terek Sandpiper and Caspian Stonechat among the possibilities. After a packed lunch, begin the return journey to Baku and stop at Gobustan’s rocky landscape. Search for Western Rock Nuthatch, Rock Sparrow, Finsch’s Wheatear and Chukar before completing the drive to the Baku hotel.
Locations & map
- Gobustan - Gobustan Azerbaijan (Birding stops and field conditions vary by season, weather and access.)
- Shirvan National Park - Salyan / Caspian lowlands Azerbaijan (Birding stops and field conditions vary by season, weather and access.)
- Gizilagaj National Park - Lankaran / Caspian coast Azerbaijan (Birding stops and field conditions vary by season, weather and access.)
- Hirkan National Park - Talysh Mountains Azerbaijan (Birding stops and field conditions vary by season, weather and access.)
- Lankaran - Southern Azerbaijan Azerbaijan (Birding stops and field conditions vary by season, weather and access.)
5 stops. Select a marker for its name.
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Year-round by arrangement; wetlands, semi-desert and Talysh forest targets vary by season.
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.
- 2 nights at the hotel in Lankaran - Listed inclusion.
- All food during the tour - Listed inclusion.
- Entrance tickets to the parks and Gobustan Museum - 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.