Gobustan Mud Volcanoes: A Geological Wonder
Discover Azerbaijan's unique mud volcanoes in Gobustan: a geological marvel offering otherworldly landscapes and fascinating natural phenomena.
Venture into the surreal terrain of the Gobustan Mud Volcanoes, located approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Baku. These fascinating geological formations, estimated to be up to 25 million years old, offer a glimpse into the earth's depths. Unlike conventional volcanoes, they erupt mud instead of lava, creating a landscape of bubbling, dense mud. Gobustan is home to several notable mud volcanoes, including Toragay, one of the world's largest, and Goturdag, known for its unusual eruption style. The area was declared a national historical landmark in 1966 to preserve its unique geological features. In 2007, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are two primary ways to experience the mud volcanoes: the 'Mud Volcanoes Tourism Complex' established in 2024, which offers easy access, an information room, and a museum, or an off-road adventure to witness the volcanoes in their natural state. The complex provides a safe viewing area, while the off-road option allows visitors to get up close and personal with the mud.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain, especially if you plan to explore the off-road areas.
- Bring wet wipes or water for cleaning your hands and shoes after touching the mud.
- Consider visiting both the Mud Volcanoes Tourism Complex and the off-road mud volcanoes for a comprehensive experience.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit, as the roads to the volcanoes can be challenging in wet conditions.
A brief summary to Gobustan Mud Volcano
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Getting There
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Public Transport
From Baku city center, take bus number 125 from Azneft Square to the Karvansaray Shopping Centre (0.40 AZN). Then, cross the road to Bina Shopping Centre and board the south-bound 195 bus (1.30 AZN) to Gobustan House of Culture in the center of Gobustan town. From there, hire a local taxi to the mud volcanoes. A taxi to the petroglyphs and the mud volcanoes combined should cost ~30 AZN.
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Taxi
A taxi directly from Baku to the Gobustan Mud Volcanoes is a convenient option. The ride is approximately 1.5 hours. Be aware that some taxi drivers may not know the exact location, so it's helpful to have GPS or a map. Expect to pay between 29-35 AZN for the trip.
