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Yanar Dag: Azerbaijan's Burning Mountain

Witness the eternal flames of Yanar Dag, a natural wonder where fire dances on a hillside, fueled by Azerbaijan's rich natural gas reserves.

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Yanar Dag, meaning 'Burning Mountain,' is a mesmerizing natural gas fire that burns continuously on a hillside on Azerbaijan's Absheron Peninsula near Baku. This unique attraction draws visitors who come to witness the spectacle of flames jetting from the earth.

A brief summary to Yanar dağ

  • Monday 10 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-7 pm
  • Friday 10 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Visit in the evening for the most dramatic views of the burning mountain, as the flames are more visible in the dark.
  • Wear appropriate clothing and footwear, as the heat from the flames can be intense.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby attractions like Gobustan National Park or the Ateshgah Fire Temple.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Yanar Dag from Baku city center, take the Baku Metro to Koroglu Station. From there, exit towards the glass pyramid building and take Bus #217 to Yanar Dag. The bus ride takes approximately 40-45 minutes. The bus fare is 0.50 AZN, and the metro fare is 0.50 AZN, payable with a BakiKart. From the bus stop, there may be a short walk to the entrance.

  • Taxi/Ride-Sharing

    A taxi or ride-sharing service (Uber/Bolt) from Baku city center to Yanar Dag is a convenient option. The journey is approximately 25 km and takes 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around 8-12 AZN for a one-way trip. It's advisable to agree on the fare beforehand if taking a regular taxi.

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Discover more about Yanar dağ

Yanar Dag, or 'Burning Mountain', is a fascinating natural phenomenon located about 25 kilometers northeast of Baku. This 116-meter hill is ablaze with a continuous natural gas fire that erupts from a porous sandstone layer. The flames, reaching up to 3 meters in height, create a captivating sight, especially at night. Believed to have been formed by geological changes thousands of years ago, the site is rich in natural gas deposits, with a fault in the earth's crust allowing the gas to escape and burn. Some locals believe a shepherd accidentally started the fire in the 1950s by tossing a cigarette. Historical records from the 13th century, including those of Marco Polo, mention numerous flames throughout the Absheron Peninsula. Alexandre Dumas also wrote of witnessing these natural flames. Yanar Dag has significant cultural and historical importance for Azerbaijan. For centuries, it has been a pilgrimage site, with fire considered a sacred symbol of purity and divinity. Zoroastrianism, an ancient religion in the region, reveres fire, and some followers still come to Yanar Dag to offer prayers and perform rituals. The area is now a protected historical preserve where archeological studies are conducted. Not far from the mountain, a weak active volcano called Gotur Bulaq (Itchy Spring) excretes a mud and sulfur water mix, believed to have curative properties, especially for skin diseases.

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