Mud volcanoes, Greater Caucasus Travel Guide

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Explore Azerbaijan's unique mud volcanoes: a surreal landscape where the earth bubbles with geological wonders and therapeutic mud.

Azerbaijan is home to a remarkable number of mud volcanoes, geological formations that erupt mud instead of lava. These unique features offer a fascinating glimpse into the earth's depths and are a must-see for any visitor to the country.

A brief summary to Mud volcanoes

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Mud volcanoes.

Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain, as the area surrounding the mud volcanoes can be rugged.
Bring wet wipes or water for cleanup, as the mud can be quite messy.
Consider visiting the Mud Volcanoes Tourism Complex for an accessible and informative experience.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Gobustan National Park to see ancient petroglyphs.

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Explore Mud volcanoes on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Mud volcanoes, mapped for you.

Getting There

Taxi

From Baku, a taxi is a convenient way to reach the Mud Volcanoes. A taxi ride will take approximately 1 hour and 23 minutes, costing between $29 and $35. Some Baku taxi drivers may not know the exact location, so it's best to confirm with your driver beforehand.
Public Transport

To reach the Mud Volcanoes by public transport from Baku, take bus 125 from Azneft Square to the Karvansaray Shopping Centre (0.40 AZN). Then, cross the road to Bina Shopping Centre and board bus 195 (1.30 AZN) to Gobustan House of Culture. From there, a local taxi to the Mud Volcanoes will cost around 30 AZN.

Discover more about Mud volcanoes

Azerbaijan's mud volcanoes are a truly unique and captivating natural phenomenon. Unlike traditional volcanoes that spew molten lava, these formations erupt a thick, cold mud, rich in minerals and gases. Azerbaijan boasts the highest concentration of mud volcanoes in the world, with over 350 of the 700 known mud volcanoes located within its borders. These geological wonders are primarily found on the Absheron Peninsula, as well as in Gobustan, Shamakhi, and southeast Shirvan.The mud volcanoes are formed by tectonic movements that force underground gases to the surface. As these gases escape, they carry mud, water, and rock fragments, creating cone-shaped structures with flat craters. The eruptions can range from small bubbles to more dramatic bursts, and some even feature flames reaching up to 1,000 meters high when the escaping gases ignite. The mud itself is believed to have therapeutic properties, and the surrounding landscapes are often dotted with gryphons, smaller mud formations that add to the otherworldly feel.Visiting the mud volcanoes is like stepping onto another planet. The landscape is barren and surreal, with the grey cones of the volcanoes rising from the desert. Peering into the craters, you can witness the mesmerizing sight of mud bubbles forming and bursting. Some of the most renowned mud volcanoes in Azerbaijan include Toragay, one of the world's largest, and Ayranteken, known for its frequent eruptions. The Mud Volcanoes Tourism Complex offers an accessible way to experience these wonders, with an information center, museum, and even quad bike and golf cart tours for exploring the area.