Tour name: Absheron Highlights: Ateshgah, Yanardag & Mardakan

Duration: 4-5 hours

Highlights: Ateshgah | Yanardag | Mardakan

Note: May be replaced with the following sites: Balakhani | Ramana | Mirmovsum Agha | Gala

Pick-up & Drop-off: at your hotel (within Baku city)

Category: Private tour

Language: English (other languages on request)

All prices are per group (in USD, not per person)

Note:

In the “without guide” option, only driver and vehicle are included.
VIP option includes premium cars (Mercedes S-class, E-class, V-class).
Prices may vary during holidays or major events (New Year, Formula 1, international conferences, etc.).

✓ Hotel pick-up and drop-off (within Baku)
✓ Private English-speaking guide (other languages available)
✓ Private driver and air-conditioned vehicle

✕ Entrance fees

Absheron Peninsula, washed by the Caspian Sea, is famous primarily for its sandy beaches and numerous holiday villages, as well as modern hotels, water Park, cafes and restaurants.

The Peninsula is attractive and historical attractions. Attention should be paid to the temple of fire Ateshgakh (17-18th centuries), Round (1232) and Quadrangular castles (12th century) in the village of Mardakan, the castle of the middle of the 14th century in the village of Raman, etc.

There a several historical places you should definitely have to see. If you are true history lover this places will strike you indeed.

Ateshgah Fire Temple

Ateshgah – the Fire Temple of Baku – is one of Azerbaijan’s most exotic and iconic landmarks, known around the world. Located just 30 km from the city center, in the Surakhani district, it sits on land once famous for its naturally burning gas vents — where escaping gas ignites spontaneously upon contact with oxygen.

The current temple complex was built in the 17th–18th centuries by Indian settlers from the Sikh community. But the site’s sacred history goes back much further — it was once home to a Zoroastrian sanctuary dedicated to the eternal flame, long before the arrival of Islam. Fire-worshippers traveled here to pay homage to the natural flame, which they believed to be sacred. After Islam became dominant, the original sanctuary was destroyed, and many Zoroastrians fled to India, continuing their traditions there.

Mardakan Fortifications and Ancient Mosques

Mardakan Quadrangular Castle (12th century)

This imposing rectangular fortress was built in 1187–88 by order of Ahsitan I, son of Shirvanshah Manuchehr III, to commemorate a military victory. A carved inscription with his name and the date can still be seen on its main tower. The structure stands 22 meters tall and features five internal levels connected by a spiral staircase. It’s about a century younger — and 10 meters taller — than the nearby Round Castle.

Tuba-Shakhi Mosque (15th century)

Located in Mardakan village, this mosque is a rare example of Northern Azerbaijani religious architecture. Built in the 15th century, it was named after a woman who commissioned its construction — a testament to the important role women sometimes played in public life during that time.

Round Castle (13th century)

Built in 1232 by the architect Abdulmajid ibn Masud, the Round Castle is one of Mardakan’s most famous landmarks. Its name comes from the circular main tower, 12.5 meters high, which dominates a square courtyard surrounded by strong 7-meter defensive walls. It’s a beautiful example of medieval military architecture.

Yanardag – The Burning Mountain

Yanardag, or “Burning Mountain,” is one of Azerbaijan’s most fascinating natural wonders. This hillside has been aflame for thousands of years — and no rain or sand can extinguish it. The flames are caused by natural gas seeping from underground and igniting as it meets the air. The sight of this endless wall of fire is both mysterious and mesmerizing, and it’s one of the most unforgettable stops on the Absheron Peninsula.