If your visit to Azerbaijan extends beyond just a couple of days, make sure to include this remarkable landmark in your itinerary. Heading north from Baku, you cannot miss Mount Beshbarmaq, located just 95 kilometers away. No matter what mode of transportation you choose, your driver will likely suggest a stop at this iconic site.
For nearly 3,000 years, travelers journeying from the South to the North and vice versa have paused here. This is where the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains draw closest to the Caspian Sea, creating a geographical and climatic divide that can be felt within mere hundreds of meters. It’s not uncommon for it to be raining on one side while the other basks in sunshine and warmth. At the heart of this unique landscape stands Mount Beshbarmaq, marking the northernmost point of the closest mountain range to the Caspian.
Rising to a height of 382 meters, the mountain’s unusual shape is what inspired its name, Beshbarmaq, which translates to “Mountain of Five Fingers.” According to legend, the prophet Khidr visited this site in search of the “elixir of life” and, after drinking from a spring here, achieved immortality. Even today, the mountain remains shrouded in mystery, and locals continue to come here to pray. For tourists, climbing the mountain offers a chance to witness traditional rituals while enjoying breathtaking views of the Caspian Sea. Additionally, this location is one of the best birdwatching spots in Azerbaijan, as the corridor between the mountains and the sea serves as a migration route for hundreds of bird species.
Mount Beshbarmaq is visible from dozens of kilometers away. On clear days, as you travel north from Baku along the coastal road, you can spot the mountain from up to 30 kilometers away. Its distinctive shape stands out against the rolling hills surrounding it, which is likely why this rock formation has served as a landmark for travelers and sailors since ancient times.
The mountain also offered a sense of safety. At its summit, remnants of 6th-century fortifications have been discovered, and just beyond lies the ancient city of Khursangal, founded in the 3rd century BC. This indicates that caravans traversing the only route through the Caucasus Mountains were under the protection of Beshbarmaq, often resting or camping at its base.
Thousands of years have passed, and the watchtower is long gone. Today, modern caravans consist of large trucks traveling between Azerbaijan and Russia, yet it’s rare for a vehicle to pass by without stopping here. Some stretch their legs and capture photos of the rock, while others fill their bottles with crystal-clear mountain spring water that flows right alongside the road. Visitors can also grab a quick bite of local fast food or shop at nearby stalls. Moreover, there are clean public restrooms available, a welcome alternative to the roadside ditches.
The ascent to Beshbarmaq can feel daunting at times. Sitting atop the peak, 400 meters above the Caspian Sea, you’ll be treated to delicious mountain tea and homemade sweets that you won’t find anywhere else. If you have a fear of heights, the descent can be intimidating, and the only wish you might make on this sacred mountain is to safely return to its base. However, fear can be deceptive: elderly locals and larger individuals navigate the climb and descent with ease.
You’ll have the chance to conquer 300 steps leading to a small cabin on the mountain, where you can make a wish and soak in the mountain’s aura and powerful energy. At the top, a friendly caretaker will offer you tea and local fruits, and the views of the Caspian Sea from this vantage point are simply stunning.
A trip to this area is undoubtedly worth every moment spent.