Did you know that Azerbaijan is home to over 45% of the world’s mud volcanoes? This fascinating geological phenomenon is truly mesmerizing! Azerbaijan holds the title for the highest number of active mud volcanoes in the world. When you encounter them in Gobustan, they may appear to be charming little natural wonders that some foreign tourists affectionately describe as making a “puff-puff!” sound, suggesting they might only splash a bit of mud on you. However, the reality is quite different—over the past two decades, Azerbaijan has experienced approximately 200 significant mud volcano eruptions!
So, what exactly are mud volcanoes? They are formed when compressed gaseous hydrocarbons force their way to the surface under high pressure, causing the mud to bubble and churn. This type of volcano is predominantly found in oil-rich and volcanic regions, which explains their abundance in Azerbaijan.
Here, these volcanoes create actual conical mounds complete with craters—just like their larger counterparts, but on a smaller scale. The mud from these volcanoes is rich in minerals and is often used in cosmetics and therapeutic practices. This has led some adventurous tourists to indulge in a mud treatment right at the site, submerging their hands into the volcano’s mouth. If you decide to partake in this experience, be sure to bring a large bottle of water, as the mud can be quite stubborn to wash off. Also, consider your choice of footwear and clothing to avoid ruining your favorite outfits.
If you can momentarily tune out the people around you and look away from the Caspian Sea, the surreal landscapes might just make you feel as though you’ve stepped onto the surface of Mars or the Moon. It’s no wonder these sites are often referred to as wonders of the world!
Plan to dedicate at least half a day for your trip to the mud volcanoes, and definitely combine it with a visit to the Gobustan Archaeological Reserve.
The distance from Baku to Gobustan is only about 60-70 kilometers. However, there are no direct roads leading to the mud volcanoes from the main highway. Taxis can take you there, but only in dry weather; even four-wheel drives struggle to navigate the terrain during rain. The volcanoes themselves are located approximately 10 kilometers south of Gobustan city.
There are several ways to reach this unique destination from Baku. The most comfortable option is to take a taxi or join a guided tour. Alternatively, you can reach the local drivers’ parking area at a fork in the road by renting a car or taking a taxi, especially if you or your driver prefer not to risk a vehicle on rough terrain. This spot is marked as the upper point on the map, while the lower mark indicates where the rough road begins. At this fork, you’ll find a group of local taxi drivers with their classic cars, ready to take you back and forth for around 20 manats, covering approximately 6 kilometers each way.
For the more budget-conscious, walking is an option, but it can be a challenging endeavor due to the lack of signage and the potential dangers of walking under the scorching sun.
If you prefer not to spend money on a taxi, you can take public transportation to Gobustan. The 195 bus travels directly to the city and beyond, passing by the volcanoes. It departs from the Bina Shopping Centre, located across from Shikhov Beach. To reach this shopping center from Baku, board the 125 bus near the Baku Railway Station and the 28 May Metro Station. Once you arrive on the 195 bus, you can either negotiate with taxi drivers at the fork or embark on the walk to the volcanoes if you feel up for the challenge.