If you are going to Azerbaijan, Gobustan National Park should top the list! This is such an amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of ancient rock carvings, bubbling mud volcanoes, and stunning views.
An hour’s drive from Baku, this park is for those who love history, nature, or adventure. Be it the tales of ancient times or a wish to see cool natural wonders, Gobustan National Park will amaze you.
Ready to dive into this incredible place? Let’s explore!
What is Gobustan National Park?
Gobustan National Park is widely famous for the following features in Azerbaijan:
- Ancient petroglyphs- rock carvings
- Mud volcanoes
- Beautiful landscapes
It is only 64 km away from Baku, and therefore the place is pretty popular among tourists. With more than 6,000 rock carvings, some of them as old as 40,000 years, this park leads you back in time. These drawings are the scenes of hunting, dancing, and everyday life.
If you love history and nature, Gobustan National Park is the place you really should visit.
History of Gobustan National Park
History makes Gobustan National Park very interesting. The rock carvings, or best known as petroglyphs, were made by people who lived in this area thousands of years ago. These were hunter-gatherers who drew pictures on rocks in order to tell stories about their lives.
- You can see the carvings of:
- Animals like deer and bulls
- People dancing
- Scenes of hunting
These carvings help us understand the way of life of people a long time ago. The park is a form of a time machine showing humanity fragments of culture and beliefs from a long-ago civilization.
Why are the petroglyphs so special?
The petroglyphs in Gobustan are not at all a trivial view. Most likely, in this case they represent one of the best examples to be found within ancient art specimens around the globe. These carve tell us lots of information of how ancient people:
- Worshipped nature
- Worked in teams
- This is celebrated through dances and rituals.
Some of the carvings show the tools they used and clothes they wore. Visiting Gobustan National Park is like taking a walk through an open-air museum.
Gobustan Mud Volcanoes
Other exciting features in Gobustan National Park are the mud volcanoes. The small, bubbly hills of mud are very rare natural features, in fact. Did you know that Azerbaijan has the most number of mud volcanoes in the world?
Here’s why they are so cool:
- They start bubbling and making funny sounds.
- Some believe the mud is therapeutic.
They are fun to watch and take photos of!
Things to Do in Gobustan National Park
On a trip to Gobustan National Park, one has got much to see and participate in. Now, here comes a highlight of the top activities:
See the Rock Art
Take a walk and see the ancient petroglyphs; each of those carvings carries with it its story from way back in time, over thousands of years ago.
Visit the Mud Volcanoes
Take a short ride to the bubbling mud volcanoes. Take photos!
Learning at the Museum
Gobustan Rock Art Museum gives insight into the history of the park with tools and other findings that were discovered in the area.
Relax in Nature
Enjoy the serenity of the atmosphere. The landscape of the park is very fine for hiking and photography.
Best Time to visit Gobustan National Park
The best times to consider paying a visit to Gobustan National Park are:
- Spring-From April to June, the weather is mild, and the park looks fresh and green.
- Autumn: September to November- the time when the temperature is pleasant, and there are no crowds.
- Avoid the summer, as it can get very hot.
Tips for Visiting Gobustan National Park
How to enjoy your visit:
- Planning Ahead: Check the timings and entry fee of the park before going.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for walking.
- Bring Essentials: Carry water, snacks, sunscreen, and a hat.
- Respect Nature: Don’t touch the rock carvings or deface the beauty of this park.
- Take Photos: Memories are important, but never use flash on the petroglyphs.
How to get to Gobustan National Park?
From Baku, you can easily reach Gobustan National Park:
- Car: An hour’s drive.
- Tours: Several operators offer trips into the park.
- Bus: Public buses are also available but take a bit longer.
FAQ’s about Gobustan National Park
What’s so special about Gobustan National Park?
Ans: This is a peculiar park with a lot of ancient petroglyphs, outstanding mud volcanoes, and strikingly beautiful views.
How much is the entrance fee?
Ans: It is around 4 AZN per adult.
Is it allowed to go with children in Gobustan National Park?
Ans: Yeah, kids will love the carvings, volcanoes, and open spaces.
Is there a guide available?
Ans: Yes, there are guided tours to facilitate an easy exploration and to explain to you more about the park’s history and features.
Conclusion
Gobustan National Park is a place to visit in Azerbaijan, where one can get a combination of history, culture, and nature through its ancient rock carvings, fascinating mud volcanoes, and breathtaking views. Whether it is the history that interests you or you simply want to enjoy the beauty of nature, this park has got it all for everyone. Ready to explore Azerbaijan with your family? Apply for Azerbaijan eVisa now and discover a world of fun and adventure waiting for you.
