Gobustan Tour
$30.00
$24.00
Discover Azerbaijan's ancient secrets with this action-packed tour of Gobustan. Start at the world's first oil well at Bibi-Eybat, then marvel at bubbling mud volcanoes shrouded in legend. Visit the Natural History Exhibition, featuring rare biological and paleontological exhibits. Head to Gobustan National Reserve, one of the oldest Cro-Magnon settlements with a museum and reconstructed parking lot. End the day with a walk among the petroglyphs, where rock art brings to life scenes of ancient human life. Accompanied by experienced guides, this tour combines geology, archaeology and culture - and will be an unforgettable discovery for every traveler.
1. The World’s First Oil Well – Bibi-Heybat
Your journey begins at a site of global industrial heritage — the world’s first mechanically drilled oil well, located in the Bibi-Heybat district near the Caspian Sea. Completed in 1846 under the direction of engineer Vasily Semyonov, this well predates Pennsylvania’s Drake Well by over a decade and marked the birth of the modern oil industry. It also served as a filming location for the James Bond movie The World Is Not Enough, adding cinematic fame to its historic value. Today, it remains a monument to Azerbaijan’s pivotal role in global energy history.
2. Mud Volcanoes
The next stop reveals one of Azerbaijan’s most surreal natural phenomena — mud volcanoes. These bubbling craters, scattered across the Gobustan landscape, create an otherworldly scene that resembles the surface of the Moon. Local legends speak of ancient spirits, known as “djinn,” said to inhabit the area. Walking the paths around the volcanoes, you’ll feel the pulse of the Earth beneath your feet and be captivated by the raw energy of nature.
3. Natural History Exhibition
Situated within the Gobustan tourism complex, the Natural History Exhibition showcases the region’s rich biodiversity and ancient origins. The collection includes 98 animal skeletons, 870 dried insect specimens, and 57 preserved creatures, all gathered by Azerbaijani scientists over many years. The exhibit also features paleontological artifacts and interactive displays that reveal the evolutionary history and natural wonders of Gobustan, offering a fascinating scientific layer to your cultural experience.
4. Gobustan National Reserve
Your tour continues to the Gobustan National Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important archaeological areas in the world. Here lies one of the best-preserved Cro-Magnon settlements, giving a rare glimpse into early human life. With guidance from expert tour leaders, you’ll explore a reconstructed Paleolithic village, learn about prehistoric tools and rituals, and visit the on-site museum featuring detailed exhibits about Stone Age culture and survival.
5. Gobustan Petroglyphs
End your journey with a visit to the famous Gobustan petroglyphs — rock carvings etched into stone by our distant ancestors. As you wander through the rocky landscape, your guide will interpret scenes of hunting, dancing, and everyday life. These artworks, thousands of years old, show surprising similarities between ancient lives and our own. The experience fosters a sense of connection across millennia, reminding us of the enduring human spirit.
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