Toragay Mountain Tour

Step into a world untouched by modern life on this breathtaking hiking tour to Toragay Mud Volcano in Gobustan. Begin your journey on the slopes of Jingirdag Mountain, where prehistoric petroglyphs and ancient water basins tell the story of human life thousands of years ago. Witness the dramatic landscape of the highest mud volcano in the region, walk through a semi-desert terrain that echoes the survival of early humans, and feel the beat of history through natural musical stones known as gavaldash. Encounter wild horses, enjoy a peaceful picnic, and end your trek with a symbolic tap on the last resonating stone—an experience that connects you to the past like no other. This hiking tour is ideal for adventurers, history lovers, and nature seekers looking for an unforgettable day near Baku.

Jingirdag Mountain: Tracing the Footsteps of Prehistoric Life

The journey begins at Jingirdag Mountain, a site rich with ancient history. As you ascend, you'll encounter numerous petroglyphs—stone carvings that depict the everyday life and survival practices of prehistoric humans. The trail also features fascinating archeological finds such as yalags, stone basins carved by early people to collect rainwater. You’ll also discover gavaldash—natural musical stones that produce drum-like sounds—and the remains of a three-room stone structure believed to date back to the 10th–12th centuries, offering a tangible connection to both ancient and medieval periods.

Toragay Mud Volcano: Highest Volcano of Gobustan

Next on the trail is Toragay, the highest mud volcano in the Gobustan region, rising 402 meters above sea level. Historically, this volcano has erupted at least six times between 1841 and 1950, each eruption marked by ground-shaking tremors, roaring underground noise, and flammable gases igniting upon exposure to air. Today, the volcano lies dormant, but its dramatic crater—deep enough to match the height of an adult—is a stark reminder of the earth’s powerful geological activity. The alien landscape here, devoid of modern distractions, evokes a primal connection with the natural world. As you hike across the semi-arid terrain, keep an eye out for wild horses—descendants of the horses once ridden by ancient steppe nomads. Their presence enhances the mystique of the trail and brings life to the vast, silent landscape. Combined with the remote environment, these animals paint a vivid image of life before urban development, offering a powerful reflection on human history and resilience.

Picnic in Nature: Silence and Serenity

After exploring the volcano, it’s time to pause and unwind. Enjoy a peaceful picnic lunch amid open plains, surrounded by the echoes of nature and wide horizons. This moment of stillness is a highlight of the hike, letting you take in the views and recharge before heading back. Before concluding the tour, you'll visit one final gavaldash—a large stone that produces a resonating, drum-like sound when struck. Just like our ancestors, you'll be invited to tap its surface and even dance to its rhythm. It’s a symbolic and joyful end to a trail filled with history, culture, and natural wonder.