Gobustan National Park: Azerbaijan’s Open-Air Museum of Prehistoric Art

The Gobustan National Park in Azerbaijan is a truly amazing place that many travelers can have a unique opportunity to study the greatest past archaeological sites in the world. Being part of the UNESCO World Heritage List, this wonderful place and its ancient carvings on the rocks offer you an unforgettable experience of prehistoric humans' lives.

If you are in Baku, why don’t you experience a little bit of Gobustan National Park because it only takes a short drive. When you visit here, some of the attractions you can enjoy in Azerbaijan are the petroglyphs that are centuries old, the boiling mud volcanoes and the Gobustan National Park Museum where you can get the true feeling of history and an inspiration view of the place's natural beauty.

Now, let’s begin with where the Gobustan National Park Azerbaijan is and then take a look at its beauty, lastly, take our travel tips to make your trip in Azerbaijan easier!

Location and How to Get to Gobustan National Park

Where is Gobustan National Park?

Gobustan National Park is very near to Baku city, which is in the Southwest, about 64 km from the park. Visitors can travel easily to and from the site because it's just a trip of one day, therefore, you can have time to visit other places in Baku.

How to get to Gobustan National Park from Baku?

An excellent excursion from the capital of Azerbaijan is to Gobustan National Park. Since the museum is only a half-hour's drive from the mud volcanoes, it makes sense to combine the two and make a full day of it.

You will have no trouble getting a bus or taxi to the museum because the road is very easy. But the mud volcanoes are off-road and quite obscure. At the museum, you can hire a guide for 

To make it to the Gobustan National Park, travelers can travel by:

• By Car: The most convenient way to visit is by renting a car or hiring a private driver. The journey takes about 1 hour from Baku.
• By Tour: Many tour operators offer guided excursions that include transportation, entry tickets, and a visit to the Gobustan National Park Museum Baku.
• By Public Transport: Buses and shared taxis run from Baku to Gobustan town, from where you can take a local taxi to the park.

Entry fees & Visiting hours

• Entry Fee: Around 10 AZN per person (~$6 USD).
• Opening Hours: 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM daily.

Gobustan National Park

Exploring the Gobustan mud volcanoes - A Geological Wonder

Despite appearances, Gobustan is alive and thriving. It is there in the 14,000 people who live in the surrounding town, as well as in the scorching mounds and erratic coastline that are always changing at the whim of Mother Nature.

What makes Mud Volcanoes special?

Contrary to popular belief, mud—thick, sticky, chilly mud—is what is coming up from the earth instead of oil or tar. Gobustan is home to nearly half of the world’s mud volcanoes. Azerbaijan has over 350 mud volcanoes, the highest concentration of any country, and some of the most spectacular are found in Gobustan National Park.

Mud volcanoes get their name from their resemblance to molten-lava volcanoes, even though they are not actually volcanoes. There are many different sizes and types of mud volcanoes, many of which are quite small. It's safe to approach because they don't have lava and don't erupt very often.

Gobustan's mud volcanoes continuously bubble away due to the release of methane and carbon dioxide gases from deep inside the Earth, causing a gradual drizzle of wet mud that turns the ground black and grey.

It's a lot of fun exploring this eerie terrain; it truly does feel like you're standing on the edge of the world. A view of Gobustan makes you feel like you are having a vision of life's end.

The mud volcanoes in Gobustan National Park

Can you visit the Mud Volcanoes?

Yes! Tourists can visit the Gobustan mud volcanoes, though the terrain is rugged. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended for the journey. Visitors often find the bubbling mud and lunar-like landscape mesmerizing, making it a fantastic spot for photography.

Petroglyphs: Ancient Rock Art of Gobustan

One of the most fascinating aspects of Gobustan National Park Azerbaijan is its petroglyphs, or ancient rock carvings. Witnessing the petroglyphs is the second options for you if you aren’t interested in the mud volcanoes. Over 6,000 engravings have been discovered here, covering an area of 537 hectares.

Early people created the symbolic and figurative "drawings" known as "petroglyphs" by carving shapes into the exposed rock's patina. Despite its crudeness, petrographic rock art is one of the most significant artifacts of early human history because it shows the emergence of symbolic thought.

On these rocks, travelers can see many carvings that are showcased on the wall:

• Hunting scenes with wild bulls, goats, and deer.
• Human figures performing ritual dances.
• Boats and celestial symbols, indicating early navigation and religious beliefs.
• Animal engravings, illustrating the region's prehistoric wildlife.

Outside the Museum, you can see walking paths zigzag through Gobustan's unique terrain, containing stacked boulders, broken rocks, and caverns that have collapsed due to the area's frequent earthquakes.

Before visiting the petroglyphs in situ, it is essential to visit the museum first. It is helpful to know what you're searching for because the sculptures are well-preserved but challenging to recognize.

The outside of the Gobustan National Park Museum

Travel Tips When Visiting Baku Gobustan National Park

Best time to visit

The ideal seasons to visit Gobustan National Park Azerbaijan are:

• Spring (March–May): Pleasant temperatures and blooming landscapes.
• Autumn (September–November): Cooler weather, perfect for hiking and exploring.

Prepare what to bring when going to Gobustan

• Wear comfortable shoes – Comfortable walking shoes are very necessary because the terrain is harsh near the mud volcanoes.
• Bring water and sun protection – The park has little shade, you will be playing outdoors most of the time so bringing water with you is essential.
• Snack - Gobustan National Park almost has no place for buying meals, with the exception of a tiny tea and ice cream shop on the museum grounds. It's best to pack some food with you while traveling.
• Combine your trip – Visit nearby attractions like Bibi-Heybat Mosque or the Caspian Sea coast.

Azerbaijan trip essentials

• Flight & Hotel: Travelers must book flight and hotel accommodations before traveling to have a nice experience.
• Visa: Azerbaijan Immigration Services is here to support travelers to get an e-Visa without any difficulties. Find out more about visa requirements if you are going to obtain one. The document is very simple and you can have your travel documents within a few days.
• Travel Insurance: Get yourself Travel Insurance to protect your trip safely. The policies cover all the necessary fees in case your luggage is delayed and missing, you are injured or you get sick.

Prepare carefully when traveling to Gobustan National Park

Conclusion

Gobustan National Park is a must-visit destination in Azerbaijan, offering a unique blend of history, archaeology, and natural wonders. From prehistoric petroglyphs to bubbling mud volcanoes, this UNESCO-listed site provides a fascinating look into ancient human civilization.

Whether you're a history buff, nature enthusiast, or adventure traveler, Gobustan National Park Museum Baku and the surrounding landscape promise an unforgettable experience.

Ready to explore? Plan your visit to Gobustan National Park Azerbaijan and step back in time to discover one of the world’s greatest archaeological treasures.