Mud Volcanoes of Azerbaijan: Seeing Them Near Baku

Of roughly 800 mud volcanoes on Earth, almost half are in the South Caucasus — and around 300 are in Azerbaijan, on land, along the coast, under the Caspian and even on islands. No other country has more.

What a mud volcano is

It is a cone-shaped hill with a crater that releases gas together with cold, clay-rich mud. Most of the time the volcanoes just "breathe": bubbles pop and grey mud trickles down the slopes. Large eruptions are rare, and the gas can catch fire when they happen.

Each volcano has its own temper and chemistry, and more than twenty of the most interesting ones are protected.

Where to see them

The best-known group sits on a plateau near Gobustan, about 70 km south-west of Baku. The last stretch is a dirt track, so visitors usually switch to a 4x4 or a local car.

Combine it with Gobustan

The easiest plan is rock art in the morning and volcanoes afterwards — exactly how our Gobustan and mud volcano tour works.

Tips

• Wear shoes you don't mind getting muddy.
• Rain can wash out the track, so check conditions the day before.
• In summer bring water and a hat — there is no shade on the plateau.

FAQ

Can you bathe in the mud?

The Gobustan volcanoes are small; people usually just dip their hands. Therapeutic mud is used in spas, not in the craters.

How long does the visit take?

About an hour at the volcanoes, half a day together with Gobustan.