Haput to Galajig | 2 days
Cross-Caucasus Trek
Overview
If you ever want to say, “I’ve crossed the Greater Caucasus Mountains,” this trekking route is for you. This journey from one side of the mountains to the other presents hikers with breathtaking views, diverse terrains, and one-of-a-kind landscapes, starting from Haput village in Guba and ending in Galajig village in Ismayilli.
Haput village (Guba), located on the slopes of Greater Caucasus, at 1,900 m above sea level. Populated with an ethnic group holding the same name as the village. Calling themselves "Har", the language of Haput is one of the languages of the Lezgi languages branch of the Nakh-Daghestanian languages family. Despite the fact that the village is quite big in winter time most of the families move to winter pastures, so there are only 25-30 populated houses in winter.
Galajig village (Ismayilli) is 1,200 m above sea level in the Ismayilli district, on a plain in one of the Goychay river valleys. The village is surrounded by the steep slopes of forest-covered mountains. The route that leads to the summer pastures starts on a wide riverside plain and gradually turns into paths.
Duration: 2 days*
Difficulty level: Difficult**
Total hiking distance: 31 km
Total elevation gain: 1,700 m
Total elevation loss: 2,500 m
Maximum altitude: 3,220 m
* The best time for the trek - mid June to the end of August.
** No technical climbing or special equipment is needed. However, there are some steep uphill sections.
Program
DAY 1
Our adventure begins early in the morning as we set off from Baku. On the way, we’ll stop at a supermarket to pick up some food for our camping meals, then continue our journey towards Haput village in Guba. Once we arrive, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local guesthouse before heading out on a 13 km hike to the Gargar pasture through the Agchay River. Several times we will cross the river which is not deep. Once we arrive at our campsite, we’ll set up tents, prepare dinner, and enjoy some free time before settling in for the night.
DAY 2
An early start with breakfast and packing up the camp, followed by a hike to a 3,320 m mountain pass. After a break to enjoy the view of the Ismayilli Mountains, we’ll descend into the Goychay Valley, stopping for lunch along the trail. The last few kilometers of the hike before we reach Galajig will be along the riverbed and will require crossing it several times (the river is not deep). After approximately 8 hours of hiking, we will end our trek near the village, where our transport will be waiting for us.
Accommodation and food:
During this trek, we’ll camp along the Haput-Galajig trail at an altitude of 2,900 m before the mountain passes. We will provide all the necessary camping equipment for your comfortable stay. On the first day of lunch, we will enjoy organic food at a guesthouse in the village of Haput (Guba). At the end of our hike, dinner will be prepared using local ingredients and served at a village house in Galajig. Dinner on the first night and breakfast the next day in the morning will be prepared at the campsite, and we will carry ready-made food during the hikes.
Clothing / Equipment*:
hiking boots;
rainproof jacket;
hat and cap;
gloves;
headlamp;
sunglasses and sunscreen;
backpack (40-50 L).
* Recommend to have: trekking poles, gaiters, water bottle (1.5-2 L), dry fruits, and snacks for hiking.
* If any of you is vegan or vegetarian please inform us during the booking.
Transport:
Mitsubishi Pajero (4 seater comfortable car)
Mercedes Vito (7 seater comfortable micro-bus)
Mercedes Sprinter (18 seater comfortable bus)
Niva Lada in the mountains (4x4 car)
Tour Price
starting from
1170
USD*
* The price is for one person and may vary based on group size and transfers to/from the starting point. Get in touch with us to receive a personalized quote.
Included:
All-inclusive from hotel to hotel in Baku;
All transport services;
All camping equipments;
All food supply during the tour;
Accommodation in Khinalig and at camp;
Entrance tickets to Shahdag National Park;
Snacks, tea breaks;
English speaker guide and his/her expenses;
Domestic Travel Insurance
Company profit.
Excluded:
Alcoholic Beverages;
Anything that is not mentioned other side.
Book Now
All our tours are customizable. We are here to make the best tour program for you. Just tell us what you are looking for ...