In contrast to its Caucasus neighbours, Azerbaijan seems shy in boasting about their nation’s treasure chest of natural wonders, perhaps still wishing to keep them under wraps for a little longer. But for the curious travellers amongst us, knocking on its doors will quickly reveal a destination both enigmatic and endearing where semi-desert countryside shares territory with the soaring Greater Caucasus; space-age skyscrapers grow at a staggering speed alongside the enduring relics of ancient times; and a spiritual yet open-minded populace eager to show you the ways of Azeri traditions and their passion for modern progression alike. Dive into this puzzling web of delights with a customised Azerbaijan tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and unveil the mysterious faces of Azerbaijan today.

Prepare yourself for a bizarre introduction of Azerbaijan with a trip to Yanar Dag, which literally translates to “burning mountain”, where natural gas fire blazes and jets out three metres into the air constantly from a sandstone hill. Throughout the country, many such fires which are believed to be burning since antiquity had in turn nurtured a cult of Azeri fire-worshippers who came to be known as the Zoroastrians. For the best sighting of this unique phenomenon, arrive at Yanar Dag before dusk, take a seat at a nearby teashop, and get ready to be ignited visually by these burning flames.

Volcanic bubbles
From burning fire to bubbling mud, the next strange natural wonder that Azerbaijan has up its sleeves are its mud volcanoes, the highest concentration of such in the world. Visiting Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, rising out of the semi-desert of central Azerbaijan, is any traveller’s best bet to seeing these simmering pots of mud by way of a private car tour. Quietly bubbling all day and night with audible sounds like someone burping discreetly, this mellow volcanic activity caused by heated water and methane gas rising above the crust of the earth promises to amaze any visitor. And if you are ever so lucky, you may even catch one of them putting on a rare show shooting several metres up into the air.

Ancient Street Art
While the mud volcanoes of Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape bubble for your attention, there is another incredible sight no visitor to this UNESCO-listed site should miss. Here, one of the world’s oldest collections of petroglyphs, commonly known as ancient rock engravings, awaits the avid history and archaeological fan. Dating way back to the Stone Age, over more than 6,000 petroglyphs vividly depict hunting scenes, flora, fauna and primitive lifestyles from the prehistoric period, proving that street art is not just a modern invention of our times.

 For more exotic destinations in the Caucasus, see:

• Armenia tour package
• Georgia tour package

Discover the unique wonders of Caucasia with a customised Azerbaijan tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours today. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg for more information.