HomeDestinationsCandy Cane Mountains
Day trip from Baku

Candy Cane Mountains, Pink Lake & Beshbarmaq

Striped red-and-white sedimentary hills, a naturally pink salt lake, and a sacred pilgrimage mountain — three surreal sights in one half-day loop north of Baku

70–100km from Baku (1–1.5 hrs) Half-day to full-day trip
100km
From Baku
3-in-1
Sights on one route
Half day
Typical duration
4.8★
Traveler rating
About this route

North of Baku toward Khizi and Guba, three genuinely surreal natural sights sit within easy reach of each other, making this one of the most popular half-day excursions after Gobustan. The Candy Cane Mountains are a range of sedimentary hills near Khizi striped in red, white, and grey bands — the result of mineral-rich layers exposed by erosion — creating a landscape that looks almost artificially painted. It's one of the most photographed natural sites in Azerbaijan and a genuine highlight for photographers.

Nearby, Pink Lake (Masazir Lake) turns a striking rose-pink colour in summer due to algae and high salt concentration — best seen June through August when the colour is most vivid. Beshbarmaq Mountain ("Five Fingers Mountain") is a five-peaked sacred site with an active pilgrimage tradition, a small mosque partway up, and panoramic Caspian views from the summit trail. Most day tours combine all three into a single half-day or full-day loop from Baku.

Candy Cane Mountains — striped red & white sedimentary hills
Pink Lake — naturally rose-coloured salt lake (best Jun–Aug)
Beshbarmaq Mountain — sacred pilgrimage site, Caspian views
One of the most photographed landscapes in Azerbaijan
Combinable with Guba & Khinalug on a full-day trip
Easy half-day loop — no overnight required
FAQs
When is the best time to see Pink Lake at its most vivid?
June through August, when heat concentrates the salt and algae bloom is strongest. Outside summer the lake can look far less pink — timing matters more here than almost any other Azerbaijan sight.
Can I climb Beshbarmaq Mountain?
Yes — a marked trail leads to the summit past a small mosque roughly halfway up, used by pilgrims. The walk takes 30–45 minutes each way and rewards with panoramic Caspian Sea views. Modest dress is appreciated given the site's religious significance.
Is this trip suitable as a standalone half-day, or should I combine it with something else?
Both work. As a half-day it pairs well with a relaxed morning in Baku beforehand. As a full-day, it's commonly combined with Guba and Khinalug village for travelers who want to push further into the northern highlands the same day.
Do I need a 4x4 vehicle for this route?
No — the main viewpoints for Candy Cane Mountains and Pink Lake are accessible by standard vehicle. If continuing to Khinalug the same day, a 4x4 becomes necessary for that final mountain stretch.
Group tour starting prices

Group tour rates are available for minimum . Standard group prices are shown only for fixed group departures; private tours, family tours, honeymoon tours, luxury tours and custom itineraries are quoted separately according to hotel class, travel dates and group size.

Private tourCustom quote
From
$48
per person · half-day trip
Prime photography spot
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