Shahdag

What it is

A purpose-built resort high in the Greater Caucasus, within Shahdag National Park, with skiing in winter and cable cars, walking and open mountain the rest of the year. It is considerably colder than anywhere else we operate in Azerbaijan, and the climate strip below is worth reading before you pack.

Getting there

Around four hours north of Baku by road, through Quba, which is the town most trips stop in for lunch and for the carpet weaving. The last stretch climbs hard.

Who it suits

People who want mountains rather than monuments. If your interest in Azerbaijan is the walled city, the rock art and the mud volcanoes, Shahdag is the wrong two nights and Gabala is the better inland choice.

How long to give it

Two nights, and dress for real altitude.

When to go

Average daytime high, night-time low and rain days for Shahdag, from five years of recorded observations rather than a forecast or a brochure.

Most workable months: Oct. Nowhere here rates as mild on our own scale, which is worth knowing before you book a single night for the view.