WEEKEND TOUR TO NAKHCHIVAN: 1 Night 2 Days
The geographical position, unique climate, fauna and flora, and the ancient cultural monuments of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic lead the auspicious development of tourism. The natural and historical monuments of the memory of centuries – Momina Khatun, Garabaghlar, Yusif ibn Kuseyir, Gulustan tombs, the 500-year Eastern plane tree preserved for centuries, farrier and mulberry trees, and the first historic settlement of the ancient people – Gamigaya, Kilit cave, the Alinja castle as a symbol of grandeur and invincibility of these territories, the grandiose Ilandagh, Batabat lake, Babek castle with unexampled natural monuments, Goy-Gol, Ashabi-Kahf and other hundreds of works of arts make the unique tourism potential for Nakhchivan.
Travelling among the mountains and plains of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, you will discover breathtaking landscapes, ancient monuments and quaint villages nestling in scenic valleys. The towns and cities of this region also boast a host of historical and cultural sites, tidy squares and inimitable hospitality.
- Fly via Baku to Nakhchivan or Istanbul to Nakhchivan.
- Arrive in Nakchivan where you will be met by NAKHCHIVAN/NATIG Travel representatives and transferred to the hotel where you will stay during your trip. Have the morning free to enjoy breakfast and refresh yourself after the flight.
TOUR ITINERARY
DAY 1 – Nakhchivan city & Garabaghlar
- Prophet Noah’s Grave Tomb in Nakhchivan City
This is one of the important places on the territory of the autonomous republic related to the Flood. It is claimed, researched and confirmed that Prophet Noah has been buried here. As Prophets Noah and Adam lived in the same period of time in history, both were caught by the Flood 10,000 years ago. The graves of Noah’s wife and mother are in the town of Marand, in Southern Azerbaijan (south-western Iran). It is strongly believed that Noah’s own grave is in an area called Kohnagala (old fortress) in the town of Nakhchivan. Large-scale archaeological excavations have been carried out here in recent years.
- Nakhchivangala – VII Millenium B.C
Nakhchivan fortress is expected to be built in (632-651) by the third Sasani ruler. According to schematic plan taken from sources (it consists of two sections). For the construction of Nakhchivan Castle walls and watchtowers used mostly conventional building material rammed – earth, mixture of suitable proportions of sand, gravel and clay. - Yusif Ibn Kuseir Tomb – XII century
It is the result of high engineering that the tomb of Yusif Kuseyir oglu is the only monument among the tower shape tombs of Azerbaijan in which the pyramidal cover reached our time over the last 800 years undestroyed. The inscription of the tomb says that “This tomb belongs to Yusif Kuseyir oglu, Khaja, glorious chief, wise man of religion, the blessed man of Islam, the leader of the sheykhs”. That inscription shows the tomb was built in 557 by Hijri, in the month of Shavval (Christianity 1162). But in the inscription from the main facade in the left, the name of the engineer of the tomb “It is the deed of Ajami Abubakir oglu Nakhchivani, builder”.
- Momina Khatun Mausoleum – XII century
The mausoleum was nominated for List of World Heritage Sites, UNESCO in 1998. This monument is viewed as a magnificent monument of the national architecture and a pearl of the Eastern architecture. It is also called the Atabay tomb. The tomb has crumbled over time. It is now 25 meters high following the latest restoration. Until the nineteenth century, there used to be several other buildings, including a mosque, near the tomb. The monument is the emblem of the town of Nakhchivan. The monument was built by architect Ajami Nakhchivani in the western part of Nakhchivan city in 1186 in memory of the mother of Atabay ruler Mahammad Jahan Pahlavan, the son of Shamsaddin Atabay Eldegiz. It is called the Taj Mahal of Nakhchivan.
- The Residence of Nakhchivan Khanates – XVIII century
This house, built in keeping with the Eastern architectural style of the 18th and 19th centuries, was a home of the Nakhchivan ruler Rahim khan. The house has a basement and eight large rooms. It is located in the Gadim Gala (Old Fortress) quarter, 50-60 meters from the Momina Khatun tomb. The network (shabaka) style was widely used in the windows of the building. The house was built on a high hilltop called the “Khan height”, which makes it look extremely magnificent and beautiful. There is a spectacular view of the town from this point.
Traditional Nakhchivani lunch.
- A Visit to Nakhchivan Carpet Museum
- A Visit to Garabaghlar /Judi Khatun Mausoleum
XIV century architectural monument in Garabaghlar village located in a village of the same name. You can tell that looking at the ruins of small mausoleums scattered over ancient sepulchral fields and the fortifications with towers. Once there were 10,000 houses, 70 mosques, mausoleums 40 of them with minarets. One of them Garabaglar (named after the place) has survived until now and making impression on the numerous visitors. The mausoleum is only a part of the complex in the center of which tower slender minarets connected (in the middle) by the portal. From a distance this structure looks similar to the city gate. There are no ruins of fortifications, instead of them stand rectangular prisms on each side of the minarets.
In a clear weather have/has chance to see “Mount Agri” where Noah’s Ark is believed to be and much more and to have dinner and returning to your hotel.
DAY 2 – Alinjagala – Duzdag Salt Caves – Ashabu Kahf Caves
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Meeting your guide and driver at your hotel lobby and start the tour
- A visit to The Invincible Castle Alinjagala Fortress – The Machu Picchu of Caucasus
Alinja fortress is one of the strongest defensive construction of the XII century. During Timur’s attacks to Nakhchivan in 1386, 1392 and 1399 the fortress served as a head quarter and place of treasure of the ruling Atabayler dynasty. Timur’s army occupied the fortress in 1401 after 14 years siege the fortress saw many conquerors, destroyed and rebuilt several times. The famous commander and Turco-Mongol conqueror Tamerlane (Timur) was admired by the majesty of Alinja and even came here to personally make sure that his troops seized the impregnable fortress. “Alinja” /Alin chak – means “take off your hand”, it is also related with the invincibility of the fortress. (distance from Nakhchivan city 30 km).
Note: Mark Elliott an English travel writer the author of best known for books on “Excursion to Azerbaijan with Georgia “traveled last time in 2016 to Nakhchivan and wrote on his travel guide book about ALINJA castle.
“The Machu Picchu of Azerbaijan.” That is how some locals have described the site of Alinja Castle, whose recently restored ruins are likely to become one of the prime tourist attractions of Azerbaijan’s disconnected Nakhchivan exclave - Amazing “Duzdag” Salt Mine Caves
This is physiotherapy hospital for natural medical treatment of asthma and bronchitis at an altitude of 1173 meters above sea level and 2 km away from 5*Duzdag hotel. The Asthmatics are staying in the mountain Duzdagh about one month for asthma treatment. The treatment gives on 95% of positive result. Very interesting place and unique. Duzdagh also extracts food salt.
- Drive Back to Ashabu – Kahf Caves
site of pilgrimage as it is mentioned in Koran, surah 18 – Al-Kahf. The companions of the cave based on old Greek legend Seven sleepers of Ephesus). There is also an Anglo-Norman poem, Golden Legend related with the same legend. German, British, Slav, Indian, Jewish, Chinese, and Arabian version of this legend exist also.
Transfer to airport at 18:30
Flight to Baku at 20:20
For Tour Inquiry:
Call us! +99470 5672506
Emial to: aliheydarp@yahoo.com