Leaving Baku in the morning
Exploring the land of Caspians on the way northwards along Caspian Sea shore
Visiting the Beshbarmag mountain

Arrival to Devechi town. Devechi district is located to the north of Baku and its eastern border extends along the Caspian coast. The name of the district originates from the word "cameleer"; evidently, it is connected to the development of caravan roads. In ancient times residents of the town would hold camels and people from neighboring regions would come to local markets - not only to buy camels but also to purchase poultry, cattle, butter, milk products, honey, wool (of camels and sheep) and carpets and also to join a caravan or hire a personal cameleer.

Arrival to Gala Alti resort center
Excursion to Chirag Gala Castle.

Located here in the Early Middles Ages was the second line of the Caspian defense zone. It has been included in the list of historical and cultural monuments of Azerbaijan under the name of Gilgilchai Defensive Structures and is protected by the state. As a part of "Caspian Defensive Structures" it has been nominated by UNESCO for the inclusion in the list of World Legacy Monuments. Archeologists revealed that Gilgilchai Defensive Construction was built in ancient times, before our era, and that it was constantly reinforced and fortified.

The wall originates in the very sea (level of the Caspian Sea varies from year to year) and extends many kilometers, rising to mountains where it terminates with the grand watch tower of Chirag Gala (5th century). The tower is worth ascending to: aside of historical importance, it features an astounding view from the mountain top over the sea and nearby mountains.

Here, between the sea and ridges of the Caucasus Mountains there is a very convenient passage from Azerbaijan to the north, to other countries. Since ancient times the passage has been named the Caspian Passage. It was used by invaders from neighboring countries and distant lands. They would invade Azerbaijan and ransack Baku ports, sometimes reaching as far as the inland areas of the country. Therefore, the walls served to defend and alarm Absheron (Baku) and further, all borderland regions of the ancient Azerbaijan. The magnitude of the construction and defensive significance of the wall and fortresses (they also secured the approaches to the Great Silk Road) make them a rival of the famous Great Wall in China. However, this object has not been restored yet.

Not far from the tower of Chirag Gala there is a resort complex Gala Alti ("Under the Tower") with a health center named "Chirag Gala", known for its mineral springs with medicinal sulfurated water, especially beneficial for patients with urolithiasis and cholelithiasis. On the road to the health resort there is a number of shashlik houses, cafes and small camps a majority of which operate only in summer.

Chirag Gala, which means lamp (or light) castle in Azerbaijani is a ruined ancient fortress overlooking the Caspian coastal plains north of Baku in Azerbaijan. Its located on the top of a mountain, in the Guba Forest. It was constructed by the Sassanid Persians in the 5th century, it was used as a defense for the khanate of Quba in the 18th century.

Today the Chirag Gala is a historic site and it frequently visited by tourists. Because of the large rocks and rough road the Chirag Gala is almost impossible to reach with any vehicle. Most tourists and people travel by foot to the top of the mountain.

Return to Baku

Package includes:

 - Private vehicle accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide who will look after you exclusively
 - Local driver for your vehicle, exclusively for your tour
 - Sightseeing program including all entrance fees

Not included into the package:

 - Fees for taking photos in historical sites
 - Any meals
 - Other personal expenses