Beşbarmaq and Baku Ears: the closest rock adventure to the city

When people say "mountains" around Baku they usually think of distant districts. Yet within an hour of the city there are two spots that give a genuine sense of rock and require both hands and feet.

Beşbarmaq mountain

A limestone massif on the Baku–Quba highway, in the Xızı district, at roughly 500 metres above sea level. It takes its name from rock outcrops resembling five fingers.

What to expect. Stairs lead up to the shrine section — that part is easy and crowded. The genuinely interesting part is beyond it, along the rock ridges: in places you need to use your hands, and there are serious drops below.

The section that demands attention: the rock is limestone and in places it crumbles. Do not fully trust the hold you are gripping; test each one. After rain the surface becomes slippery.

The view. From the top you see the Caspian on one side and the plains and the first Caucasian hills on the other. The sunset here is among the best in the country — but do not leave the descent to darkness.

Baku Ears

Rock outcrops on the Absheron peninsula, even closer to the city. The name comes from their shape. The elevation is low, but the route is short and concentrated: rock passages, narrow trails, small scrambles.

This is the "adventure of a few hours" format — you can leave in the morning and be home by midday. For someone living in Baku who wants to do something midweek, it is the most realistic option.

Practical advice

• Footwear is the most important decision. The smooth sole of a trainer slips on limestone. Wear trekking boots with a grippy tread.
• Gloves help — the rock is sharp and scratches your hands.
• Water. The area has no shade and is very hot in summer. Doing these routes at midday in summer is a bad idea; choose early morning or late afternoon.
• Wind. Absheron wind is unpredictably strong. Be careful on the ridge on a windy day.
• Do not go alone. There is phone coverage on the route, but in the event of a fall being alone is the problem itself.
• Respect the dress and behaviour rules in the shrine area.

Season

October–May is ideal. Summer is the worst season for these routes: no shade, and the rock heats up.

The next step

These two spots give the feel of rock, but they are not technical climbing. To continue, the next step is the areas described in Rock climbing areas in Azerbaijan and gym training.

To move on to longer and higher routes, the usual first objectives are day summits: Məstdərgah peak, Niyaldağ peak, Sulut peak (Fit mountain).