Where to go in summer: four ways to escape the heat

A midday walk on an open slope in summer is the worst possible idea. But summer is also the only open season for the high peaks. The solution is choosing the right environment.

1. Canyons: walk through the water

In a canyon the walls give shade and water runs under your feet. The temperature difference can be 5–8 degrees.

→ Babadag Canyon
→ Yardimli, Canyon trek

Footwear is critical here — in detail.

2. High plateaus: climb for the altitude

Every 100 metres drops the temperature by about 0.6 °C. At 2000 metres it is 12 degrees cooler than Baku.

→ Mikhtoken plateau and Suvar
→ Sheki, Khan plateau

3. Forest: stay in the shade

A dense forest trail is shaded all day.

→ Hirkan tour (Lake Khanbulan)
→ Shabran, Lake Ambil forest hike
→ Gabala, Soyugbulag waterfall

4. Water sports: get in it

The coolest option in summer is the river itself.

→ Rafting and camping adventure on the Kura — first-timers get a briefing and every boat has an instructor on board.

Summer summits

July and August are the main season for the high peaks:

• Bazarduzu (4466 m)
• Tufandag (4191 m)
• Heydar Aliyev peak (3751 m)

At those altitudes even summer air is cold: night temperatures approach zero.

The three rules of summer

1. Start early. Between 06:00 and 11:00 are the best hours.
2. Carry more water. In summer 3 litres is the norm, not 2.
3. Protect yourself from the sun. Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen. At 2000 metres UV is stronger than in the city.