Shaki travel guide
A historic Silk Road town of caravanserais, the stained-glass Khan’s Palace and famous halva.
Shaki sits on the forested slopes of the Greater Caucasus, about 300 km north-west of Baku. It was once the capital of the Shaki Khanate and an important centre of the silk trade.
The historic centre, together with the Khan’s Palace, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019. Tiled roofs, craft workshops and local cuisine make Shaki one of the most visited towns in the country.
Things to see
Palace of the Shaki Khans
An 18th-century palace famous for its shebeke windows of coloured glass assembled without nails, and for its painted walls.
Caravanserai
A two-storey caravanserai where Silk Road merchants once stopped, and which still welcomes guests today.
Kish village and its Albanian church
A few kilometres from town, a restored church dating back to Caucasian Albania.
When to go
April to June and September to October: the forests are green or in autumn colours and the weather is pleasant for walking.
Getting there
It is a 4.5–5 hour drive from Baku. Daily buses run from Baku, and many travellers combine the trip with Shamakhi and Gabala along the way.
Frequently asked questions
What should I eat in Shaki?
Shaki piti, Shaki halva and local sweets are a must. Piti is a lamb and chickpea stew served in a clay pot and eaten in two stages.
How long should I stay in Shaki?
One full day is enough for the town and Kish. Because the drive is long, staying at least one night is advisable.
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