The Candy Cane Mountains: Hiking in Khizi
Nature

The Candy Cane Mountains: Hiking in Khizi

📅December 25, 2025

The Candy Cane Mountains: Hiking in Khizi

Imagine a landscape where the mountains are striped like candy canes—red, white, pink, and orange layers stacked like a geological layer cake.

Welcome to Khizi, a small region about 100 km north of Baku, home to one of Azerbaijan's most surreal natural wonders: the Candy Cane Mountains.

This is a place where the earth itself becomes art. And the best part? It's still relatively unknown, even to locals.

What Are the Candy Cane Mountains?

The Candy Cane Mountains are a series of hills and ridges with horizontal bands of color—red, white, pink, orange, and beige.

The Science:

The colors come from different layers of sedimentary rock:

  • Red/Orange: Iron oxide (rust)
  • White/Beige: Limestone and clay
  • Pink: A mix of iron and calcium

Over millions of years, these layers were deposited, compressed, and then exposed by erosion, creating the striped effect.

The Result:

A landscape that looks like:

  • The surface of Mars
  • A painting by Georgia O'Keeffe
  • A giant candy cane (hence the name)

Where Exactly Are They?

The Candy Cane Mountains are located in the Khizi region, specifically near the villages of:

  • Khizi
  • Gilgilchay
  • Sitalchay

Coordinates (for GPS):

  • Approximately: 40.9° N, 49.1° E

Note: There are no official signs or marked trails. You'll need a guide or good navigation skills.

How to Get There

From Baku:

  • Distance: 100 km north
  • Drive Time: 1.5-2 hours

Transportation Options:

Option 1: Rent a Car

  • Pros: Flexible, can explore at your own pace
  • Cons: Roads can be rough (4x4 recommended)
  • Route: Baku → Sumgayit → Khizi → Follow dirt roads toward the mountains

Option 2: Hire a Driver/Guide

  • Pros: Local knowledge, easier navigation
  • Cons: More expensive
  • Price: 100-150 AZN for a day trip

Option 3: Join a Tour

  • Pros: All-inclusive, no planning needed
  • Cons: Less flexible
  • Price: 50-100 AZN per person

What to Expect: The Hiking Experience

Difficulty:

  • Easy to Moderate
  • No technical climbing required
  • Mostly walking on dirt paths and rocky terrain

Duration:

  • 2-4 hours depending on how far you explore

Highlights:

  • The Striped Hills: The main attraction
  • 360° Views: Panoramic vistas of the surrounding valleys
  • Solitude: You'll likely have the place to yourself
  • Photography: Every angle is Instagram-worthy

Best Time to Visit:

  • Spring (April-May): Wildflowers bloom, adding color
  • Autumn (September-October): Clear skies, comfortable temperatures
  • Avoid: Summer (too hot, over 40°C) and winter (can be muddy)

What to Bring

Essentials:

  • Water: At least 2 liters per person (no water sources)
  • Snacks: No shops or facilities
  • Sunscreen and Hat: No shade
  • Sturdy Shoes: Hiking boots or trail runners
  • Camera: You'll want to capture this

Optional:

  • Drone: Aerial shots are spectacular (check local regulations)
  • Picnic Supplies: Great spot for a scenic lunch

Photography Tips

Best Light:

  • Golden Hour: Sunrise and sunset make the colors glow
  • Midday: Harsh light, but the colors are most vivid

Composition:

  • Wide Shots: Capture the layers and scale
  • Close-Ups: Focus on the texture and color transitions
  • Silhouettes: Use the ridges for dramatic silhouettes at sunset

Drone Photography:

  • Allowed: Yes, but be respectful of any nearby villages
  • Best Shots: Aerial views show the full striped pattern

Nearby Attractions

Combine your visit with other Khizi region highlights:

1. Gilgilchay Fortress

  • Highlights: Ancient fortress ruins with mountain views
  • Distance: 10 km from the Candy Cane Mountains

2. Besh Barmag Mountain (Five Finger Mountain)

  • Highlights: Sacred pilgrimage site, panoramic views
  • Distance: 30 km south

3. Khizi Village

  • Highlights: Traditional village life, local hospitality
  • Activities: Visit a local home for tea

Cultural Etiquette

Respect the Land:

  • Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash
  • Stay on Paths: Avoid damaging fragile rock formations

Respect the Locals:

  • If you pass through villages, greet people politely
  • Ask permission before photographing people

Suggested Itinerary: Day Trip from Baku

Morning:

  • 8:00 AM: Depart Baku
  • 10:00 AM: Arrive at Candy Cane Mountains
  • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Hike and explore

Afternoon:

  • 1:00 PM: Picnic lunch
  • 2:00 PM: Visit Gilgilchay Fortress or Besh Barmag
  • 4:00 PM: Return to Baku

Why Visit?

1. Unique Landscape

You won't find anything like this elsewhere in Azerbaijan (or most of the world).

2. Off the Beaten Path

No crowds, no tourist infrastructure—just you and nature.

3. Easy Access

Close enough to Baku for a day trip, but feels like another world.

4. Photography Paradise

Every shot looks like a professional landscape photo.

Challenges

1. No Facilities

No bathrooms, no shops, no water. Come prepared.

2. Navigation

No marked trails or signs. GPS or a guide is essential.

3. Heat

In summer, temperatures can exceed 40°C. Bring plenty of water.

Conclusion

The Candy Cane Mountains are one of Azerbaijan's best-kept secrets. They're a reminder that nature is the greatest artist, painting landscapes in colors we can barely imagine.

So pack your camera, lace up your boots, and prepare to walk on Mars—without ever leaving Earth.

Next up in our series: Lake Goygol: The Blue Beauty of the West