Griz – Khinalig
Griz – Galaykhudat – Khinalig: 17.3km, +822m/-689m (E → W)
This route connects Griz to Khinalig, passing through Galaykhudat village and traversing over deep canyons. Along the way, hikers will encounter the Gurgur Waterfall, the fascinating landscapes of Kokosh Gorge, and views of old wheat terraces in the mountains approaching Khinalig. The trail is marked by the Azerbaijan Tourism Board. The terrain is exposed, with no tree cover for shade in the summer and potential snow and wet conditions in colder months. Proper preparation for weather conditions and hydration is essential.
Route description
Leaving Griz, the trail heads eastward, following marked signs toward Galaykhudat. After about 2.5km, hikers will reach Gurgur Waterfall, spilling into a crystal-clear emerald pool within a cavern. The rocks around this area can be slippery, so caution is advised.
From the waterfall, the trail continues southward along the canyon edge. At kilometer 4.5, the route turns westward, offering panoramic views of the gorge. Around kilometer 5.5, a short detour leads to a stunning vista before returning to the main path. As the trail ascends, it crosses grassy meadows, where overgrowth may obscure the way—following trail markers and GPS tracks is recommended. Near kilometer 8.5, the trail intersects with a dirt road leading into Galaykhudat, where travelers can find guesthouses and a small market.
Departing from Galaykhudat, the route to Khinalig follows an old car road that steadily ascends for about 1km. After approximately 6km, the route merges onto a main car road, which leads directly into Khinalig village, one of the highest-altitude settlements in Azerbaijan.
Trail conditions
The trail consists of animal paths, rocky climbs, and sections of an old road. The first half of the route includes a few steep ascents and descents, particularly near Kokosh Gorge, while the second half towards Khinalig is fairly straightforward and not technically challenging. There is no shade along most of the route, and conditions can be muddy or snowy during colder months.
Water
Water availability is limited, so hikers should stock up in Griz before departing, and can refill in Galaykhudat and Khinalig.
Trail access
Griz, Galaykhudat, and Khinalig can be accessed by a recently built asphalt road ascending from Susay village (the road is quite steep, and it is recommended that visitors take a car with properly working brakes and take multiple stops when descending the road in order to let the brakes cool). Alternatively, the villages can be accessed from the Qechresh road (which passes through Grizdehne), but will require some off-road travel, particularly to Griz village.
Trail amenities
Galaykhudat offers various homestays:
- Sultanov Gurbat: +994 50 422 7682
- Elchin and Akif (local hosts)
Khinalig is a well-known tourist destination with a market, tea houses, and guesthouses:
- Lalayev Zaur: +994 51 830 9720
- Rufaddin: +994 51 715 05 79
- Rahman Sarkarov: +994 70 948 6647
- Agayev Elnur: +994 50 965 4926
Cultural heritage sites
Khinalig is one of the oldest continuously inhabited highland settlements in the world, and has preserved its unique traditions for centuries. It has been populated by the Ketdids for 5,000 years, and historically, it has been the highest elevation settlement in Azerbaijan (Yergi Kek is the highest village, but it is more recently established than Khinalig).
