Sheki, Azerbaijan
A guide to 90km (4-6 days) of hiking on the Transcaucasian Trail
This guide will help you plan a self-supported hike along a 90 km section of the Transcaucasian Trail that passes through the Sheki region of Azerbaijan, consisting of three stages. Below, you will find practical information and trail notes, plus links to interactive maps and downloadable GPS data to help navigate the route.
Sheki holds a a landscape shaped by centuries of movement, of traders, shepherds, and mountain travelers. Sprawling both east and west from Sheki’s historic center, where caravanserais and cobbled streets tell stories of the Silk Road, the TCT route winds through forested valleys and highland pastures of the southern face of Greater Caucasus. You’ll pass ancient churches, remote shepherd shelters, and beautiful villages along routes that welcome hikers with their history, scenery, and physical challenges.
Quick Facts:
The Sheki section of the Transcaucasian Trail (TCT) takes hikers through a diverse and historically rich region, across remnants of the Silk Road along the Greater Caucasus foothills. This segment offers forested ascents and highland pastures, as well as some urban exploration in Sheki, including its ancient caravanserais, ornate Khan’s Palace, and the Church of Kish, before leading into the surrounding mountains.
In preparing for this section of the TCT, consider that trail conditions vary depending on location and season. The urban stretch between Sheki and Kish follows paved streets, making it an easy walk. However, beyond the villages, hikers will encounter forested trails, animal paths, and rugged mountain tracks, which may be overgrown or eroded in places. The highland sections can rely on wayfinding, often following shepherd paths that can crisscross or fade out. Certain areas have been marked by the Azerbaijan Tourism Board, but overall, hikers should not rely solely on signage and are advised to download GPS tracks in advance. Seasonal factors such as dense summer vegetation, muddy paths after rainfall, and potential snowfall in winter should also be considered when planning this trek.
Signage and waymarking vary across the section. Some areas feature red-and-white blazes and yellow directional signposts, though many of these have deteriorated over time. The Dashagil-Oraban and Bash Kungut-Sheki routes have been partially worked on by TCT crews, improving their navigability, but natural elements and seasonal overgrowth still require careful navigation. Water sources are sporadic along the highland routes, typically available near shepherd shelters and mountain springs, but these may require short detours. Hikers have a good opportunity to restock in Sheki.
Important Disclaimer
The TCTA strives to provide accurate, current information as to trail conditions and the trail route. However, actual trail conditions may be different, and such information may not be accurate or complete. Trail users are urged to consider all the information available from other sources and to heed local advice when available. Trail users are ultimately responsible for all decisions as to the trail routes, trail conditions, weather, and safety.
In addition to the hazards posed by steep terrain and mountain weather, hikers should be prepared for difficult route-finding and challenging trail conditions, the possibility of washed-out bridges and dangerous river crossings in high water, aggressive dogs guarding sheep and cattle, giant hogweed, and frequent summer thunderstorms with extremely intensive periods of lightning. Access to emergency medical care and search and rescue is not always available.
