Beshbarmaq – Khalanj

Beshbarmag – Khalanj

Distance: 35.4 km / 22.0 mi
Elevation range: -9 m to 931 m
Elevation gain: +2,256 m
Elevation loss: -1,775 m

This stage marks the easternmost entry into the Transcaucasian Trail, beginning at the Caspian shoreline below Beshbarmag Mountain. The mountain rises abruptly from the surrounding lowlands and serves as a well-known pilgrimage site, where visitors climb steep stairways to a sacred point embedded in the rock. The lower slopes are active with people, livestock, and roadside movement, before the route quickly transitions into quieter terrain.

Beyond the initial climb and descent, the trail moves through open pastures and onto exposed ridgelines with expansive views—Caspian Sea to one side, and inland hills stretching toward the Greater Caucasus on the other. The route follows a mix of faint footpaths, jeep tracks, and animal trails, often without clear definition. Sections may be overgrown depending on the season. The stage ends in Khalanj, a small and quiet village with limited facilities but options for camping or basic accommodation.

Trail conditions

Track types: Predominantly unmarked footpaths, with sections of jeep track and animal trails
Maintenance: None
Foot traffic: Extremely low; occasional shepherd presence
Key issues: Faint or disappearing trail in places; Overgrowth during warmer months; Long exposed sections with no shade
Seasonal variation:
Spring: greener, softer ground, better visibility of paths
Summer: dry, hot, and more overgrown
Autumn: generally stable conditions
Winter: mild, with little to no lasting snow

Water

Water availability is limited and unreliable. Occasional springs may be found near pasture areas, but these are seasonal and should not be depended on. No consistent streams along the route. Plan to carry sufficient water capacity. Treat all natural sources, particularly near grazing areas.

Trail access 

Trailhead accessible via roadside stop below Beshbarmag. Khalanj is accessible via Khizi district roads.

Bailout options: Road access exists south of the ridgeline approaching Khalanj
This stage has limited bailout options once on the ridge.

Trail amenities

There are no formal amenities along the stage, between the roadside stop under Beshbarmag Mountain and the small village of Khalanj. Basic accommodation may be arranged in Khalanj.

Navigational Notes

 The route is unmarked and requires GPS navigation. Trail definition varies significantly: clear tracks near settlements may fade into animal paths or open terrain. Attention is required along ridgelines and in pasture areas where multiple paths diverge.

Cultural heritage sites

Beshbarmag Mountain is an active pilgrimage site with ongoing religious and cultural significance, frequently visited by locals undertaking ritual climbs.
Chirag Gala (Çıraqqala) is a historic fortress ruin located above the Qalaaltı area, believed to date back to the Caucasian Albanian period and later fortified during medieval times. Its elevated position reflects its strategic role in controlling movement through the region.
The route lies near the boundary of Altiaghaj National Park, an area known for its forested landscapes and wildlife, juxtaposing the drier eastern hills with more vegetated mountain terrain.

Natural history

Fauna: Presence of Levant viper (gurza), particularly in rocky, sun-exposed terrain in the lower and more arid sections. As the route approaches and enters forested areas within Altiaghaj National Park, wildlife becomes more varied, with species such as wild boar, fox, hare, and occasionally jackal present. The park is also known habitat for the East Caucasian tur in more remote areas, though sightings are unlikely along this stage. Birdlife is more noticeable, especially raptors and woodland species.

Flora: Lower elevations are dominated by dry grasses, shrubs, and sparse vegetation adapted to arid conditions. Entering Altiaghaj National Park, the landscape transitions into forest ecosystems, primarily composed of oak, hornbeam, and beech, with denser undergrowth in wetter seasons. Pasture zones are common at mid-elevations, often shaped by grazing activity, and can become thick and overgrown in late spring and summer.

Geology: This section lies at the transition between the Caspian coastal basin and the foothills of the Greater Caucasus. The terrain is composed mainly of folded sedimentary rocks (sandstone, clay, shale, and limestone), formed in ancient marine environments and later uplifted by tectonic activity. In the Khizi area, iron-rich layers create the distinctive red-and-white banding of the so-called “candy cane” hills. The relatively soft rock leads to rounded ridgelines, visible layering, and active erosion, with loose and sometimes unstable ground underfoot.