There is endless spectacular hiking to be done throughout the northern region of Azerbaijan, and Sheki proves no exception.
Sheki-Bash Kyungyut-Bideiz-Sheki ? 55.5km (48.5km by car, 7km hiking); 11 hours. After traveling to Bash Kyungyut by either car or the Bash Kyungyut bus departing from the Sheki bus terminal at 9:00 and 15:00, visit the ruins of the Albanian Church on the edge of the village. Then go to Bideiz by either taxi or local bus to visit the town's two Albanian ruins ? the hiking part comes in here, since the two ruins are 5 km apart. Upon reaching Bideiz village, you can return via car to Sheki.
Sheki-Kish-"Gelersen-Gorersen" fortress-Sheki ? 22km (10km by car or bus, 12km hiking); 6 hours. Starting in Sheki city center, take either bus 15 or 23, which run every half hour, and take it to the end of the line. After that, ask a local where Genersen Goresen Fortress is located and continue asking as you walk through the village of Kish. This path takes you from Kish to the "Gelersen-Gorersen fortress" through the Kish river and through pine groves with a plethora of varieties of mushrooms growing in the underbrush. Walking to the fortress takes about two hours. There is a tea house 15 minutes outside of the fortress that can serve as a resting point before going up or once descending from the fortress. Once at the fortress, different views of the Kish River can be seen from the peaks of the mountains. The way back from the mountain is a great time to have a picnic beneath the trees on the hills overlooking the valley.
Albanian Ruins in Ortazeyzit
Sheki-Oraban-Bashkeldek-Keshnazar-Gyurgala-Sheki ? 82km (78km by car, 4km hiking); 12 hours. This road passes through the Keshnazar Valley, where it opens to a very beautiful panorama. Rest at the "Hunter's House" cabin then hike to the ancient fortress at the top of a steep peak. After walking around, you can return to Sheki.
Sheki-Ortazeyzit-Bashzeyzit-Quzuyolu-Khanyaylagi-Markhal-Sheki ? 46km (32km by car, 14km hiking); 13 hours. Take a taxi to Ortazeyzit and then ask where the two churches are. The path that leads to Khan Yaylaghi meanders by two ancient Albanian churches, continues up a long path to the Khan Yaylaghi peak. After reaching Khan Yaylaghi, the Markhal recreation area is near and there are several restaurants that serve delicious kebobs and tea. From this area, Sheki can be reached by car or by walking to the Kish road and boarding the number 15 or 23 bus.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Sheki
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Sheki - updated Apr 2024
SAVE up to 75% on Last Minute deals! Search for discount Sheki hotels, motels, apartments, hostels, guest accommodations and vacation resorts. Book now and pay at the hotel. Instant email confirmation!
Sheki Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
