Khachmaz

Understand

In the most northeastern region of Azerbaijan, Khachmaz is sandwiched between the Caucasus Mountains in Quba and Qusar regions to the west, and the Caspian Sea to the east. The southern border greets Devechi and the region stretches north to Russia. Khachmas city is located toward the bottom third of the region. It is about 10 km from the Caspian Sea and the border to Devechi. About half that distance to the Quba border to Khachmaz's west. It is substantially greater distance to the northern border.

Get in

There are 2 auto stations for buses and taxis in Khachmaz city. The first one is minibus station from where you can get out mainly to Baku and other cities. The second one serves the transport mainly to the villages surrounding the city.

See

The Khachmaz region is very rich with monuments of history, culture and architecture. Some of the most significant are Sarkartapa, the ancient city-fortress Khudat, a fourth century Albanian mosque, the sixteenth century mosque-madrasa of Shah Abbas of 15th-16th centuries in Garaqurtlu, a village in Khachmaz, ancient settlements and the barrows of the Bronze Age, the famous “Iron gate” of Derbent fortress becoming a symbol of its inaccessibility. The fortifications “Baba-al-Abvat” were constructed in 8th-7th centuries BCE and protected from invasion the northern boundaries of Azerbaijan. Today Khachmaz borders with Russia here. In the village of Shykhlar the tourists can see the earliest monument of the mausoleum of the Middle ages- a mosque of Sheikh Yusif (15th century). At the top of the mountain Galadag the ruins of Gaurgala fortress have been kept.

Buy

Most consumer goods are available throughout Khachmaz and in larger quantities than many of Azerbaijan's smaller cities. The Bazaar carries most goods at very affordable prices (though quality may be suspect - typical for Azerbaijan) and some craftsmen are available.

Drink

In Khachmaz, like most towns and cities in Azerbaijan, a Çay Xana (a tea house) is easy to find. In summer, cold beer is easy is also easily accessible. Some places will serve instant coffee.

Məkan: only serves beer and chickpeas, but the beer is cold and the service is good - which can be hard to find.

Sleep

Elite - hotel and restaurant. Kamran Hotel - a restaurant with some rooms to let.

Connect

There are many internet cafes are available around the city center and are called “Internet Clubs”. Khachmaz Post Office is located by the “Park of Culture and Rest” in the city center.

Stay safe

All hospitals either state or private are located in the city center.

Be sure to carry a valid passport or ID when travelling in the northeast regions of Azerbaijan. It is common for police to stop foreign travellers and ask for identification. If you do not have an ID handy, you are susceptible to bribery.

Go next

Nearby destinations are: Khudat Nabran Quba Devechi Khinalug