Guba 2026: Gateway to the North, Carpets and the Red Settlement

Guba is one of the most colourful and green cities in Azerbaijan, located on the northeastern slopes of the Greater Caucasus just two hours from Baku. People come for century-old apple orchards, famous Guba carpets, cool canyons and the unique Red Settlement — the last compact community of Mountain Jews in the world outside Israel and the USA.

Getting There from Baku

Distance 168 km on a modern highway.

Bus — cheapest option. Regular departures from the International Bus Terminal every 30–60 minutes. Travel time 2.5–3 hours, price 5 AZN one way.

Shared taxi — seat from "20 January" metro or bus terminal — 10–15 AZN per person. Private Bolt/Uber one way — 65–85 AZN.

What to See

Red Settlement (Qırmızı Qəsəbə) — Jewish village connected to Guba by an arch bridge over the Gudyalchay river. Ancient synagogues alongside luxurious modern villas. Unique Museum of Mountain Jews. Walk for free, museum — 10 AZN.

Arch Bridge (Tağlı körpü) — 19th-century engineering masterpiece, the only surviving one of seven. Pedestrian zone connecting two cultures. Free entry.

Gechresh Forest and Tengealti Canyon — ancient relic forest 15 minutes from Guba where tree canopies form a living green tunnel. Further on — a deep canyon where the river is wedged between sheer cliffs. Free access, riverside lunch at local restaurants — 20–35 AZN.

Guba Carpet Factory — live demonstration of handwoven famous Caucasian carpets. Entry 5–10 AZN. Small handmade carpet from 250–300 AZN.

What to Try

Guba pakhlava — made from thin rice noodles (rishta) with walnuts and spices. Less sweet and very delicate. Price 1.5–2.5 AZN per piece at local confectioneries.

Tykhma — local sweet pie with spiced nut filling.

Forest shashlik — lamb from tandoor with local herbs.

1-Day Budget from Baku (per person)

Category	Amount (AZN)	Notes
Bus round trip	10	International Bus Terminal
Local taxi (Gechresh)	15–20	Per car from Guba center
Museum of Mountain Jews	10	Official rate
Lunch in Gechresh forest	25–35	Shashlik, tea, kutabs
Pakhlava to take home	15	Fresh souvenir
TOTAL	~75–90 AZN	~$44–53