Guide to Attractions in Nakhchivan
The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is a peculiar place to be. The exclave of The Republic of Azerbaijan was the first to achieve independence post-USSR, a few months before Lithuania. Nakhchivan later joined Azerbaijan to be this odd piece of land separated from the rest by a strip of Armenia.
I will not take too much time going through the history. David from the BBC wrote a great article summarising the region’s history, with an intriguing focus on sustainability in Nakhchivan. You can read more about its long history from this Azerbaijan-registered website.
What I am very keen to do is to dive right into my overnight trip exploring Nakhchivan. Because who would have heard of or explored this place 7,300 km and three flights away from Singapore? If you are wondering, the flight plan would be SIN – DXB – GYD – NAJ.
I was part of a duo on a 14-day backpacking itinerary stretching from Georgia to Azerbaijan and later Dubai.
This trip happened in Aug 2019. Post contains affiliate links that cost nothing to you but support my blog! Cheers! Post may be updated periodically.
Getting to Nakhchivan
I suppose you must be from one of the two camps of readers. You are either here for more info about this landlocked arid strange land or an old visitor browsing through my blog.
If you are person number two, know that Azerbaijan is a country by the Caspian Sea, above Iran. It is a secular country, and its main religion is Islam. Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, is as modern and chic as Dubai or Singapore can be.
From what I have learnt, there are two ways to enter this exclave – by air or land.
A possible third – a road connection through Armenia – was discussed in previous ceasefire negotiations. But looking at what the political climate is like now, it may not be possible for the foreseeable future.
Via Domestic Flight
Most people, including me, would fly from Baku to Nakhchivan. The hour-long flight cost 140 manats for a return trip in 2019 (still so in Mar 2023!). Buy early during the peak travel period, i.e. the summer holiday, to avoid disappointment.
The plane I was on dipped south, hugging the borders while remaining in Iran, and then up north to Nakhchivan. Everyone clapped when the plane landed in Nakhchivan!
In retrospect, the locals were glad to have landed on Nakhchivan. Only a handful of foreigners like us were ignorant of what may have happened.
Armenia and Azerbaijan are engaged in a conflict now, and the airspace above Armenia is dangerous for an Azerbaijani plane. Skirmishes between the two countries never stopped despite the ceasefires – its latest tension is still happening now (Sep 2022). Al Jazeera made a crash-course video explaining the hatred between these two countries.
Via Bus from Iran/ Turkey
I learnt from a couchsurfer host that he was travelling to Turkey by bus for a holiday. You could potentially travel from Iran and Turkey into Nakhchivan through the land borders.
Attractions in Nakhchivan
Historical and Architectural Museum Complex – Nakhchivangala/ Yezidabad Castle
Nakhchivangala was once a fortress of ancient Nakhchivan.
According to this source, Yazdegerd, a king of ancient Iran, built the fortress in 632. Upon his empire’s demise, the Nakchivangala went into destruction from the numerous wars and neglect. Fast-forward to centuries after, its modern inhabitants have restored the site. They planted a museum within the fortress that houses artefacts found around the vicinity. Some of these artefacts date back to the Bronze Age.
You could take a virtual tour via this specially curated Nakhchivan website.
Noah’s Mausoleum
Legend has it that Prophet Noah’s final resting place is Nakhchivan. A rough trawl in the net reveals at least five other sites around the world. Don’t tell that to the locals!
My host’s dad explained that Noah’s Ark scraped the top of Mount Ilandag (Snake Mountain) when the Great Flood receded. The damage left the mountain with an odd cleft that sets it apart from the rest. Noah then lived and died in Nakhchivan. Some scholars claim that the city was founded and named after Noah in the ancient Persian language.
Momine Khatun Mausoleum
Momine Khatun Mausoleum is one of the most impressive landmarks in Nakhchivan. The grand mausoleum has a complex geometric design with holy quotes from the Quran etched on its walls. An esteemed architect in the 12th century erected the mausoleum to honour the wife of a powerful ruler.
Momine Khatun Mausoleum was nominated as a part of the mausoleums in Nakhchivan for the UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998.
National Flag Square
The National Flag Square located at the highest part of Nakhchivan City has a museum. Within it are numerous flags, coins, medallions and emblems of Nakhchivan over different periods. A state flag flies tall above the museum.
Ashabi-Kahf Cave
Also known as the Seven Sleepers Cave, Ashabi-Kahf Cave, located some 12 km from Nakhchivan City, is shrouded in legend. Both the Bible and Quran mentioned the cave as a holy site. A group of seven youths escaping from a cruel regime fell into a long slumber in the cave. They woke up some 300 years later to find the world radically changed.
As with Prophet Noah’s Mausoleum, at least seven such caves are found scattered around the world.
Restoration work was completed in 2006 for the cave in Nakhchivan for pilgrims to rest and pray.
Alinja Castle
Also known as the Machu Picchu of Caucasus, Alinja Castle is even older than the Peruvian site. The fortress, located some 34 km from Nakhchivan City, is an attraction you must visit.
I have yet to visit Machu Picchu. But I could attest that one needs a moderate fitness level to scale the 1500-odd steps overlooking Alinja Castle.
Attempting it in the summer heat would be unbearable, and doing it in the winter months might be near impossible. The best time to visit Alinja Castle is in April and October. Time your visit to catch the best sight during sunrise or sunset for the golden hues. I did mine slightly an hour past on a warm August evening. But the castle I saw was lit by the unshrouded glow of a full moon.
History-wise, Alinja Castle has been used by various ruling dynasties and played a role as an impregnable fortress lasting for an impressive 14 years until a Mongol ruler took it down in 1401.
Duzdag Salt Cave
The Duzdag Salt Cave, first exploited as a salt mine in the Neolithic period, is now a unique site for health tourism. It applies Speleotherapy, an alternative medicine, to treat respiratory and skin ailments.
The air grew less humid and much cooler as I walked down the corridors of the Sanatorium. Rooms filled with beds for those undergoing treatment lined the corridors. People were busy checking in or out at the reception counter.
Qarabaglar Mausoleum
Qarabaglar, or Karabaglar, Mausoleum, is located in a small village of the same name. Researchers believe that a 12- 13th-century ruler erected the mausoleum in honour of his wife.
The 12-sided mausoleum left a lasting impression on me. Beautiful turquoise blue and hay-yellow mosaic lined the tall walls, while detailed Quran inscriptions covered the top. You could only be in awe to think that people of the past could build such impressive works of art.
Lake Batabat
Picturesque Lake Batabat, with its little floating island, is a popular picnic spot amongst Nakhchivians. But my time in Nakhchivan does not coincide with the peak of its beauty. Summer is too hot and dry for wildflowers, green grasses or welcoming cool breezes.
But I could imagine how gorgeous the trip might have been in spring through this article written dated 2018.
Best Time to Visit Nakhchivan
I visited Nakhchivan in August when it was hot and dry with not a single cloud in the sky.
The early summer of June to July would be ideal. Visit Nakhchivan in spring if it is the green mountains and Lake Batabat that you are looking forward to.
Places to Stay in Nakhchivan
Nakhchivan isn’t that ulu to be lacking in good hotels, but choices are limited. Hotel Tebriz is a hotel that has appeared in numerous blogs. A rough trawl revealed that Saat Meydani Nakhchivan, a new contender, has an even better review than Tebriz. The rooms are spacious with high ceilings and cleanliness is impeccable.
I stayed with a Couchsurfer (CS) host for my overnight trip; it was my first and best CS experience. We explored the city together, sometimes including her family as well. Sadly, someone hacked into her Instagram, and we have lost contact ever since.
Why did I visit Nakhchivan?
I knew I would be visiting the Caucasus, and on my list were Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia, in that order. I wanted to do a multi-day trek from Mestia to Ushguli in Georgia, which left me contemplating my options. Should I pursue a 5-day trip across both Armenia and Azerbaijan or opt to do it slowly in one of those countries?
Ultimately, Azerbaijan won, as my travelling buddy could not apply for a visa to Armenia. And that was when I saw this odd piece of land separated from Azerbaijan by a strip of Armenia. Google showed me how fascinating this region is. It is dry and barren but also impressively organised and clean. Its monuments and sights are steeped in legends.
Nakhchivan is also where I first realised the potential of Couchsurfing. I have written a short article about my stay with an incredibly hospitable host here (coming soon).
And that is all from me for this piece of land oh-so-far away from Singapore!
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