Azerbaijan is one of the hidden gems of the Caucasus region, incorporating cultural influences from both Eastern Europe and West Asia. This diverse country offers spectacular mountain ranges, rivers and lakes, highland plains and a climate that provides the beauty of both sun and snow, depending on the season. But amongst all of the fascinating wilderness, Azerbaijan is also the home to 5 UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Being on the border of West Asia and Eastern Europe, Azerbaijan dates back to the Stone Age. This is common for many countries in the Caucasus, and the result is a rich and diverse cultural history with influences from many surrounding countries and empires. Today, reminders of Azerbaijan’s past are scattered throughout the countryside. Here are the five Azerbaijan sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Baku is Azerbaijan’s capital, and the Old City (also known as the Walled City of Baku) still stands today. Modern-day Baku is much larger and has a population of over 5 million people. Yet, nestled in the Old City are monuments dating back to mediaeval times.
The Walled City of Baku dates back to the 12th Century, with many believing it may have existed even earlier. More than just a relic of the past, though, the Old City is still home to around 3,000 people today.
Inside the Walled City of Baku are several important ruins or monuments, with two of them singled out for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list. First, is the iconic Maiden Tower. The exact history of this structure is unknown, but many believe it is an example of Zoroastrian or pre-Islamic architecture. Today, it is an active museum where you can learn more about the region’s history.
Secondly is the 15th-Century Palace of the Shirvanshahs. Inside is a mausoleum, a mosque, remnants of a bathhouse and various other historical elements to explore. The entire site suffered earthquake damage in 2003, but Baku’s Old City stands strong following considerable restoration and preservation.
To the west of Baku in Gobustan is the Gobustan State Historical and Cultural Reserve. The reserve is packed with prehistoric rock carvings, musical stones and many other archaeological monuments. One section, in particular, is the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape, which is now listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list.
Many of the rock carvings date back between 5,000 and 40,000 years, giving a glimpse into Azerbaijan’s ancient history. Some petroglyphs featuring ships reflect a connection with the Mediterranean, while others feature images of humans and animals, particularly in hunting scenes.
The Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape was only discovered in 1939-40, but since then, petroglyphs have now been located from the Neolithic period onwards. It was first awarded UNESCO World Heritage List status in 2007.
Sheki is a city in north-western Azerbaijan that has roots in the Bronze Age. Its historical importance is such that the city centre has now been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sheki was also a major trading centre along the infamous Silk Road, giving it even more historical clout. But it’s not just the fact that Sheki dates back to the 7th Century BC. The architecture, and in particular, the Khan’s Palace, also forms part of the UNESCO listing.
The ancient city’s design and architecture paints the picture of a diverse cultural heritage. The Khan’s Palace is known for its intricate stained-glass windows and has had significant restoration over the years. Dating back to 1797, the Palace served as a summer house for Shaki khans, who controlled the region during this period.
The forests along the shores of the Caspian Sea in Iran have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2019. However, in 2023, the adjoining forest areas of Azerbaijan were added to the listing. The forests themselves are broadleaf deciduous and home to the endangered Persian Leopard. Due to the unique location and geography of the area, the forests kept growing through certain glacial periods. The result is a biodiverse habitat that’s home to several unique species of flora.
Situated about 2,300 metres above sea level in the Greater Caucasus Mountains, Khinalig is a small village dating back to the Bronze Age. The people living in this isolated region speak their language and have unique customs. UNESCO has recognised the region’s culture and specifically the landscape of the 200-kilometre Köç Yolu Transhumance Route. Along this route, nomadic inhabitants of the area migrate between seasons, adapting to the agricultural conditions. The entire migration route and the cultural landscape of the Khinalig people were recognised by UNESCO in 2023.
Crooked Compass takes you to some of the world’s less-walked paths in search of transformative, meaningful travel experiences. The memories and friendships made on a Crooked Compass tour can last a lifetime, and we’ve got plenty of highlights throughout the Caucasus Mountains. If you’re ready to explore some of the most beautiful Azerbaijan sites to make the UNESCO World Heritage list, we’re here to help. Contact our friendly team or explore our travel packages today.
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This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
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Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
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Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
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Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
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Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
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