Travel from Pakistan to Azerbaijan

Traveling to Azerbaijan from Pakistan

If you love to travel and have a Pakistani passport, your travel options and possibilities may seem bleak. After all, you will have to go through a fairly lengthy visa application process for most major tourist destinations around the world. But guess what? Traveling to Azerbaijan from Pakistan is not only possible but also hassle-free, thanks to an incredibly simple e-visa process!

Stick with us as we jot down the essentials for planning your trip to Azerbaijan. This tourist guide to Azerbaijan covers the visa process; costs associated with travel, and also list five of the main cities to visit in the country and where to go, and what to do once you reach each city. In short, all you have to do is get your visa, book your flight and off you go to discover the Land of Fire (a name given to the country because of its fire temples, its burning mountains, and the famous Flame Towers)!

Getting a visit visa for Azerbaijan from Pakistan

Azerbaijan Visa from Pakistan

Pakistan is among the more than 90 countries eligible to apply for an online visit visa to Azerbaijan. So you can visit the website, fill out the form, make the payment via debit/credit card, and you will have your visa in hand within days.

Cost: 25 USD for normal or 50 USD for urgent visas

Normally, it takes 3 days to process a visa, but in emergencies or you can say urgent visa, it takes 3 hours.

Average Travel During and Cost

Azerbaijan is quite a small nation, so you can easily plan to visit all the major sights of the country in 10 days. Please note that if you plan your trip to Azerbaijan for more than 10 days, you may need to register your entry with a local migration service.

It is estimated that 1.5-2 lakh PKR will be required for a 10-day visit to Azerbaijan, while air tickets can cost you between 65,000-1.2 lakh PKR, depending on the airport/city of where you are going.

Azerbaijan's Local Currency

The local Azerbaijani currency is the manat, which is equivalent to approximately 94 PKR. (Exchange rates are subject to change daily). However, it is best to travel with US dollars and have the currency exchanged at local banks in Baku, which will be your first stop. You can also get local currency at the airport, but you'll get better rates in town.

Modes of communication in Azerbaijan

You can buy a local SIM card with a data plan to access the internet, hail a cab, or check directions on Google Maps. You may want to consider Bakcell as a potential candidate.

Best time to visit Azerbaijan and weather condition

Azerbaijan generally experiences hot summers and mild winters, but the best time to visit the country is in May or September, after the peak summer and winter months.

The best time to visit Azerbaijan is from April to June and September to October, which will allow you to avoid 40°C summers and sub-zero winters - especially in the mountains. You can also take part in the Novruz Bayrami celebrations every March, which marks the Persian New Year. You won't want to miss shopping for crafts in Azerbaijan - save space in your suitcase for silk, silver, and maybe a rug.

Average temperatures in Azerbaijan vary widely. Given the humidity, temperatures are pleasant most of the year, with the exception of a few cold weeks in winter, with a very low chance of rain or snow throughout the year. The region is somewhat temperate - in the 53rd percentile for pleasant weather - compared to tourist destinations around the world. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above. If you are looking for the hottest time to visit Azerbaijan, the hottest months are July, August, and then June. See average monthly temperatures below. The hottest time of year is usually mid-August, where highs regularly hover around 92.4°F (33.6°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 70.3°F ( 21.3°C) at night.

Most Popular and Traditional Dishes to Try in Azerbaijan

Local food in Azerbaijan is quite tasty, especially grilled meat, including kebabs. Also, try the Azeri Pulao if you have the chance. The tea is good and tasty here, and more suited to the Pakistani style of tea making. For dessert, try the baklava at local shops or stock up on dried fruit to eat on your long car journeys between towns.

7 Famous Azerbaijani Dishes

Shah pilaf

One of the most popular dishes of Azerbaijani cuisine is pilaf or pulao. Azerbaijani cuisine has several types of pilaf. Ingredients include lamb, chicken, sour and sweet fruits, vegetables, pumpkin, chestnuts, greens, and seasonings. An indispensable component for the preparation of many pilavs is saffron. Pilafs are prepared in special boilers with a thickened bottom and lids. To steam pilaf evenly when cooking, use special techniques. Azerbaijani pilafs are served and eaten according to their own traditions.

A dish fit for a king - or perhaps just the main course at a wedding ceremony - shah pilaf (translated as crown pilaf) is a traditional Azerbaijani meal infused with a blend of local flavors. It goes through several stages of preparation before reaching its distinctive final shape.

First, the basmati rice is cooked and then placed in a bowl lined with lavash (a thin, fluffy flatbread made from wheat). Layers of dried apricots, plums, chestnuts, and raisins are added over the rice to create a unique blend of textures and flavors.

For an even more diverse flavor profile, some variations also include lamb or chicken meat scattered throughout the layers. The filling is completed by pouring a small amount of saffron water into the bowl, after which it is covered with lavash and cooked until golden brown. Due to the fact that the dish can stay warm for up to several hours, it is a favorite at weddings, dinner parties, and other special occasions.

Buglama

Azeris love their stews. I never thought of it that way, but it looks like we do! Buglama is another version of a "stew". It is more formal (if the food can be formal) and is usually served at weddings or other gatherings.

Buglama is a popular Azerbaijani and Georgian dish consisting of pieces of lamb cooked with onions, tomatoes, peppers, and a variety of spices including black pepper and bay leaves, and a small amount of liquid. The name of the dish means steamed, referring to the fact that the lamb is cooked in its own juices.

Although lamb is the most common option, it is not uncommon to make buglama with fish.

Qutab

Qutab is a savory pancake from Azerbaijan. The only qualifier to this dish is that the pancake must be filled with herbs. After that, creativity is welcome! Try different meats, cheeses, herbs, or spreads and discover your favorite Qutab combination.

Qutab is one of the most famous Azerbaijani dishes. Similar in shape to a quesadilla, the Qutab is made of paper-thin dough, stuffed with a variety of ingredients, folded, and usually cooked in saj, a traditional Azerbaijani frying pan.

Three of the most common toppings are meat (lamb being the national favorite), mixed greens, and squash. Most often it is eaten between meals, as a nutritious snack. It is usually cut into triangle shapes and garnished with sumac, parsley, pomegranate seeds, or walnuts before serving.

Traditionally, a glass of yogurt is served with this Azerbaijani delicacy.

Badambura

Badambura is a popular Azerbaijani pastry made of multiple layers of puff pastry filled with almonds, sugar, and ground cardamom. It is usually brushed with egg and baked until it develops a golden brown color. This tasty dessert is traditionally prepared for the spring holiday called Novruz, although it can be eaten throughout the year.

Badambura is an Azerbaijani dessert stuffed with peeled almonds, powdered sugar, and fragrant spices. It is usually prepared for the Novruz spring break with baklava, şəkərbura, and şorqoğal.

The name of the dish is derived from the words badam, which means almond, and bura, which means pie.

Domates dolmasi

Domates dolmasi is a traditional Turkish dish also popular in Azerbaijan. It consists of stuffed and cooked tomatoes. The tomatoes are stuffed with a combination of ground lamb, rice, onions, parsley, olive oil, mint, and seasonings. They are then placed upright in a large pot and cook until tender and the stuffing is fully cooked.

Once cooked, the stuffed tomatoes can be covered with a sauce made from crushed tomato flesh, red pepper paste, and olive oil. Garnish the dish with red pepper flakes and serve it with a bowl of plain yogurt on the side for a better experience.

How are these dolmas not indispensable in Turkish cuisine? Zucchini, eggplant, pepper, leaf wrap... Well, not without tomatoes.

In fact, we all know that we see 2 tomatoes in each stuffed pot. The remaining interior mortar is used in the indispensable tomato at home, and it adds color to the pot as the best friend of zucchini and peppers. But this time, we carve tomatoes, our leading actor, into delicious tomatoes and fill them with a delicious filling. Here it is ok!

Now let's leave the scene to the tomatoes. You will love its taste and appearance.

Lyulya kebab

This is the name of barbecue in Azerbaijani. Tasty dishes, the most delicious – meat, just cooked on charcoal. In the majority of restaurants in Baku, Kebab is traditionally served in the form of "Assorti" including Tika-Kebab (pieces of lamb), Lyulya-Kebab (chopped lamb balls), Dana-Bastirma (chopped veal cooked in the oven), Khan-Kebab - (liver wrapped in a thin sheet of fatty tail on a baguette).

A unique variety of kebabs popular throughout the Caucasus, Lyulya kebabs is popular throughout the region. The meat is usually ground lamb mixed with finely chopped onions. Salt and black pepper are added to the mixture, and then the skewers and grill are used. Other types of meat like fish and poultry can also be used in the preparation of lyulya.

What makes this variety of kebabs so unique is the process of prolonged kneading of the meat so that it becomes denser and does not fall apart. The dish dates back to the 2nd century and was even praised by the famous Roman historian Pliny the Elder, as well as the famous Roman scientist Ptolemy.

It is recommended to combine lyulya with grilled vegetables, minced onions, sumac, and lavash.

Yarpaq dolması

Different types of dolma - stuffed grape leaves, cabbage, eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, and even fruits, such as, for example, apple and quince, occupy a special place in Azerbaijani cuisine.

Azerbaijan's national dish is called yarpaq dolmasi, a savory dish consisting of vine leaves stuffed with minced meat, onions, rice, salt, pepper, butter, and fresh herbs such as coriander, l dill, and mint. Dolma belongs to a family of stuffed dishes originating from the cuisines of the former Ottoman Empire and neighboring regions such as Russia, the Middle East, the Caucasus, and Central and South Asia.

Locals claim that Azerbaijan has the best dolma in the world, and the underlying reasoning is that the vines originate from the mountain valleys of their country. Yarpaq dolmasi is usually eaten in the afternoon or evening, for lunch or late dinner.

It is an everyday dish, appreciated as much at parties as at weddings. The Azerbaijani dolma differs from all others in its shape - it is small and round, unlike the elongated Turkish version. Eaten as a main dish once or twice a week, yarpaq dolmasi is usually accompanied by a sauce made from yoghurt and garlic, or sour milk curd.

Tips for inter-city travel

While buses and taxis are commonly available, marshrutkas (minibusses) are recommended for intercity travel. Groups of people share transportation in these minivans, and the ride is comfortable and economical, even over long distances. You can find marshrutkas from Baku to all major cities in Azerbaijan.

A Travel Itinerary to Azerbaijan

You should visit these cities during your trip to Azerbaijan if you intend to make the most of your time:

Places to Visit in Azerbaijan

• Baku (4 Days)
• Gabala (1 Day)
• Sheki (1 Day)
• Ganja (2 Days)
• Quba (2 Days)

Baku

Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport will be your flight destination when you book your tickets, and since your longest stay will be in Baku, it is advisable to choose your hotel wisely. It is recommended to choose a place near Nizami Street and book your accommodation in advance before traveling to Baku. If your itinerary allows it, spend 3 days in Baku and then explore other cities. You will return to the capital after a trip to Ganja to head to Quba and then again on the last day of your return flight from the airport.

Traveling to Baku and to and from the airport is easy as there is a central public transport system in place. It is also one of the only cities in Azerbaijan that has a metro system. BakiKart is the name of the prepaid card that you can buy at the metro station to recharge it and use it while traveling around the city. Two people can use the card simultaneously by tapping it twice for the same trip. Ride-sharing apps and taxis are also available, but as is almost always the case, public transport is much cheaper, if a bit more crowded.

Best Places to Visit in Baku, Azerbaijan

After traveling to Azerbaijan from Pakistan, you will be eager to get out and explore the city. So, here are some of the top sights to see in Baku:

Architectural Marvels (Both New and Old)

Flame Towers – Trio of flame-shaped skyscrapers, rising to a height of 182 meters (597 ft), housing an apartment complex, hotel, and commercial office building

Old City - The oldest part of Baku, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs

Maiden Tower – A 12th-century bastion built along the palace walls and a major landmark of Azerbaijan

Palace of the Shirvanshahs – A 15th-century palace complex that now houses a museum within its walls

Places of Religious Significance in Baku, Azerbaijan

Ateshgah (fire temple) - Used as a temple by several religions until the 19th century, the castle-like structure was originally built in the 17th or 18th century

Bibi Hey bat Mosque – A restored historical mosque in Baku which has spiritual value for the local Muslim population

Museums and Monuments in Baku, Azerbaijan

Heydar Aliyev Center - A modern art museum named after a former Azeri president, which has won awards for its unique architecture

Carpet Museum - Home to the largest collection of Azerbaijani carpets on display and showcasing a history of weaving techniques with different materials

Avenue of Martyrs - Containing the Eternal Flame monument as well as several others, this cemetery is the final resting place of those who gave their lives for Azerbaijan's independence.

Natural wonders

Yanar Dag (Burning Mountain) - An endless natural fire burning on a hill in the Absheron Peninsula, fueled by natural gas reserves found underground

Shopping

Nizami Street - Named after a Persian poet, this is Baku's central shopping district, where tourists can shop at their leisure.

Gabala

4 hours away from Baku is Gabala, a town in the middle of the mountains which is not only famous for its natural beauty but also for its ski resorts. The pleasant climate of the city makes it a major tourist destination in all seasons. Tufandag Mountain Resort is the place to stay here, even if you are not into skiing. Ride the cable car to the top and reach the resort with its panoramic views and snowy slopes.

Best Places to Visit in Gabala, Azerbaijan

Gabaland - A fun amusement park for the whole family and often called the "Azerbaijani Disneyland"

Yeddi Gozel Waterfall - Literally meaning "seven beauties", where you can visit one of the many teahouses and sit next to the falls for a cup of your favorite brew

Gabala Archaeological Center (Chukhur Gabala) - Excavated sites in the old city of Gabala on the outskirts of the new city, with remains dating back to the 1st century

Sheki

About an hour and a half drive from Gabala is the town of Sheki, a historic settlement that originally dates back to the Bronze Age. With snow-capped peaks and mountainous forests, the rural town is a tourism hub due to its rich history, and it has been added to our Azerbaijan tourist guide due to its beautiful and serene setting. Sheki represents a day of exploration, after which you can drive to Ganja to continue your Azerbaijan tour.

Best Places to Visit in Sheki, Azerbaijan

Palace of Shaki Khans - A summer residence for the region's former rulers, which has been restored to its former glory and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Kish Church - A dormant church in the nearby village of Kish which is visited by tourists for its beautifully designed interior

Galarsan-Gorarsan - The ruins of a 9th-century fortress located on top of Garatepe mountain near the banks of the Kish River

Ganja

Ganja happens to be the second-largest city in Azerbaijan, and that is why you must spend at least two days here when planning your trip to Azerbaijan. Choose a hotel near the city center for easy access to all the attractions and bustle of Ganja.

Best Places to Visit in Ganja, Azerbaijan

Mausoleum of Nizami - The final resting place of Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi which rises above the city at a height of 20 meters (65 feet)

Bottle House of Ganja - An unusual residence built using 48,000 glass bottles, built by a resident of Ganja in memory of his brother who died in World War II

The Ganja Friday Mosque - Built in the early 1600s and rebuilt in 2008, the mosque holds historical and religious significance in the city with people gathering here for Friday prayers

Lake Göygöl - A natural lake located inside the Göygöl National Park near Ganja where you can observe local flora and fauna while enjoying a picnic on the banks

Quba

Once you have explored Ganja, you will return to Baku and continue from there to Quba, which is a 2-hour drive from the capital. Quba is generally known for its natural beauty, picturesque resorts, and numerous hiking opportunities. Our Azerbaijan travel guide defines Quba as the last town you should explore so you can relax before your flight home, but you can choose to head to Quba in the first few days and continue the rest of the trip on your return to Baku.

Best Places to Visit in Quba, Azerbaijan

Chuhur Hamam – A red brick bathhouse that was a communal meeting place for Quba residents until 1985

Nizami Park - Built-in 1946, the park houses a statue of the poet whose name it bears and also contains sculptures depicting scenes from the poet's work

Quba Genocide Memorial Complex - A monument built after a mass grave was discovered in Quba at a construction site, with the cause of the mass burial still unknown

Tips While Travelling to Azerbaijan from Pakistan

When planning your trip to Azerbaijan, remember to keep these tips in mind to get the most out of your experience:

Bargaining with sellers is common; as is also the case in Pakistan, so don't accept the first asking price for an item.

Azeris are generally friendly and helpful, but may not be fluent in English, so language barriers can be an issue.

Try to learn a few words in the local language or take a translation app with you on the go to help you

Azerbaijan has very little to offer in terms of souvenirs except for baklava and dried fruits

Accommodation is generally cheap, even at 5 stars with fabulous views

This concludes our tourist guide to Azerbaijan. If you are traveling to Azerbaijan from Pakistan, use the information above to plan your trip or follow our given itinerary to enjoy your days in the Land of Fire and create amazing memories to take home!

Many people plan to travel to both Azerbaijan and Turkey and if that is your plan, you can find out how to travel to Turkey from Pakistan to create a longer itinerary.

For more tourism articles, keep following YUGO.pk blogs and email us at info@yugo.pk if you have any questions about your trip. You can check out our Egypt travel guide if you want to consider another travel destination. Travel safe!