The Ancient Fire Temple of Khinalug, located in the ancient and remote village of Khinalug (also spelled as Khinaliq or Xinaliq), is a historic site that sits amidst breathtaking mountainous landscapes. Khinalug is one of the highest and most ancient villages in the Caucasus mountains of Azerbaijan. Here is how you can reach the Fire Temple:
First, you must fly into Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) in Baku, the capital city of Azerbaijan. Following your arrival in Baku, you will start your journey to the temple.
To get to the Ancient Fire Temple of Khinalug, you'll need to embark on a road journey from Baku. The journey is around 220 kilometers and consists of two parts:
Public buses and minibusses (marshrutka) are available from Baku to Quba. Once in Quba, you can find private taxis or sometimes minibusses to Khinalug. Keep in mind that public transport to Khinalug is not very frequent and hiring a private taxi may be more convenient.
For those who prefer a hassle-free journey, there are organized tours available from Baku which will handle all transportation logistics and might provide additional information about the history and significance of the Fire Temple.
Do note that due to the remote location of the Ancient Fire Temple of Khinalug, reaching it is part of the adventure and a chance to witness the stunning natural beauty of Azerbaijan.