Xinaliq walk

We were mentally prepared for some high-summit mountain hike, but not for the bad weather that engulfed Azerbaijan in mid-April. So we were left to exploring the village of Xinaliq - which at 2200 meter elevation requires a day of acclimatization anyway - and some easy hiking to some nearby sights. Xinaliq village is said to be 5000 years old.

The village in itself is worth the trip, and becomes the more fascinating the more one learns about its history and present lifestyle. The shepherds of Xinaliq move to "greener pastures" in the south of Azerbaijan during the winter months, taking the girls but not the boys with them. So the boys go to school, while the girls return in spring or summer when the school is closed for the holidays.

The hike starts at the guesthouse of Xinaliq leads through some streets of Xinaliq and on to some cave-like monument with some religious significance and prayer flags, and back.

For more information, visit: http://www.palmtreeproduction.com/Locations%20and%20Travel/Azerbaijan%20-%20Xinaliq/Xinaliq%20gallery.html