Nakhchivan Travel Guide

This is a Nakhchivan Travel Guide from taste2travel.com

Date Visited: March 2026

Introduction

Welcome to my Nakhchivan Travel Guide – your companion to exploring one of the most unique and lesser-known regions of Azerbaijan and indeed the Caucasus region.

Stormy skies, over the turquoise-coloured domes, of the Heydar Mosque in Nakhchivan City.

Nestled between Armenia, Iran, and Turkey, Nakhchivan is a land of dramatic mountains, ancient monuments, and deep-rooted traditions.

Nakhchivan city is the capital of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Region.

From the ancient sights of Nakhchivan city, including Noah’s Mausoleum, to the mystical landscapes of Alinja Castle, the region offers a journey through centuries of history and culture.

Often referred to as the land of Noah, Nakhchivan city serves as the capital of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, an exclave of Azerbaijan.

Blossoms, and Noah’s Mausoleum, in Nakhchivan city.

Whether you’re drawn by its Silk Road heritage, natural beauty, or authentic local experiences, this guide will help you uncover the hidden treasures of Nakhchivan and make the most of your visit.

Nakhchivan is a small but fascinating corner of Azerbaijan, set apart from the rest of the country and rich in history, landscapes, and tradition.

The newly constructed Heydar Mosque is the largest mosque in Nakhchivan.

Framed by rugged mountains and dry plains, the region is known for ancient mausoleums and legends that link it to the story of Noah.

Quiet, authentic, and largely untouched by mass tourism, Nakhchivan offers travellers a glimpse into a lesser-known crossroads of the Caucasus where culture, nature, and history meet.

The ultimate step-exercise workout awaits in Nakhchivan – the 1,500 stone-step climb to Alinja Castle.

Nakhchivan is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Whether you are drawn by its architectural wonders or its serene natural beauty, a visit to this historic region promises a truly memorable experience.

Location

Nakhchivan is an autonomous region of Azerbaijan located in the South Caucasus.

It is separated from the rest of Azerbaijan by a strip of Armenian territory, making it an exclave.

Nakhchivan is an exclave of Azerbaijan, bordered by Armenia, Iran and Turkey.

The region borders Armenia to the east and north, Iran to the south and southwest, and Turkey to the northwest.

The land border between Turkey and Nakhchivan is very short, measuring just 17 kilometres (11 miles) in length.

Despite its brevity, this is Azerbaijan’s only border with Turkey and serves as a vital strategic connection.

Positioned along historic trade routes near the Aras River valley, Nakhchivan sits at a natural crossroads between the Caucasus, Anatolia, and the Middle East.

Nakhchivan City is spread over the foothills of the Zangezur Mountains, at an altitude of 873 m (2,864 ft) above sea level.

Geographically, Nakhchivan is nestled in the foothills of the Zangezur Mountains, providing a dramatic backdrop of rugged peaks.

The Zangezur Mountains are a rugged and dramatic mountain range in the South Caucasus, forming part of the larger Lesser Caucasus system.

They run, for roughly 130 km (80 miles), mainly along the border between southern Armenia and southwestern Azerbaijan, particularly near Azerbaijan’s exclave of Nakhchivan.

Nakhchivan experiences a dry continental climate, characterised by hot summers and cold winters, which contributes to its unique flora and distinct landscapes.

People

A friendly butcher in rural Nakhchivan who served me a delicious lunch of roast chicken.

Predominantly ethnic Azerbaijanis, the friendly folks of Nakhchivan are warm, welcoming and inviting.

Daily customs are shaped by a mix of Turkic heritage, Islamic traditions, and local practices passed down through generations.

value family ties, respect for elders, and community life strong sense of identity, hospitality, and deep connection to tradition.

Life in Nakhchivan centres around family ties and community life with a strong sense of identity, hospitality, and deep connection to tradition.

It was a pleasure to be able to spend time with the Azeri’s of Nakhchivan.

With a capacity of 5,000 worshippers, the modern Heydar Mosque is the largest mosque in Nakhchivan.

In terms of religion, Nakhchivan is overwhelmingly Muslim, primarily adhering to the Shia branch, with a smaller Sunni population.

As a deeply conservative and historic region, often called a “Capital of Islamic Culture,” it is culturally and ethnically linked to Azerbaijan’s mostly secular-practicing Muslim population.

Flag

The flag of Azerbaijan.

Nakhchivan does not have a unique, official regional flag separate from the national level.

According to its Constitution, the official flag of the Nakhchivan is the national flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The flag of Azerbaijan consists of three horizontal bands of light blue, red, and green which mean:

• Light Blue: symbolises Turkic Multi-nationalism, a movement which was started during the Ottoman empire.
• Red: a symbol for the ongoing development of Azerbaijani culture.
• Green: a symbol of Islam, the pre-dominate religion of the country.

In the centre of the flag is a white crescent moon, another Islamic symbol, and an eight-pointed star which relates to the eight letters in the word “Azerbaijan” as written in Arabic.

A gigantic Azerbaijan flag flying in downtown Baku.

Now that you know a little about the flag of Azerbaijan, you have the answer to at least one of the questions, which you’ll find in my ‘Crescent Flags of the World‘ travel quiz. Good Luck!

Unofficial Regional Flag

An unofficial Nakhchivan flag which was designed in the 1990’s.

While Nakhichivan does not have an official regional flag, during pro-Azeri independence rallies in 1990, a flag was designed in which the green stripe and white star and crescent of the Azeri flag was replaced by yellow and the ratio of the stripes was altered.

Although this was an unofficial variant of the Azeri flag, it resulted in widespread reports of a “Nakhichevan” flag.

Currency

As a part of Azerbaijan, the currency of Nakhchivan is the Azerbaijani Manat.

As a part of Azerbaijan, the currency of Nakhchivan is the Azerbaijani Manat, which trades under the international currency code of AZN.

The term Manat is derived from Moneta, the Roman Goddess of Memory – from which the word Money is derived.

Manat banknotes, which were designed by Robert Kalina – the same Austrian artist who designed the Euro banknotes – are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 manat, alongside 1, 3, 5, 10, 20, and 50 qapik coins.

A 500-manat commemorative note also exists. 

The currency is denoted by a specially designed symbol – ₼ – which was also designed by Robert Kalina.

It is a rounded, lowercase Latin letter “m” resembling a clockwise-rotated Euro sign (€).

Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates (March 2026) include:

• USD$100 = ₼ 170
• EUR€ = ₼ 201.62 

Credit Cards

While credit cards are accepted in major hotels, supermarkets, and some restaurants in the city centre, cash is king elsewhere.

You will definitely need cash for taxis, small shops, and the local bazaar.

ATMs

ATMs are available in downtown Nakhchivan but not in rural towns.

Costs

Travel costs in Azerbaijan are generally moderate to affordable, especially compared with Western Europe.

Your total spending depends heavily on your travel style (budget vs. luxury), but here’s a clear, realistic breakdown:

• Budget traveller: about $40–60 per day
• Mid-range traveller: about $70–120 per day
• Luxury traveller: $180+ per day

Sightseeing

Home to 95,000 souls, Nakhchivan City is the capital of the region of the same name.

Nakhchivan city is renowned for its deep historical roots, dating back millennia.

According to popular tradition, the city was founded by Noah after the Great Flood, adding a layer of mystical allure to its heritage.

Nakhchivan is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

A view of the Heydar Mosque in Nakhchivan City.

I stayed for 3 nights which was not long enough and would recommend a stay in Nakhchivan of 6-7 days in order to cover the many sights outside the city.

There are many stones in Nakhchivan which were left unturned by me – these will be covered in a future trip.

Alinja Castle

A highlight of Nakhchivan, Alinja Castle is a dramatic mountaintop fortress often called the “Machu Picchu of Azerbaijan”.

A highlight of Nakhchivan, Alinja Castle is a dramatic mountaintop fortress often called the “Machu Picchu of Azerbaijan” because of its steep terraces and commanding views.

Even this lounge lizard was able to haul himself up the 1,500 stone steps to take in the amazing view.

Alinja Castle is a spectacular mountain fortress combining natural geography with human engineering, famous for its near-impregnable design and its legendary resistance against powerful invaders.

The red line shows the approximate path of the stone stairway which leads up to Alinja Castle.

The castle sits atop a rugged peak of Alinja Mountain, rising about 1,700 metres above sea level and is accessed via a 1,500-stone stairway which climbs steeply up the mountain.

Located at 1,700 metres above sea level, Alinja Castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Its position makes it naturally fortified, with sheer cliffs on most sides and a long, winding stairway leading up to the ruins.

“A journey of 1,500 steps begins with the first step” is not something Mahatma Gandhi every said.

Climbing to the top involves ascending around 1,500 stone steps (nice and solid/ well-maintained), rewarding visitors with sweeping views of Nakhchivan’s landscape.

A view of the steep, windy stone stair case which climbs up a narrow gorge to Alinja Castle.

The fortress dates back at least to the early medieval period (possibly as early as the 6th century), though it was expanded and strengthened over time.

It served as a defensive stronghold guarding strategic routes, a treasury and refuge for regional rulers and as a base of resistance during invasions.

Strategically located, Alinja Castle famously held off an invasion by the marauding conqueror – Tamerlane – for many years.

One of its most famous episodes came during the campaigns of the conqueror Timur (Tamerlane).

In the late 14th century, Alinja Castle withstood a prolonged siege, reportedly lasting years, before finally falling around 1401.

Its resistance made it legendary in regional history.

Alinja is not a single building but a complex of terraces and defensive walls built into the mountainside.

The sight is built on multiple fortified levels which are connected by stone stairways.

The climb up to Alinja Castle offers spectacular views of the Nakhchivan countryside.

The best photos are from the summit citadel which is a short climb further up the mountain from the main structure.

The design cleverly uses the mountain itself as a defensive barrier, making direct assault extremely difficult.

Climbing up to Alinja Castle with the museum visible in the valley below.

In recent years, the site has been partially restored, with improved stairways and pathways for visitors.

Museum 

The Alinja Castle Museum is a good starting point for any visit to the castle.

The mosque-like museum at the bottom of Alinja Castle is a good starting point for those who wish to learn about the history of the sight.

The Alinja Castle Museum explains the history of this important sight.

Displays include artefacts found during archaeological excavations.

Displays at the Alinja Castle Museum include artefacts found during archaeological excavations.

From the museum, you can gaze up at the ridge high above, knowing that your destination is perched at the top of the mountain – just 1,500 steps away.

The iconic “Ilandagh” is a legendary 2,415-metre cleft peak which dominates the local landscape.

In the distance, the towering “Ilandagh” can be seen.

This is a legendary 2,415-metre cleft peak, often referred to as “split mountain” and associated with Noah’s Ark, with legend saying that the split in the summit was caused when Noah’s ark passed over the mountain.

Getting There

The stairs up to Alinja Castle start from the Qazançı road, around 33 km northeast of Nakhchivan City.

A couple of daily minibuses to Xanəgah (also, Khanagah or Khanegakh) pass within 1 km of the sight.

A return taxi fare from Nakhchivan city should cost up to AZN50, depending on waiting time.

I drove to the sight in my rental car which was very straight-forward.

Noah’s Mausoleum

Noah’s Mausoleum is an historic and symbolic monument located in the city of Nakhchivan.

Located alongside Narin Kala (Small Fortress), Noah’s Mausoleum is an historic and symbolic monument located in the city of Nakhchivan.

A decorative door lintel at Noah’s Mausoleum.

It is traditionally believed to mark the burial place of the biblical and Quranic figure Noah, though this identification is based on legend rather than confirmed historical evidence.

A stormy view over Nakhchivan from Noah’s Mausoleum.

The site is very old in tradition – its origins are often linked to early medieval times (around the 8th century), and it later became part of a larger Armenian Christian religious complex – likely a monastery and pilgrimage site in the 12th–13th centuries.

For centuries, local communities regarded it as a sacred place.

The current mausoleum was rebuilt in 2006 as part of a restoration project.

However, the original structure was destroyed in 1953 during the Soviet period.

The current mausoleum was rebuilt in 2006 as part of a restoration project.

Noah’s Mausoleum is an octagonal building with a conical roof.

It is designed as an octagonal building with a conical roof and incorporates remnants of the earlier structure.

The interior features an underground burial vault (crypt), although this was closed at the time of my visit.

According to local legend, Noah lived and died in Nakhchivan.

The mausoleum is both a religious shrine and a cultural monument.

It reflects local traditions that Noah lived and died in this region, a belief deeply embedded in Nakhchivan’s identity, which is sometimes called the “land of Noah.”

At the same time, historians note that multiple places across the Middle East claim to be Noah’s burial site, so the attribution here is symbolic and legendary rather than archaeologically proven.

Narin Kala

The entrance to Small Fortress (Narin-Kala), whose gates and walls were fully restored in 2013.

Located next to Noah’s Mausoleum, Narin Kala (Small Fortress), is an ancient, Persian-built, fortress which was fully renovated in 2013.

Azerbaijan flags at Narin Kala.

At the centre of the square enclosure, a museum (free entrance) is housed inside a round building.

The displays consist of standard historical exhibits.

Haydar Mosque

The modern Heydar Mosque is one of the largest mosques in the South Caucasus.

Adjacent to Noah’s Mausoleum, Heydar Mosque is one of the largest in the South Caucasus.

It became fully operational in 2023 and can accommodate up to 5,000 people at a time.

Stormy skies over the Heydar Mosque in Nakhchivan.

The mosque was built in the early 21st century and named after Heydar Aliyev, the former President of Azerbaijan.

The Heydar Mosque in Nakhchivan.

Like many projects in Nakhchivan, it forms part of a broader effort to develop cultural and religious infrastructure after the Soviet period.

A view of the Heydar Mosque, the largest mosque in Nakhchivan.

The mosque features a grand, symmetrical layout inspired by classical Islamic architecture, especially styles seen in the wider Middle East and Anatolia.

Completed in 2023, the Heydar Mosque can accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers.

This modern mosque features a large central dome, twin minarets and a spacious prayer hall which is equally divided down the middle with female worshippers on one side and male worshippers on the other.

The central dome of the Heydar Mosque.

Momine Khatun Mausoleum

Dating from 1168, the Momine Khatun Mausoleum is one of the most celebrated medieval monuments in the Caucasus.

The Momine Khatun Mausoleum is one of the most celebrated medieval monuments in the Caucasus, renowned for its refined geometry, intricate decoration, and historical importance.

Currently closed due to an ongoing restoration, this architectural marvel was built in 1186 by the prominent architect Ajami Nakhchivani, who is considered a master of the Nakhchivan architectural school.

It was commissioned by the ruler Jahan Pahlavan in memory of his wife, Momine Khatun.

The mausoleum is striking for its tall, decagonal (10-sided) tower form, rising 25 metres high.

It sits on a solid base and tapers slightly upward, creating a sense of vertical elegance.

A sculpture park, featuring ancient stone rams, sits alongside the mausoleum.

Key features include geometric brickwork forming complex patterns; bands of turquoise-glazed tiles that contrast with the warm brick; elaborate Kufic inscriptions running around the structure; and an underground burial chamber (crypt) beneath the visible structure.

The Momine Khatun Mausoleum is not just a tomb – it is a highly sophisticated architectural statement that blends art, mathematics, and spirituality, standing as a lasting testament to the craftsmanship of the 12th century.

Jame Mosque

The Jame Mosque dates from the 18th century.

One of Nakhchivan’s more charming sights is the historic Jame Mosque, which is located in downtown Nakhchivan.

The mosque was built in the 18th century by Muhammad Tagi and is known among the people as the “City Mosque”.

The interior of the Jame Mosque in Nakhchivan.

The mosque played a significant role in the social, political, and ideological life of the city before the Soviet era and continues to do so in the post-Soviet era.

A highlight of the Jame Mosque are the colourful shebeke windows.

A highlight of the mosque are the colourful shebeke windows – which are windows filled with coloured glass.

For more on shebeke, and to see photos of an artisan crafting one such window, please refer to the ‘Shebeki‘ section of my Azerbaijan Travel Guide. 

Yusif ibn Kuseyir Mausoleum

The Yusif ibn Kuseyir Mausoleum in downtown Nakhchivan.

Located in a quiet back street in downtown Nakhchivan, the Yusif ibn Kuseyir Mausoleum is one of the most important medieval monuments in Azerbaijan and a striking example of early Islamic architecture in the Caucasus.

Built in 1162, the mausoleum was designed by the renowned architect Ajami Nakhchivani, who also designed the Momine Khatun Mausoleum.

It commemorates Yusif ibn Kuseyir, believed to have been a local noble or religious figure.

The decagonal (10-sided) Yusif ibn Kuseyir Mausoluem is crowned by a conical roof.

Architecturally, the structure stands out for its decagonal (10-sided) shape, which is relatively unusual for mausoleums of that era.

It rises in a tower-like form, constructed primarily from baked brick.

The exterior is richly decorated with geometric patterns, Kufic inscriptions, and ornamental brickwork, demonstrating the advanced craftsmanship of the time.

The Yusif ibn Kuseyir Mausoluem features geometric patterns, Kufic inscriptions, and ornamental brickwork.

The inscriptions include verses from the Quran and the name of the architect, which was a distinctive and somewhat rare feature in medieval Islamic architecture.

The interior, which was closed at the time of my visit, contains a burial chamber (crypt).

Accommodation

During my stay in Nakhchivan, I stayed at the excellent Saat Meydani Hotel.

With a distinctly provincial feel, finding the right place to stay in Nakhchivan is relatively straightforward, as this compact city offers a small selection of accommodation options rather than an overwhelming variety.

A view of the lobby at the Saat Meydani Hotel.

For most travellers, the most convenient area to base yourself is the city centre.

The 21-metre-high clock tower (Saat Meydani) features a glockenspiel which plays each evening at 6 pm.

Staying near Heydar Aliyev Avenue or around Clock Square (Saat Meydani) places you within easy walking distance of major historical landmarks, such as the Momine Khatun Mausoleum and the Khan’s Palace.

Saat Meydani Hotel

A view of Saat Meydani (Clock Square) in Nakhchivan.

During my time in Nakhchivan, I stayed at the highly-rated Saat Meydani Hotel which offers very spacious, lofty, comfortable rooms with large king-size beds and 6-metre-high ceilings.

Deluxe rooms at Saat Meydani cost around USD$65 per night and include a decent buffet breakfast.

The hotel, whose name translates as ‘Clock Square‘ is, part of the larger Clock Square Recreation Complex which consists of a 2-story building which frames a large square.

My room at the Saat Meydani in Nakhchivan.

A feature of the complex is a 21-metre-high clock tower which has a glockenspiel which plays each evening at 6 pm.

The spacious bathroom in my room at the Saat Meydani in Nakhchivan.

The 2nd floor of the complex is home the Saat Meydani Hotel which boasts 48 large and comfortable rooms.

The Saat Meydani in Nakhchivan offers 48 comfortable rooms.

Lining the square are several restaurants such as Andadolu, which offers Turkish cuisine, Batumi which offers Georgian cuisine and Chocha, which is a cafe offering coffee and cakes.

Deluxe rooms cost around USD$65 per night which includes an excellent buffet breakfast which is served across the square in the Azeri restaurant.

Room rates at the Saat Meydani include a generous buffet breakfast.

The nightly room rate includes a very decent buffet breakfast which is served in a nearby restaurant.

Highly recommended!

Eating Out

Nakhchivan offers a range of restaurants which feature local and international cuisine.

When it comes to beverages, Nakhchivan is celebrated for its natural mineral waters. Brands like Sirab and Badamli originate from local springs and are famous across the country for their health benefits and refreshing taste.

Anadolu Turkish Restaurant

Part of the Saat Meydani complex, ‘Anadolu’ is a Turkish restaurant which serves very fine food in a casual atmosphere.

Part of the Saat Meydani complex, Anadolu restaurant is a casual, Turkish restaurant that focuses on hearty, everyday dishes rather than fine dining.

It’s part of the broader “Anadolu” (Anatolian) concept—meaning its menu and vibe are inspired by traditional Turkish cuisine.

My dinner one evening at Anadolu – a delicious steak platter!

The Turkish menu includes a wide range of classic items including grilled meats & kebabs, dürüms (wraps), köfte (meatballs), pide and lahmacun (Turkish flatbreads), soups like lentil (mercimek), salads and desserts.

One evening for dinner I enjoyed a steak meal which was followed by a classic Turkish dessert – rice pudding!

Batumi Georgian Restaurant

The ultimate in comfort food – the classic Georgian Khachapuri.

Also, part of the Saat Meydani complex, Batumi is a Georgian restaurant which serves excellent Georgian cuisine.

For dinner one evening I enjoyed a classic Georgian Khachapuri – a Georgian dish of cheese-filled leavened bread which is served with a generous dollop of butter – the ultimate comfort food!

Chocha Cafe

Quiet and relaxed, Chocha cafe is conveniently located next to the Saat Meydani hotel.

Located directly under the clock tower, on the 2nd floor of the Saat Meydani complex, Chocha cafe offers a balcony which overlooks the square where you can take in the views while sipping a coffee, along with a slice of delicious cake.

Being a caffeine-addict, I made several appearances at Chocha which is conveniently located next to the Saat Meydani hotel.

A coffee and a slice of ‘milk cake’ – a local speciality at Chocha cafe.

The cafe menu is focussed more on desserts and drinks rather than full meals.

Atmosphere-wise, the cafe is generally quiet and relaxed, suitable for chatting or working.

Lunch in a Rural Butcher Shop

A very friendly butcher who also sold rotisserie chicken was my lunch stop while in the countryside one day.

One day, while driving through the countryside looking for somewhere to stop for lunch, I passed a butcher shop which had two chickens slowly roasting in a roadside rotisserie oven.

I stop and asked the friendly butcher if I could purchase one for lunch.

I ate my roast chicken lunch inside the butcher shop where the smell of dead carcasses hung heavy in the air.

He was very happy to have an international guest for lunch and even though there was nowhere to sit and eat, he cleared a table inside the butcher shop and allowed me to eat there.

The meal of roast chicken, bread and local mineral water was very basic but tasted amazing and cost just 15 AZN.

My “no-frills” roast chicken lunch in the Nakhchivan countryside cost me just 15 AZN.

Word quickly spread with locals coming to say hello and bringing their children, prompting them to talk to the foreigner so they could practice their school-room English.

A wonderful lunch stop!

Visa Requirements

My Azerbaijan e-visa which was valid for a stay of 30 days.

As an exclave of Azerbaijan, Nakhchivan, follows the same visa policy as mainland Azerbaijan.

Most foreign nationals require a 30-day, single-entry e-visa which must be obtained online, in advance, at a cost of US$30.

My passport entry stamp into Azerbaijan.

Due to the fact that the very unreliable e-visa website is often offline for extended periods of time (up to one week during my application), you should apply as far in advance as possible.

Getting There

Air

Nakhchivan International Airport is located 6 km south-east of downtown Nakhchivan.

Flights into this exclave arrive at Nakhchivan International Airport (IATA: NAJ), which is located 6 km south-east of downtown Nakhchivan.

Nakhchivan Airport is not merely a transport hub, but the sole aerial gateway connecting the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic with the rest of the world.

The only domestic flight operating in Azerbaijan is between Baku and Nakhchivan with around 8 shuttles flying each day.

The only domestic flight operating in Azerbaijan is between Baku and Nakhchivan, with Azerbaijan Airlines operating 8 flights per day on average.

Built in the 1970s, the airport serves as a civilian airport and Azeri military airbase.

Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) operates around eight daily direct flights between their base at Baku (GYD) and Nakhchivan (NAJ), with a flight duration of approximately 1.5 hours.

The following airlines operate scheduled services to/from Nakhchivan International Airport:

• AJet – flies to/ from Istanbul–Sabiha Gökçen
• Azerbaijan Airlines – flies to/ from Baku, Ganja
• Turkish Airlines – flies to/ from Istanbul
• Utair – flies to/ from Moscow–Vnukovo

Airport Transport

Getting to and from Nakhchivan International Airport is quite simple, as it’s located a short drive from downtown Nakhchivan.

Taxis, which are usually readily available outside the terminal, are the most convenient option for reaching the city centre with the fare being 5 AZN. 

Land

Note:

Azerbaijan has kept its land and sea borders closed for entry since the pandemic.

You can fly into Azerbaijan without restrictions, and exit via land or sea.

But you cannot enter via a land or sea border.

It is unlikely this will change anytime soon. 

From Nakhchivan, you can exit overland into Turkey or Iran.

Iran

The two border crossings into Iran are between Julfa (AZ) and Jolfa (IR) and between Shahtakhti (AZ) to Poldasht (IR).

Turkey

The one border crossing into Turkey is between Sadarak (AZ) and Dilicu (TK). 

Getting Around

With light traffic, good roads and short distances, Nakhchivan is best explored with a rental car.

While there are buses and minibuses serving the city and surrounding villages, taxis are the most convenient and affordable way to get around.

They are widely available and relatively inexpensive.

Video: On the road in Nakhchivan.

For visiting attractions outside the city centre, such as Alinja Castle, hiring a rental car is often the best option.

Public Transport

A beautiful, Soviet-era, mosaic covers one of the external walls of the Central Bus Station in Nakhchivan.

Navigating Nakhchivan is remarkably straightforward due to its compact size and well-organised, albeit simple, transport network.

Unlike larger metropolises, the city does not have a metro, tram, or trolleybus system.

Instead, the public transportation infrastructure relies entirely on a network of buses and minibuses, locally known as marshrutkas, which efficiently connect the city centre with residential areas and major landmarks.

For those planning to explore beyond the city limits, the central bus station (Avtovagzal) acts as the main hub.

The one highlight of the central bus station is the beautiful, Soviet-era, mosaic which covers one of the external walls.

From here, larger buses and vans depart for regional destinations.

Travellers should be aware that public transport generally operates from around 07:00 to 21:00.

Taxi

Yellow taxis serve as a very popular and convenient alternative to public transit.

They are widely available throughout the city and can be easily hailed on the street or ordered via hotel reception.

A line of yellow taxis will be waiting outside the arrivals hall of the airport.

The cost of a taxi from the airport to anywhere downtown should not exceed 5 AZN.

For all taxi rides in Nakhchivan, I used Bolt, a ride-hailing app.

Most of my Bolt rides cost no more than 2 AZN within the city area and the wait time for a taxi was only ever a couple of minutes.

Given the short distances within the city, taxi fares are quite low compared to international standards.

Rental Car

With good roads and light traffic, driving in Nakhchivan is relaxed.

The best way to maximise your time in Nakhchivan is with a rental car.

Driving is quite pleasurable thanks to good roads, light traffic and driving distances which are not excessive.

Video: Driving under stormy skies in Nakhchivan.

During my stay, I rented a car through Smart Rent which cost me 65 AZN (US$38) per day with unlimited kilometres.

My car was delivered to my hotel and they picked the car up from my hotel so I didn’t need to travel to their office.

Car Rental Companies

There are several car rental companies in Nakhchivan.

Smart Rent

• Internet: https://www.smartrent.az/home
• Email: info@smartrent.az
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartrent.az
• Tel: +994 602 125 252

Reges Rent 

• Internet: https://www.regesrent.az/
• Email: ekber.qulamov@regesrent.az
• Tel: +994 604 041 515

That’s the end of my Nakhchivan Travel Guide.

If you wish to leave any feedback or comments, you can do so using the form below, or by contacting me through the contact page.

Safe Travels!
Darren

Further Reading

Following is a list of my travel content from the region:

• Azerbaijan Travel Guide
• Iran Travel Guide
• Turkmenistan Travel Guide