The term “mud volcano” refers to a geological formation in which gases and fluids from deep beneath the Earth’s surface force a mixture of mud, water and rock fragments upward through weak zones in the crust — producing cone-shaped mounds, breccia flows, or craters.
In Azerbaijan, this phenomenon is especially energetic. The country lies within the tectonically active zone formed by the convergence of the Arabian and Eurasian plates — pushing sediments, hydrocarbons and clay-rich layers into motion.
According to official tourism and geological sources:
• More than 220 on-shore mud volcanoes have been documented in Azerbaijan (Absheron peninsula, Gobustan, Shirvan plain, Samur-Davachi region) and over 140 submarine ones beneath the Caspian Sea.
• These volcanoes have been active for tens of thousands of years; studies indicate activity during the Middle to Upper Pleistocene.
• Historical records show around 50 volcanoes erupted about 200 times since 1810.
These eruptions are not the classic lava flows – rather they are explosions or flows of mud and gas, sometimes accompanied by flames when methane ignites at the surface. For example, eruptions have produced jets of flame reaching many meters high.
Local names reflect the phenomena: in Azerbaijani you’ll find “pilpila”, “yanardagh”, “bozdagh”, “gaynacha” used for mud volcanoes.
In recognition of their uniqueness, many of these volcanoes are included in the Mud Volcanoes Group of Baku and Absheron Peninsula State Nature Reserve (established in 2007) to protect their natural state and restrict construction in zones at risk of eruption.
The mud volcanoes are distributed across several regions in Azerbaijan: the Absheron Peninsular and its environs (including the Baku Archipelago), the Gobustan and Shirvan plains, and off-shore in the Caspian Sea.
On land, many volcanoes appear as grey or brown cones or mounds, some tens of metres high, with wide bases. Offshore, submarine vents create islands or underwater eruptions.
Geological research shows that the source of the mud, water and gas typically lies several kilometres deep:
• The expelled gases often originate from depths of 7-15 km in the South Caspian Basin.
• The clay-mud matrix is mobilised often from depths of 3-4 km or more, related to the deep burial of the Maykop formation (Oligocene–Lower Miocene) rich in organic matter.
Once the pressure builds (from hydrocarbon generation, sediment overburden, tectonic stress), the mud-gas mixture finds a path to the surface along fractures and faults.
Because the volcanoes are land formations (and some offshore), their appearance and access can be affected by weather: in wet seasons the terrain becomes slippery, vehicle access may be harder, and the visual contrast of fresh mud flows is stronger after rainfall or eruption. On dry days, the site tends to have typical semi-desert steppe characteristics, especially near Absheron.
While the mud volcanoes may appear rather raw and barren, they exist within broader ecological and geological systems.
Flora & Fauna
The immediate vicinity of the vents often features sparse vegetation (due to gas emissions, saline-rich soils and shifting ground). However, the wider regions (e.g., the Gobustan area) support steppe vegetation, semi-desert shrubs and wildlife adapted to these rugged landscapes.
Though specific ancient traveller writings may be limited, the very presence of these unusual landforms has long sparked attention. The use of local names (pilpila, yanardagh etc.) suggests a vernacular recognition of bubbling terrains and gas-fired features. Over time the volcanoes have become part of Azerbaijan’s image as the “Land of Fire” (thanks also to natural gas seeps) and are woven into stories of land, energy and transformation.
Practical Use
The link between mud volcanoes and underlying hydrocarbon deposits is well-documented: many of Azerbaijan’s oil and gas fields are spatially associated with mud volcano activity zones.
The mineral-rich mud flows and breccia have been used in construction, chemical and even cosmetic industries within the country.
As tourist and educational attractions they bring visitors to regions outside just Baku’s city centre, adding economic value and diversifying the experience for inbound tourism.
Visitors to the mud volcanoes can enjoy a range of experiences.
While there are multiple mud volcano sites around Azerbaijan, many tours focus on those in the Gobustan or Absheron Peninsula region (within ~40-70 km of Baku). Official tourist-complex information points to the “Mud Volcanoes Tourism Complex”.
From Baku, travellers typically head by car or 4×4 through Absheron, then over relatively rough terrain to the cones. Roads may be partly unpaved and depending on recent weather, access may be more difficult.
Dry seasons (spring to early autumn) offer easier access and clearer views. After heavy rain or in winter the approach may be muddy and slip-prone. Daylight general tours are recommended. Because the volcanoes release gas and can sometimes erupt suddenly, afternoon visits are generally safe if guided.
You should allocate around 2–3 hours on-site to explore a main cone area, take photographs, read interpretive panels and perhaps walk among smaller vents. Facilities may be limited (toilets, refreshments) so bring water and snacks. At the tourist complex mentioned above, there is an info centre and offered services (e.g., rental vehicles) for convenience.
At the tourist complex website, tickets are required for entry. For more remote cones visited by tours, there may be no formal entrance fee, but this depends on the operator.
At Old City Tours we offer half- and full-day guided trips that include the mud volcanoes — for example:
Our guides will provide scientific commentary on the geology, historical context, folklore, and current activity, ensuring you both enjoy the spectacle and understand the significance of what you’re seeing.
Generally the landforms are safe to visit when accessed via guided tours on designated paths. However, they do involve gas emissions and occasional eruptions, so staying on marked routes, heeding local guidance and avoiding vent holes is essential.
Eruptions at mud volcanoes are less predictable than standard fire-volcanoes, and may involve mud flows or gas bursts rather than dramatic lava. While you may witness bubbling or small flows, a major eruption is rare and should not be expected as part of a tour.
Wear sturdy walking shoes, ideally waterproof or easy to clean. Bring a change of clothes or be prepared for mud splashes. A hat, sunglasses and water bottle are advisable. A camera is strongly recommended.
Yes — at the official tourist complex for mud volcano visits, tickets are required. For other sites visited by tours, fees depend on the provider. Always check ahead with your tour operator.
Plan for around 2 to 3 hours at the volcano site itself. If combined with other attractions (e.g., Gobustan rock art) it may become a half-day or full-day outing.
Yes, though access is easier in the dry months (spring to early autumn). In wet or winter months the terrain may be more challenging.
Yes, children can visit, and many families do. However, ensure children stay close to the group, keep away from bubbling vents, and wear appropriate shoes. A shorter visit may work better for younger children.
If you’re seeking something beyond the ordinary tourist path in Azerbaijan, the mud volcanoes offer a journey into the Earth’s inner workings, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Absheron-Caspian region. These bubbling craters, gas-rich mounds and ancient terrains are part science, part spectacle — and entirely memorable.
With Old City Tours as your guide, you’ll not only reach these remote geological wonders safely but also gain contextual insight: from deep-time formation to modern-day folklore, from scientific intrigue to vivid landscapes. Book your volcano experience and discover one of Azerbaijan’s most extraordinary natural attractions.
Azerbaijan.az – "Mud Volcanoes" (Official Tourism Site)
Mud-Volcanoes.heritage.org.az – Mud Volcanoes Tourism Complex (official)
Wikipedia – “Mud volcanoes of Azerbaijan”
SCIRP – Mud volcanoes in the South Caspian basin: Nature and estimated depth of its products.
MDPI – “Far-Field Earthquake-Induced Crustal Deformation and Mud Volcanoes…”