Frequently Asked Questions

Discover more about your day with Visit Nakhchivan. These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are designed to enhance your day, providing insights into what to expect before and during the tour.

If the answer you seek isn’t here, feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll be happy to assist you.

Before the tour

Can Turkish citizens and those from other countries enter Nakhchivan without a visa?

Citizens of the Republic of Turkey can enter Nakhchivan visa-free; simply pass through border control with a valid passport. For citizens of other countries, Nakhchivan is part of Azerbaijan, so Azerbaijani visa regulations apply; foreign visitors must enter by obtaining an e-visa or consular visa based on their nationality.

How can I get to Nakhchivan from Turkey?

You can reach Nakhchivan by direct flight from Istanbul or by flying to İğdır and crossing into Nakhchivan by road at the Dilucu border crossing.

Which hotels do we stay in?

Our tour itinerary includes accommodations at 3- and 4-star hotels located in Nakhchivan city center, including Saat Meydanı Nakhchivan Hotel, Grand Nakhchivan Hotel, Tabriz Hotel Nakhchivan, and Nakhchivan Palace Hotel, all of which offer breakfast. The hotel you choose is determined at the time of booking, based on your tour date and availability.

What currency will I use?

The official currency is the Azerbaijani Manat (AZN); Turkish Lira and US Dollars are also accepted in many places, so it’s always a good idea to carry some Manat with you.

Is Nakhchivan safe? Can I travel alone?

Nakhchivan’s city center and tourist areas are considered safe; you can walk around the city in the evenings and explore it alone, and the tour program does not venture into risky border areas.

Which season is best for visiting?

The most comfortable times are April–May in spring and September–October in autumn; the weather is very hot in summer and harsh and cold in winter.

What main sites will I see on the tour?

The program includes Alınca Castle, Ashabi-Kehf Cave, Duzdağ Salt Mine, Momine Hatun Tomb, Khan’s Palace, Noah’s Tomb, and, if time permits, Ordubad, Qarabağlar Tomb, and Lake Batabat.

Are walking and physical exertion levels suitable for everyone?

City excursions are comfortable; However, the ascent to Alınca Castle involves steep stairs and requires a moderate to good level of fitness. Guests with health problems may not participate in the climb if they wish.

Will my phone line and internet work?

If your international roaming is enabled, your Turkish phone line will work in Nakhchivan, and your internet will operate at international rates. You can also purchase a local SIM card and internet package from operators like Naxtel in Nakhchivan with your passport. Wi-Fi is available in many cafes and restaurants in the hotel and city center.

What is included in the tour fee, and what will my additional costs be?

The tour fee includes accommodation, breakfast, entrance fees, and guide fees as specified in the program. You will be charged separately for lunch, dinner, beverages, and personal expenses.

Are photography and videography permitted?

You can take photos in tourist areas; shooting is prohibited in military areas, and you’re expected to ask permission beforehand for close-up photos of people.

What should I bring?

Seasonally appropriate clothing in layers, comfortable walking shoes, a wind-resistant top for higher elevations, a hat, and sunscreen in the summer are all sufficient.

What religious and cultural observances should I keep in mind?

When visiting mosques and shrines, it is respectful to wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Women may wear a headscarf if they wish. It is also respectful to avoid alcohol and loud noise in public.

Are there any special health risks?

If you have any chronic conditions, it’s advisable to consult your doctor before traveling.

Should I carry cash or can I use a card?

Hotels and many restaurants accept credit cards; for small businesses and rural areas, you should definitely carry cash in Manat.

Durıng the tour

Will I have free time in the city center?

The program provides free time for strolling around the city center, shopping, and relaxing on specific days and times.

How long does it take to climb Alınca Castle?

The climb to the castle takes 45–60 minutes, depending on the group’s pace, and the majority of the route consists of steps.

Why is the Cave of the Companions of Ashab-ı Kehf important?

The Cave of the Sleepers is a sacred site associated with the Seven Sleepers narrative. It contains prayer areas and retail outlets.

What will we do at the Duzdağ Salt Mine?

You’ll visit the salt caves in Duzdağ and learn about the facility; long-term programs for medical treatment are not included in this tour.

What is the special feature of the Tomb of Momine Hatun?

The Tomb of Momine Hatun is an important 12th-century Seljuk monument, and its ornamentation makes it an outstanding example of Islamic architecture.

What will I see at the Han Palace?

In the Khan Palace, you can see the city view alongside objects from the lives of the Nakhchivan khans, period furniture, and artifacts depicting the region’s history.

What does the Noah Tomb represent?

The Noah Tomb is a symbolic pilgrimage site attributed to the Prophet Noah, and visitors spend a short time praying there.

What activities are available at Lake Batabat?

You can take a lakeside walk around Lake Batabat, take photo breaks at viewing points, and relax in picnic areas during the right season.

What should I try from Nakhchivan cuisine?

Kebabs, stuffed vegetables, qovurma-style meat dishes, tandoori bread, dried fruits, and walnut desserts are must-try delicacies.

What do you recommend for shopping?

Hand-woven carpets and rugs, copper and wooden handicrafts, local honey, walnuts, dried fruits, and small Nakhchivan-themed souvenirs are popular items.

Can I use a drone for photography?

Official permission is required to fly a drone, and it is prohibited, especially in border and military zones. If you have equipment, it is essential to share it with your guide.

Are the electrical outlets the same as in Turkey?

220V 50Hz and a two-pin socket are used; you do not need an additional converter.

How much should I budget for daily expenses?

A daily budget of 25–40 euros per person for lunch, dinner, beverages, and small purchases provides a comfortable spending area.

What happens if I miss what the guide explains?

The guide will reiterate key points at each stop and answer your questions directly; you can easily re-ask any missed information.

Can the tour itinerary change?

In the event of severe weather, roadworks, or official decisions, the time and order may be changed, and the guide will immediately explain these changes.

After the tour

Can I travel to other cities in Azerbaijan after the tour?

Nakhchivan is a separate region from mainland Azerbaijan; after the tour, you’ll need to use flights or third-country connections to reach cities like Baku.

What should I keep in mind when sharing my photos on social media?

It’s best to avoid photos showing military installations and checkpoints, but ask for permission beforehand for close-up photos of local people.

Is it appropriate to tip the guide and driver?

It’s a positive and well-established practice in the region’s tourism culture to voluntarily tip the guide and driver when you’re satisfied.

What can I read about the region after the tour?

You can find resources that explain Nakhchivan’s autonomous status within Azerbaijan, its Seljuk and medieval history, its connection to the Silk Road, and the architecture of the mausoleums and castles.

What are the health benefits of the Duzdağ salt caves?

The salt caves in Duzdağ are used for supportive respiratory therapies administered under the supervision of a doctor; approval from your doctor is essential for such a treatment plan.

What is most memorable about Nakhchivan cuisine?

Tandoori bread, meat-based dishes, fresh produce from mountain villages, and the tea culture are etched in the minds of visitors.

What should I pay attention to if I want to come again?

For a second visit, you can choose the spring or autumn season for physical activities. If you’re considering therapy in Duzdağ, you can plan accommodation and treatment packages in advance.

Will I have any problems bringing the food I bring into Turkey?

Customs regulations are stricter for meat and fresh dairy products; for packaged and labeled products, you should follow the general rules and check airline transportation requirements.

How can I evaluate my tour experience?

You can organize your photos by date and location, create a personal travel diary with short notes, and write your own Nakhchivan food guide.

Can I reconnect with the local contacts I've made?

You can contact us directly via the phone, email, and WhatsApp numbers on the business cards you received, and contact our travel agency for a repeat tour.

Can I get information or content about the places we visited after the tour?

Rehberinizden tur sırasında anlattığı tarihî bilgiler, ziyaret ettiğiniz noktaların özet açıklamaları ve harita linkleri gibi içerikleri talep edebilirsiniz. Ayrıca tur şirketimiz size ziyaret edilen yerlerle ilgili kısa bir dijital bilgi dosyası veya öneri listesi gönderebilir.

 
 

How can I share my satisfaction with others?

You can support both our service and other travelers’ plans by sharing your experience on social media, travel websites, and in our tour company’s comments section.

Is the Nakhchivan tour suitable for families with children?

The city tours and Batabat Lake are suitable for families; the climb to Alınca Castle can be tiring for young children, so families should keep their children in quieter areas during this part of the trip.

What other places can I see if I want to come again?

On my second visit, you can join themed programs focusing on the historic streets of Ordubad, quieter villages, and the surrounding Batabat region during different seasons.

How should I describe Nakhchivan when recommending this tour to my friends and family?

You could describe Nakhchivan as the “hidden treasure of Azerbaijan” with its strong historical heritage, nature surrounded by mountains and lakes, salt caves, tranquil atmosphere, and cultural proximity to Turkey.