15 Apr 2025
The visit to Atashgarh was simply wonderful though I am saddened that my guide Sameer did not know anything much other than his standard 10 phrases about the location. Having wanted to learn as a history enthusiast, he was a big let down and needs to study the topic. Other than this the place is simply fantastic and I urge you to read a little on this place before you come here. The Sanskrit and Gurumukhi writings on the walls were fascinating.
Yanar dag is both expensive and a big let down. It says mountain of fire but really it's a small wall side that looks like it has been lit for tourists as a joke and an amphitheater built around it. So not what you'd imagine looking at tge photos. Considering this the entrance ticket for just 10 mins spent was pretty disappointing.
We also visited the rock cut hill side at gobustan which was another highlight especially to see the old cave art.
But with a guide who just wanted to say his piece and move on, I felt a bit let down. Cliché guides.
That being said I prefer you do this tour via a group as it takes care of your logistics in the land where hardly anyone speaks English. Definitely a big help and this tour otherwise is value for money.
Yes even the mud volcano is not actually a volcano but rather a puddle in a dessert we drove so much to see and paid a high entrance ticket for literally 5 mins. Very disappointed and must be removed from the itinerary.