Located in the Baku Surrounds of Azerbaijan, this paragliding site offers a unique flying experience. While it may not be a paragliding paradise for most pilots, it is considered one of the best sites in Azerbaijan. The site record is 5.1 km, but the longest flight recorded is 40 km, although the pilot was detained by police afterward. The take-off area is grassy with a wide range of locations to choose from based on wind conditions and personal preference. Simply arrive and select your spot. For landing, there are plenty of options. If you plan to go cross-country (XC), consider following the highway to make retrieval easier. To get there, drive towards Shamihi from Baku along the highway. About 50 meters after a café on the left, there is a small track also on the left. Take this track for 15 minutes through a village and onwards to the launch site. It’s best to use site launch details and check Google Maps, as the track to take-off is shown there. This site is highly regarded in Azerbaijan. Late in the evening, there is often a strong but soarable ESE wind. Earlier in the day, the higher south face is an excellent launch point with great XC potential. On a notable day, the base was at 3300 meters, and Jason set the new Azerbaijan XC record of 40 km. Be aware of weather hazards, as the valley behind can funnel the last ESE wind. Watch out for venturi points if completing a small XC and looking to land in the valley near the highway. For flight regulations, it’s best to check locally as they can be unclear. For more information, you can contact david.hillcat@gmail.com.
View spotTake off: There are multiple take-off options available. The hill is steep and pointy, which limits the potential for extended soaring flights. However, there are plenty of take-off spots to suit all wind directions. Choose the best spot and go for it. A track suitable for 4WD and possibly 2WD in dry conditions leads to the very top. Landing: You can land almost anywhere. Be cautious of powerlines, roads, and other obstacles, but there are many safe landing options in all directions. Going there: Leave Baku via the Baku-Sheki highway. After approximately 45 km, a large pointy hill will appear directly in front of the highway. The highway snakes back and forth a few times before climbing over the southern shoulder of the hill. At the top of the climb, there is an option to turn left, leaving the highway (exercise caution when doing this). Once off the highway, follow the road as it winds behind the pointy hill and then climbs up it. It will be obvious when you reach the top of the hill and the end of the track. Comments: The hill appears to catch and direct thermals nicely from NE to SE directions and has the greatest height difference on this face. However, it is possible to take off in all directions. The Geski mountains, a few more kilometers down the road, offer a better ridge shape. However, Prish Hill has the advantage of being reachable within less than an hour from Baku and accommodates all wind directions. For more information, visit [ParaglidingEarth](https://www.paraglidingearth.com).
View spotThe coordinates provided are approximate, and there are various launch possibilities in the area. The ESE ridge has no recorded flight logs, but it is reputed to be favorable for soaring in the afternoon.
View spotTakeoff: The launch area is challenging due to small, sharp rocks and scrubs. Access is via an unpaved road that begins at the rear of the Lokbatan cemetery. Landing: You can either top land or land directly in front of the ridge. Be cautious of Lokbatan city, which is situated in front of the site. Getting There: Head southwest out of Baku city and take the turnoff to Lokbatan city. Navigate to the north side of Lokbatan city and locate the cemetery. Access the site from an unpaved road that starts at the rear of the cemetery. Comments: This site is relatively low and average but is one of the few that accommodates the common southerly breeze. Its proximity to Baku makes it convenient for after-work flights, taking about 15 to 30 minutes from the city center, depending on traffic. For more information, visit [ParaglidingEarth](https://www.paraglidingearth.com).
View spotLocated in the Baku Surrounds of Azerbaijan, this paragliding site features a takeoff height of 44 meters. It is situated on the slope of a long soaring ridge, making it suitable for small to medium flights. The site is rarely used, which might appeal to those looking for a quieter flying experience. The site record for distance is 4.0 km.
View spotThis site is situated at an elevation of 771 meters. It is infrequently used, making it a quieter option for those looking to avoid crowded skies. While it is possible to embark on small cross-country (XC) flights from this location, it is not known for extensive XC opportunities. For more information on paragliding sites, you might want to check out local paragliding clubs or forums.
View spotAt an elevation of 2331 meters, this paragliding site offers a rarely used but excellent soaring experience. The take-off area is spacious, open, and well-suited for launching. For more details, you can check out this flight log: [Flight Log](http://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/221499). To reach the site, head towards Baku-Guba, then continue nearly to Lasa before turning left up the hill. Be prepared for a 1.5-hour hike to reach the take-off point.
View spotSoaring at 453 meters in the Xisi region of Azerbaijan offers a unique paragliding experience. The site, known as Five Finger Mountain due to its distinct fist-like shape, provides a range of take-off points. It's best to explore the top of the hill to find the most suitable take-off spot. For landing, there are plenty of options both in front of and on top of the hill. However, be cautious of the highway and powerlines in the area. To get there, take the main highway north from Baku towards Russia. After approximately 90 kilometers, you will see the ~500-meter hill on the left side of the highway. For more detailed information, you can visit ParaglidingEarth.
View spotThe takeoff altitude is 1723 meters. This site is rarely used and is suitable for short to medium flights. Please note that this location is in Azerbaijan, not Armenia. The region is Nagorniy Kharabagh, which is a disputed area. The site record for the longest flight here is 4.6 kilometers. For more detailed information, you can visit ParaglidingEarth.
View spotTake off: There are numerous take-off options, but the best spot is at the northern end of the ridge. This area is higher and has minimal tree coverage, making it ideal for launching. Landing: Landing options are limited due to the dense housing and factories below, as well as numerous powerlines. It's advisable to launch near the north end of the ridge where landing options are available. Depending on your altitude, you can decide how far south to fly, always keeping an eye out for a safe landing spot. Top landing options are also plentiful. Going there: It's straightforward to get there. Drive north from Baku towards Guba. After passing Beshbarma, take the exit to Siezan. Drive down the main street of Siezan until you see the ridge, which has a steep face and is about 100 meters high. Turn left down one of the streets near the southern end of the ridge. Some tracks lead up to the top of the ridge. Once on top, drive north to the best launch area. Comments: I flew here once in July 2010. During the heat of the day (over 40°C), there were many small, punchy thermals rising from the houses and factories below. This site is probably best for evening soaring rather than during the peak heat of the day. However, it can also be used early in the day to catch a thermal and drift back onto the larger ridge (see radar site) and continue from there. People to contact: david.hillcat@gmail.com
View spotTakeoff is at approximately 1850 meters at its highest point. The long ridge extends east-west and gets higher down the valley. The rough track is accessible by 4WD. Alternatively, you can reach it by horse or a 3-hour hike from the villages below. Landing offers no shortage of options. There is a huge, lovely area on top, or you can land in the whole valley below. To get there from Baku, drive north to Guba. Pass through Guba and into the next small town, making sure to stay on the north side of the river. Turn left (towards the west) and head towards the small towns in the distance. The ridge will rise up on your right side as you travel west. Look for any track up the ridge, especially when reaching villages. For more information, visit [ParaglidingEarth](https://www.paraglidingearth.com).
View spotTake off: A walk to the top is required. The terrain is challenging with small, sharp rocks and scrubs, making the launch difficult. Landing: There are plenty of landing options in all directions. However, be cautious of power lines and possibly oil wells. Avoid landing near ST (west-southwest from launch). Going there: Take the main highway southwest from Baku. You will pass Black Hills 1 on the way to Black Hills 2. Black Hills 2 features a longer ridge compared to Black Hills 1. Flight regulation: There might be restrictions over ST and the pipeline area, but this information is not confirmed.
View spotTakeoff: The launch site faces east-northeast (70°) and is quite pleasant. To reach it, walk past the unusual radar building at the top of the hill, which is at the end of a well-maintained track. Although the building is said to be for phone relay, its shape is atypical. If you encounter military personnel, you might need to negotiate a bit, but if the area is restricted for serious reasons, you will have to leave. Landing: There is plenty of space for landing, but be cautious of oil wells and power lines. A glide ratio of 4.5 is required to reach the designated landing area, which is marked with GPS coordinates. Getting There: Drive north from Baku towards Guba. Turn off at Shyazan (check spelling) and head towards the last of the large hills on the right. You should be able to see a large, dome-shaped radar structure on top of the hill, which is your destination. The road to the hill starts on the south side and winds around the back as it ascends. The road is in very good condition.
View spotAt an elevation of approximately 586 meters, this paragliding site offers a pleasant grassy take-off area at the top of the hill, accessible by road. There is also an alternative take-off point slightly lower down the mountain face, easily visible from the road as you approach. For landing, there are numerous options in the valley, making it easy to glide to a safe landing spot. To get there, head south from Baku towards Lankaran. Before reaching Masally, take one of the small winding roads towards the hill with a distinctive bald square cut into it (no trees). The correct road is well-used and leads to a village behind the hill. For more information, you can contact david.hillcat@gmail.com. The region also offers many nice places to stay and visit.
View spotThis site has an elevation of 167 meters and is rarely used. It offers some opportunities for thermal soaring. For more details and flight logs, you can visit [this link](http://www.paraglidingforum.com/leonardo/flight/160688).
View spotLocated in the Baku Surrounds of Azerbaijan, this paragliding site offers a unique experience with a height of 110 meters. It is known for its long soaring ridge, which provides opportunities for extended flights. While it is rarely used, it does allow for small cross-country (XC) flights. The site record currently stands at 4.0 km.
View spotThe take-off area is a bit rough but covered in grass. It is slightly steep, making it suitable for a reverse launch. Reaching the take-off spot requires a 10-minute walk through scrub from the nearby road. Landing can be done anywhere. To get there, take the new Sheki Highway from Baku. Turn left at Ismali and drive towards Agsu. Descend the steep road to Agsu. Drive through Agsu to the northwest, and just before entering the adjacent town, take a road that heads towards the peak of the ridge on the northwest side of the river. Follow this road most of the way up the hill, then park and walk to the top. For more information, you can contact david.hillcat@gmail.com.
View spotLocated in the Baku Surrounds region of Azerbaijan, this paragliding site offers a unique but rarely used experience. The takeoff point is best approached from the east side of the twin-shaped ridge, requiring a walk to the top. Be prepared for small, sharp rocks and scrubs that make launching a bit challenging. The ridge peaks at around 380 meters above mean sea level, providing a short flight with a site record of 1.3 km.
View spotThis paragliding site features a small ridge with an elevation of 183 meters, ideal for soaring. There are no recorded flight logs for this location. For takeoff, you can launch from anywhere on top of the small ridge. The landing area is also flexible, allowing you to land anywhere that is safe and convenient. To reach this site, travel approximately 30 kilometers from Baku on the Baku-Sheki Highway. The ridge is located to the south of the highway, about 1 kilometer away from it. This site is a small ridge that works well with northerly winds and is conveniently close to Baku.
View spotTake off: There are a few different options for take-off. Option 1: From the highest point accessible by car, take a short 200-300 meter walk. Turn left and walk towards the spur high point, heading ESE back down the valley. Option 2: Alternatively, turn right and walk up as high as you want to launch from, depending on the wind direction. It seems possible to drive up a significant portion of the high section, potentially to the very top. This would allow launches in multiple directions, suitable for both paragliders and hang gliders. Further investigation is needed to confirm this. Landing: There are plenty of landing options available. Going there: Drive to Guba. Take the main road towards Khanalyik. After 30 km, you will reach Kyiryizdakhna. From the center of town, there is a road that climbs to the north. As of October, the road conditions were good, allowing for at least six months of access. Comments: This area has significant potential. With a good, accessible launch and a reliable thermal, the entire region opens up. Peaks reaching 4500 meters are less than 20 km away. Further exploration and updates will be provided. Weather hazards: The narrow gorge, which appears like large gates, could potentially create a strong venturi effect at times. Flight regulation: None. People to contact: david.hillcat (AT) G mail
View spot