Masalli: the Vilashchay Road — Reservoir, Istisu, Yanardağ and Tekdam Waterfall
A mountain road along the Vilashchay river: a forest reservoir, hot springs over 60 °C, the “burning” Yanardağ and the two-step Tekdam waterfall.
Photo: Tumanskaya Sabina / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Rashadhe / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0; Xari ali / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0; Abu Zarr / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
The 56 km road from Masalli to Yardimli runs along the Vilashchay river, and the best of the district lines up along it: a reservoir in the forest, hot springs, the “burning” Yanardağ and a waterfall high in the mountains.
First is the Vilashchay reservoir (opened in 1986, a 3.2 km dam) with forest and Talysh mountain views. Then the Istisu springs at the “Fatimeyi-Zəhra” sanatorium — water over 60 °C, pools including an open-air hot pool, and massage. A little further is Yanardağ: 200 steps lead to sulphur hot water and fire coming out of the ground.
We finish at Tekdam waterfall at about the 27th km of the road and around 1,500 m — two cascades, about 34 m in total. It has the most water in winter and spring; in summer the flow is weaker.
This is a warm-season tour: Istisu works from May to October and Yanardağ from May to September. After heavy rain our driver checks the road first — there was a landslide on this road in 2015.
Itinerary
- 07:30Pick-up in Baku
- 09:50Masalli
- 10:05Vilashchay reservoir — 30 min
- 10:50Istisu at the “Fatimeyi-Zəhra” sanatorium — 1 h 30 min (opens at 10:00)
- 12:30Lunch — 1 h: family restaurant “Masallı otel & İstisu” at the 10th km of the road (09:00–00:00) or nearby
- 13:40Yanardağ — 1 h (200 steps)
- 15:00Tekdam waterfall, 27th km of the road — 1 h
- 16:00Departure for Baku
- 19:15Drop-off at your hotel
Included
- Private car with driver for your group (up to 6 people)
- Fuel and parking
- Pick-up from your hotel or address in Baku and drop-off back
- Photo stops and a flexible order of stops
Not included
- Istisu “Fatimeyi-Zəhra”: 5 AZN (≈ $3); massage 10–25 AZN (≈ $6–15)
- Yanardağ recreation area: 5 AZN (≈ $3)
- Meals and personal expenses
- Licensed guide (on request, extra cost)
Season and warnings
- Only from May to September. Istisu: May–October, 10:00–18:00. Yanardağ: May–September, 09:00–18:00. In October Istisu still works but Yanardağ is closed.
- From November to April the tour does not run.
- Tekdam has the most water in spring; in summer the flow is weaker.
- After heavy rain the driver checks the Masalli – Yardimli road before we go (landslide on the 17–18th km in December 2015).
- Hot water: no more than 15 minutes at a time. On wet days the steps and paths are slippery.
- We do not swim in the Vilashchay reservoir.
What to bring
- Swimsuit, towel and flip-flops for Istisu and Yanardağ
- Comfortable non-slip shoes (200 steps at Yanardağ, wet stones at the waterfall)
- A warm layer: Tekdam is at about 1,500 m
- Cash in manats for entrance fees and massage
What to taste and buy
- Lavangi from the tandoor: chicken or fish with walnuts or hazelnuts, onion and sumac; in Masalli it is made from September to the end of spring.
- Rice is the base of the local table — at least 20 rice dishes; in May, plov with dill and fresh peas.
- Masalli is called a “paradise of greens”: greens and radishes are sold right at the gates of houses, and the red Masalli onion is braided into bunches.
- For dessert — loku, the usual local sweet.
Other tours
Baku City Tour
Old City and Maiden Tower, Highland Park, Flame Towers, the Boulevard and Heydar Aliyev Center.
Questions & answers
Why only from May to September?
Istisu works from May to October and Yanardağ from May to September. Outside these months the main stops are closed, so we do not run the tour.
Where do we have lunch?
On the same road: for example the family restaurant “Masallı otel & İstisu” at the 10th km in Gəriblər village (09:00–00:00). In May and September try lavangi from the tandoor and local rice dishes. Lunch is paid separately.
Is the road safe?
The road is a mountain road along the river. After heavy rain our driver checks it before the trip, and if it is not safe we change the plan.
Where is the fire at Yanardağ?
Yanardağ is a recreation area on the Masalli – Yardimli road: 200 steps lead to sulphur hot water and fire coming out of the ground. Do not confuse it with Yanar Bulaq — the “burning spring” is in Astara.
Is Tekdam a big waterfall?
Two cascades, about 34 m in total. It is strongest in winter and spring; in summer there is less water.