Shahdag Coaster – A thrilling adventure in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan. Land of fire mountains, ancient history, and apparently, heart-stopping rollercoasters! Yeah, you read that right. On our trip to Azerbaijan during the winter in December, we discovered a hidden gem nestled amidst the stunning Caucasus Mountains – the Shahdag Mountain Resort, and its crown jewel – the Shahdag Coaster.

Shahdag Coaster – The Thrilling Adventure Awaited

Now, this wasn’t your average amusement park ride. This was a single-seater coaster that took you on a thrilling journey through icy mountain ranges, offering breathtaking views and an adrenaline rush like no other. But the adventure started way before we even reached the coaster itself.

We opted for a group tour from Baku, which turned out to be a fantastic choice. Our 16-seater bus became a mini party on wheels, filled with three other Indian couples and a bunch of excited chatter. The best part? A quick pit stop at a local supermarket where we stocked up on snacks, chocolates, and yes, even a little bit of travel courage in the form of some local beer (hey, don’t judge!). We booked the group online through Viator which cost us $142 for 2 adults.

The journey to Shahdag was a scenic one, broken up by interesting stops along the way. Our first stop was a charming Jewish village, complete with a beautiful synagogue nestled beside a babbling river. Stepping back in time, we soaked in the serenity of the place, a stark contrast to the adventure that awaited us.

Next up was a delightful detour to a baklava factory. Freshly baked, golden brown, and oozing with honey and pistachios, this local delicacy was a taste explosion. Needless to say, a few boxes of baklava found their way onto the bus, ready to be shared with friends back home.

Lunch was a local Azerbaijani affair, with steaming plates of rice, kebabs, and fresh salads. While vegetarian options were a bit limited, the flavors were absolutely delicious. Fueled by good food and good company, we finally arrived at Shahdag Mountain Resort just as the sun began its descent. Lucky for us, we managed to snag tickets for the last ride of the day on the Shahdag Coaster before it closed for the night.

The coaster itself was an engineering marvel. Single-seaters meant a personalized adrenaline rush, and the control panel with brakes and an accelerator put us in the driver’s seat (well, technically, the coaster’s seat!). As we ascended the mountain, the icy slopes unfolded before us, painting a picture of breathtaking beauty. The setting sun casts a warm glow on the snow-capped peaks, creating a scene straight out of a postcard.

Reaching the peak, we took a moment to soak in the panoramic vista and capture some epic photos. The feeling of accomplishment, mixed with the exhilaration of the climb, was exhilarating. But the fun wasn’t over yet. After spending a couple of hours playing in the snow and enjoying the winter wonderland at the top, it was time to make our descent.

The downhill ride was a whole new level of excitement. With the wind whipping through our hair and the brakes firmly in our control, we navigated curves and drops, whooping and hollering with pure joy. By the time we reached the bottom, our faces ached from smiling and our legs were jelly, but the adrenaline rush was still coursing through our veins.

Exhausted but exhilarated, we piled back onto the bus, each of us sharing stories and reliving the moments of the day. With a cold beer in hand (courtesy of the thoughtful tour company!), the journey back to Baku was a blur of happy exhaustion and contentment.

The Shahdag Mountain Resort and its infamous coaster were an unexpected highlight of our trip to Azerbaijan. It was a perfect blend of scenic beauty, cultural immersion, and heart-pounding adventure. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or simply looking for a unique experience, this place has something for everyone. So, if you’re ever in Azerbaijan, don’t miss the chance to conquer the Shahdag Coaster – it’s a memory that will stay with you long after the last drop!

Read our other experience in Azerbaijan exploring the city of Baku.