Azerbaijan Trek 2025

Open

We are excited to announce the Azerbaijan Trek 2025! This is your chance to explore the Energy Hub of the South Caucasus! Want to join? Follow the instructions below.

Relevant Links:

📋 Apply here: https://forms.gle/rM9SnGm6h1ouM8He6

🖥️ Small Presentation: https://shorturl.at/aycCC

📽️ Video: https://shorturl.at/Y7bW6

📅 When?

• May 18-25, 2025

• Arrive in Baku by May 18, and departures begin any time on May 25.

📍 Where?

• 6 prominent ancient and modern cities of Azerbaijan

💰 How much?

• $1,600/person for single occupancy

• $1,400/person for double occupancy

📦 What's included?

• Hotel accommodations, breakfasts, and all meals (lunches and dinners)

• Gala dinner at the Nobel Brothers House Museum

• All guided tours and city visits

• All transportation within Azerbaijan

• Local guide and a local mobile SIM card with 6 GB of data

• Museum and cultural sight entrance fees

• Round-trip airport transfer

• Travel insurance

Note: Personal expenses, visa fees (if any), alcohol, and international airfare are not included.

🟢 How to join?

• Submit the form here: https://forms.gle/rM9SnGm6h1ouM8He6  (the form is open until March 8, 2025, EOD. If you have already submitted the form, no need to submit it again).

• Make the first deposit of $600 by March 22, 2025, to confirm your spot. The remaining balance is due by April 20, 2025. Payment details will be sent to the email address provided in your application form.

👥 Who can join?

• All current Harvard and MIT graduate students, postdocs, and alumni are welcome!

• Partners of Harvard students can also apply.

🎉 Program Highlights

• Explore Baku, a city full of history and modernity

• Visit iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Shusha

• Meet local leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers

• Visit the Gobustan Rock Art Cultural Landscape and the famous Mud Volcanoes

• Experience authentic Azerbaijani cuisine, music, and culture

• Visit demining machinery production factories and explore Azerbaijan's post-war economy

• Networking event with Harvard University Alumni from Azerbaijan

If you have any questions, refer to the FAQs below, or feel free to reach out to us! We are here to help!

We look forward to exploring Azerbaijan with you!

Best regards,
Azerbaijan Trek 2025 Team
Eldayag Mustafayev and Turan Karimli

FAQ

1. What is not included in the cost? The cost does NOT include:

·         Visa fee and visa support (if required)

·         International flights

·         Alcohol

·         Any other costs not explicitly mentioned in the program or “cost includes” section

2. Can partners join the trek?

·         Yes! Partners are welcome to apply.

·         However, space is limited, and priority will be given to student applicants.

3. What are the selection criteria for the trek?

Selection will be based on:

·         Interest in Azerbaijan and Caucasus region 

·         Alignment with professional experience or personal goals

·         Commitment to making the most of the trek

Students graduating in May 2025 will be given priority to help them make the most of this opportunity before they complete their studies.

4. Is there a refund if I decide to withdraw?

·                     No, refunds are not provided once the first deposit is made due to administrative and pre-booking commitments. However, you may transfer your spot and the first deposit to another person, subject to approval by the organizers.

5. Do I need a visa to travel to Azerbaijan?

·         Visa requirements vary by nationality.

·         Citizens of 96 countries either benefit from visa-free access or can apply under the simplified visa procedure for an Electronic visa/visa on arrival.

·         For the official website of E-visa to Azerbaijan, kindly visit: https://evisa.gov.az/en

·         List of Eligible countries: Countries Eligible for e-Visa | Republic of Azerbaijan Official Electronic Visa Portal

6. What is the payment schedule?

• 600 USD of initial deposit payment after selection by March 22. The remaining balance should be closed before 20 April 2025.

7. Are international flights included?

·         No, international flights are not included in the trek cost. Participants are responsible for purchasing their own tickets.

·         Recommended flight is via Turkish Airlines: Boston → Istanbul → Baku on May 17 (departure date Boston time), and Baku → Istanbul → Boston on May 25 (departure date Baku time). We highly recommend purchasing your tickets as early as possible to secure the best prices and ensure availability. You can contact the organizing team for special rates on tickets.

·         Arrival Details: Please ensure you arrive in Baku no later than May 18th local time. Hotel check-in begins at 3 PM Baku time on May 18th. Free early check-ins are available after 10 AM. Additional payment may be charged for arrivals before 10 AM.

8. Who are the organizers, and who do I contact if I have questions?

The trek is organized by:

·         Eldayag Mustafayev, MPAD 2026 Candidate at HKS – eldayagmustafayev@hks.harvard.edu

·         Turan Karimli, www.travelinbaku.com – office@travelinbaku.com