Khinalig Village Named Among the “Best Tourism Villages 2025”

Khinalig proudly joined the UN Tourism list of Best Tourism Villages during the 2025 award ceremony and the 3rd Annual Network Meeting in Huzhou, China. The award was presented by Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary-General of UN Tourism, to Murad Aghabayli, Chairman of the Board of the Reserves Management Center under Azerbaijan’s State Tourism Agency.

This recognition highlights Khinalig’s significance not only nationally, but also as an international destination for culture and tourism. It is expected to further raise the village’s profile, attract more visitors, and contribute to the development and prosperity of the local community.

Khinalig is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements, and together with the Köç Yolu Transhumance Route, it reflects the ancient semi-nomadic lifestyle of the Khinalig people. The high-mountain village and its seasonal summer and winter pastures showcase centuries-old traditions of vertical migration, illustrating a unique cultural landscape that has been preserved over generations.

Visitors to Khinalig can experience authentic hospitality, the traditional way of life, breathtaking mountain scenery, local cuisine, and the historic transhumance routes that have shaped this resilient community. The village offers a rare opportunity to explore living traditions, including seasonal migrations and community practices that continue to define daily life in Khinalig.

The UN Tourism “Best Tourism Villages” program recognizes villages that contribute to sustainable tourism while preserving cultural, natural, and social values. To date, 180 villages across 60 countries have achieved this status, making Khinalig the first Azerbaijani village to be included in this prestigious list — a truly proud moment for the country and its heritage.